Shrimp and grits is a tasty Southern dish that many people enjoy. But what can you serve with it to make your meal even better?.
We’ll look at some easy and tasty side dishes that go well with shrimp and grits in this post. Get ready to make your next shrimp and grits meal even more delicious with these 20 great ideas!.
While shrimp and grits are cooking, the best sides to serve are cornbread, rosemary bread, mac and cheese, lima beans, green beans and potatoes, cheesy breadsticks, creamy pea soup, baked potatoes, wedge salad, eggplant rollatini, fried okra, succotash, squash puppies, coleslaw, and parmesan roasted green beans.
Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish bursting with rich, savory flavors The succulent shrimp pair beautifully with the creamy, hearty grits But sometimes you need a vegetable side dish to round out the meal.
That’s where this list comes in handy! I’ve compiled 23 of my favorite vegetables that complement shrimp and grits flawlessly. From Southern classics like okra and collard greens to simple roasted veggies, there’s something for every palate.
The key is finding vegetables that accentuate the creole seasoning on the shrimp. You can also play up the creaminess of the grits with choices like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese Whatever you choose, it makes for a satisfying family dinner or impressive holiday spread
So without further ado here are the best vegetables to serve with shrimp and grits!
1. Collard Greens
Collard greens are a quintessential Southern side for shrimp and grits. The smoky, salty collards pair perfectly with spicy Creole shrimp. Meanwhile, the grits provide a cooling, creamy counterbalance. Simply sauté the greens with bacon and onion for a classic combo.
2. Cornbread
Warm cornbread is comfort food at its finest. The sweet, crumbly cornbread soaks up the rich sauces and spices of the shrimp and grits. I love sprinkling my shrimp with a bit of hot sauce for an extra kick against the sweet cornbread.
3. Roasted Broccoli
For a pop of color, serve shrimp and grits with roasted broccoli. The high heat caramelizes the broccoli, amplifying its slightly sweet flavor. Lemon juice and red pepper flakes add brightness. It’s a healthy way to get in your veggies.
4. Green Beans
Buttery green beans are a foolproof pairing with shrimp and grits. Blanch or steam the beans until just tender. Then toss them with butter, garlic, and seasoning. The earthy beans balance the richness of the shrimp and grits.
5. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are the ultimate shrimp and grits side. Bake them until tender and creamy on the inside with crispy skins. Then top with butter, brown sugar, or anything your heart desires. The natural sweetness complements the heat of spicy shrimp.
6. Squash Casserole
For a comfort food classic, make a squash casserole side. Combine squash with breadcrumbs, eggs, and cheese for the ultimate creamy, crunchy casserole. The sweet veggie filling pairs impeccably with zesty Creole shrimp.
7. Succotash
Succotash is a medley of lima beans, corn, and diced veggies sautéed together. It’s a perfect complement to shrimp and grits, adding freshness and texture. The mix of vegetables balances the richness of the grits.
8. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are the ideal blank canvas for shrimp and grits. Bake Russet or sweet potatoes until fluffy on the inside with crispy skins. Then load them up with shrimp, cheese, hot sauce, or anything you crave.
9. Mac and Cheese
For the ultimate comfort food pairing, serve shrimp and grits with mac and cheese. The creamy, cheesy pasta is a crowd-pleaser. Mix in cauliflower or butternut squash for a lighter take. Just save room for plenty of shrimp and grits!
10. Mashed Cauliflower
For a low-carb alternative, make mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes. The cauliflower gets just as smooth and creamy when boiled and mashed. Mix in cheese and cream just like mashed potatoes. It’s a healthier way to soak up the shrimp and grits.
11. Fried Okra
Okra is a Southern staple that begs to be served with shrimp and grits. Lightly coat okra slices in cornmeal and shallow fry until golden and crispy. The crunchy okra provides great textural contrast to the tender shrimp and smooth grits.
12. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a vegetable with bite, roast Brussels sprouts to pair with shrimp and grits. Toss halved sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast until caramelized and serve immediately. The sweet, crispy sprouts balance the rich grits.
13. Tomato Salad
A fresh tomato salad adds brightness to a rich shrimp and grits meal. Combine sliced tomatoes with mozzarella, basil, and a balsamic vinaigrette. The juicy tomatoes and creamy cheese complement the succulent shrimp.
14. Fried Green Tomatoes
For a Southern twist, fry up green tomatoes. Dip firm green tomatoes in an egg wash and cornmeal mixture. Pan fry until golden and serve with a spicy remoulade. The tangy tomatoes hold up well against spiced shrimp.
15. Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw is fantastic alongside shrimp and grits. The crunchy texture and tangy dressing provides the perfect contrast. Tryunique twists like blue cheese, apple, or citrus coleslaw for variety. A scoop or two does the trick.
16. Roasted Root Vegetables
For a medley of flavors, roast an assortment of root veggies. Potatoes, carrots, turnips, and parsnips all shine roasted in the oven. Toss with oil, garlic, rosemary, and salt before roasting. The natural sweetness complements shrimp and grits.
17. Creamed Corn
Silky creamed corn is divine with shrimp and grits. Sauté corn kernels with cream, butter, and spices for an irresistibly creamy side. The sweet corn plays off the heat of spiced shrimp spectacularly.
18. Crispy Roasted Red Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes are a classic pairing for shrimp and grits. Roast baby red potatoes at a high temp until deeply golden. Toss with oil, garlic, rosemary, and paprika for extra flavor. Enjoy the crispy spuds with the creamy grits.
19. Sautéed Zucchini
Quick-cooking zucchini makes an easy veggie for shrimp and grits. Sauté zucchini coins in olive oil just until tender. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. The mild flavor soaks up the rich sauce beautifully.
20. Creamed Spinach
Silky creamed spinach makes shrimp and grits extra luxurious. Sauté spinach, shallots, and garlic in cream and butter. The velvety spinach enhances the creamy grits wonderfully. Sprinkle with nutmeg for warmth.
21. Roasted Asparagus
For an elegant vegetable, serve roasted asparagus with shrimp and grits. Toss asparagus spears with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast until lightly charred and tender. The irresistible roasted flavor complements succulent shrimp.
22. Hush Puppies
No shrimp dinner is complete without hush puppies! Fry up balls of cornmeal batter until golden brown. Sprinkle them with chives or diced veggies for extra flavor. These crispy fritters are ideal for soaking up rich sauces.
23. Steamed Broccoli
For a healthy and delicious option, try steamed broccoli with shrimp and grits. The bright green broccoli provides vitamin C and fiber. Toss with lemon and red pepper for a pop of flavor. It balances heavier dishes nicely.
With so many fantastic vegetables to choose from, you can serve up shrimp and grits night after night without getting bored. Try out Southern favorites like fried okra and collard greens. Or keep it simple with roasted veggies. No matter what you pick, it makes for an unforgettable meal.
So grab your cast iron skillet and start cooking up some shrimp and grits. Just don’t forget those delicious vegetable side dishes to round out this iconic Southern meal. Your family and friends will be begging for more. Enjoy!
Best Side Dishes For Shrimp and Grits
- Collard greens
- Biscuits
- Sweet potato fries
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Tempeh
- Mac and cheese
- Rosemary bread
- Cornbread
- Green beans and potatoes
- Lima beans
- Cheesy breadsticks
- Creamy pea soup
- Baked potatoes
- Wedge salad
- Eggplant rollatini
- Fried okra
- Succotash
- Squash puppies
- Coleslaw
- Parmesan roasted green beans
20 Shrimp And Grits Sides
This is one of the most common side dishes served with shrimp and grits. The dish you make with bacon, onions, sesame oil, salt, and pepper, along with collard greens, is nutritious and tastes great.
Whats more, it is loved by kids too. So, cooking the dish is a plus for picky eaters at home.
Enjoy these crispy and fluffy biscuits with shrimp and grits. The tagged recipe will help you make the best savory biscuits featuring thyme, pepper, flour, milk, and butter.
You can make these biscuits in a big batch and then enjoy each according to your preference.
Have you ever tried sweet potato fries? They are sweet, crunchy, and quite healthy. Whats more, you can cook them quickly using your instant pot.
If you want to serve shrimp and grits with your sweet potato fries, this recipe will help you make them. Try the tagged recipe and thank us later.
If you dont fancy sweet potato fries, try mashed sweet potatoes instead. They are creamy, delicious, and worth a spoonful. You can serve the mashed potatoes with shrimp and grits and enjoy the mix of various flavors.
However, here is a helpful tip. Ensure that you serve a small amount of mashed potatoes only. A big serving may get too heavy with an already heavy and creamy dish. This may end up you wasting your food, so avoid that.
Here is another unique side dish to serve with your favorite shrimp and grits. Tempeh is a soy dish filled with nutrients and proteins. The recipe features tempeh, garlic powder, soy sauce, vegetable broth, and other ingredients for a flavorful treat.
Raise your hands if you love mac and cheese and cant resist the amazing dish. If you are a fan, here is a good news for you.
Mac and cheese taste amazing with shrimp and grits. Both dishes are creamy and can get heavy. However, you can enjoy both by practicing portion control.
Also, if you like spicy mac and cheese, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top and enjoy. You can also make cauliflower mac and cheese to consume fewer calories.
Dip a slice of your homemade rosemary bread in shrimp and grits. The creamy dish tastes divine with soft and tasty bread.
You can make the best rosemary bread at home using the tagged recipe.
Ensure that you serve the bread fresh and while it is warm. This way, it wont go to waste, and you wont be disappointed with your food.
Cornbread is sweet and fluffy. It is a perfect bread for people who like having both these qualities in their food. Cornbread also pairs well with shrimp and grits, adding the much-needed sweet flavor to the dish.
We have tagged one of the easiest recipes to make the best cornbread at home. Try the dish and share your feedback with us.
Shrimp and grits can also be served with green beans and potatoes. Both dishes complement each other, thanks to the wonderful ingredients adding the perfect flavors to your meal.
They also make a great duo for dinner on a busy weeknight. Most of the things you need to make a great meal for yourself and your family are likely already in your pantry.
We also love pairing shrimp and grits with lima beans. Lima beans are creamy with many amazing benefits. They are also easy to cook and give you a wholesome dish to experience.
The tagged recipe shares simple steps to make the best lima beans with just a few ingredients. Give it a try.
You can make these cheesy breadsticks at home within 20 minutes. They work as a great side dish and are quite flavorful.
These breadsticks are also kid-friendly, so a win-win situation for you.
A bowl of wholesome and heartwarming creamy pea soup is a winter treat. It is rich in flavors and has a perfect consistency. Pair your shrimp and grits with homemade pea soup and experience a wonderful food treat.
We have shared a wonderful recipe. It contains only five ingredients, so follow and get cooking.
Do you crave perfectly baked potatoes with shrimp and grits? If yes, make them using the tagged recipe.
We assure you that you will end up with fluffy and soft potatoes with heartwarming taste and aroma. You can add as much or as little salt and pepper as you like to the potatoes, and you can serve them with any sauce you like.
It is a perfect and easy side dish to impress your guests.
You may have eaten a wedge salad in a restaurant, but now it’s time to make one at home. A wedge salad is pretty refreshing and crispy. It features lettuce topped with blue cheese, bacon, chives and tomatoes.
Serve the salad with your main dish and enjoy a nice crunch in your meal.
Bake a beautiful egg rollatini using the tagged recipe. It is a wholesome dish with eggplants, cheese, marinara sauce, basil, and other flavorful ingredients.
You can serve the dish with shrimp and grits and feed a crowd.
Are you looking for an easy side dish? Fried okra might be just what you need.
This is a traditional Southern dish that has everything you need to be happy and full.
This is an easy recipe with amazing vegetables. It contains lima beans, corn, and other vegetables for a healthy meal. Serve it as a side dish, and create a fulfilling meal.
These cute balls are made of yellow squashes with a soft interior and crispy exterior. You can make them flavorful with the relevant seasoning and enjoy every bite with joy.
You cant go wrong with coleslaw. This is an ultimate comfort food and side dish that goes great with almost all main meals.
Serve it with shrimp and grits as well, and thank us later.
This is our final side dish option for you. Green beans alone can taste boring. So, roasted them using parmesan and made them as interesting as possible.
The cheesy green beans are crunchy and have an ideal aroma.
The best side dishes for seafood
What vegetables go well with shrimp and grits?
The recipe is as simple as chopping, tossing, and roasting. Use any assortment of veggies you like. Sweet potatoes, onions, broccoli, and bell peppers go great with shrimp and grits. And be sure your seasonings complement whatever you use to season your shrimp. When in doubt, salt, pepper, and garlic do the trick.
Is it good to have grits?
Grits is typically a porridge made out of corn meal. As corn kernels are highly processed to turn into fine powder, simple carbohydrates are present dominantly in grits. Hence, its not recommended for individuals with insulin sensitivity, diabetes and obesity. Besides, grits can be consumed occasionally only, say 30 grams of serve per week.
What salad goes well with shrimp and grits?
Another salad that goes hand in hand with shrimp and grits is coleslaw. The mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and honey dressing covering the cabbage will bring a new heavenly flavor dimension to your meal. The best part is that you can have this salad ready in as little as 10 minutes.
What are the best sides for shrimp and grits?
Hearty dishes like casseroles, mac and cheese, potatoes, and biscuits make the best sides for shrimp and grits! Shrimp and grits is a Southern classic full of tantalizing flavors. WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Between the savory shrimp and creamy grits, it’s a meal in itself.