Hey y’all! I’m so excited to share my favorite side dishes that’ll make your Cajun shrimp boil absolutely unforgettable. As someone who’s hosted countless seafood boils, I’ve learned that while the shrimp boil itself is pretty much a complete meal, having some awesome sides can really take your party to the next level!
Why You Need Side Dishes for Your Shrimp Boil
Look I get it – with all that shrimp sausage, corn, and potatoes in your boil, you might think “do I really need sides?” Trust me, adding a few complementary dishes will
- Give picky eaters more options
- Add different textures and flavors
- Help soak up all that amazing cajun sauce
- Make your spread look more impressive
- Keep guests happy while they wait
Best Side Dishes for Your Cajun Shrimp Boil
Bread & Biscuits
-
Garlic Bread
- Buttery, savory notes
- Perfect for soaking up the spicy broth
- Pro tip: Use fresh garlic and herbs for extra flavor
-
Jalapeño Cornbread
- Adds a sweet-spicy kick
- Great texture contrast
- I love making mine in an air fryer for a crispy crust!
-
Cheesy Biscuits
- Flaky and rich
- Super popular with guests
- Easy to make ahead
Fresh & Crunchy Salads
-
Coleslaw
- Creamy or vinegar-based
- Adds refreshing crunch
- Try my spicy version with green Tabasco!
-
Cucumber & Tomato Salad
- Light and refreshing
- Perfect for summer
- Uses fresh garden vegetables
-
Watermelon Salad
- Sweet and hydrating
- Great with feta cheese
- Balances spicy cajun flavors
Hot Veggie Sides
-
Sautéed Spinach
- Quick and healthy
- Simple garlic flavor
- Adds pretty color to the table
-
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
- Colorful presentation
- Can cook alongside the boil
- Customizable veggie mix
-
Roasted Green Beans
- Easy to prepare
- Garlicky goodness
- Crowd-pleasing side
Hearty Sides
-
Cheesy Potatoes
- Ultra comforting
- Great for bigger crowds
- Always disappears first!
-
Red Beans and Rice
- Classic cajun pairing
- Filling and flavorful
- Make ahead friendly
-
Mac and Cheese
- Kid-friendly option
- Creamy comfort food
- Try adding cajun seasoning!
Dips & Sauces
-
Garlic Butter Sauce
- Perfect for dipping
- Great with crab legs too
- Super easy to make
-
Remoulade Sauce
- Traditional cajun condiment
- Creamy and tangy
- Awesome with seafood
-
Seafood Boil Sauce
- Buttery and garlicky
- Customizable heat level
- Essential for dipping
Quick Appetizers
-
Hushpuppies
- Classic Southern starter
- Crispy outside, soft inside
- Great with remoulade
-
Pimento Cheese
- Southern party staple
- Serve with crackers
- Make ahead friendly
-
Mango Salsa
- Fresh and fruity
- Great with chips
- Balances spicy food
Pro Tips for Hosting Your Shrimp Boil
Here’s what I’ve learned from throwing many shrimp boil parties:
-
Table Setup
- Line tables with parchment paper first
- Add kraft paper on top
- Skip newspaper (too messy!)
-
Make It Easy on Yourself
- Ask guests to bring sides
- Prep what you can ahead
- Keep decorations simple
-
Don’t Forget
- Extra napkins
- Hot sauce options
- Plenty of cold drinks
Final Thoughts
Y’all, a Cajun shrimp boil is one of the most fun parties you can throw! With these sides, you’ll have an amazing spread that’ll keep everyone happy. Remember, the best parties aren’t about being perfect – they’re about good food and good company!
Want more party tips and recipes? Drop a comment below or sign up for my newsletter. I’d love to hear how your shrimp boil turns out!
Happy hosting!
Garlic Butter French Bread
The best sides for a crawfish boil don’t always go in the pot. Crispy, golden French bread slathered with garlic butter is the perfect tool for soaking up extra broth and seasoning, ensuring not a drop goes to waste.
Because everything is better fried! The crunchy, tangy contrast of fried pickles adds a whole new texture to your seafood boil. The acidity cuts through the richness of the seafood, making it a surprisingly perfect pairing.
Coleslaw provides a cool, creamy contrast to the bold, spicy seafood. A dash of Creole seasoning kicks up the flavor while keeping it refreshing. This seafood boil side dish is a perfect palate cleanser between bites.
The MVPs: Classic Sides That Belong at Every Boil
The classics never go out of style. While there’s nothing wrong with getting creative with your recipe, there are some tried-and-true ingredients that need to be there. Before you start experimenting, master the fundamentals.
Cajun Shrimp Boil | With Keeping It Dutch
FAQ
What side dish goes with shrimp boil?
- Store-bought or homemade garlic bread
- Store-bought or homemade biscuits
- Hushpuppies
- Honey jalapeno cornbread
- Coleslaw
- Oven-baked corn on the cob
- Green salad mix
What kind of bread do you serve with a seafood boil?
Corn bread or rolls. A shrimp boil doesn’t really need sides.Nov 29, 2018
What to drink with a Cajun shrimp boil?
Pair Your Seafood Boil With A Corresponding Regional Beer – For a Cajun-inspired boil, an IPA from a Cajun brewing company is the ideal fit.May 19, 2024
What do you put on a table for a seafood boil?
- You will want to place a few empty bowls, buckets or cast-iron pans on the table for your party guests to dispose of their empty shells.
- Something about the casual style of seafood boil just calls for a roll of paper towels on the table.
- Add a few brightly colored, fresh flowers to a mason jar or vase.
What is a good side dish for a shrimp boil?
A classic shrimp boil is a meal in itself. Between the seafood, potatoes, and corn, it’s pretty darn hearty. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t serve some tasty sides too! And for me, the best side dishes for shrimp boil are hush puppies, cornbread, coleslaw, and mac & cheese. But that’s not all!
What side dish goes well with shrimp?
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.
What to eat at a shrimp boil?
You can also serve baked sweet potato fries, sourdough dinner rolls, or garlic rice pilaf. For healthier options, consider serving watermelon salad, vegetable skewers, or peach salsa. Shrimp boils are joyous occasions, with everyone digging into the massive feast and taking what they want.
What to eat with shrimp?
Sautéed in olive oil with garlic cloves and finished off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, these green beans offer a burst of savory flavors, making them an ideal side dish for any seafood feast. 3. Sheet Pan Brussels Sprouts Roast Brussels sprouts in a sheet pan with bell peppers for a colorful and flavorful addition to your shrimp boil spread.
What is a good accompaniment for a seafood boil?
This vibrant peach salsa is the perfect juicy accompaniment for a seafood boil. It’s got sweet peaches, spicy jalapeños, creamy avocado, and a tangy lime and cilantro dressing that will bring all the flavors together. Pro-tip: make sure the peaches and avocados aren’t too ripe to avoid a mushy salsa.
Are Grits a good side dish for a shrimp boil?
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.