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What to Serve with Shrimp Boil? 10 Side Dishes

You know those times when you’re standing in the kitchen, staring at a shrimp boil, thinking, “What on earth should we serve with this?” Yeah, we’ve been there too.

A shrimp boil is already a party on a plate, but pairing it with the right side dishes takes it to the next level.

We’re talking about dishes that complement those juicy shrimp and bring various flavors to the table.

We’ll share some must-try sides that won’t steal the spotlight but will definitely be crowd-pleasers.

Get ready to make your next shrimp boil unforgettable with these easy and tasty sides!

Top 10 Side Dishes for Shrimp Boil

Here are ten delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with a shrimp boil:

Side DishMain IngredientsFlavorDifficultyTime
Corn on the CobCorn, butter, saltSweet, butteryEasy15 min
ColeslawCabbage, carrots, mayo, vinegarCreamy, tangyEasy20 min
Hush PuppiesCornmeal, onion, buttermilkSavory, friedModerate30 min
Garlic BreadBread, butter, garlicGarlicky, butteryEasy10 min
Potato SaladPotatoes, eggs, mayo, mustardCreamy, tangyModerate45 min
Baked BeansBeans, brown sugar, baconSweet, savoryEasy1 hour
CornbreadCornmeal, buttermilk, honeySweet, moistEasy30 min
Macaroni SaladPasta, veggies, mayo, vinegarCreamy, tangyEasy30 min
Deviled EggsEggs, mayo, mustard, paprikaCreamy, tangyEasy30 min
Cucumber SaladCucumbers, sour cream, dillCool, creamyEasy20 min

1 – Corn on the Cob

Corn on the Cob stands tall as a top contender. Sweet, buttery, and easy to eat. Boil it, grill it, or roast it for a crispy char.

Corn’s natural sweetness balances out the savory shrimp flavors. We love a sprinkle of chili powder or a squeeze of lime.

Our family gatherings aren’t complete without it.

2 – Coleslaw

Let’s talk coleslaw. It’s crunchy, refreshing, and adds a vibrant color to our plate.

We love how the tangy vinegar dressing balances the creamy mayo. The cabbage and carrots stay delightfully crisp.

It’s a great contrast in texture with the tender shrimp. We could eat this all day.

3 – Hush Puppies

We’re talking golden, crispy hush puppies. These little guys are the crunch we crave. They’ve got a sneaky, sweet twist from the cornmeal and a soft, fluffy center.

They’re perfect to soak up all that shrimp boil goodness. We always add a bit of jalapeno for a spicy kick. You’ll want seconds.

4 – Garlic Bread

We know, garlic bread with shrimp boil? Absolutely. It’s a perfect side. Crunchy crust, buttery center, and that irresistible garlic aroma.

Our secret? We add a pinch of parsley. Just a pinch.

Our family gatherings? They’re never complete without garlic bread. We spread this thick. So good, it almost steals the show.

5 – Potato Salad

Who can resist a good potato salad? Ours is creamy, tangy, with a kick of mustard. The potatoes stay firm, never mushy.

Add celery for a crunch. We mix in dill for a herby note. The mayo and mustard combo gives it zing. It’s a plate pleaser for sure.

Everyone asks for seconds around here.

6 – Baked Beans

We’ve got a soft spot for baked beans. Sweet, smoky, and packed with flavor. The sauce? Tangy and a bit spicy.

We simmer them until tender. Each bite bursts with rich goodness. Perfect for soaking up shrimp boil juices. These beans are a hit every time we serve them.

7 – Cornbread

We’ve got serious love for cornbread. Sweet, buttery, and with a golden crust that complements shrimp perfectly. Inside, it’s fluffy, almost cake-like. Paired with tangy baked beans? Pure magic.

We like ours with a hit of jalapeno for a dash of spice. Easy, tasty, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a must at our shrimp boils.

8 – Macaroni Salad

Who doesn’t love a good macaroni salad? We enjoy its creamy texture and subtle tang from the mustard dressing. The pasta is perfectly al dente, not mushy.

Each bite has a crunch from the added celery. We love sprinkling in a bit of dill for an extra fresh kick. It’s always a crowd favorite at our gatherings.

9 – Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs? Oh, we’re sold. The creamy yolk filling is vibrant with mustard and mayo. Paprika on top adds a smoky touch.

Each bite is creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy. They’re perfect for adding richness to your plate. We’ve eaten a dozen in one go. They always fly off at our gatherings.

10 – Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad is light and refreshing. Thinly sliced cucumbers mixed with a tangy vinegar dressing. The crunch of fresh cucumbers with the zing of vinegar is unbeatable.

Perfect for balancing rich shrimp boil flavors. We add onions and a pinch of dill. It’s always a hit. Quick to make, even quicker to disappear.

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