Perfect Side Dishes for South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce

South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce is a beloved regional specialty known for its tangy, slightly sweet, and boldly flavored profile. This golden-hued sauce, made with yellow mustard, vinegar, and spices, pairs exceptionally well with smoked and grilled meats. But what truly completes a BBQ feast are the side dishes that complement and balance these robust flavors.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best side dishes to serve with South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce, from classic Southern staples to fresh, vibrant options that enhance every bite. Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout or simply craving a well-rounded meal, these recipes will elevate your dining experience.

Why Pairing the Right Sides Matters

Mustard-based BBQ sauce has a distinct sharpness and tang that sets it apart from tomato- or vinegar-based sauces. The right side dishes should:

• Balance acidity with creaminess or sweetness

• Add texture contrast (crunchy, creamy, or soft)

• Enhance smoky and savory flavors without overpowering the sauce

Now, let’s dive into the top side dishes that do just that!

1. Classic Creamy Coleslaw

A staple at any BBQ, coleslaw provides a cool, crisp contrast to the bold mustard sauce.

Why It Works:

• The creaminess tones down the tanginess of the sauce

• The crunch adds textural variety

• Acts as a topping for sandwiches or a refreshing side

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 small green cabbage, shredded

• 1 large carrot, grated

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp sugar

• ½ tsp celery seed

• Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper.

3. Pour dressing over the vegetables and toss well.

4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.

Serving Suggestion:

• Pile it on a pulled chicken sandwich with mustard BBQ sauce.

• Serve alongside smoked ribs or brisket.

2. Southern-Style Baked Beans

Sweet, smoky, and hearty, baked beans are a must-have at any BBQ spread.

Why It Works:

• The molasses and brown sugar balance the mustard’s acidity

• Smoky flavors mirror grilled or smoked meats

• Adds a comforting, hearty element to the meal

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (28 oz) navy beans, drained

• ½ cup ketchup

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 tbsp molasses

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened.

3. In a baking dish, combine all ingredients and mix well.

4. Cover and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for 15 more minutes until bubbly.

Pro Tip:
For extra smokiness, add a dash of liquid smoke or crumbled bacon (optional).

3. Buttery Skillet Cornbread

A Southern BBQ isn’t complete without warm, crumbly cornbread.

Why It Works:

• The slight sweetness contrasts the mustard’s tang

• Acts as a sauce-soaking vehicle

• Adds a homey, comforting touch

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup milk

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a cast-iron skillet inside to heat.

2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.

3. Whisk milk, egg, and melted butter together, then combine with dry mix.

4. Carefully remove the hot skillet, grease it, and pour in the batter.

5. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.

Serving Idea:
Serve with honey butter for an extra touch of sweetness.

4. Mustard-Infused Potato Salad

A potato salad with a mustardy kick echoes the flavors of the BBQ sauce.

Why It Works:

• Double mustard flavor creates harmony

• Creamy potatoes soften the sauce’s sharpness

• Great served cold for contrast against warm meats

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs baby potatoes, boiled & quartered

• 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• ½ cup celery, diced

• ¼ cup pickles, chopped

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until tender, then cool.

2. In a large bowl, mix mayo, mustard BBQ sauce, and Dijon.

3. Fold in potatoes, eggs, celery, and pickles.

4. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

5. Grilled Vegetable Medley

Light, smoky, and fresh, grilled veggies add a healthy balance to rich BBQ.

Best Vegetables to Grill:

• Zucchini

• Bell peppers

• Red onions

• Asparagus

• Portobello mushrooms

Seasoning:

• Olive oil

• Salt & pepper

• Garlic powder

• A splash of balsamic vinegar

Why It Works:

• Charred edges complement smoky meats

• Natural sweetness balances the mustard sauce

• Adds a colorful, nutritious element

6. Creamy Mac & Cheese

A rich, cheesy mac & cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.

Why It Works:

• The creaminess contrasts the tangy sauce

• Cheese adds umami depth

• Comfort food at its finest

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow pasta

• 3 cups shredded cheddar

• 2 cups milk

• ¼ cup butter

• ¼ cup flour

• ½ tsp mustard powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta al dente.

2. Make a roux with butter and flour, then whisk in milk.

3. Stir in cheese until smooth, then mix with pasta.

4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes for a crispy top (optional).

7. Crispy Hush Puppies

These deep-fried cornmeal bites are a Southern classic.

Why It Works:

• Crunchy exterior adds texture

• Slightly sweet balances the mustard

• Perfect for dipping in extra sauce

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal

• ½ cup flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup diced onion

• 1 egg

• ¾ cup buttermilk

• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients, then stir in onion, egg, and buttermilk.

2. Heat oil to 375°F (190°C).

3. Drop spoonfuls into oil and fry until golden brown.

Bonus: Pickled Vegetables for Brightness

A quick-pickled veggie mix adds a tangy, crisp bite.

Great Options:

• Cucumbers

• Red onions

• Jalapeños

• Carrots

Quick Pickling Liquid:

• 1 cup vinegar

• 1 cup water

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp salt

• 1 tsp mustard seeds

Conclusion

Pairing the perfect sides with South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce ensures a balanced, flavorful meal. From creamy coleslaw to smoky baked beans and crispy hush puppies, these dishes enhance the mustard’s tangy profile while adding texture and depth.

Looking for more mustard BBQ inspiration? Try these sauces:

• Classic South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce

• Spicy South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce

• Sugar-Free South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce