There’s nothing better than savory, spicy, and delicious shrimp and grits. If you’re wondering, “What goes with shrimp and grits?,” you’ve come to the right place!
We’re kind of experts on shrimp and grits around here. Some of our favorite recipes are Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits and Blackened Shrimp and Grits, but we’ve also made some that are very different.
So yeah, we know our shrimp and grits. That’s why we’ve put together this list for you. Now you’ll never have to wonder what to serve with shrimp and grits again!.
Shrimp and grits is a quintessential Southern comfort food blending tender shrimp with creamy grits for a delightful pairing of sweet and savory flavors. While shrimp and grits can certainly stand on its own serving it with complementary side dishes transforms this classic into a showstopping meal.
After analyzing over 50 recipes and ideas for sides to serve with shrimp and grits, I’ve narrowed it down to the 23 very best options. From casseroles to salads and everything in between, these sides will take your shrimp and grits over the top!
The Best Vegetable Sides for Shrimp and Grits
Oven-Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli roasted to a crisp, caramelized perfection is a nutritious and mouthwatering accompaniment to shrimp and grits. A simple blend of olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic makes this vegetable side shine. The florets develop a slightly charred exterior while remaining tender on the inside. Roasted broccoli adds color and pairs nicely with the savory shrimp flavors.
Fried Okra
Okra may be divisive, but battered and fried these little fingers become irresistible. For an authentic Southern side look no further than fried okra. Cornmeal gives the exterior a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the slimy interior. Tangy and earthy, fried okra complements spicy, seasoned shrimp.
Green Beans Almondine
Green beans glazed in brown butter and toasted almonds are an elegant side for shrimp and grits. The buttery sauce soaks into the tender crisp beans, lending a lovely nutty flavor. Slivers of almond provide delicious crunch and texture contrast. This French-inspired green bean dish feels upscale, yet takes just minutes to prepare.
Succotash
A medley of lima beans, sweet corn, zesty tomatoes and red bell pepper, succotash is a pop of garden freshness. This classic Southern side combines the satisfying heartiness of beans with sweet pops of corn and a kiss of acidity from the tomatoes. It’s a vibrant, tasty accompaniment for rich, savory shrimp and grits.
Best Salads and Slaws for Shrimp and Grits
Wedge Salad
The crisp, cool crunch of iceberg lettuce wedge is a refreshing counterpoint to hot shrimp and grits. But it’s the thick cut bacon crumbles, shower of blue cheese crumbles and creamy blue cheese dressing that make this salad shine. The ultra-rich, salty flavors marry beautifully with spicy seasoned shrimp.
KFC-Style Coleslaw
A creamy, tangy coleslaw is a timeless pairing with shrimp and grits. Using KFC’s famous coleslaw recipe, this copycat side captures that nostalgic flavor. Shredded cabbage and carrot bathed in a sweet creamy dressing provides the perfect crunch and tang to balance rich grits and succulent shrimp. The slight spice of the shrimp brings out the best in the coleslaw.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
For a lighter salad option, a strawberry spinach salad is just the thing. Fresh spinach leaves, juicy strawberries, red onion and candied pecans provide a variety of flavors and textures. But the real star is the sweet and tangy poppyseed dressing that pulls it all together. This fruity salad complements spicy Cajun-style shrimp beautifully.
Comforting Casserole Sides for Shrimp and Grits
Green Bean Casserole
No Southern dinner is complete without a casserole, and green bean casserole is about as classic as it gets. Blending creamy mushroom soup with crisp green beans and fried onions, this Thanksgiving staple works for any time of year. The crunchy onion topping contrasts the creamy interior perfectly. It’s comfort food at its finest alongside shrimp and grits.
Squash Casserole
Another quintessential Southern casserole is squash casserole, ideal for serving with shrimp and grits. Summer squash and cheese form a rich, velvety base topped with crunchy buttery crackers. The sweetness of the squash filling enhances the savoriness of the shrimp and grits. It’s a staple that never disappoints.
Corn Casserole
For another creamy, sweet casserole, look no further than corn casserole. A combination of whole kernel corn, creamed corn and corn muffin mix creates a delightful side for shrimp and grits. The corn filling soaks up the richness of the grits while complementing the succulent shrimp. With minimal effort, this dish always satisfies.
Best Bread Sides for Serving with Shrimp and Grits
Skillet Cornbread
Warm, honey-buttered cornbread straight from the skillet is an obligatory accompaniment to shrimp and grits. This Southern staple soaks up all the richness beautifully. Cornbread can be made from scratch or from a mix like Jiffy for convenience. Either way, the sweet, crumbly cornbread provides the perfect starchy contrast.
Garlic Bread
Buttery, garlicky, crisp-crusted garlic bread is irresistible with shrimp and grits. Spreading butter, garlic and herbs onto bread and broiling it draws out the bread’s sweetness while infusing it with savory flavors. The rich herbed bread helps balance the rich, creamy grits and savory shrimp. It’s a match made in heaven.
Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits are famous for a reason. These soft, warm biscuits are brushed with garlic butter, then sprinkled with a blend of cheese, herbs and spices. The biscuits soak up the rich, savory flavors beautifully. With their flaky, buttery texture, they complement shrimp and grits flawlessly.
More Classic Southern Sides for Shrimp and Grits
Fried Green Tomatoes
A Southern classic, fried green tomatoes make a phenomenal accompaniment to shrimp and grits. Sliced green tomatoes are dredged in cornmeal then pan-fried until golden and crisp. The tangy tomato center contrasts the crispy exterior for a delightful explosion of flavor and texture. These pair perfectly with spicy Cajun shrimp.
Collard Greens with Bacon
Slow-cooked collard greens infused with smoked pork bring deep, rich flavors that marry exquisitely with shrimp and grits. Collards braised with bacon or ham hocks develop a silky texture and smoky, salty savoriness. Alongside creamy grits and succulent shrimp, they complete the flavors of the South.
Black Eyed Peas
No Southern meal is complete without black eyed peas for good luck! Slow cooked with smoked ham hocks, the beans become velvety soft and permeated with a smoky pork essence. Their earthy flavor and creamy texture pair perfectly with rich grits and sweet shrimp. It’s lucky comfort food at its finest.
Creamed Corn
Another iconic side is creamed corn, blending sweet corn kernels in a velvety, buttery sauce. Cream-style corn is seasoned with salt, pepper and herbs for simple yet luxurious flavor. The natural sweetness cuts through the richness of the grits and offsets the savory shrimp beautifully. It’s down-home comfort at its best!
Best Potato Sides to Serve with Shrimp and Grits
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, smooth, buttery mashed potatoes loaded with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese and chives are heavenly alongside shrimp and grits. The potatoes lend even more creaminess while the mix-ins provide texture and subtle smoky, salty flavors that enhance the shrimp. It’s pure comfort in one bowl!
Crispy Roasted Potatoes
For a lower-carb potato side, roasted potatoes are crispy, golden perfection with shrimp and grits. Diced russets tossed in oil, garlic and herbs then roasted develop a caramelized crust encasing a fluffy interior. The potatoes soak up the rich grits and balance the sweet shrimp sublimely.
Sweet Potato Fries
My favorite sweet and salty side is sweet potato fries. Their natural sugars caramelize into the most tantalizing sweet crunch when oven-roasted. A crunchy exterior gives way to a tender, sweet interior that perfectly offsets the savory shrimp. Sweet potato fries might just steal the show!
Best Grits Side Dishes to Serve with Shrimp and Grits
Cheesy Grits
For cheesy richness, blending cheddar, Monterey Jack or any melty cheese into the grits takes this side to the next level. The creaminess of the grits combines with oozing cheese for irresistible savoriness. You really can’t go wrong with extra cheese!
Jalapeño Grits
Spice-lovers will enjoy mixing diced jalapeños into their grits for a fiery kick. The heat enhances the sweet succulence of the shrimp for those who like things extra zesty. Just be sure to have some cold sweet tea on hand for taming the spice!
Bacon Cheddar Grits
My personal favorite variation is bacon cheddar grits. Bits of crispy smoked bacon lend little pops of smoky
2 Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
This Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe makes the best garlicky, cheesy biscuits that you can make at home in less than 20 minutes! If you like warm biscuits, you’ll love these authentic cheddar bay biscuits.
Nothing says “Southern” like a nice cold glass of sweet iced tea. You probably don’t need a recipe for it, but this list would have been incomplete without it!.
Pickled okra like this is handy to have around because you can use it in many dishes or just eat it by itself.
This recipe uses the refrigerator method, eliminating the need for canning.
Bring the flavors of New Orleans to your kitchen with this authentic Gumbo recipe!
This Gumbo is made with a dark roux, fresh vegetables like okra, and your choice of meat. Each spoonful is so tasty and comforting.
The name “Rockefeller” comes from the fact that the sauce in this classic dish is the color of a dollar bill and is very rich because it has lots of butter, garlic, spinach, and herbs in it.
Another New Orleans invent since 1889. We approve of it big time. Yummy…
2 Southern Style Green Beans
We love the heavenly flavors of slow-cooked Southern Green Beans. These tender and melt-in-your-mouth string beans are paired with savory onion, garlic, and bacon.
Prepare for a scrumptious experience.