Seafood boil-what a feast! (a communal pot-cooked mix of shellfish, corn, potatoes, and sausages) It's like a party on your table and we love it.
Gathering around steaming pots with friends is pure joy. We can't resist the sight of shrimp, crab, and sausages just waiting to be devoured.
Let's be : the sides can make or break the meal. We all know that a good seafood boil needs some killer accompaniments.
Who wants to serve just the shellfish, right?
From buttery corn on the cob to zesty coleslaw, we've got the perfect side dishes to keep the vibes high and the plates full.
Get ready to up your seafood game because we're checking out the 13 best side dishes to enjoy with a seafood boil!
Top 13 Side Dishes to Serve with a Seafood Boil
Here's our ultimate list of the best sides to complement your seafood boil:
1 - Jalapeno Cornbread
Let's talk about jalapeno cornbread-it's like a sweet hug from the South with a spicy kick. The sweetness goes well with the heat from those jalapenos.
We usually make it with cornmeal, flour, sugar, milk, and of course, diced jalapenos (Capsicum annuum).
It's moist, fluffy, and brings warmth to any meal. This cornbread is our go-to for seafood boils.
The buttery flavor? Just divine.
Every bite has us reminiscing about backyard barbecues and cozy dinners. It's just that good.
2 - Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a crunchy, refreshing side that's a perfect match for seafood boils. We love how simple it is!
Common ingredients are shredded cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), carrots, and mayonnaise.
A good coleslaw strikes a balance between creamy and tangy, with a nice crunch.
We always throw in a splash of vinegar for that extra zing.
In our experience, the right coleslaw can improve a seafood feast, adding brightness with every bite.
3 - Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Garlic parmesan roasted potatoes are a total crowd-pleaser. They're crispy outside, fluffy inside, and totally addictive, often made with red or Yukon Gold potatoes.
We toss bite-sized potatoes with garlic, butter, and parmesan, then roast until golden. The smell alone sends us to our happy place.
The combination of garlic and cheese creates a rich flavor that goes with the seafood perfectly and pairs well with garlic butter shrimp sides for easy pairings.
We've had many family gatherings where these potatoes steal the show. It's hard to keep them around for leftovers-everyone always goes back for seconds!
4 - Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are crispy, bite-sized delights. We can't have a seafood boil without them!
Made with cornmeal (coarse-ground), flour, onion, and buttermilk, these little gems are fluffy inside and golden outside.
The flavor is a mix of corn sweetness and onion zing. When we fry them, the aroma fills the air, making it hard to resist.
These puppies are perfect alongside seafood, soaking up those tasty juices. They remind us of weekends at the local fish fry, where every bite brings back a wave of nostalgia.
Served hot with a side of tartar sauce, hush puppies never fail to impress.
5 - Fried Okra
We love fried okra! It's crispy, crunchy, and packed with a unique flavor with a slightly grassy, nutty taste.
This side dish requires okra, cornmeal, flour, and some spices.
We dredged the sliced okra in seasoned cornmeal, then pan-fried until golden.
The taste? It's a delicious mix of earthy and slightly sweet with a satisfying crunch.
Fried okra reminds us of family cookouts. We can't help but munch while chatting with friends.
Paired with a dipping sauce, it's an unstoppable combo and makes a tasty match with Korean fried chicken sides for bold contrasts.
6 - Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is a classic that hits all the right notes. It's creamy and tangy with a satisfying crunch from crisp veggies.
We use elbow macaroni, mayo, mustard, diced celery, bell peppers, and sometimes a sprinkle of paprika (about 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni).
The flavor is a perfect blend of cool and refreshing.
We often whip it up for barbecues, and it never lasts long on the table.
It pairs well with just about anything, but it's a must-have alongside seafood and complements macaroni salad sides for picnic menus.
7 - Baked Beans
Baked beans are the ultimate comfort food. They're sweet, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying.
We usually whip them up with canned beans (usually navy or pinto), brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and a splash of mustard.
The flavor hits all the right spots. It's sticky and rich, perfect for soaking up with bread.
We can't resist a filling scoop alongside seafood, and it works well with baked beans sides for backyard cookouts.
They disappear fast, leaving everyone happy.
8 - Collard Greens
Collard greens are a Southern staple we can't get enough of (a leafy green in the Brassica family). They offer a rich, earthy flavor that complements any seafood spread.
We like to sauté them with garlic, onion, and a splash of smoked vinegar for extra kick.
Ingredients usually include collard greens, garlic, onion, and a bit of hot sauce.
The cooked greens become tender and slightly silky, creating a fit partner for spicy dishes. Their smokiness reminds us of family gatherings and long meals filled with laughter.
9 - Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a classic side that's hard to resist. We love it grilled with a bit of char or boiled to perfection, using fresh sweet corn (Zea mays).
The sweetness is a nice contrast to spicy seafood, and it pairs especially well with Mexican street corn sides for zesty flavor.
We top it with butter, salt, and sometimes a dash of lime. This creates a simple yet satisfying flavor combo.
Each bite bursts with juicy goodness. It's a nostalgic dish that takes us back to summer barbecues with family and friends.
Ingredients typically include fresh corn, butter, salt, and optional spices for extra zing. It's easy to prepare yet always improves our seafood feast.
10 - Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are crispy bites of tangy goodness that instantly remind us of summer. They bring a satisfying crunch paired with a slightly tart flavor (unripe Solanum lycopersicum).
We use green tomatoes, cornmeal, flour, and a dash of seasoning.
The coating is crispy and golden, offering a fresh take on a classic and matching well with fried potatoes sides for hearty pairings.
We often whip these up to share at family get-togethers, and everyone always fights for the last piece!
11 - Cajun Potato Salad
Cajun potato salad is a creamy, zesty twist on a classic. We mix red potatoes, mayo, mustard, and Cajun spices for a punchy flavor (often using small red new potatoes).
The addition of celery and bell peppers adds crunch. Each bite is refreshing.
This salad brightens up our seafood boils. We've had it during family gatherings, with flavors that tell stories of Louisiana life.
The seasoning gives a nice kick without overpowering the potatoes. It's an easy side that steals the spotlight.
12- Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled shrimp skewers are a summer favourite. They're smoky, juicy, and bursting with flavour.
We marinate fresh shrimp in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a hint of chili (usually large or jumbo shrimp). Skewering them makes for an easy, grill-friendly option.
The smokiness from the grill paired with the fresh zing creates a perfect bite. Memories of backyard barbecues flood back as we devour these tasty skewers.
We love serving them with a side of tangy dipping sauce to really bring out the shrimp's flavour.
13- Key Lime Pie
Key lime pie is a sweet, tart treat we crave on hot days. The creamy filling comes from egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and, of course, key lime juice (from small, aromatic key limes, Citrus aurantiifolia).The slightly salty graham cracker crust balances that zing perfectly.
We're all about the refreshing citrus vibe. Topped with whipped cream, every slice reminds us of summer afternoons.
Tradition says to make it simple, but we love adding a hint of zest for extra flavour. At family gatherings, we all scramble for the last piece!
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.
