BBQ Sidekick Recipes

Don’t know what to bring to the summer BBQ? Try one of these simple side dish recipes!

Smoked Baked Beans

Ingredients:
10 slices bacon, halved
1 medium onion, cut into small dice
1/2 medium green pepper, cut into small dice
3 large cans (28 ounces each) pork and beans
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup distilled vinegar
2 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard

Directions:

1. Start by adjusting your oven rack to the lower-middle position and pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Fry bacon in large, deep sauté pan skillet until bacon has partially cooked and released about 1/4 cup drippings. Remove bacon from pan and drain on paper towels.
3. Add onions and peppers to drippings in pan and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add beans and remaining ingredients bring to a simmer.
4. Pour flavored beans into a greased 13-by 9-inch (or similar size) ovenproof pan.
5. Top with bacon, then bake for about 2 hours until beans are bubbly and sauce has a syrup consistency. Let stand to thicken slightly and serve.

Crazy Toasted Coleslaw

Ingredients:
1 (16 ounce) package coleslaw mix
7 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 head fresh broccoli, cut into florets
2 (3 ounce) packages chicken flavored ramen noodles
1 cup slivered almonds
3/4 cups unsalted sunflower seeds
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/4 teaspoon soy sauce

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the coleslaw mix, green onions and broccoli. Set aside for later.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Crumble the ramen noodles into another bowl, and mix with the almonds and sunflower seeds. Sprinkle the seasoning packets over all.
4. Add to the skillet; cook and stir until noodles and nuts are toasted, about 8 minutes.
5. In a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine sugar, vinegar, oil and soy sauce. Seal, and shake vigorously to blend.
6. Just before serving, combine the slaw mixture with the nuts and noodles. Pour the dressing over all, and stir briefly to coat.