You Spoke. MT’s Favorite BBQ Side Dishes are Absolutely Delish

Summer barbeque season in Montana is in full swing and as we head into Independence Day weekend, odds are strong that you'll be attending a backyard cookout (or perhaps you're the host). The meats are typically the star of the grill, but let's be honest... tasty side dishes are what make a BBQ potluck so awesome.

I like a bag of potato chips as much as anybody, but if you've been asked to bring something to a BBQ, step up your game! We recently asked you on social media what is your "go-to" when you're invited to a cookout.  Keep scrolling to read your responses. WARNING: you may find yourself getting incredibly hungry.

Taco salad

I love a good taco salad. You get all the flavors without the potentially messy eating. If you're making it Montana-style, you've gotta use Doritos and Dorothy Lynch dressing.

Get our free mobile app

Pasta salad

There are hundreds of different ways to make pasta salad. My recipe includes pasta, sliced green and black olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and Italian dressing. Pasta salad is great because it's cheap to make and just about everyone likes it.

Potato salad

Potato salad... oh how I love thee. The basic ingredient list is similar for most recipes, but everybody has their own "secret" ingredients for their family's version of this classic BBQ side dish. Do you use baby red potatoes, or classic Russets? Hard-boiled eggs or not? Sweet pickles, or dill? Heavy on the mustard or light? Do you add minced onions or celery?

Cowboy baked beans

Plain old Van Camp's Pork and Beans are so boring. If you're gonna bring beans to a BBQ, make 'em cowboy style! I use three different kinds of beans, then add diced green and red peppers and onions (sauteed), a can of green chilis, crispy chopped bacon pieces, spicy bbq sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and a healthy sprinkle of my favorite pork rub. Let it all simmer in a crockpot for a few hours. Yum.

Strawberry pretzel dessert

When I saw someone mention this classic dish, I was instantly transported to a family reunion. I don't remember which one of my aunties always made this dish, but I remember devouring it as a kid. You can find the Betty Crocker Cool Whip recipe HERE.  Other desserts you said were your favorites include orange creamsicle salad, watermelon (always a hit), and rhubarb custard bars.

Beer, ice, whiskey, or margaritas... and maybe some water.

Lots of you said you bring something to drink when you're invited to a friend's BBQ. Congratulations on following proper cookout etiquette. Even if you bring a side dish, it's kind of an unspoken rule that you'll bring some type of beverage to add to the party.

Honorable mentions on your favorite BBQ side dishes included a secret recipe macaroni salad, bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, 7-layer salad, and deviled eggs. All great options. Remember to keep cold things cold and hot things hot at your BBQs this summer. Making everyone sick from sun-baked mayonnaise is a real drag.