So, what’s the deal with Crawfish Étouffée? It’s basically a big bowl of cozy goodness. We all know it can be a star dish all on its own, but what makes it even better? You guessed it—the sides.
We’ve experimented with all sorts of accompaniments that elevate that rich, saucy flavor. Creamy mac and cheese? Yes, please. Garlic bread? Always a winner.
We’ve learned a few gems along the way that can truly complement our beloved étouffée. Get ready to upgrade your next plate with the perfect sidekick.
Top 13 Side Dishes for Crawfish Etouffee
Here’s our top list of what you should serve with Crawfish Étouffée:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread | Cornmeal, jalapeños, cheddar cheese | Spicy, cheesy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Cajun Fried Okra | Okra, cornmeal, Cajun spices | Crispy, spicy | Medium | 25 mins |
| Southern Collard Greens | Collard greens, bacon, vinegar | Smoky, savory | Medium | 1 hr |
| Red Beans and Rice | Red beans, rice, sausage | Hearty, savory | Medium | 1 hr |
| Smothered Green Beans | Green beans, onions, bacon | Savory, smoky | Medium | 30 mins |
| Dirty Rice | Rice, ground meat, Cajun spices | Spicy, savory | Medium | 40 mins |
| Hush Puppies | Cornmeal, onions, buttermilk | Savory, crispy | Medium | 25 mins |
| Creole Potato Salad | Potatoes, Creole mustard, mayo | Tangy, creamy | Easy | 20 mins |
| Boudin Sausage | Pork, rice, Cajun spices | Savory, spicy | Medium | 45 mins |
| Fried Pickles | Pickles, flour, spices | Tangy, crispy | Medium | 20 mins |
| Crawfish Bread | French bread, crawfish, cheese, spices | Cheesy, spicy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Sweet Cornbread Pudding | Cornmeal, cream, sugar | Sweet, creamy | Medium | 40 mins |
| Pecan Pie | Pecans, corn syrup, butter | Sweet, nutty | Medium | 1 hr |
1 – Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
So, who doesn’t enjoy cornbread? Jalapeño cheddar cornbread packs in flavour. Spicy jalapeños and melty cheddar make it really stand out.
We often whip this up for our family dinners. It adds nice heat alongside the rich savory dishes. Slice it warm and watch it disappear.
Pair it with any soup or stew. This combo works every time. And it makes a pretty cool breakfast too, especially with some butter.
2 – Cajun Fried Okra
Fried okra is one of those side dishes that has us thinking, “Why can’t we eat this all day?” It’s crispy, tasty, and oh-so moreish.
We season it with a bit of cajun spice to crank up the flavor. It pairs well with just about anything on the plate.
Double-dipping in ranch is a must. We always keep some handy for that creamy contrast.
3 – Southern Collard Greens
Collard greens: the leafy greens that make us feel all fancy and homey. These greens offer a hearty bite that’s hard to resist.
Boiling them with a splash of vinegar amps up the flavor. Adding a ham hock gives them that smoky goodness.
We like to cook them low and slow. This method breaks down their tough texture and brings out all those flavours.
Pairs great with the rich sauce from crawfish étouffée. Or, just enjoy them with cornbread. Easy choice.
4 – Red Beans and Rice
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Red beans and rice are like the classic duo of the food scene. This dish is simple but packs in tons of flavour.
We cook the beans slowly to get that creamy texture. Adding smoked sausage boosts the taste.
Don’t forget to throw in some seasoning! Cajun spice works wonders here.
This dish is filling and pairs nicely with a side of cornbread. We often make a big batch for easy meals.
The leftovers always taste better the next day.
5 – Smothered Green Beans
Smothered green beans? Talk about a little green goodness. These bad boys soak up all the flavours like a sponge.
We toss them with garlic, onion, and some broth. It forms a sort of sauce that clings to every bite.
Chopping up some bacon makes everything better. Crispy bits add that salty crunch we can’t resist.
Cooking low and slow brings out the sweetness in those beans. Always great as a side, they’re also awesome on their own.
6 – Dirty Rice
Imagine rice with a wild twist. Dirty rice brings a lot to the table. It’s got a hearty blend of flavours. We toss in ground meat, usually sausage, and some spices like a splish of cajun seasoning.
Cooking it with vegetables like bell peppers and onions gives it a nice kick. Some say it’s a messy dish, but we think it’s just flavorful. We usually make a big batch because leftovers reheat like a champ.
7 – Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are like little balls of joy. They’re crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
We add cornmeal to these bite-sized delights for that classic crunch.
Frying them is a must. The golden colour says it all.
We can jazz them up with spices or chopped onions. This makes them pop even more.
Dipping them in ranch or hot sauce is a must. That combination is always a win.
They pair wonderfully with any southern meal, especially seafood dishes.
8 – Creole Potato Salad
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Creole potato salad is like regular potato salad’s flavorful cousin. It’s cool, creamy, and has a kick. We toss in a variety of spices and veggies for that extra zing.
Mustard adds a nice tang. We usually let it chill before serving. It pairs beautifully with seafood.
Serving it at picnics is a hit. Make sure to keep it refrigerated between bites. Cold potato salad just tastes better, right?
9 – Boudin Sausage
Boudin sausage is like a flavor train you don’t want to miss. It’s packed with rice, spices, and some form of meat—definitely a hearty choice.
We love it for its easy prep. Just grill or steam it. It’s good on its own, but adding a side of mustard takes it up a notch.
Trying boudin in a po’ boy sandwich offers a nice twist. Don’t skip this dish; it’s a must-try for any foodie. Enjoy it with a cold drink!
10 – Fried Pickles
Fried pickles are our guilty pleasure. They bring that crunch we crave.
These bites are all about contrast with their tangy inside and crispy coating.
Dunking them in ranch is mandatory. Make sure you let the oil heat up to avoid sogginess.
We’ve tried all kinds of pickles, but dill hits the spot.
Perfect game day snack or craving fix. They can disappear fast, so make extra.
11 – Crawfish Bread
Crawfish bread is a cheesy, buttery slice of goodness. It’s loaded with crawfish and spices, making it a crowd-pleaser.
We like to slather it with garlic butter before baking. The outside gets crispy while the inside stays warm and gooey.
This dish makes a great appetizer or side for étouffée.
Leftovers? They heat up well and still taste fantastic. Don’t forget to grab extra napkins for the cheesy goodness!
12 – Sweet Cornbread Pudding
Sweet cornbread pudding is like a hybrid of cornbread and dessert. It’s creamy with a hint of sweetness. We mix cornmeal with milk and sugar for that smooth texture.
Adding eggs creates a custardy feel. Serve it warm or chilled, and it’s always welcome on the table. This dish is simple to whip up and a real crowd-pleaser.
A scoop of ice cream on top? Adds a nice twist, too. Perfect for potlucks or a cozy family dinner.
13 – Pecan Pie
Last but not least, pecan pie is one dessert we can’t resist. It’s heavenly with its nutty and buttery filling.
The crust has to be flaky for that perfect bite. We like a splash of bourbon in our recipe for added depth of flavour.
Pair it with some whipped cream or vanilla ice cream; it’s an epic combo. A true southern treat that never disappoints.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.