The best smoked side dishes don't just fill the table, they make the meal. Whether you're running a backyard smoker or ordering from Goode Co. Shop and heating at home, these are the sides that earn their place next to brisket, ribs, and sausage at a Fourth of July cookout. Here's what to make and what to order.
Classic Smoked Side Dishes for the Fourth of July
Smoked Mac and Cheese
The ultimate smokehouse side. Cook your pasta, mix with butter, milk, egg, and a generous blend of sharp cheddar and gruyere, then put it on the smoker at 300 degrees for about an hour until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbling through. Add a layer of panko for crunch, or fold in jalapenos and brisket crumble for a Texas kick.
Pit-Smoked Pinto Beans
Soak and simmer your dried pinto beans, then smoke at 300 to 325 degrees with smoked bacon, diced tomatoes, onion, chili powder, cumin, and garlic for 30 minutes. The result is smoky, spicy, and deeply savory. Serve as a side or fold into tacos.
Smoked Potato Salad
Coat cleaned potatoes in olive oil, place on a baking sheet, and smoke at 225 degrees until tender, about 25 minutes. Let them cool, then combine with mayo, mustard, celery, and paprika. The smoke gives a classic side a whole new depth.
Smoked Corn on the Cob
Place husked corn directly on the smoker using mesquite wood for the true Texas smoke profile. Season with butter, lime, and chili powder. The kernels are done when they pull away cleanly with a fork push, about 45 to 60 minutes at 225 degrees.
Smoked Deviled Eggs
Place whole eggs in their shells on the smoker at 325 degrees for 30 minutes, then transfer to ice water and peel. Return to the smoker at 150 degrees for 45 minutes directly on the grates. Fill with your usual deviled egg mix for a smoky twist on the classic.
Smoked Loaded Baked Potatoes
Smoke whole potatoes at 225 degrees until tender, about 90 minutes. Split and load with chopped brisket, smoked sausage, or turkey, then top with butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, bacon, and a drizzle of Goode's Original BBQ Sauce. Comfort food from the pit.
What Meats to Serve at Your Fourth of July Cookout
The sides are sorted. Now for the main event. If you're not smoking your own, Goode Co. Shop ships USDA-graded, mesquite-smoked meats directly to your door, vacuum-sealed and ready to heat. Order ahead for July 4.
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Mesquite-Smoked Brisket: one whole brisket feeds 8-10 people, comes with jalapeno cheese bread and original BBQ sauce
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Slow-Smoked Pork Ribs: hand-seasoned with signature rubs, fall-off-the-bone tender, arrives ready to heat
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Smoked Turkey Breast: slowly smoked over mesquite, coated with a special glaze, a lighter option for the table
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The Pride of Sam Houston: brisket, ribs, sausage, jalapeno cheese bread, original sauces, and a Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie in one pack
Browse the full Texas Barbeque collection and place your order early. All meats ship the next business day, Monday through Wednesday.
Don't Have a Smoker? Order from Goode Co. Shop
You don't need a pit to serve smoked sides. Goode Co. Shop ships authentic Texas BBQ nationwide, vacuum-sealed and rapidly chilled to preserve the mesquite flavor. All meats arrive ready to heat and serve. Pick up sauces and rubs from our Pantry Goodes collection to finish your sides the Texas way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smoked Side Dishes
What are the best smoked side dishes for a BBQ?
Smoked mac and cheese, pit-smoked pinto beans, smoked potato salad, and smoked corn on the cob are the top four. They hold well, reheat easily, and pair with every main on the table.
How long do smoked side dishes take?
Most smoked sides take between 30 minutes and 2 hours at 225 to 325 degrees. Mac and cheese runs about an hour at 300 degrees. Potatoes for potato salad are done in 25 minutes. Corn takes 45 to 60 minutes.
What wood is best for smoking side dishes?
Mesquite is the Texas standard and gives a bold, distinct smoke character. For a milder flavor on lighter sides like corn or potato salad, pecan or apple wood are good alternatives. Goode Co. has smoked over mesquite since 1977.
Order Your Fourth of July BBQ from Goode Co. Shop
Goode Co. Shop ships authentic, pit-smoked Texas BBQ nationwide. Every order is vacuum-sealed, rapidly chilled, and arrives ready to heat and serve. Order your smoked meats here and spend the day celebrating instead of cooking.