What To Serve With Seafood Boil

I love a good Cajun seafood boil with a variety of fresh seafood and plenty of butter. Crab, mussels, crawfish, shrimp, clams, I'll throw it in the pot!

While the seafood is undoubtedly the star of the show, no meal is complete without a few tasty side dishes. Below are some of the best recipes to serve at a seafood boil, no matter what's in the pot.

What Is A Seafood Boil

A seafood boil (also called a low country boil or a Cajun boil) involves boiling a variety of seafood with vegetables and spices all together in a large pot.

Typically, a seafood boil is served as a communal meal for a large group of people. It's a prominent Southern tradition, particularly in coastal towns, and is a favorite choice for celebrations of any kind!

It usually includes shellfish such as shrimp, crab, crawfish (also known as crayfish or crawdads), and sometimes mussels or clams. Other ingredients can include corn on the cob, potatoes, sausages (like andouille or smoked sausage), and onions.

The exact combination of ingredients can vary based on region and personal preference.

1. Oven Garlic Bread

Nothing beats soaking up all that perfectly seasoned seafood broth with toasted bread. When you make it at home, you have complete control over how crispy you make your garlic bread.

2. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is pretty much a staple side dish anywhere seafood is served. The cool, creamy, and crispy texture makes it a great option for hot summer days.

3. Steamed Corn on the Cob

Some people like to boil the corn right along with the seafood, but there's no shame in steaming it on the side, either. When you steam your corn separately, you can personalize it with your favorite homemade seasoning blends.

4. Drawn Butter

If you ask me, a big batch of drawn butter is a must at any seafood boil. Crab legs, crawdads, clams, shrimp, it all tastes even more delicious with a little extra lemon garlic butter.

5. Red Beans and Rice

Red beans and rice is a Creole classic with zesty andouille sausage, so it pairs perfectly with seafood. It's a hearty side dish that is savory, satisfying, and filling, so it's a great choice if you are only looking to serve a couple of sides.

6. Roasted Green Beans

Roasted green beans are a great way to add some green vegetables to your seafood boil. Add a squeeze of lemon on top of the green beans to complement all of that amazing seafood.

7. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes are a Southern favorite, and they are super easy to prepare. You can make them buttery and savory, or add honey and warm spices to sweeten them up.

8. Hush Puppies

These crispy fried cornmeal balls are typically served with seafood, so they seem like an obvious choice for a seafood boil! They're just as delicious dunked in tartar or cocktail sauce, too.

9. Roasted Okra

Okra is a common side dish in Cajun and Creole cooking and would be right at home next to a mound of boiled seafood! If you're in a hurry, you can always pop a bag of frozen breaded okra in the air fryer and cook until crispy, too.

10. Sour Cream Cornbread

Cornbread is classic comfort food, and this cream corn cornbread is some of the moistest and most delicious cornbread you'll ever try. The creamed corn gives it a subtle sweetness that's hard to resist.

11. Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

If you're looking for a side dish that will have all the guests talking, this smoked gouda mac and cheese will get the job done. It's rich and creamy with a subtle smokey flavor that will have everyone scrambling for seconds.

12. Deviled Eggs

When it comes to parties, deviled eggs are always a crowd-favorite appetizer. A seafood boil is a party more often than not, so bring on the homemade deviled eggs.

13. Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

While potatoes can be boiled in the pot with the seafood, it's just as easy to toss a few baby potatoes in your air fryer. The inside of these bite-sized potatoes stays nice and fluffy while the outside crisps up beautifully.

14. Caesar Salad

If you've ever had a shrimp Caesar salad, then you know just how delicious Caesar dressing tastes with seafood! It's an easy and light appetizer that will leave you plenty of room for all the delicious food to come.

15. Baked Beans

When I think of cookouts, I think of a big pan of baked beans to go around. My baked beans feature ground beef and bacon, so they are super flavorful and oh-so-satisfying.

16. Cilantro Lime Rice

Sometimes you just want to keep things simple, and when that's the case, a big pot of cilantro lime rice always does the trick. The citrus flavor complements the seafood nicely, and everyone enjoys rice.

17. Clam Chowder

As if an epic seafood boil wasn't enough, you can really impress your guests by starting out with some homemade clam chowder from scratch. The recipe is easier than you'd think, just don't forget the crackers.

18. Butter Swim Biscuits

These fluffy buttermilk swim biscuits can be served with butter or jam, or you can dunk them right in all of that delicious seafood broth. Just set them out on the table and watch them disappear.

19. Fresh Fruit Salad

This fruit salad is made with a rainbow of fresh fruits tossed in a sweet citrus dressing. It's a nice way to contrast the rich and savory (maybe even spicy) flavors of a seafood boil.

20. Creamed Corn

If you prefer corn 'off the cob,' you'll be head over heels for this classic creamed corn! It's ready to eat in just 15 minutes, and even though it's made from a vegetable, it always seems like a special treat.

21. Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese

Spicy jalapenos, salty bacon, and smooth and creamy cream cheese come together to make the perfect balance of flavors. No matter the occasion, bacon-wrapped jalapenos with cream cheese filling are always a hit.

22. BLT Salad

This crisp and flavorful BLT salad features romaine, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, and garlic croutons tossed in my homemade ranch dressing . It’s a fresh and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with seafood boil favorites.

23. Crispy Parmesan Smashed Brussel Sprouts

These smashed Brussels sprouts are coated with Parmesan, Panko breadcrumbs, and steak seasoning for a crispy, flavorful bite. They're a fun and crunchy twist on classic roasted veggies that even kids will love with ranch.

24. Loaded Mexican Street Corn Fries

These loaded corn french fries are inspired by Mexican elotes, with crema, cotija cheese, and grilled corn piled over crispy fries. They’re bold, fun to share, and full of flavor that pairs great with seafood.

25. Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

These tender collard greens are slow-cooked with smoked ham hocks for deep Southern flavor. It’s a soul food favorite that fits right in at summer cookouts or Sunday dinners.

26. Southern Corn Fritters

These quick and easy corn fritters are golden, crisp, and ready in just 10 minutes. They make a tasty side dish or appetizer that’s perfect with seafood.

27. Roasted Yellow Squash

Tender roasted yellow squash is simply seasoned and oven-baked. It’s a fresh and easy veggie side dish to lighten up your plate.

28. Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes

These creamy scalloped potatoes are slow-cooked from scratch with tender layers of potatoes and cheesy sauce. Skip the boxed mix and make this classic side the easy, homemade way.

29. Loaded Baked Potato Salad

This easy potato salad is loaded with all your favorite baked potato toppings like bacon, cheese, and sour cream. It’s a crowd-pleasing side that works just as well at summer cookouts as it does year-round.

💭 Tips For Choosing What To Serve At A Seafood Boil

If you're trying to find the perfect side dishes for your next seafood boil, here are a few of my favorite tips.

1. Complimentary flavors. Seafood pairs great with citrus and herb flavors. A side of lemon wedges for squeezing or a fresh herb salad are both great choices.
2. Starchy sides. A starchy side dish can help soak up the delicious spiced broth from the seafood boil. You can never go wrong with bread, cornbread, or biscuits.
3. Keep it simple. If your seafood boil is Cajun or Creole-inspired, consider serving Southern sides such as collard greens, okra, or red beans and rice.
4. Cool and creamy. If you like your seafood with a kick, cool and creamy side dishes are a great way to balance out the heat. Try something light and refreshing, like a cucumber vinegar salad or a creamy chip dip.
5. Dipping sauces. Don't forget about dipping sauces! Tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or a simple lemon butter can take your seafood boil to the next level.

I hope with these recipes and tips you can throw an amazing seafood boil you won't soon forget. Comment below what kind of seafood you like to add to your seafood boils.

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