What To Serve With Seafood Boil: 21+ Best Side Dish Recipes To Try! (2024)

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Here's what to serve with seafood boil so you can find the best side dishes for your delicious seafood feast! You'll find Cajun favorites, Southern comfort food, and so much more on this list. Try a few different recipes and set up an epic seafood dinner spread!

Best Side Dishes For Seafood Boil

I love a good Cajun seafood boil with a variety of fresh seafood and plenty of butter. Crab, mussels, crawfish, shrimp, clams, you name it, 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 To Serve With Seafood Boil: 21+ Best Side Dish Recipes To Try! (1)

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Best Side Dishes For Seafood Boil
What Is A Seafood Boil
1. Oven Garlic Bread
2. Coleslaw
3. Steamed Corn on the Cob
4. Drawn Butter
5. Red Beans and Rice
6. Roasted Green Beans
7. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
8. Hush Puppies
9. Roasted Okra
10. Sour Cream Cornbread
11. Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
12. Deviled Eggs
13. Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
14. Caesar Salad
15. Baked Beans
16. Cilantro Lime Rice
17. Clam Chowder
18. Butter Swim Biscuits
19. Fresh Fruit Salad
20. Creamed Corn
21. Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese
Tips For Choosing What To Serve At A Seafood Boil
🦐 🐟 🦞 More Seafood Recipes
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What To Serve With Seafood Boil: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers (+More Side Dish Ideas!)
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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!

A seafood boil 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.

Oven Garlic Bread: Soft & Chewy or Baked Until Crispy!

This incredible oven garlic bread recipe features 2 methods: one for those who prefer soft garlic bread and one for those who prefer crispy! All you need is some French bread, garlic powder, and butter (plus a little Parmesan cheese if you like) to make restaurant-quality garlic bread at home!

Check out this recipe

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!

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!

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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 seasoning blends.

Steamed Corn On The Cob

Steamed corn on the cob is an easy and convenient way to enjoy a classic summertime vegetable side dish anytime you'd like! In just 15 minutes, you'll have sweet and tender corn to serve with any of your favorite main course dishes. Simply dress them up with butter, salt, and pepper and you'll have a tasty side dish that even kids will enjoy!

Check out this recipe

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 butter!

Drawn Butter

This drawn-butter dipping sauce for seafood is incredibly flavorful and combines rich melted butter with white wine, onion, garlic, lemon, and dill! My tasty additions take a straightforward, buttery seafood sauce out of this world while still keeping the process really quick for serving any day of the week!

Check out this recipe

5. Red Beans and Rice

Red beans and rice is a Creole classic, so naturally, 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.

Red Beans And Rice

This easy red beans and rice recipe is a quick version of the Southern classic because it's made with canned beans! A touch of zesty Cajun seasoning and chunks of savory sausage make a big bowl of red beans and rice so satisfying. It's an inexpensive and hearty any-day meal that is great for serving a crowd!

Check out this recipe

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!

Roasted Green Beans

Roasted green beans are an easy-to-make side dish that is super versatile and practically effortless to get on the table for family meals. Plus, they're equally wonderful alongside holiday main dishes. This recipe combines all the freshness of green veggies with lemon-garlic butter and pepper.

Check out this recipe

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!

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

These mashed sweet potatoes are the perfect sweet side dish to accompany all of your favorite holiday meals! They are creamy, rich, and have just the right amount of added sweetness to make them completely irresistible! This is going to become your new favorite sweet potato side dish!

Check out this recipe

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 co*cktail sauce, too!

Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are a tasty Southern side dish that pairs well with everything from shrimp baskets to fried catfish! From start to finish, they only take about 20 minutes so they make a great last-minute addition to any meal! If you're craving Southern comfort food, these easy hush puppies are the way to go!

Check out this recipe

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!

Roasted Okra

Okra doesn't have to be fried to be delicious, try this roasted okra with simple seasoning and some garlic and you won't look back! This easy veggie side dish is packed full of flavor, and is much healthier than its fried counterpart!

Check out this recipe

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!

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!

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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!

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

This smoked gouda mac and cheese takes the classic recipe to new heights by incorporating the rich and smoky flavors of gouda cheese! All you need to do is cook your pasta, prepare your cheese sauce, and stir everything together. Whether you are seeking a cozy weeknight dinner or a side dish for gatherings, this elevated macaroni and cheese version is perfect!

Check out this recipe

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!

Deviled Eggs

These deviled eggs are a classic, time-honored recipe that is supremely easy to make and quite simply the best ever! Some things just don't need improving, and these yummy deviled eggs are one of those things! Of course, you can always change them up with stir-ins or add-ons, but these eggs will be just like the ones from your childhood!

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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.

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Air fryer baby potatoes are a delicious, satisfying, and practically effortless side dish that pairs well with any meal! These little spuds are tender and fluffy on the inside, and delightfully crispy on the outside. With just a few simple ingredients and the power of your air fryer, you can whip up a batch of baby potatoes in less than 40 minutes!

Check out this recipe

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.

Caesar Salad

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!

Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon

Baked beans with ground beef and bacon are a satisfying side dish for BBQ dinners and cookouts! Baked beans are made sweet with brown sugar. They are made even better with added smoky flavors from hickory-smoked bacon and liquid smoke!!

Check out this recipe

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!

Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

This Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice is an incredibly tasty rice side dish that is suitable for so many meals! From pairing with your Mexican food entrees to serving with seafood, or a Thai-inspired dish, this fragrant rice is sure to become a household staple! Once you see how easy it is, you'll want to make rice in your Instant Pot from here on out!

Check out this recipe

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.

New England Clam Chowder

This New England clam chowder with heavy cream is thick and hearty with plenty of bacon bits and diced veggies! You can use fresh, canned, or frozen clams, whichever you prefer. With a side of crackers, this classic chowder makes a tasty lunch or dinner any day of the week!

Check out this recipe

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.

Butter Swim Biscuits

Butter swim biscuits are rich and flavorful buttermilk biscuits that have been baked in a pool of melted butter! They have a crisp outside, a light and fluffy inside, and are loaded with buttery goodness. Enjoy them with some sweet jelly at breakfast or use them to sop up some savory stew at dinner!

Check out this recipe

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!

Fresh Fruit Salad

My best fresh fruit salad contains grapes, nectarines, bananas, mangoes, kiwis, strawberries, oranges, and pineapple! This easy, classic fruit salad recipe features a made-from-scratch honey citrus fruit sauce that screams summertime! It's a refreshing salad that doubles as a dessert!

Check out this recipe

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.

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

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.

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers With Cream Cheese

Bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are a classic appetizer that will make any party or gathering even more enjoyable! They are easy to make and require minimal ingredients – jalapenos, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and some simple seasoning. Once the poppers have been filled with the cream cheese mixture, they are then wrapped in crispy bacon for an extra layer of mouthwatering flavor!

Check out this recipe

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 things to keep in mind. You will want to consider the flavor of your seasoning and what additional veggies you'll already have cooking with the seafood!

Complementary Flavors:Seafood pairs perfectly with citrus and herb flavors. A side of lemon wedges for squeezing or a fresh herb salad are both great choices.
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!
Keep It Classic:If your seafood boil is Cajun or Creole-inspired, consider serving traditional Southern sides such as collard greens, okra, or red beans and rice.
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!
Dipping Sauces:Don't forget about dipping sauces! Tartar sauce, co*cktail 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!

🦐 🐟 🦞 More Seafood Recipes

Seafood Chowder with Smoked Salmon - This creamy and delicious seafood chowder is loaded with tender chunks of smoked salmon!
New England Lobster Rolls - What's not to love about creamy lobster salad on a toasted bun?
Spanish Seafood Paella - Spanish seafood paella is sure to impress at dinner parties and date nights!
Baked Monkfish - If you've never tried monkfish, this tender and buttery baked monkfish will blow you out of the water!
Creamy Seafood Pasta - The seafood lovers in your life will be obsessed with this super rich and creamy seafood pasta!
Oysters Rockefeller - If you're looking for a show-stopping appetizer, oysters Rockefeller never disappoints!

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What To Serve With Seafood Boil: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers (+More Side Dish Ideas!)

Author | Angela

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 201kcal

Prep 10 minutes minutes

Cooking 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

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Ingredients

▢ 12 medium jalapenos
▢ 8 oz cream cheese (1 8-ounce block of cream cheese, softened, at room temperature)
▢ 1 tablespoon lemon juice
▢ 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
▢ ½ teaspoon onion powder
▢ ¼ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)
▢ 12 slices bacon (use standard bacon rather than thick sliced bacon)

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

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and coat a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
To prepare the jalapenos, wash them then slice them in half lengthwise. Discard the seeds and the ribs. *For presentation, I like to keep the stem on the jalapenos and slice it down the middle when I cut the jalapenos in half.
Put the softened cream cheese and lemon juice in a medium mixing bowl and mash them together. Then add the shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, and salt & pepper and stir to combine.
Fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture, not too much or they will overflow when cooking. I try to fill them just to the edges or slightly above.
Cut each bacon slice down the middle lengthwise to make two thin strips. Wrap one strip of bacon around each of the jalapeno poppers and secure them with toothpicks.
Put the jalapeno poppers in your prepared baking dish and bake at 425°F (218°C) for 10-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and browned.
Remove your jalapeno poppers from the oven and serve right away, they will be very hot!

Notes

Working with room-temperature cream cheese is what makes it easy to mix the filling ingredients together. Be sure to set your cream cheese out on the counter about 30 minutes before starting!
Smaller jalapenos are best because they are easier to wrap with bacon.
If you are worried about the bacon coming undone, place a toothpick in both ends of the jalapeno.
To store: Let the jalapeno poppers cool then place them in a single layer in an airtight storage container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To freeze: First, freeze the fully cooled(or unbaked)jalapeno poppers in a single layer on a baking sheet. After they have frozen, transfer them to a heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze them for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To reheat: Reheat leftover jalapeno poppers in the oven at 375˚F (190˚C) for 8-12 minutes.

Nutrition

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Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese, bacon wrapped poppers ingredients, best bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers recipe, how to make bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers, what to serve with seafood boil

Course Appetizers, vegetable side dish

Cuisine American

Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

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