What to Serve with Clambake? 13 Best Side Dishes

Okay folks, imagine this: we’re hosting a clambake, and the clams are stealing the spotlight like rock stars at a music festival.

BUT what about those poor side dishes? We’ve been through some epic clambake showdowns and learned it’s all about what’s on the side.

From creamy corn to punchy potato salads, we’ve discovered the secret sauce—or sides, rather—to elevate our clambake game.

Hold onto your forks, because we’re sharing the best sides ever to grace a clambake menu. Ready to ensure those clams get the stage partners they truly deserve?

We’ve got it all lined up for you, from veggies to grains. Get ready to wow your mates with these stellar accompaniments!

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Top 13 Side Dishes for Clambake

Here are the top 13 side dishes to serve with your delicious clambake:

Dish	Main Ingredients	Flavor	Difficulty	Time
Lobster Mac and Cheese	Lobster, pasta, cheese	Creamy, rich	Medium	45 mins
Grilled Corn on the Cob	Corn, butter, salt	Sweet, smoky	Easy	15 mins
Garlic Herb Focaccia	Flour, garlic, herbs	Garlicky, savory	Medium	1 hour
Steamed Mussels with White Wine	Mussels, white wine, garlic	Briny, savory	Medium	25 mins
Chorizo and Potato Skewers	Chorizo, potatoes, spices	Spicy, savory	Medium	35 mins
Caprese Pasta Salad	Mozzarella, tomatoes, pasta, basil	Fresh, light	Easy	20 mins
Crispy Fried Oysters	Oysters, breadcrumbs, oil	Crispy, briny	Medium	30 mins
Cauliflower Gratin	Cauliflower, cheese, cream	Creamy, cheesy	Medium	40 mins
New England Clam Chowder	Clams, potatoes, cream	Rich, hearty	Medium	45 mins
Watermelon and Feta Salad	Watermelon, feta, mint	Sweet, tangy	Easy	10 mins
Butter Poached Asparagus	Asparagus, butter, lemon	Fresh, buttery	Easy	20 mins
Sweet Potato Fries	Sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt	Sweet, crispy	Easy	30 mins
Herb Butter Rolls	Flour, butter, herbs	Buttery, soft	Medium	1 hour

These side dishes add variety to a clambake with a combination of rich, savory, fresh, and light flavors to balance the traditional seafood boil experience.

1 – Lobster Mac and Cheese

Lobster Mac and Cheese—ooooh! We appreciate the decadence. This dish is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and delightful lobster bites. We recommend using a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère for depth.

Remember, fresh lobster makes it even more flavorful. Bake till the top’s golden, the cheese browned just slightly. Not too much, though—you want it gooey. Add breadcrumbs for a crispy finish that contrasts the creaminess. It’s rich, it’s comforting, and boy, it’s a treat!

2 – Grilled Corn on the Cob

We grilled corn on the cob. It’s simple and tasty. The secret? A pinch of salt and a hint of lime juice.

We skip the butter. Let that charred flavor shine through. Kierkegaard, who totally didn’t grill corn, would approve.

Fresh corn works best. Cook it till kernels soften, but retain a little crunch. Our trick? Rotate often for even cooking.

Missing summery flavors? Imagine this with smoked paprika. Sweet corn bliss. So versatile, it accompanies anything.

3 – Garlic Herb Focaccia

Okay, so let’s chat about this focaccia. It’s our go-to side when we want bread to act a little fancy. The secret’s in the herbs. Crusty on the outside, soft inside.

We drizzle olive oil for richness. Fresh rosemary adds flavor. Garlic? Essential. We bake it till it’s dreamy.

Keep it rustic; dents on top hold flavor magic. Use sea salt for a savory hit. Share? Nah, we’re keeping this dish close. What a treat!

4 – Steamed Mussels with White Wine

Mussels in white wine? Count us in. These seafood pearls soak up the flavors like a sponge. Wine adds finesse, garlic a punch. Herbs enhance the broth beautifully. We don’t need much to get this right.

Cook until they’re open like a book. Fresh mussels matter the most. Use quality white wine. Don’t skimp on the garlic—you’ll thank us later. Serve them straight from the pot. Quick, simple, delicious. Watch them disappear in minutes.

5 – Chorizo and Potato Skewers

Skewers are a vibe. We mix spicy chorizo with potato chunks for a quick fix. The spicy sausage kicks things up. Roasting does the magic here. Toothpick required for zero mess.

These skewers crisp nicely in the oven. Aim for golden brown. The balance works! Must-have for any side dish roster. A squeeze of lime seals the deal. Some gentle char adds flavor depth. Easy, practical, and tasty.

6 – Caprese Pasta Salad

We’re not talking about your average pasta salad. Tomato chunks, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil—simple bliss. No-fuss dish ready to serve. Perfect for those warm days.

Maybe grab a glass of wine? Drizzle that extra virgin olive oil like it’s gold. Balsamic rules the flavors. Mix it up first for that even coating. The result? Maximum flavor in every bite.

Switch up noodles for a twist. Cold or room temp, your call. Meals like these are about freedom.

7 – Crispy Fried Oysters

Here’s the thing about crispy fried oysters. They’re like the potato chips of the seafood world—addictive and crunchy. We keep it simple: fresh oysters, batter, and hot oil. Let them sizzle until golden.

Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. Serve them hot. Our tip? Add a squeeze of lemon for tanginess. Great for snacks or a side. Easy to make and eat. Drizzled aioli adds extra zing. Just grab, bite, enjoy.

8 – Cauliflower Gratin

Cauliflower Gratin? Yep, it’s creamy goodness wrapped in a crispy, golden crust. We toss fresh florets in a rich sauce, add cheese, and admire the bubbling masterpiece.

This dish invites you to embrace cheese’s magical touch. Skip the stale breadcrumbs; fresh makes a difference.

Baking time is primary; aim for browned edges. Combine with herbs to enhance flavor. Try adding nutmeg; trust us, it works. Enjoy the melty magic. Oven-baked bliss, cauliflower style. Ultimate comfort for cool days.

9 – New England Clam Chowder

Clam chowder is pure comfort. It’s thick, creamy, and chock-full of tender clams. We add hearty bits of potato and crispy bacon for texture. Get that soup base rich by using a good stock. Simmer slow for better flavor melt.

Saltiness perfects it—balance it well. Splash of cream at the end is key. Team warm bread for dunking duties. Fresh herbs enhance aroma and taste. Spoon it up while steaming hot. Every bite is soul-soothing.

10 – Watermelon and Feta Salad

We’re talking Watermelon and Feta Salad. It’s sweet meets tangy. The juicy watermelon pairs with crumbly feta. Mint gives it a fresh kick. Sprinkling some pepper balances the sweetness. It’s simple and refreshing.

Use seedless watermelon. Chill it before slicing—it gets juicier. Drizzle with olive oil for extra flavor. We like to think it’s a summer essential. It adds a burst of color to your table. Try switching feta with goat cheese for a twist.

11 – Butter Poached Asparagus

Hold onto your asparagus! We’re taking these slender green spears and giving them the VIP treatment. Butter, heat, done. Cooking them slow in glorious, melted butter infuses every bite with rich flavor. We don’t rush it; we let them poach to tender perfection.

Quality asparagus makes a difference—you’d notice. Pinch of salt, touch of pepper. Serve as-is or alongside your favorite dinner. Keep it simple. Flavors work best when pared back. Always a star on the plate.

12 – Sweet Potato Fries

We’re all about those crispy sweet edges and soft centers. These fries are sweet gems, crisp outside and tender inside.

A sprinkle of sea salt elevates the sweetness perfectly. Toss with a smidge of paprika for a kick.

Sweet potatoes offer a rich orange hue. They’re our favorite canvas to experiment with. Try a dash of cinnamon or rosemary to mix things up.

Baked or fried, they’re a winner at any table. A simple side that’s both filling and tasty.

13 – Herb Butter Rolls

Ever baked rolls so fluffy, you’d swear they’re edible clouds? That’s our Herb Butter Rolls. Herbs make all the difference. Fresh thyme and parsley add zest. Kneading creates that soft texture.

Bread making is our therapy. Rolling dough clears the mind. Butter oozes into every bite, it’s indulgent. Great with soups or just a snack.

Baking them golden is the goal. Kids enjoy the process too. We adore how they pair with nearly anything. Hands-on fresh, fragrant experience.