What Sides Go With a Seafood Boil? 15 Easy Southern Ideas

by Sherri Smith

A seafood boil already has plenty going on with shrimp, crab, sausage, corn, and potatoes, but the right side dishes can turn it into a full Southern spread. The best sides are simple, familiar, and easy to serve alongside buttery seafood.

15 Sides to Serve With a Seafood Boil

  1. Coleslaw: Cool, crisp, and refreshing next to rich butter sauce.
  2. Mac and cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and always welcome on a Southern table.
  3. Cornbread: Perfect for soaking up extra seasoned butter.
  4. Garlic bread: A quick side for seafood boils with plenty of sauce.
  5. Hush puppies: Crisp on the outside and soft inside.
  6. Green beans: A lighter vegetable side that still feels Southern.
  7. Potato salad: Especially good for larger family gatherings.
  8. Collard greens: A classic soul food side for a hearty spread.
  9. Fried okra: Crunchy and easy to serve family-style.
  10. Cucumber salad: Cool and tangy for balance.
  11. Garden salad: Simple, fresh, and easy when the seafood boil is the main event.
  12. Baked beans: Sweet and savory with smoked sausage and seafood.
  13. French fries: Casual, familiar, and great for dipping into butter sauce.
  14. Rice: Useful for soaking up flavorful seafood juices and butter.
  15. Fresh fruit: Watermelon, pineapple, or grapes make an easy finish for summer boils.

Do You Need Extra Sides?

Not always. If your seafood boil already includes generous amounts of corn, potatoes, and sausage, one or two additional sides may be enough. For a larger party, adding several sides gives guests more variety and helps stretch the meal.

Best Side Dishes for a Southern Seafood Boil

If you want the meal to feel especially Southern, try mac and cheese, cornbread, green beans, coleslaw, or collard greens. Choose dishes that can be prepared ahead so you can focus on the seafood when it is time to serve.

Don't Forget the Butter Sauce

A flavorful butter sauce ties the entire meal together. Melt butter, stir in Chef Bae® Seafood Boil Seasoning, and serve extra on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Need a sauce idea? Read How to Make Garlic Butter Sauce for a Seafood Boil.

Shop Chef Bae® Seafood Boil Seasoning for shrimp, crab, lobster, sausage, corn, potatoes, and more.

Back to News