The Best BBQ Side Dishes According to Montanans

Montana BBQ Side Dishes That Always Bring the Crowd

Summer barbecue season in Montana is cruising along, and chances are good you either hosted or attended a cookout over the 4th of July weekend. While grilled meats usually steal the spotlight, let’s be honest—the side dishes are what make a backyard potluck sing.

Sure, a bag of chips is fine in a pinch - and I do love chips - but if you’re asked to bring something to the party, this is your moment to shine. We asked on social media: What’s your go-to dish when you're invited to a Montana cookout? Here's what you said.

Read More: Why Ice Cream Tops The List Of Summer Favorites In Montana

Taco Salad

A classic that never goes out of style. You get all the Tex-Mex flavors without the mess of tacos. If you're doing it Montana-style, it’s gotta have crushed Doritos and Dorothy Lynch dressing. Bonus points if you toss in some black beans and shredded cheddar. Here's Dorothy's classic recipe.

Pasta Salad

There are a million ways to make it, but you can’t go wrong with pasta, sliced black and green olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and a tangy Italian dressing. Pasta salad is easy to make, easy to transport, and a crowd-pleaser every time.

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Potato Salad

Ah, potato salad. Everyone has their own “family recipe” that they swear is the best. Red potatoes or Russets? Sweet pickles or dill? With or without hard-boiled eggs? Heavy on the mustard, light on the mayo? No matter how you make it, it's not a real Montana BBQ without this creamy staple on the table. Confession: Homemade is always the best, but I'll plow down on a pile of store-bought potato salad with equal enthusiasm.

Cowboy Baked Beans

Skip the plain pork and beans. If you’re bringing beans, go big! Try this: mix three kinds of beans with sautéed bell peppers and onions, green chilis, crispy bacon, your favorite BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and a good shake of pork rub. Let it simmer in a crockpot until everything’s rich and delicious.

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

When someone mentioned this classic on Facebook, we were instantly transported to a childhood potluck. Salty pretzel crust, sweet cream cheese layer, and strawberry Jell-O with fresh berries on top? Yes, please. Here's the Betty Crocker version.

Other sweet mentions included orange creamsicle salad, juicy watermelon slices, and rhubarb custard bars—because no Montana potluck is complete without a little dessert.

Drinks (and yes, that includes water)

Plenty of you said you'd bring something to drink, and we respect that. Whether it's beer, whiskey, margaritas, or sparkling water, showing up with a beverage is just good barbecue etiquette.

Honorable Mentions

A few other crowd favorites that made our list: deviled eggs, 7-layer salad, bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, and that one relative’s “secret” macaroni salad recipe.

Reminder: Keep cold dishes cold and hot dishes hot. Nothing ruins a good time faster than a sun-baked mayo salad that takes down half the party.