What to Serve With Red Beans and Rice: 25+ Best Side Dishes

Think red beans and rice is a standalone dish? Let’s change that perspective. Here’s what to serve with red beans and rice!

From crispy fried okra to zesty cornbread muffins, these accompaniments aren’t just afterthoughts; they’re integral elements that enhance each meal, adding depth and dimension to your plate.

Get ready to delve into a world of flavors that will complement your red beans and rice in the most delightful ways.

Every bite will be a journey of taste that you’ll want to embark on again and again.

What to Serve With Red Beans and Rice

When it comes to red beans and rice, knowing what to serve alongside this iconic dish is the key to transforming an ordinary meal into a perfect recipe for any day of the week.

The bold flavors of this Cajun-inspired rice recipe are perfectly complemented by an array of enticing side dishes for red beans.

Picture a comforting Sunday dinner featuring the savory notes of collard greens with bacon or the succulent goodness of Cajun chicken.

The possibilities for enhancing this classic dish are as diverse as they are delicious.

Providing an opportunity to elevate your dining experience with an inspired combination of flavors and textures.

Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the art of pairing the perfect accompaniments with red beans and rice.

Turning each meal into a delightful celebration of taste and tradition.

The red beans and rice recipe is made for you to enjoy with your friends and family!

Southern Fried Crispy Fried Okra

Along with your red beans and rice, you’d absolutely love the crunch and flavor of crispy fried okra.

This classic southern side dish adds a hearty and satisfying crunch to your meal.

The okra, lightly battered and then southern fried to a golden brown, is crispy and delicious.

It’s a classic dish that pairs beautifully with the main course, providing a delightful contrast of textures.

This comfort food classic can transform your red beans and rice into a feast for the senses.

You’ll love the way the okra’s unique flavor complements the rich, savory taste of your red beans and rice.

Zesty Cornbread Muffins Side Dish

Next up on your list of ideal sides for red beans and rice should be zesty cornbread muffins.

This quick and easy side dish is perfect for a family dinner or a Sunday supper.

With a jiffy corn muffin mix, you can whip up a batch of these easy and tasty muffins in no time.

The savory flavors of the cornbread pair perfectly with southern red beans and rice. Making it one of the best side dishes to serve.

The zesty kick of the muffins adds an extra layer of flavor that your family will love.

Classic Southern Style Collard Greens

You can’t forget about Southern Style Collard Greens, a quintessential side dish that’ll round out your red beans and rice perfectly.

This classic southern side dish is a staple in many homes. Offering a tasty side that’s as comforting as it’s delicious.

The collard greens are typically slow cooked with bacon, infusing them with a rich, smoky flavor that complements the main dish beautifully.

The Cajun seasoning gives the southern collard greens a bit of a kick, adding a layer of complexity to the dish.

As one of the best side dishes to serve with red beans and rice, these collard greens provide a balance of flavors that’ll leave your taste buds wanting more.

So next time you’re planning a meal, consider this side dish that pairs so well.

Tangy Coleslaw

Often, a bowl of tangy coleslaw is just what’s needed to add a refreshing crunch to your red beans and rice meal.

This coleslaw isn’t just a side salad, it’s a side that’s bursting with flavor, perfectly pairing with red beans.

The tangy zest of the coleslaw cuts through the rich flavors of the red beans. Creating a balance that enhances each bite.

Plus, it’s one of those delicious side dishes that goes with red beans like a charm.

The crunchy texture of the coleslaw offers a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy red beans.

So next time you serve red beans and rice, don’t forget the coleslaw.

Its tangy goodness blends so well with red beans, it might just become your new favorite combo.

Sweet Potato Fries

If you’re looking to jazz up your red beans and rice, sweet potato fries can’t be beaten.

This perfect side brings a touch of sweetness that wonderfully complements the hearty, savory flavors of your red beans and rice recipe.

Sweet potato fries are a family favorite and a side to many great meals.

A great recipe for sweet potato fries includes:

  • Dusting them with cajun seasoning for a kick of spice
  • Baking to achieve a crispy exterior and soft interior
  • Serving with a creamy dip for an extra flavor punch

This recipe features the rich, earthy taste of sweet potatoes and the bold, spicy notes of cajun seasoning.

It’s a meal to serve that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Choose sweet potato fries as one of your sides for red beans and make your meal truly unforgettable.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp

For a seafood twist to your red beans and rice meal, spicy Cajun shrimp is a must-try side dish.

This side dish bursts with bold Cajun flavors, perfectly complementing the rich, hearty taste of red beans and rice.

The spicy Cajun shrimp, imbued with a blend of Cajun spices, lends a zesty kick that will undoubtedly make your meal more exciting.

If you’re wondering what to serve with red beans and rice, this is a fantastic option.

The spicy Cajun shrimp goes great with this classic dish, creating a delicious meal that’s satisfying and full of flavor.

Garlic and Herb Roasted Potatoes

After enjoying the fiery flavors of spicy Cajun shrimp, you’ll find a comforting respite in the next side dish – garlic and herb roasted potatoes.

This dish goes perfectly with the savory red beans and rice recipe. Adding an earthy and rustic note to your meal.

The recipe combines simple ingredients to create a side of red beans and rice that’s a classic addition to any meal.

  • These potatoes offer a contrast to the classic red beans, balancing the heat with their soothing flavor.
  • Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes, while garlic and herbs add a tantalizing aroma.
  • They not only complement the rice dish but also add a different texture to your meal, making every bite interesting and enjoyable.

Smoke Grilled Sausages

You’re going to love the next side dish, a handful of smoky grilled sausages.

Which add a punch of robust flavor to your red beans and rice meal.

Imagine biting into that juicy meat, as the flavors of red beans and smoke mingle in your mouth.

This isn’t any ordinary sausage; we’re talking about andouille sausage, a smoked sausage used in many Cajun dishes.

Its smoky, spicy flavor is the perfect complement to the creamy red beans and fluffy rice.

Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a hectic mid-week dinner, this side dish will turn your bowl of red beans and rice into a feast.

Fresh Garden Salad

A generous helping of fresh garden salad is just what you need to balance out your hearty red beans and rice dish.

The crunch and freshness of the salad contrast beautifully with the rich, hearty flavors of your easy red beans and rice recipe.

It complements the white rice wonderfully, with the colorful red bell pepper and red kidney beans adding a vibrant touch to your plate.

The simplicity of the garden salad recipe uses fresh, raw vegetables to make it an even healthier option.

The salad pairs well with a variety of dressings, allowing you to customize it to your liking.

  • You can add some protein like grilled chicken or tofu.
  • Include a variety of greens like spinach, arugula, or romaine lettuce.
  • You can add extras like sunflower seeds, croutons, or cheese for extra flavor and texture.

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

While you mightn’t think of creamy macaroni and cheese as a traditional side for red beans and rice, it’s a combination you’ll soon come to love.

This creamy macaroni and cheese is the perfect comfort food, a nice contrast to the savory red beans and rice.

It’s one of the best side dishes you can serve, especially if you like to eat your red beans and rice with pulled pork or ham hocks.

You can create a copycat recipe of your favorite restaurant’s mac and cheese, or simply use canned beans, including red, to make this dish.

Its rich, creamy texture and cheesy flavor will complement your spicy red beans and rice beautifully.

Creating a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob

For a side dish with a pop of sweetness to balance out the flavors in your red beans and rice, there’s nothing like fresh corn on the cob.

It’s juicy, crunchy, and utterly satisfying.

You could boil it with a couple of bay leaves in your instant pot for depth of flavor, or if you prefer a smoky char, grill it in your air fryer.

Here are a few additional twists:

  • Roll your boiled corn in cornmeal, then fry it for a crispy layer that pairs impeccably with fried green tomatoes.
  • Use your slow cooker to infuse corn on the cob with spices and herbs for a slow-cooked feast.
  • Coat the grilled corn with a buttery glaze before serving, for a glossy, mouthwatering side dish.

Buttery Garlic Bread

Although you’re probably already drooling over the red beans and rice, don’t forget to whip up some buttery garlic bread to complete your meal.

This satisfying side dish is easy to prepare and oh-so-delicious.

It’s the perfect accompaniment to your savory entrée, offering a balance of rich, buttery goodness and the bold, aromatic flavor of garlic.

To make it, you’ll need a fresh baguette, butter, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of parsley.

Simply slice the bread, spread the butter-garlic mix, and pop it in the oven until it’s golden and crispy.

The result? A mouth-watering side that’s not only a feast for the eyes, but also a symphony of flavors in your mouth.

Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this.

Skillet Fried Green Tomatoes

Next up, you’ll want to try your hand at skillet-fried green tomatoes, a scrumptious side dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

This traditional Southern dish, with its crispy exterior and tangy interior, pairs wonderfully with the hearty flavors of red beans and rice.

Here are some quick tips to keep in mind:

  • Select firm, unripe green tomatoes for frying. They hold up better during cooking.
  • A mix of cornmeal and flour gives the best crunchy crust.
  • Don’t skip the buttermilk soak. It tenderizes the tomatoes and adds a tangy flavor.

Blackened Catfish

After delighting in the tangy crunch of skillet-fried green tomatoes, you’ll find that blackened catfish makes an equally satisfying side dish to serve alongside your red beans and rice.

This delicious southern classic is prepared by coating catfish fillets in a blend of peppery spices before cooking to perfection on a hot skillet.

The result is a piece of fish with a slightly charred, crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior that’s bursting with flavor.

Its smoky essence and subtle heat complement the creamy, comforting nature of red beans and rice wonderfully.

The rich, earthy taste of the catfish adds an extra layer of complexity to your meal.

Turning a simple dinner into a culinary experience you won’t forget.

Hush Puppies

If you’re looking for a crunchy, savory treat to serve with your red beans and rice, a handful of perfectly fried hush puppies will do the trick.

These golden nuggets of Southern comfort food are made from a cornmeal batter, usually flavored with onions and spices, then deep-fried until they’re crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.

To make your meal even more special, consider these toppings and variations:

  • Drizzle them with honey for a sweet-and-savory twist
  • Add a bit of jalapeno to the batter for a spicy kick
  • Serve them with a tangy remoulade sauce for dipping

Baked Sweet Potatoes

You’ll find that a couple of baked sweet potatoes can make a delightful side dish to complement your red beans and rice.

The sweetness of the potato contrasts beautifully with the savory, spicy flavors of the beans and rice.

The soft, caramelized flesh inside forms a perfect foil for the hearty texture of the other components.

Baking the sweet potatoes intensifies their natural sweet flavor and brings out a hint of earthiness.

You can serve them simply baked and sliced open, letting their natural sweetness shine, or add a bit of butter, cinnamon, or a sprinkle of brown sugar for extra indulgence.

Either way, baked sweet potatoes add a nutritious, delicious, and visually appealing element to your meal, enhancing its overall enjoyment.

Tangy Tomato Soup

Next on your list of potential side dishes is a tangy tomato soup that’ll add a delightful contrast to your red beans and rice.

This soup will provide a refreshing change of pace, with its sharp tanginess cutting through the rich, hearty flavors of your main dish.

Here’s what makes it a great addition:

  • It’s a versatile dish: You can adjust the tanginess to suit your taste or compliment the flavors of your main dish.
  • It’s simple yet satisfying: Despite its basic ingredients, it manages to pack a punch of flavor.
  • It’s nutritious: Full of vitamins and antioxidants, tomato soup is as good for you as it’s delicious.

Savory Grilled Vegetables

Fire up your grill and let’s jazz up your red beans and rice with savory grilled vegetables.

This side dish adds not just color, but also a delightful smoky flavor that complements the hearty beans and rice.

Choose a medley of bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes to achieve a balance of flavor and texture.

Sprinkle them with a little olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs before grilling.

The key here is to get those nice charred edges that bring out the natural sweetness of the veggies.

Each bite will give you a burst of fresh, smoky, and savory flavors that make your red beans and rice meal even more satisfying.

Creole Crab Cakes

While you’re enjoying your red beans and rice, why not amp up the flavor with some Creole crab cakes?

These mouthwatering morsels, bursting with the flavors of the sea and spiced with the warmth of Creole seasoning, can transform your meal into a Louisiana feast.

  • Flavorful and juicy, Creole crab cakes are made with fresh lump crab meat, which provides a tender texture and authentic seafood taste.
  • The addition of Creole seasoning – a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, pepper, and oregano – gives these crab cakes a spicy kick that complements the hearty red beans and rice perfectly.
  • Finally, a crispy golden crust adds a delightful crunch. Making these crab cakes not just a side dish, but a culinary experience.

Pairing Creole crab cakes with your red beans and rice will surely take your taste buds on a trip to the heart of Cajun country.

Homemade Biscuits and Gravy

After savoring those Creole crab cakes, you’ll want to tuck into some homemade biscuits and gravy for a comforting Southern touch to your red beans and rice.

Imagine biting into warm, fluffy biscuits liberally smothered with rich, creamy gravy. It’s a combination that’s as timeless as it’s satisfying.

The buttery softness of the biscuits pairs perfectly with the hearty gravy, providing a delightful contrast to the spicy, robust flavors of the red beans and rice.

You can tweak the gravy to your liking, maybe add some sausage for an extra kick, or keep it simple and classic.

Either way, these homemade biscuits and gravy will make your meal feel like a cozy hug from the South, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Crunchy Pickled Cucumbers

In addition to your hearty red beans and rice, you’ll find that crunchy pickled cucumbers serve as the perfect tangy counterpart.

These pickles, with their distinctive crunch and sharp tang, provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavors of your main dish.

Their acidity cuts through the richness, balancing out the heaviness of the beans and rice.

The crunchiness of the cucumbers offers a pleasing textural contrast.

Their bright, fresh flavors add an extra dimension to the overall meal.

So, if you’re looking for a side that will enhance your red beans and rice without overpowering it, consider the humble pickled cucumber.

It’s a simple addition that brings a delightful complexity to your plate.

These pickles are more than just a side dish, they’re a game-changer.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Next up, let’s talk about buttermilk fried chicken as another tempting side dish to serve with your red beans and rice.

This Southern classic’s crispy exterior and succulent interior make it a must-have.

You’ll love the way the tangy buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, while the seasoned breading provides that satisfying crunch with each bite.

It’s the perfect contrast to the creamy red beans and fluffy rice.

Buttermilk fried chicken isn’t just tasty, it’s also versatile.

You can serve it hot from the fryer, or let it cool to room temperature for a picnic-style treat.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with spices in your breading for a personalized touch.

One thing’s for sure, this side dish will leave your guests craving more.

Spicy Jalapeno Poppers

Looking to kick up the heat? Try whipping up some spicy jalapeno poppers to serve alongside your red beans and rice.

These fiery little treats are the perfect way to introduce a touch of zing to your meal, ensuring it’s bursting with flavor.

Here’s why you’ll love this dish:

  • Dynamic Flavors: Jalapeno poppers are a blend of spicy, creamy, and crunchy, providing a fireworks display of tastes in every bite.
  • Easy to Make: Poppers don’t require gourmet skills. Just stuff, batter, and bake or fry.
  • Crowd Pleaser: These spicy treats are sure to get the party started and are loved by spice enthusiasts and cheese lovers alike.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

While you’re savoring the heat from those jalapeno poppers, why not balance it with the comforting creaminess of a grilled cheese sandwich?

It’s not just any side dish, this delightful delicacy is a graceful dance between melted cheese and perfectly toasted bread.

Imagine biting into its crispy exterior, only to meet a warm, gooey center that simply melts in your mouth.

You can stick to the classic cheddar on white bread or get creative by adding extras like bacon, tomato, or different types of cheese.

The beauty of a grilled cheese sandwich is its versatility.

So, whether you’re in the mood for something simple or fancy, a grilled cheese sandwich gives you the flexibility to satisfy your cravings.

It’s the perfect partner for your red beans and rice.

Creamy Potato Salad

Diving into a bowl of creamy potato salad offers an explosion of flavor that’s sure to complement your red beans and rice.

Its delightful creaminess, coupled with the mildly sweet and earthy taste of potatoes, creates a harmonious blend that matches the robust flavors of your main dish.

Here’s why it’s a perfect match:

  • The potato salad’s creaminess provides a pleasant contrast to the hearty and spicy red beans.
  • Its chilled temperature cools down the heat from the rice and beans.
  • The subtle sweetness of potatoes neutralizes the spiciness, creating a well-balanced meal experience.

Final Thoughts About What to Serve With Red Beans And Rice

So there you have it! Over 25 scrumptious sides to serve with your red beans and rice.

Whether it’s the crunch of crispy fried okra, the zesty kick of cornbread muffins, or the heartiness of buttermilk fried chicken, there’s something for everyone.

Remember, the key is to balance flavors and textures.

So go ahead, whip up these delicious dishes and turn your meal into a feast.

Enjoy your culinary journey!

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