Three ‘must-try’ braai side dish recipes for the ultimate braai experience

The sound of a fire igniting to life followed by dry wood crackling on a lazy afternoon are familiar and much-loved sounds to South Africans. The highlight of a braai is of course the aromatic, sizzling meat on the coals. However, a successful braai is also much dependent on suitable braai side dish recipes.

We have collated some of the best braai side dish recipes from Barry Hilton, known for the “my cousin” brand and Jan Braai. With these tasty side dishes up your sleeve, you will want to make every day a braai day.

A festive eight-layered salad

This eye-catching eight-layered salad has the potential to overshadow even the meat. Image: Tyler Hilton.

Step up your salad skills with this one-of-a-kind salad. Festive, colourful and packed with goodness are the best descriptive words for this side dish. This eight-layered salad is perfect to serve when you are having guests over for a braai.

Unleash your creativity when preparing this salad. You can determine the ingredients as well as the order in which you would like to layer them. Top this colourful salad with a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing and wrap it in cling film to rest in the fridge overnight.

Be prepared to share the recipe because it will without a doubt attract so much attention.

The Greek surprise – Spanakopita Braaibroodjies

Spanakopita Braaibroodjies: Where Greece and South Africa meet. Image: Supplied.

Every South African knows that a “braaibroodjie” is one of your “must-have” braai side dish recipes. A braai is simply not a braai without homemade “braaibroodjies”. Although the usual cheese, tomato and onion “braaibroodjies” will always remain a favourite, nothing stops us from exploring unique and adventurous tastes from time to time.

This spanakopita “braaibroodjie” developed by Jan Braai is a savoury combination of South African and Greek cuisine. Creamy spinach and feta cheese filling are stuffed between two slices of bread and grilled to perfection on the grill over medium coals. The rich aroma may tempt you to start enjoying the spanakopita “braaibroodjie” right there from the grill!

Vibrant Beetroot Salad

Easy Beetroot Salad: Here’s to good health! Image: Supplied.

Add some goodness to your next braai with this appetising beetroot salad. Known for its health benefits, beetroot will give your family the important nutrients they need. Not only does this salad taste great but it adds some beautiful colour to the table. Many seasoned barbecue professionals like Barry Hilton, also known as “The Cousin,” is of the opinion that no braai is complete without a beetroot salad.

So, here are our top three braai side dish recipes you can try out at your next braai. After all, a braai is a combination of everything South Africans love – family, friends, good food, and drinks!