Transform Your Summer Barbecues with These 5 Must-Try Side Dishes from a Barbecue Champion

Transform Your Summer Barbecues with These 5 Must-Try Side Dishes from a Barbecue Champion

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, summer unofficially kicks off across the United States. Excitement builds as families and friends gather for outdoor cookouts, firing up grills to enjoy juicy burgers and sizzling barbecue delights. In this culinary spirit, one award-winning barbecue chef shares some of his top side dish recommendations that promise to elevate your summer gatherings.

Josh Cooper, the owner of Cooper’s Next Level BBQ in Tallahassee, Florida, recently gained recognition after securing third place at the prestigious World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest during the Memphis in May International Festival. When he isn’t busy competing, Cooper enjoys grilling for family and friends. He emphasizes that side dishes can play a pivotal role in creating memorable meals.

Delicious Stuffed Mushrooms

Cooper’s first recommendation is a simple yet luxurious option: stuffed mushrooms. He showcases the combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and panko breadcrumbs to create a stuffing that brings out the earthy flavors of the mushrooms. After preparing the filling, he suggests drizzling the mushrooms with olive oil and grilling them until tender.

“These delicious little stuffed mushrooms pair perfectly with steak,” Cooper noted, emphasizing their versatility as a side dish.

Fresh Bruschetta with Garden Tomatoes

With summer signaling the arrival of fresh tomatoes, Cooper loves to incorporate his garden’s bounty into his meals. His signature dish, bruschetta, is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal ingredients. All you need are fresh tomatoes, basil, a blend of herbs, spices, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Cooper suggests mixing these ingredients and serving them on toasted French bread. “Toasting the bread on the grill adds a wonderful crunch and enhances the summer flavors,” he explained, highlighting it as an ideal summer treat.

Game-Changing Hasselback Potatoes

Next up, Cooper shares a delightful twist on a classic side dish—Hasselback potatoes. Unlike standard baked potatoes, Hasselback potatoes feature multiple thin slices, creating a fan-like appearance. Cooper insists that this dish, despite its impressive look, is quite easy to prepare.

“Start with a Yukon gold potato and place chopsticks along the sides to guide your knife,” he advised. “Slice about halfway down, then brush with olive oil infused with rosemary and thyme.”

For the perfect bake, Cooper recommends grilling the potatoes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 45 minutes. Then, brush them again with olive oil and return them to the grill for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. The final result is a perfectly crisp yet fluffy potato that will surely impress your guests.

Flavorful Grilled Corn on the Cob

For those planning a Mexican-inspired barbecue, Cooper highlights the irresistible appeal of grilled corn on the cob. He notes that enhancing the corn with unique flavors can elevate it to a feast-worthy side dish.

To achieve that authentic street-corn flavor, Cooper suggests adding Cotija cheese, mayonnaise, Mexican cream, lime juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. “Don’t forget to add some cilantro for color,” he added, describing this dish as a game-stopping side that perfectly complements grilled meats.

Refreshing Watermelon Salad

Lastly, Cooper introduces a refreshing watermelon salad that may initially sound unconventional but is incredibly delicious. He assures that this side dish will transform your summer meals.

“Start with cubes of fresh, seedless watermelon. To that, add chopped red onions, crumbled feta, and fresh mint cut into ribbons,” he recommended. “Drizzle some aged balsamic vinegar to tie all these flavors together.”

This simple yet vibrant salad pairs beautifully with barbecue dishes and adds a touch of freshness to your plate.

Final Touches for Your Barbecue

The right side dishes can truly enhance your summer barbecues, making them memorable for all the right reasons. With these five selections from Josh Cooper, you can turn any outdoor gathering into a culinary event that friends and family will talk about long after the last bites have been savored.

This summer, take the time to experiment with these side dishes and impress your guests with your culinary skills. Whether it’s the stuffed mushrooms or the vibrant watermelon salad, adding these simple yet extraordinary sides will elevate your barbecue experience.