16 Crock-Pot Side Dish Recipes Perfect for Your Summer BBQ

Part of the beauty of summer and all of the opportunities to grill out it provides is that you don't have to turn on your oven to get a great meal. Sometimes, though, you need more than what your grill can provide, and that's where your slow cooker can be your summer BBQ BFF.

If you've got the meat going on the grill, there are a host of delicious side dishes you can cook up in the Crock-Pot. Get them cooking earlier in the day, and they're ready to dish up alongside whatever the grill master serves. Here are 16 of my favorite slow cooker side dishes for summer.

summer crock pot side dishes
design56/Shutterstock

Image ©iStock.com/zkruger

Twice Baked Potatoes

img-of-media-slide-107906.jpg
Jeffreyw/Flickr

With cheese, chives, and sour cream, this recipe makes some pretty impressive potatoes.

Macaroni and Cheese

img-of-media-slide-107908.jpg
Steven Depolo/Flickr

Arguably the best side dish ever invented, this recipe makes it smooth, creamy, and simply dreamy.

Corn on the Cob

img-of-media-slide-107907.jpg
Keith McDuffee/Flickr

Didn't ever think to make it this way before? This recipe shows just how simple and delicious it can be.

More from CafeMom: 3 Simple, Go-To Side Dishes for Your Summer Barbecue

Creamed Spinach

img-of-media-slide-107909.jpg
Arnold Gatilao/Flickr

Don't forget the vegetables. This recipe makes spinach simply scrumptious — even picky eaters love it.

Cornbread

img-of-media-slide-107910.jpg
Tristan Ferne/Flickr

If you've never made bread in your Crock-Pot, this is a great recipe with which to begin. It comes out moist, flavorful, and perfect for sopping up BBQ sauce.

Baked Beans

img-of-media-slide-107905.jpg
Jeffreyw/Flickr

With bourbon and bacon, this recipe is simply the best.

Three-Cheese Scallop Potatoes

img-of-media-slide-132745.jpg
joshuaresnick/shutterstock

A perfect side to go with your grilled steak or pork, these Three-Cheese Scallop Potatoes practically cook themselves. Sprinkle with parsley for a pop of summertime color. 

More from CafeMom: 12 Burger Recipes That'll Blow Dads Mind on Father's Day (PHOTOS)

Fried Rice

img-of-media-slide-132747.jpg
Nayoka/shutterstock

If you're serving anything with a terriyaki flair, whip up a batch of this Fried Rice to go along with the main dish. Everything but the egg gets tossed into the slow cooker. How easy is that?

Eggplant & Kale Salad

img-of-media-slide-132746.jpg
AlenaHaurylik/shutterstock

Since kale is all the rage these days, why not give this Eggplant & Kale Panzanella Salad a try? The eggplant and tomatoes stew for hours in the slow cooker before the kale is added. This is a super-healthy side you'll be serving all summer.

Tomato Risotto

img-of-media-slide-132748.jpg
svariophoto/shutterstock

Homecooks typically think of risotto as a labor-intense dish that takes hours. Well, not anymore, thanks to the Crock-Pot. This Tomato Risotto recipe pairs nicely with steak, shrimp, or a yummy portobello mushroom burger.  

More from CafeMom: 11 Crowd-Pleasing Dishes Just in Time for a Summer Barbecue

Apricot Glazed Carrots

img-of-media-slide-132763.jpg
mariakomar/shutterstock

Apricot Glazed Carrots are a wonderful addition to any barbecue. Sweet and filled with betacarotine, they pair nicely with turkey burgers and chicken.

Caramelized Onions

img-of-media-slide-132765.jpg
DucDao/shutterstock

Who doesn't love Caramelized Onions on top of their burger or as a savory side accompanying a steak? Just places the onions and butter in the slow cooker and your work is done!

More From CafeMom: 35 Best Burger Toppings to Add Sizzle to Your BBQ 

Black Eyed Peas

img-of-media-slide-132766.jpg
rohitseth/shutterstock

Black Eyed Peas are a southern staple. These calls for greens and ham, adding to the flavor, color, and texture. They're delicious beside a pulled pork sandwich.

Stewed Cinnamon Apples

img-of-media-slide-132767.jpg
Image @ margouillat photo/shutterstock

If you want to keep your side dishes a bit healthier, consider these Stewed Cinnamon Apples. These are sure to be a huge hit with kids as well.

Green Bean Casserole

img-of-media-slide-132820.jpg
Andrea Skjold Mink/shutterstock

It's not just for Thanksgiving anymore! Green Bean Casserole is a great side to pair with steak or grilled chicken. The crunchy onion rings on top can take the place of French fries anyday!

Pepper Relish

img-of-media-slide-132821.jpg
alexskopje/shutterstock

Sweet Pepper Relish makes a delicious topping for your grilled meats and sausages. Brown sugar and chili peppers make it sweet and spicy!