5 Best Sides For the Summer BBQ

Summer is made for firing up the grill, gathering with family and friends, and sharing food that keeps folks coming back for seconds. If you've been wondering what to take to the next backyard barbecue, picnic, or cookout, I've got you covered. These are five of my favorite side dishes that have been crowd-pleasers for years, from smoky baked beans to grilled romaine hearts and a tater salad with a cowboy twist. They're easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to earn you an invitation back. So grab your apron, and let's make your next summer gathering one to remember.

In this video, we change my classic Cowboy Baked Bean recipe just a little bit. Make everything as directed, but instead of using brown sugar, add about 1/4 cup of root beer or Dr. Pepper.