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 Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
Corn on the Cob | Corn, butter, salt | Sweet, buttery | Easy | 15 min |
Coleslaw | Cabbage, carrots, mayo, vinegar | Creamy, tangy | Easy | 20 min |
Hush Puppies | Cornmeal, onion, buttermilk | Savory, fried | Moderate | 30 min |
Garlic Bread | Bread, butter, garlic | Garlicky, buttery | Easy | 10 min |
Potato Salad | Potatoes, eggs, mayo, mustard | Creamy, tangy | Moderate | 45 min |
Baked Beans | Beans, brown sugar, bacon | Sweet, savory | Easy | 1 hour |
Cornbread | Cornmeal, buttermilk, honey | Sweet, moist | Easy | 30 min |
Macaroni Salad | Pasta, veggies, mayo, vinegar | Creamy, tangy | Easy | 30 min |
Deviled Eggs | Eggs, mayo, mustard, paprika | Creamy, tangy | Easy | 30 min |
Cucumber Salad | Cucumbers, sour cream, dill | Cool, creamy | Easy | 20 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.

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.