When it comes to elevating the classic shrimp and grits dish, having a variety of side options is key. The origins of this beloved Southern recipe can be traced back to the coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina, where it’s often served as a breakfast staple – hence the name ‘breakfast grits.’ Chef Bill Neal, a renowned culinary figure, is credited with popularizing the dish by combining shrimp, bacon, and creamy grits.
What makes this dish so versatile is that you can customize it to your taste by experimenting with different ingredients and flavor profiles. This is reflected in the numerous regional variations of shrimp and grits, each with its own unique twist. Whether you’re serving this comforting dish for breakfast or dinner, having a range of side options can take it to the next level. In fact, we’ve curated a list of 27 shrimp and grits sides that you can try from the comfort of your own home.
From classic Southern staples like roasted asparagus and collard greens, to savory treats like sweet potato fries and buttermilk biscuits, there’s something for everyone. Let’s start with some fresh greens and veggies – the perfect way to kick off our list.
BEST Shrimp And Grits Sides
Southern Fried Okra
If you’re craving a satisfying crunch alongside your meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. To achieve a crispy fried side dish, start by preparing bite-sized pieces of fresh okra. Simply place the okra into a ziplock bag along with a breading mixture of your choice (typically a blend of cornmeal, flour, and pepper), having first moistened it with an egg wash. Additionally, take care to dry the okra thoroughly before cooking and frying the breaded pieces in hot oil.
This two-step process will not only help to prevent any unwanted slime from forming but also result in a delightfully crunchy texture that’s sure to please.
Roasted Asparagus Salad With Tomato & Basil
Enjoy this versatile side dish on its own or paired with cheese, whichever suits your taste buds best! The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to complement a variety of main courses, including shrimp and grits. To make mealtime even more convenient, prepare your homemade vinaigrette the night before to save some precious time later. This side dish is equally at home alongside other popular dishes, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
Green Bean Salad
To prepare this salad ahead of time, simply follow these straightforward steps. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a delicious and visually appealing side dish that’s perfect for dinner gatherings or holiday meals. Start by trimming the ingredients, then cook them according to your preference. Next, pat dry the beans to ensure the dressing adheres properly. Finally, sprinkle everything together and serve when ready.
The result is a flavorful and colorful accompaniment that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Roasted Broccoli
Want to mix things up from the usual steamed broccoli? You can easily elevate the flavor and texture by trying out this simple roasted broccoli recipe. With just a few basic ingredients, you can have it ready in no more than 15-20 minutes of roasting time. The key is to ensure your broccoli is cooked through and then toss it with some olive oil or cheese to add a burst of flavor to the crispy florets.
Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
Looking to pair a simple yet satisfying side dish with your meal? This option is sure to please. By whipping up this delightful, tender, and crispy delight in the comfort of your own home, you can easily create a harmonious combination that complements any entree of your choice. Simply toss it in the oven and let the magic happen!
Southern Collard Greens
One of our top picks for side dishes with a Southern flair and a burst of fresh flavor comes from combining the humble collard green with some savory spices. This recipe requires minimal effort but yields maximum results – simply toss the greens with some crispy bacon, a dash of seasoning, and bake until tender. The result is a dish that adds a touch of elegance to any meal without heating up your kitchen.
Southern Vinegar Coleslaw
To create a truly mouthwatering salad, you’ll only need a handful of key ingredients. Specifically, carrots, cabbage, sugar, and vinegar will work in harmony to deliver that unmistakable fresh and lively flavor. The best part? This salad requires minimal preparation, so you can serve it up without breaking a sweat. And the cherry on top? You’re free to customize with your favorite flavors, making this Southern staple truly one-of-a-kind.
Southern-Style Buttermilk Biscuits
Indulge in the velvety smoothness of these Southern-Style Buttermilk Biscuits, where every bite delivers a rich buttery flavor that’s simply irresistible. While their flaky texture may initially suggest a more dense consistency, a delightful surprise awaits as they melt tenderly in your mouth. Despite the perceived complexity of crafting the dough and baking process, the end result is undeniably worth the investment of time and effort.
Creamed Corn
Indulge in the rich flavors of this decadent holiday side dish, perfectly paired with your main course. The harmonious blend of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, kernels, and a pinch of spices will leave you craving more. What’s more impressive is that you can prepare and cook this delightful treat within 30 minutes – making it an ideal addition to any holiday gathering.
Creamed Peas
Preparing peas as a side dish is an effortless way to elevate your meal without sacrificing flavor or complexity. To make it even simpler, just combine butter, flour, milk, and spices in a saucepan, and don’t forget the star of the show – the peas themselves. With this straightforward approach, you’ll be enjoying a deliciously easy-to-prepare dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Homemade Creamed Spinach
If you’re seeking a delicious green bean and peas alternative for your weeknight meals, I’ve got just the thing. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to prepare large or small batches depending on your needs. To get started, simply gather a few essential ingredients: butter, flour, shallot, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, sea salt, white pepper, and of course, spinach.
Once you’ve got all the basics covered, it’s time to create the roux, add the cheeses and water chestnuts, and then simply heat everything up, mix well, and serve with confidence.
Succotash
If you’re yearning for a summer side dish that combines the flavors of crispy bacon, sweet corn, tender beans, and fresh herbs, you’ve come to the right place. This vibrant and savory recipe can be whipped up in under an hour without ever setting foot in the oven! It’s also a great option as a lighter main course, if you’re so inclined. And the best part? You can easily convert this dish to vegan by swapping out the bacon for a tasty veggie of your choice.
Cornbread & Sausage Stuffing
While traditional side dishes often accompany bread, this unexpected pairing of Italian turkey sausage injects a Southern charm. To fully appreciate its unique flavors, we recommend refrigerating the dish for at least 24 hours before serving. A savvy cooking tip: consider substituting the regular sausage with spicy variety to add an extra layer of excitement to the experience.
Eggplant Rollatini
While Mediterranean cuisine often takes center stage in many Italian dishes, Eggplant Rollatini, also known as Involtini di Melanzane, offers a unique twist on traditional flavors. This beloved recipe relies on the harmonious union of four fundamental ingredients: tender eggplant slices, creamy mozzarella, juicy tomato, and fragrant basil.
By cooking these components in the oven, you can create an unparalleled culinary experience that elevates your main course with its added depth of flavor, distinct from its more filling-centric cousin, Eggplant Parmigiana.
Basil Pesto “Zoodles”
While this pasta dish might be mistaken for a main course, some people consider it a side dish due to its lighter ingredients. In reality, it has the potential to elevate a hearty meal with its combination of zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and basil. When served fresh, this pasta dish bursts with flavor, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
Southern Squash Puppies
While at first glance these bite-sized treats may resemble hush puppies, they’re actually a clever disguise for a delicious veggie side dish made with grated squash and a blend of aromatic spices. When served crispy and hot, this tasty treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser among kids, who will likely enjoy it with a dollop of ketchup.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its ability to cater to even the pickiest of eaters – they’ll devour these squash-based bites without ever realizing what’s really going into them!
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a beloved side dish, but what makes them truly exceptional is the simple yet satisfying homemade baked sweet potatoes. Fresh from the oven, they’re at their peak flavor and texture, making them a perfect treat to savor immediately after baking. To experience this delight, all you’ll need are a few basic ingredients: sweet potatoes themselves, a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and a pinch of sea salt.
Feel free to take it up a notch by adding some aromatic herbs or a spicy kick from chipotle sauce when you serve them.
Spinach & Feta Galettes
The moment I tried these bite-sized treats for the first time, I was hooked! The perfect harmony of buttery and flaky textures, combined with a tangy flavor that’s neither too strong nor too weak, made them an absolute delight. Paired with delicate shrimp, they create a match made in heaven. The key to their irresistible charm lies in the clever combination of ingredients: puff pastry, frozen spinach, juicy tomatoes, crumbly feta cheese, and eggs all come together to form a culinary masterpiece.
Mushroom Tart With Shallots & Rosemary
Indulge in the harmonious union of earthy wild mushrooms, richly infused with aromatic rosemary and sweet shallots, atop a crispy tart crust. Pair this delightful combination with a glass of Pinot Noir and a hearty bowl of shrimp and grits for a culinary experience that will leave you craving more! To recreate this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients: an assortment of wild mushrooms (oyster, crimini, or porcini), unsalted butter, shallots, garlic, and nutty gruyere cheese.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts have earned their spot as a crowd-pleasing side dish and appetizer due in large part to their versatility. They pair seamlessly with an array of dishes, including the classic shrimp and grits combination. With just a few simple ingredients like Brussels sprouts, olive oil, black pepper, kosher salt, and garlic powder, you can easily recreate this delightful treat for yourself.
Andouille Sausage Gravy
While it may not be a traditional combination, pairing Andouille sausage gravy with shrimp and grits is a surprisingly effective match. For the more daring eaters, this recipe offers an unconventional yet bold take on classic comfort food. With its spicy kick, this entry promises to elevate your meal to new heights!
The key ingredients include: rich butter, savory Andouille sausage, a pinch of garlic powder, another dash of garlic powder for added depth, and a hint of cayenne pepper to ignite the senses.
Speedy Crab Cakes
When it comes to pairing a dish as iconic as shrimp and grits, you want something that complements its rich flavors without overpowering them. For a quick, easy, and mouthwatering addition to your meal, consider whipping up some delectable crab cakes! These pan-fried wonders will add a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor to your plate. To take it to the next level, toss together a refreshing citrus arugula salad that will cut through the richness with its bright, zesty notes.
The key ingredients to get you started are eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, scallions, crab meat, and olive oil – simple, yet effective in creating a harmonious combination.
Classic Creamy Fresh Oyster Stew
While serving shrimp and grits, this creamy addition brings a delightful contrast in texture and maintains a seafood-inspired essence. One of its standout features is its quick preparation time – you can expect to spend just around 5 minutes on average from start to finish. The combination of ingredients includes green onions, oysters, milk, salt, pepper, and butter, working together to create a harmonious and satisfying dish.
Air Fried Potatoes
As a nostalgic foodie, I have a special affinity for mojo potatoes – a snack that has been delighting my taste buds since childhood. There’s something about their irresistible crunch, crispy texture, and savory flavor that makes them utterly addictive. The best part? With the advent of air fryers, whipping up these tasty treats has become even more convenient than before.
To make your own mojo potatoes, simply combine diced potatoes with a blend of ingredients including flour, eggs, garlic powder, and your preferred seasonings.
Brunswick Stew
Brunswick stew is a culinary enigma, with its unique blend of flavors eliciting both comfort and curiosity. While some may describe it as an acquired taste, the harmonious balance of ingredients ensures that every bite is a delightful surprise.
One key element contributing to this synergy is the humble tomato, which expertly complements the succulent shrimp in a way that’s hard to resist.
But what truly sets Brunswick stew apart is its versatility – it’s an ideal dish for repurposing leftover meats and vegetables, making it a practical as well as delicious solution for meal prep.
In terms of ingredients, you can expect to find a medley of savory delights, including red bell pepper, onions, tomato sauce, beans, and a variety of meats.
Fried Green Tomatoes
The recipe I’m about to share has nothing to do with the popular TV show that bears its name. In fact, it’s a coincidence that the dish gained widespread popularity around the same time the show first aired in the early 1990s. These crispy and tangy morsels are sure to be a refreshing addition to your shrimp-based dishes. To make them, you’ll need just a few key ingredients: green tomatoes, flour, buttermilk, pickle juice, and eggs.
Garlic Bread
For those seeking a classic accompaniment to their shrimp and grits, this beloved side dish is an excellent choice. Its light, comforting, and flavorful nature makes it a perfect pairing for the rich, savory flavors of the main course. If you’re short on time, you can easily find store-bought options that will satisfy your cravings. Alternatively, feel free to follow the simple recipe provided here and prepare a fresh batch in the comfort of your own kitchen.
The ingredients are straightforward: butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, parsley, and olive oil – all readily available in most pantry staples.
The bottom line
When it comes to serving up a delicious meal with shrimp and grits, the pressure is on to come up with exciting side dish options that complement this southern classic. But fear not, because we’ve got a treasure trove of ideas to elevate your ordinary meals into extraordinary ones. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or rich and indulgent, there’s a perfect shrimp and grits side dish waiting to be discovered.
So why settle for the same old routine when you can try new flavors and combinations that will take your dining experience to the next level? We’ve got some fantastic suggestions to get you started, from classic comfort food to innovative twists and surprises.
