What to Serve with Shrimp Boil (23 BEST Sides)

This Southern staple is a messy, flavorful, and delicious family meal.

But I can’t be the only one who’s wondered what to serve with shrimp boil, right?

20+ Easy Side Dishes for Shrimp Boil

A classic shrimp boil is a meal in itself. Between the seafood, potatoes, and corn, it’s pretty darn hearty.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t serve some tasty sides too!

And for me, the best side dishes for shrimp boil are hush puppies, cornbread, coleslaw, and mac & cheese.

But that’s not all! I’ve got a whole slew of recipes here, and they’re all perfect for a shrimp feast.

1. Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese

Let’s get this show on the road with the ultimate side dish: mac and cheese.

The flavors in the shrimp, corn, and sausage are super punchy and often spicy. So cheesy pasta is the perfect way to balance it out.

Plus, who doesn’t love mac and cheese?

It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient option for any shrimp boil party.

2. KFC Coleslaw

If you’re looking to add some zesty freshness to your shrimp boil, then this KFC coleslaw copycat is the answer. 

This tangy, crunchy, and cool coleslaw recipe is the perfect complement to the savory flavors of shrimp boil. 

And the mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy mayo dressing is a hit at any backyard bash.

3. Hellmann’s Potato Salad

Hellmann’s potato salad features potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, celery, and onions tossed in a creamy mayo dressing.

So every bite offers a satisfying mix of textures, with the mayo dressing acting as the perfect binder.

And when paired with shrimp boil, this potato salad provides a cooling and refreshing balance to the spicy and savory flavors.

4. Southern Hoe Cakes

There’s a lot of sauce and juice involved in a shrimp boil. So you’ll need something to mop it all up!

And these hoe cakes are just the thing!

They’re mini cornbread pancakes with crispy edges and a super fluffy middle. And the light sweetness works so well with plump shrimp.

Make a huge batch and keep them in a low oven until the feast.

5. Cracker Barrel Fried Okra

Fried okra is the ultimate Southern comfort food that adds a unique and flavorful twist to any shrimp boil. 

The crispy exterior and tender interior create a delicious contrast to the juicy shrimp. 

Plus, its nutty and earthy taste adds a depth of flavor to the meal. And they’re just fun to eat!

6. Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are a Southern staple that pairs perfectly with juicy shrimp and crisp corn. 

And they’re another terrific option for mopping up all those juices.

These little balls of fried cornmeal are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.

And since you’ll make them in the Air Fryer, they’re healthier than the usual deep-fried recipes.

7. Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is a fresh and zesty side dish that pairs well with everything from tacos to curry.

And it also works really well with zippy shrimp.

This fragrant and flavorful rice dish features long-grain rice with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. 

So it’s tangy and citrusy with a nice pop of color to boot.

8. Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

You could make any old biscuit recipe, and your friends and family would be thrilled.

But these copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuits are something special.

If you know, you know. And if not…well, just try them and thank me later!

9. Marie Callender’s Cornbread

Marie Callender’s cornbread is a savory and slightly sweet treat made with cornmeal, flour, sugar, and butter. 

And it’s wonderfully mild, so it won’t overpower the herbs and spices in your broth.

You’ll love the tender, crumbly texture and how easy this stuff is to make!

10. Homemade Extra Crispy Onion Rings

I can’t think of a single meal that doesn’t work with crispy onion rings. But they’re especially welcome with juicy shrimp and tender potatoes.

These golden-brown rings have a breadcrumb coating, so they’re crazy crunchy. And the hint of smoky paprika is wonderful with the sweet onions.

11. Sweet Potato Fries

Not only do sweet potato fries add a vibrant pop of color to your plate, but they also provide a sweet and earthy balance to the spicy shrimp boil. 

Plus, sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins and fiber, so you can feel good about indulging in this tasty side dish. 

12. Grilled Veggie Skewers

Speaking of vibrant pops of color: how stunning are these grilled veggie skewers?

You can add any vegetables you have on hand, though I recommend using a few different colors for the rainbow effect.

From zucchini and bell peppers to onions, mushrooms, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes, the options are endless. 

13. Pioneer Woman Deviled Eggs

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – rich and creamy sides pairs so well with punchy shrimp.

Creamy recipes work because they’re a good contrast, in taste and texture.

And deviled eggs are a fantastic finger food your guests can snack on while they wait for the shrimp!

14. Bisquick Sausage Balls

Want something substantial on the side of your shrimp? How about these crunchy yet fluffy, sausage-infused Bisquick balls?

They travel well, are great hot or cold, and will make your dinner extra hearty.

And all you need is five simple ingredients!

15. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Dill pickle pasta salad is another shrimp boil party must-have.

The tangy and refreshing flavors complement the savory and spicy dish beautifully.

And it’s a terrific way to add a cool and filling element to the table.

16. Texas Roadhouse Rolls

If you’re a bread lover (who isn’t?), then these Texas Roadhouse rolls are the perfect side dish for your shrimp boil.

Soft and buttery, they’re insanely fluffy. Serve them warm, and you can even make little shrimp sandwiches!

17. Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber

Shrimp boils are best in the summer when you can sit outside in the sunshine.

And what’s the best summer fruit ever? Yup, it’s watermelon.

The juicy sweetness of the watermelon pairs perfectly with the tangy saltiness of the feta cheese.

Meanwhile, the crisp cucumber adds even more texture to the dish.

18. Cheesy Potato Casserole

Cheesy potatoes go with everything. They’re tender, gooey, salty, and covered in a yummy cornflake crust.

What more could you ask for in a side dish?

The creamy finish adds just the right amount of richness to your tangy shrimp boil. And everyone will want seconds!

19. Bush’s Baked Beans

Bush’s baked beans – they’re so much more than anything you’ll get from a can.

Made with a sweet and savory sauce that’s loaded with bacon, onions, and a touch of brown sugar, they’re hard to pass up. 

Serve them with shrimp and some cornbread, and everyone will be more than satisfied.

20. Potato Cakes

I don’t know about you, but when I do a shrimp boil, it’s finger food only.

Okay, not only, but mostly.

So I like sides you can grab and devour without needing a knife and fork – like these tasty potato cakes,

They’re tender, crunchy, and work really well with juicy shrimp.

21. Paula Deen Crab Cakes

If you want something a little fancier than potato cakes, try these tender crab cakes instead!

The seafood pairs perfectly with the shrimp. And they’re hearty enough to soak up all the juices left on your plate.

Not only that, but they add a nice freshness and layer of crunch too.

22. Fried Green Tomatoes

Speaking of crunch: Fried green tomatoes and shrimp boil are a match made in Southern cooking heaven. 

The tangy and crispy green tomatoes offer a burst of juicy flavor under that crunchy coating.

It’s like a party in your mouth, y’all!

23. Easy Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad is the refreshing yin to your shrimp boil’s spicy yang. 

The coolness and crunch of cucumber complement the bold flavors of the shrimp boil, making it an ideal side dish. 

Plus, the light and zesty dressing is a great palate cleanser between bites.