Brisket and ribs may take the spotlight, but the best BBQ dishes in Texas are only as good as what comes alongside them. At Goode Co. Barbeque, our sides have been shaped by decades of tradition, local feedback, and a deep respect for what actually belongs on a Texas BBQ plate. This is our guide to the sides we serve and why each one earns its place.
Why the Best BBQ Side Dishes in Texas Matter
We went out of state once with a barbeque craving and came back disappointed. Quinoa salad. Couscous. Sweet potato fries. That is not how it is done.
Texas barbeque sides exist for a reason. They balance the rich weight of slow-cooked meats with creamy textures, tangy flavors, and hearty substance. They are not supporting cast — they are co-stars. And here in Houston, we take them just as seriously as the brisket.
The Origins of Texas BBQ Side Dishes
The best BBQ side dishes in Texas carry history in every bite. At Goode Co. Barbeque, we honor that history while staying rooted in Houston.
Our sides reflect the full story of Texas cooking: Mexican-inspired jalapeno pinto beans and spiced rice, German-Czech potato salad from the settlers of Central Texas, and the sweet, slow-cooked baked beans and creamy slaw that came from eastern influence. Every side on our menu has a reason for being there.
The Best BBQ Side Dishes at Goode Co. Barbeque
Stuffed Barbeque Potato
Comfort and barbeque flavor in one dish. We split it, load it with shredded cheese, sour cream, butter, green onions, and our original Goode Co. Barbeque sauce: a crowd favorite and a hearty alternative alongside any of our smoked meats.
Loaded Potatoes
Same fluffy base, extra indulgence. The textures are rich and familiar, and they hold up alongside anything coming off the pit.
Coleslaw
A Southern essential, but it has to be tangy and fresh. Our vinegar-based slaw cuts through the richness of smoked meat without overpowering it — that balance is what keeps it on the plate every single day.
Jalapeno Pinto Beans
A staple of Texas cooking and one of our most-loved sides. Slow-cooked with a spicy kick, they layer beautifully with brisket drippings, bacon, or smoked sausage. The Mexican influence in Texas cooking runs deep, and this dish shows it.
Jambalaya Texana
Cajun comfort meets Texas smokehouse. We swap the shrimp and andouille for smoked brisket, sausage, or pulled pork on a rice base with peppers, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It is its own thing, and it works.
Potato Salad
Creamy, tangy, and impossibly easy to eat. German-Czech settlers brought this tradition to Central Texas, and it has never left. It is the perfect BBQ food side — pairs with everything, brisket especially — and it disappears from the table first every time.
Austin Baked Beans
Made from pinto beans with brisket trimmings, bacon, and jalapeño, these are lean, sweet, smoky, and spicy all at once. Every bite earns its place next to smoked meat.
Mac and Cheese
Creamy, warm, and the one side that needs no explanation. It has been a staple of Texas barbeque tables for good reason, and ours is made to feel like home.
How Goode Co. Barbeque Serves the Best Texas BBQ Side Dishes
We’ve been in business since the 1970s, carrying our founder’s (Jim Goode) passion for smoked meats and a preference for local sides. Those values are still held close to our hearts and impact every facet of our lives.
First, we settle for nothing but the best, most homely, and most delicious taste. We stick to our recipes and deliver every day with classic Texas BBQ etiquette. We source locally and seasonally, for the best impact, year-round.
And finally, we know what works. You won’t see us throwing around avocados or fruit salads here. This isn’t a brunch. This is a hearty barbeque, and we serve up our sides like they should be, damn Goode!
Pro Tips for Balancing Meats with the Best BBQ Side Dishes in Texas
Picking sides is part of the experience. Here’s our advice on keeping things balanced without overwhelming the plate:
- Choose 2-3 Texas BBQ side dishes per guest to create a simple variety.
- Aim for one starch, one vegetable-forward option, and one hearty side.
Then think about pairing by meat:
- Carving brisket pairs best with creamy flavors — potato salad, mac and cheese, or coleslaw- that cut through the richness and add contrast.
- Pulled pork works well with jalapeno pinto beans, Austin baked beans, or potato salad. Coleslaw on top or alongside is never wrong.
- Sausage ribs shine with loaded potatoes or Jambalaya Texana — heavy sides for heavy smoke.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas BBQ Side Dishes
What is a good side dish for Texas BBQ?
The classics are potato salad, coleslaw, pinto beans, mac and cheese, and baked beans. In Texas, you also find jalapeno cheese bread, stuffed potatoes, and Jambalaya Texana on the best menus.
What are good sides for a barbecue?
For a Texas-style spread, aim for one creamy side, one bean dish, and one fresh or tangy option. That combination covers flavor and texture without anything competing with the meat.
What to serve at a Texas BBQ?
Start with your smoked mains — brisket, ribs, sausage — then build around them with potato salad, jalapeno pinto beans, coleslaw, and mac and cheese. Jalapeno cheese bread on the table is non-negotiable.
What is the number one BBQ in Texas?
Goode Co. Barbeque has been serving Houston since 1977. Three locations, mesquite-fired meats cooked low and slow, and a menu of sides built on decades of Texas tradition.
Try the Best BBQ Side Dishes in Texas at Goode Co. Barbeque
Have we got you hungry? Come on down to our restaurants or order online, and we’ll serve up some of our very best iconic Texas BBQ sides, alongside our famous mesquite-fired meats like brisket, bone-in pork ribs, glazed turkey breast, and our signature Czech and Jalapeno sausages.
We’ll serve it all up with our Texan charm and hospitality that makes our barbeques the very best around.
Visit us at our restaurants across Houston, including The Original Location at 5109 Kirby Drive, Houston, Texas 77098. Or book a private event and let us handle the spread.
