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What to Serve with Shrimp Boil? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

Are you planning a seafood feast and wondering what to serve with shrimp boil?

You’ve probably heard great stories about this classic Cajun-style dish, but even if you’re a novice chef you can easily whip up something special in no time.

To make your meal truly extraordinary, we’ve put together some must-try side dishes that will make your shrimp boil the star of the show!

From rich casseroles to fresh salads and veggies, these recipes are sure to satisfy both seafood lovers and picky eaters alike.

Come take a peek at our tantalizing selection of inventive additions to accompany any type of simmering dish!

What to Serve with Shrimp Boil? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

1. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a dish that is often served as a side with shrimp boil.

It is a mix of shredded cabbage and carrots, often with mayonnaise or vinegar-based dressing.

Coleslaw is a dish that is simple to make but can be elevated with the right ingredients and techniques.

The key to great coleslaw is in the balance of flavors.

You don’t want the cabbage to be too overpowering, but you also don’t want the dressing to be too bland.

The best way to achieve this balance is to use a mix of green and red cabbage, as well as grated carrots.

For the dressing, I recommend using a combination of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt.

You can also add in some diced onion or celery for extra flavor.

When it comes to making coleslaw, the key is to let the flavors meld together for at least an hour before serving.

This will allow the cabbage to soften slightly and absorb some of the dressing.

If you are short on time, you can also place the coleslaw in the fridge for an hour or so before serving.

2. Corn on the Cob

There’s nothing quite like fresh corn on the cob in the summertime.

Sweet, juicy, and delicious, corn on the cob is the perfect side dish to any meal – especially a shrimp boil.

But what makes this dish even better? The fact that it’s so easy to make.

Corn on the cob is best served fresh and boiled.

The taste is sweet, and the texture is crunchy and tender all at the same time.

To elevate this dish, try serving it with butter and salt.

You can also add other herbs and spices like chili powder, cumin, or paprika for an extra kick of flavor.

  • Boil corn for 3-5 minutes for the perfect texture.
  • Serve with butter, salt, and pepper for a classic flavor.
  • Add other herbs and spices like chili powder, cumin, or paprika for an extra flavor boost.

3. Potato Salad

Potato salad is the perfect side dish for a shrimp boil.

The creamy, rich taste of the potato salad pairs perfectly with the slightly spicy shrimp.

Plus, the texture of the potato salad is the perfect contrast to the tenderness of the shrimp.

There are a few things you can do to elevate your potato salad.

First, try using different types of potatoes.

Red potatoes have a more earthy flavor, while Yukon gold potatoes are sweeter and creamier.

You could also use sweet potatoes for a unique twist.

Another way to elevate your potato salad is to add some fresh herbs.

Chives, parsley, and dill all go well with potatoes.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different dressings.

A vinaigrette or even a sriracha mayo can really take your potato salad to the next level.

4. Baked Beans

Baked beans are a great addition to any shrimp boil.

They are hearty and filling but also have a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the shrimp.

The texture of baked beans is also perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices from the shrimp boil.

There are a few things you can do to elevate your baked beans dish.

First, try adding some bacon or ham for extra flavor.

You can also add in some onions or garlic for an extra kick.

And finally, don’t be afraid to get a little creative with your seasonings.

A touch of cumin or smoked paprika can really make these baked beans pop.

5. Fried Okra

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish to accompany your shrimp boil, look no further than fried okra.

This southern classic is not only tasty, but it’s also easy to make.

And, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to elevate this dish and make it even more delicious.

Fried okra has a unique taste and texture that is sure to please everyone at the table.

The okra is first coated in a cornmeal batter, which gives it a nice crunch when fried.

The inside of the okra is soft and slightly slimy, which some people find off-putting.

But, once you get past the texture, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious and distinctive flavor that is unlike any other vegetable.

If you want to elevate your fried okra, there are plenty of ways to do it.

One way is to add some spice to the batter.

Another way is to serve it with a dipping sauce.

And, if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can try deep frying the okra instead of pan frying it.

6. Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are a Southern dish that is traditionally made with cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, and baking soda.

They are deep-fried and served as a side dish or appetizer.

Hush Puppies have a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

There are many ways to elevate this dish.

One way is to add shredded cheese to the batter.

This will give the hush puppies a cheesy flavor that will be irresistible.

Another way to change up the flavor is to add diced onions or jalapeños to the batter.

This will give them a bit of a kick that will complement the shrimp boil perfectly.

7. Grits

Grits are a southern staple and a must-have side dish for a shrimp boil.

They are made from ground corn and have a slightly creamy texture.

Grits are usually boiled in water or milk and then seasoned with salt and pepper.

If you want to elevate your grits, try adding some cheese, green onions, or bacon.

You can also experiment with different seasonings like garlic or chili powder.

Another tip is to cook the grits in chicken or shrimp broth for extra flavor.

8. Macaroni and Cheese

There’s no denying that macaroni and cheese is a classic dish.

It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and it’s always satisfying.

But sometimes, you might find yourself wanting something a little bit more than the standard fare.

Here are some tips on how to elevate your mac and cheese game.

First, let’s talk about taste.

If you’re looking for a more flavorful mac and cheese, consider using different types of cheese in your recipe.

A sharp cheddar will give it a nice bite, while a smoked cheese will add a depth of flavor that you didn’t know was possible.

You can also experiment with different types of pasta.

A hearty rigatoni will stand up to the sauce better than a delicate shell, for example.

As for texture, there are a few things you can do to mix things up.

One option is to add some chopped-up vegetables into the mix – they’ll add some nice color and crunch to the dish.

Another option is to top your mac and cheese with some breadcrumbs before baking it – this will give it a nice crispy topping that takes it to the next level.

9. Southern Green Beans

If you’re looking for a classic side dish to serve with your shrimp boil, look no further than southern green beans.

These beans are cooked until they’re tender and have a delicious, slightly salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of shrimp.

To elevate this dish, try adding some diced bacon or ham to the beans before cooking them.

This will give the beans an extra depth of flavor that will really make them stand out.

You can also add a few cloves of garlic to the pot for an extra bit of flavor.

10. Sweet Potato Casserole

This dish is the perfect sweet and savory side to complement your shrimp boil.

The casserole is packed with flavor from sweet potatoes, pecans, and marshmallows.

The dish is also relatively easy to make, which is always a bonus.

When it comes to taste, this casserole definitely does not disappoint.

The sweetness of the potatoes is perfectly offset by the savory spices in the dish.

The pecans add a lovely crunchiness, while the marshmallows provide a lovely sweetness that ties everything together.

This dish is truly a delight for all the senses.

Texture-wise, this casserole is smooth and creamy, thanks to the mashed sweet potatoes.

The pecans and marshmallows give it some much-needed texture contrast.

If you’re looking for an extra bit of texture, you could always top the casserole with some chopped bacon or sausage.

This casserole is delicious as is, but there are always ways to elevate it even further.

One way to do this is to top the casserole with some shredded cheese before baking it.

This will give the casserole extra cheesy goodness that everyone will love.

Another way to take this dish to the next level is to add some diced jalapeños into the mix.

This will give the casserole a bit of a kick that really takes it up a notch.

11. Cornbread

Cornbread is a classic dish that has been around for centuries.

It is simple to make and can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish.

One of the best things about cornbread is its versatility – it can be sweet or savory, depending on your preference.

The taste and texture of cornbread are unique; it is dense and moist, with a slightly sweet flavor.

To elevate your cornbread, try adding some cheese to the batter before baking.

This will add a delicious richness to the dish.

Or, for a more savory flavor, top your cornbread with bacon or sausage before serving.

12. Banana Pudding

Banana pudding is a classic dessert that can be served in many different ways.

It can be made with just bananas and pudding, or it can be made with cookies, whipped cream, and other toppings.

The taste of the banana pudding is sweet and creamy, with a strong banana flavor.

The texture is smooth and thick, similar to custard.

There are many ways to elevate this dish.

One way is to add cookies or graham crackers to the pudding for a crunchy contrast.

Another way is to top the pudding with whipped cream or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many delicious side dishes that go great with shrimp boil.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and feel inspired to try out some of these recipes the next time you have shrimp boil.

Do you have a favorite side dish that you like to serve with shrimp boil? Let us know in the comments below.

What to Serve with Shrimp Boil? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Coleslaw
  • 2. Corn on the Cob
  • 3. Potato Salad
  • 4. Baked Beans
  • 5. Fried Okra
  • 6. Hush Puppies
  • 7. Grits
  • 8. Macaroni and Cheese
  • 9. Southern Green Beans
  • 10. Sweet Potato Casserole
  • 11. Cornbread
  • 12. Banana Pudding

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  • Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  • If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!