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Home » Recipes » Recipe Roundups

Last Updated: Oct 2, 2023 by Angela Latimer · Leave a Comment

What To Serve With Red Beans & Rice

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Pin split image with text of different recipe ideas for what to eat with red beans and rice.

Here's what to serve with red beans & rice so you can complete your delicious Cajun dinner with easy and flavorful side dishes! From tangy sour cream cornbread to classic Southern collard greens, you'll find a dish that everyone will love! Try a few recipes out to make an amazing family dinner!

Best Side Dishes For Red Beans & Rice

Red beans & rice is a classic Louisiana dish that is widely popular for its rich and hearty flavors! Although it can be enjoyed as a meal on its own, there are delicious side dishes you can prepare to make it an even more satisfying dinner!

I've gathered a list of the best side ideas that will complement the Cajun flavors of red beans & rice wonderfully! From light and refreshing sides like a salad or creamed corn to more comforting dishes like jalapeno cornbread, you can't go wrong with any side that you choose!

Square split image of different recipe ideas for what to eat with red beans and rice.
Jump to:
  • Best Side Dishes For Red Beans & Rice
  • 1. Sour Cream Cornbread
  • 2. Southern Coleslaw
  • 3. Creamed Corn
  • 4. Instant Pot Collard Greens
  • 5. Jalapeno Cornbread
  • 6. Grilled Corn On The Cob
  • 7. Bisquick Biscuits
  • 8. Zucchini Fritters
  • 9. Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Okra
  • 10. Southern Fried Corn
  • 11. Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice
  • 12. Wedge Salad
  • 13. Jalapeno Cheddar Scones
  • 14. Bacon Cheddar Turnovers
  • 15. Smoked Baby Back Ribs
  • 🥗🥔🍞 More Tasty Side Dishes
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • What To Serve With Red Beans & Rice: Sour Cream Cornbread (+More Tasty Dishes To Make!)
  • 💬 Comments & Reviews

1. Sour Cream Cornbread

Sour cream cornbread is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that pairs perfectly with many different main course meals! This recipe only requires a few common pantry items that bake to golden perfection in a 9x13 baking dish.

It's a dish full of tangy flavor from the sour cream that adds a nice contrast to the savory flavors of red beans & rice! Plus, by adding sour cream, you'll get super moist cornbread every time!

Sour Cream Cornbread
Sour cream cornbread is a delicious and super moist side dish perfect for sharing with the family on any occasion! Once you make this homemade cornbread with sour cream, you will never want to use a cornbread mix again! The crispy golden edges and soft buttery center in this cornbread will have everyone wanting seconds!
Check out this recipe
Square image of sour cream cornbread on a blue plate with a pat of butter.

2. Southern Coleslaw

This Southen coleslaw recipe combines crunchy vegetables with a creamy dressing made out of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. It's a refreshing side to pair with red beans & rice or to top your favorite sandwiches or tacos.

Plus, it's extra quick to make! You can even make it a few days ahead and store it in your refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Southern Coleslaw
Southern coleslaw is a classic quick and easy side dish with crunchy veggies that are tossed with a flavorful, creamy dressing! It's the perfect addition to sandwiches, tacos, fried fish, and so much more. This Southern coleslaw isn’t just for the summertime—it’s great for anytime you want a quick, delicious side!
Check out this recipe
Square image of Southern coleslaw in a white bowl.

3. Creamed Corn

An easy and delicious homemade creamed corn recipe using fresh or frozen corn! No more heating up canned creamed corn once you see how much everyone enjoys it.

I mix the corn with heavy cream, sugar, butter, salt, pepper, milk, flour, and Parmesan cheese to make an incredibly creamy vegetable side dish. It only takes 15 minutes from start to finish, yet will taste like it took you so much longer!

Homemade Creamed Corn
This creamed corn is a creamy, quick, and simple vegetable side dish that tastes like it took all day to prepare. It is ready to enjoy in only 15 minutes and is a completely beginner-friendly recipe. Plus, it is so irresistibly delicious that your family will be requesting it for every occasion.
Check out this recipe
Wide image of creamed corn.

4. Instant Pot Collard Greens

Collard greens are a classic Southern side dish that tastes amazing with red beans & rice! With the help of your pressure cooker, you can have it on the table in 45 minutes.

Chunks of bacon, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic are first sauteed in the Instant Pot. Then apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, collard greens, and seasonings are added before the pressure cooker takes over the rest of the work!

Instant Pot Collard Greens
These Instant Pot collard greens are tender, flavorful, and so easy to make as your Instant Pot will have them ready to eat in a flash! Collard greens are a classic in the South and can be served at any meal from Sunday family dinner to backyard cookouts. They're a fantastic way to add some greenery to your plate and will be a hit on any occasion!
Check out this recipe

5. Jalapeno Cornbread

Upgrade a box of Jiffy cornbread mix by adding in diced jalapenos, red bell pepper, buttermilk, sour cream, butter, and cheddar cheese! It's the perfect Mexican-inspired side dish to pair with any of your favorite main course dishes.

I've even added some other tasty variations in case you are looking for different flavors. Everyone who has tasted it has always gone back for seconds!

Jiffy Jalapeno Cornbread
This easy Jiffy jalapeno cornbread is a tasty Mexican-inspired cornbread combining the convenience of Jiffy corn muffin mix with jalapenos and more! Mix everything up in one bowl and transfer it into a baking dish or cast-iron skillet for perfect cornbread in no time at all!
Check out this recipe
Closeup on the cut Jiffy jalapeno cornbread.

6. Grilled Corn On The Cob

Whether you are planning on grilling or need an easy side to pair with your red beans & rice, this recipe is a must-try! The grill adds a depth of smokiness to the sweetness of fresh corn on the cob.

It only takes 15-20 minutes for the corn to cook on the grill, then you mix melted butter with seasonings and brush it on right before you serve!

Grilled Corn On The Cob
This grilled corn on the cob is a sweet and smokey, easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any cookout. It is smothered in delicious melted garlic butter immediately before serving so that it is extra flavorful. It pairs great with any BBQ foods, so it will become one of your new favorite recipes!
Check out this recipe
Square image of grilled corn on the cob.

>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<

7. Bisquick Biscuits

Freshly baked biscuits are always a great option when you're in the mood for red beans & rice. I especially love dunking them in my bowl to soak up all of the tasty flavors of the chicken broth.

This simple recipe only requires 2 ingredients - Bisquick baking mix and milk! You could also add in cheddar cheese and chives for extra deliciousness.

Bisquick Biscuits
Perfectly fluffy Bisquick biscuits are super easy to make with the well-loved original recipe from the box. Whip-up drop biscuits or rolled and cut biscuits in no time with the basic 2-ingredient recipe. Just a few minutes is all it takes to understand why Bisquick baking mix is a baker's best friend!
1x recipe yields 8 drop biscuits or cut-out rolled biscuits. This is an exceptionally easy recipe to 2x or 3x as needed. See all of my recipes using Bisquick too.
Check out this recipe
Square image of Bisquick biscuits.

8. Zucchini Fritters

Even though these zucchini fritters make an excellent appetizer or snack, they also are a great vegetable side dish for any meal! It's a fun way to transform your favorite summer squash into a dish that will be loved by adults and kids alike.

Start by grating the zucchini, then combine it with flour, seasoning, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and an egg. The steps in this recipe are straightforward and easy to follow, plus you can customize your fritters with any of your favorite spices!

Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini fritters are an incredibly easy appetizer or snack that's loaded with savory flavors and perfect for any occasion! These crispy cakes are a wonderful way to use up any extra zucchini you have in your kitchen or from your garden! Plus, they're a super delicious way to sneak in veggies for the kids!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of zucchini fritters.

9. Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Okra

Whenever I think of what to make with a Southern meal, breaded okra is always at the top of the list! And it just got way easier to make with this air fryer recipe!

There's no need to make a dredging station or make a huge mess with a deep fryer. Frozen breaded okra will crisp up wonderfully in the air fryer and you can serve it with your favorite dipping sauce like my Cajun dipping sauce!

Air Fryer Frozen Okra
This air fryer frozen okra is a super quick and effortless way of making a tasty vegetable side dish, appetizer, or snack! No need to prepare batter, set up a dredging station, or make a mess with a deep fryer. Just grab your favorite dipping sauce and you're ready to enjoy!
Check out this recipe
Square image of breaded air fryer okra on a plate.

10. Southern Fried Corn

This Southern-fried corn recipe features sweet corn cooked with garlic butter, sauteed onions, chopped bacon, and fresh chives! It's incredibly quick to make, yet full of tasty flavors!

Once you try it for yourself, you'll never want to make plain corn again! Plus, all of the ingredients pair well with pretty much any meal making it extra easy for you to choose a main dish.

Southern Fried Corn
Southern fried corn is a delicious side dish you can whip up with only a few simple ingredients and it is chock-full of flavor! This is one of those quick recipes you are going to want to have in your arsenal for easy weeknight dinners!
Check out this recipe
Square image of Southern fried corn in a cast iron skillet.

11. Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice

Since rice is a key ingredient in the Southern classic red beans & rice dish, let your pressure cooker do all of the work for you! This way you focus on sauteeing the veggies and Andouille sausage, then you'll add the rice before you simmer everything with chicken broth!

All you'll need to do is wash the rice before adding water and salt to the pressure cooker. Plus, it's a recipe that will go with any meal so make sure to add it to your go-to list of easy side dishes!

Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice
This Instant Pot long grain white rice is a practically effortless way to get perfectly tender and delicious white rice every time! All you have to do is rinse your rice in water before placing it in the pressure cooker with salt! You can say goodbye to the fuss of cooking rice on the stove, plus this versatile side dish goes with just about anything
Check out this recipe
Wide image of long grain white rice cooked in a instant pot.

12. Wedge Salad

A fresh wedge salad is an easy and flavorful side that's loaded with delicious toppings! Even if you aren't a fan of blue cheese dressing, you can substitute it for ranch or Caesar and a different crumbled cheese.

Feel free to customize it and add in other tasty salad toppings like croutons, green onions, radishes, or pepitas. It's one of my favorite salads to get creative with and my family raves about it every time!

Wedge Salad
A wedge salad is a delicious appetizer or side dish with crisp iceberg lettuce, blue cheese, bacon, and tomatoes! No basic side salad can compare to a huge wedge of fresh lettuce with delicious toppings! Plus, it's super easy to customize with your favorite dressing, cheeses, and veggies!
Check out this recipe
Closeup of the wedge salad on light grey plate and served with dressing, tomatoes, and bacon.

13. Jalapeno Cheddar Scones

These tasty scones are loaded with freshly grated cheddar cheese and pickled jalapeno slices! It's the perfect savory bread recipe to pair with your favorite comfort dishes.

Every time red beans & rice is on the menu, I always plan to make them as a side because they are just that delicious. These scones also freeze very well so you can thaw them out and enjoy them as a snack on a later day!

Jalapeno Cheddar Scones
These jalapeno cheddar scones might be cut smaller than my usual sweet scone, but they are mighty in taste and loaded with cheddar and jalapeno flavor. They also happen to be a very popular family favorite that I love to serve with dinners.
Check out this recipe
Jalapeno Cheddar Scones piled up on a baking tray with a blue and white background.

14. Bacon Cheddar Turnovers

If you've never made turnovers before, this incredibly easy and flavorful recipe is the perfect way to start. Rich, buttery puff pastry is combined with crispy smoked bacon and gooey melted cheddar cheese!

The hardest part about this dish is waiting for them to cool down enough to eat! Enjoy them as a tasty snack on their own or serve them as a starter or side to your red beans & rice dinner.

Cheese and Bacon Turnovers
These cheese and bacon turnovers are a delicious treat that combines all of the best of our favorite comfort food flavors! They feature rich, buttery puff pastry wrapped around crispy bacon and melted cheeses! Nothing more is needed as every great flavor we love is wrapped in tender, flaky puff pastry and ready to be enjoyed!
Check out this recipe
Golden cheese and bacon turnovers on serving tray.

15. Smoked Baby Back Ribs

If you are a big fan of tasty BBQ dishes, then you have to try out my smoked baby back ribs! The meat is incredibly moist when spritzed with apple cider vinegar and the BBQ sauce carmelizes to perfection in the smoker.

All it takes is a few simple ingredients to make melt-in-your-mouth tender ribs! The smokiness of this dish will complement the Cajun flavors of red beans & rice beautifully.

Smoked Baby Back Ribs
Smoked baby back ribs are the perfect recipe for the 4th of July or any summer gatherings where you're trying to feed a crowd! A few spritzes of apple cider vinegar keeps the meat moist and fall-off-the-bone tender while the BBQ sauce caramelizes to sweet, smoky perfection in your smoker. Once you try these incredible smoked baby back ribs, it may be the only way you make them from here on out!
Check out this recipe
Smoked baby back ribs with a few ribs cut off the rack after resting.

Now that you have some easy side ideas to pair with red beans & rice, which one are you most excited to try first? Let me know if you end up making any of them by leaving me a comment down below!

🥗🥔🍞 More Tasty Side Dishes

  • Caesar Salad - This classic salad is incredibly quick and easy to make even with a homemade dressing!
  • Pilau Rice - A simple, quick, and flavorful side dish to pair with any of your favorite main dish proteins!
  • Broccolini Slaw - This broccolini slaw is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or added to sandwiches or wraps!
  • Sauteed Cauliflower - Cauliflower florets caramelize just enough to bring out their natural nutty flavor when sauteed on the stovetop!
  • Air Fryer Green Bean Fries - An easy and tasty snack or appetizer that be prepared quickly in your air fryer!
  • Peppers & Onions - These pepper and onions make an excellent addition to practically any main course!

Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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5 from 3 reviews

What To Serve With Red Beans & Rice: Sour Cream Cornbread (+More Tasty Dishes To Make!)

Here's what to serve with red beans & rice so you can complete your delicious Cajun dinner with easy and flavorful side dishes! From tangy sour cream cornbread to classic Southern collard greens, you'll find a dish that everyone will love! Try a few recipes out to make an amazing family dinner!
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 372kcal
Prep 15 minutes minutes
Cooking 30 minutes minutes
Total Time 45 minutes minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 2 cups cornmeal
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1⅓ cups sugar (*see note)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 1 cup butter (melted and cooled)
  • 4 large eggs

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

  • To get started, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9x13 baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, add your cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Stir gently to incorporate your dry ingredients.
  • Add in the sour cream, melted and cooled butter, and large eggs. Stir until well-combined.
  • Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick that has been inserted into the middle of the cornbread comes out clean.
  • Once baked, remove the cornbread from the oven and serve while warm.

Notes

  • If you prefer your cornbread to be on the less-sweet side, you can always reduce the amount of sugar and adjust it to suit your preferred taste.
  • For some tasty cornbread muffins, pour the batter into a muffin pan and bake for about 25 minutes!
  • Do not over-bake your cornbread, that will result in dry cornbread!
  • If you don't have sour cream, you can substitute it for some plain yogurt or any of our sour cream substitutes!
  • To store: Cover and store any leftover cornbread at room temperature for 2-3 days. *No need to refrigerate, even with the addition of sour cream.
  • To freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place into a freezer-safe storage bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months and allow to thaw on the counter for a few hours before servings.

Nutrition

Calories: 372kcal (19%) | Carbohydrates: 44g (15%) | Protein: 6g (12%) | Fat: 20g (31%) | Saturated Fat: 11g (69%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 88mg (29%) | Sodium: 331mg (14%) | Potassium: 136mg (4%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 18g (20%) | Vitamin A: 593IU (12%) | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 42mg (4%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
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Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

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