The best BBQ sandwich toppings add crunch, acidity, heat, or creaminess to balance smoky meat and sauce. Coleslaw, pickles, onions, jalapenos, and a little extra sauce are classic choices.
Best Toppings
- Creamy coleslaw
- Dill pickles or pickled onions
- Thin sliced red onion
- Jalapenos
- Cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- Crispy fried onions
- Extra barbecue sauce
How to Build the Sandwich
- Toast the bun so it can hold the filling.
- Add warm barbecue meat or vegetables.
- Spoon on sauce lightly so the bun does not collapse.
- Add crunchy toppings such as slaw or pickles.
- Serve immediately.
Storage and Reheating
Store barbecue filling separately from buns and toppings. Reheat the filling until hot, then assemble with fresh slaw, pickles, or onions just before serving.
Regional-Style Ideas
- Memphis-style: slaw and tangy sauce
- Carolina-style: vinegar slaw and pickles
- Texas-style: onions, jalapenos, and pickles
- Sweet-style: caramelized onions and smoky sauce
Texture Rule
A good BBQ sandwich needs one soft element, one crunchy element, and one acidic element. That balance keeps the sandwich from tasting too heavy.
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