This article was updated on the 7th of September 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your low country boil, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 15 of the most popular side dishes for low country boil.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with a low country boil are jalapeno hushpuppies, dill pickle coleslaw, macaroni salad, and cucumber mango salad. For more filling options, try popovers and black bean rice. For fun and tasty dishes, you can also try oven-fried okra, bacon-wrapped scallops, and steak kabobs.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Hearty Sides
A low country boil is already satisfying on its own, but why not make it even more indulgent with these hearty, carb-loaded sides? They’re also great for soaking up all the flavorful juices from the crabs and shrimp in your low country boil.
Popovers
4.7 ⭐️ (7 ratings) | 2 hrs
If you want to keep the spotlight of the meal at your low country boil, these popovers are the best dish for the supporting role.
These golden-brown, lightly crispy treats have a soft, custard-like center just waiting to be torn open. And they have a buttery taste that perfectly complements the seafood in your low country boil.
Suburban Soapbox uses a popover pan to make these, but I’ve made them in a muffin tin and they still turned out great!
What readers are saying…
I just made these this afternoon and wanted to tell you they were great!!
I have to say this is the best popover recipe I have tried over the numerous ones I have tried over the years.
Deliciously different alternatives…
Cilantro-Lime Black Bean Rice
4.7 ⭐️ (248 ratings) | 30 mins
Looking to make your low country boil a more filling meal? This rice dish is exactly what you need.
Steamed rice is taken up a notch by adding a spritz of lime juice, and cilantro, infusing it with a deliciously citrusy kick that pairs well with seafood-based dishes like a low country boil.
The addition of black beans also makes the rice even heartier that you can even enjoy this dish on its own.
What readers are saying…
“Tried this today. Used riced cauliflower instead of rice, but did all other ingredients as specified in the recipe. It was delicious.“
“Delicious! I make this frequently and it is always an excellent side dish. I also add a few dashes of green Tabasco sauce to jazz it up.“
“I make this rice about once a month. My husband isn’t a big fan of rice, but he gobbles this down.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥗 Cilantro Lime Quinoa
🧘♀️ Cuban-Style Black Beans and Cauliflower Rice
Sweet Potato Wedges
4.4 ⭐️ (18 ratings) | 50 mins
Low country boils already come with potatoes, but why not switch things up and enjoy them on the side instead? Better yet, why not use sweet potatoes?
These wedges are oven-baked, giving them lightly crisp exteriors and fluffy insides. But what I really love about them is their sweet flavor, which pairs nicely with the zesty notes of your seafood boil.
These wedges are even better with a dipping sauce, but you won’t need one when you serve them with a low country boil. Use them to soak up the juices from the seafood — yum!
What readers are saying…
“Marvelous! My picky husband even said they were the best rendition of a sweet potato he’s had, and he likes sweet potatoes.“
“Without a doubt these are the best SP fries I’ve ever made. They’re way better than the best rated frozen fries.”
“I just made these and they are delicious! The whole family enjoyed them.. even the kiddos.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Southern Cornbread
4.4 ⭐️ (18 ratings) | 35 mins
There are several different cornbread recipes nowadays, but this Southern version is the way to go if you prefer pure savory goodness and none of the sweetness.
There’s zero sugar in this version, and recipe creator Sharon recommends using melted bacon grease if you have it (which is what I did) instead of peanut oil. It’s a simple swap that amps the savory notes further.
Enjoy a slice (or two) of this cornbread with your low country boil for a hearty meal that’ll send you to the couch right after.
What readers are saying…
“This my “Go to cornbread recipe, every time”, I have made it enough that I don’t even have to look at the recipe, almost. It is sooo good.”
“This came out so very good! Glad I found this! Thanks for sharing!!!“
“Delicious, came out perfectly! I used bacon grease and followed the directions exactly, and it was just wonderful!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍯 Jalapeno Honey Cornbread
🌽 Gluten-Free Cornbread
Salads
These sides introduce a refreshing, zesty note that helps cut through all the richness of your low country boil. You’ll need to grab a fork for these sides, but you won’t regret it!
Dill Pickle Coleslaw
4.7 ⭐️ (13 ratings) | 25 mins
Jazz up your traditional coleslaw recipe with two additions in the mayo dressing — dill pickles and pickle juice
These add a slight herby and tangy note to your coleslaw, which pairs superbly with seafood so you’re guaranteed a delicious flavor combination.
Plus, the crisp vegetables of this jazzed-up slaw are an excellent contrast to the soft, tender shrimp, sausages, and potatoes of your low country boil.
What readers are saying…
“I LOVE anything dill pickle flavor. I like that this is finally a coleslaw recipe that’s a little special too! Yummy.“
“It tastes really amazing, and it’s easy to make! Highly recommended.”
“This coleslaw is delicious, the added spices and the dill pickle sets it off, yummy!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Macaroni Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (44 ratings) | 30 mins
Planning to make a low country boil for a summer party? A creamy pasta salad is always a welcome addition to the party spread.
Classic macaroni salad is usually made with mayo, but this recipe features a dressing with added Greek yogurt. It’s a simple swap that makes the salad slightly lighter and healthier, without sacrificing that creamy, tangy goodness we all love.
Trust me, no one will even notice the difference!
What readers are saying…
“I made this today. Delicious with a much lighter, fresher flavor using the Greek yogurt vs all heavy Mayo.”
“Just made this tonight and it’s delish! Can’t wait to try it tomorrow after it melds together. If it tastes as good as tonight then yum!“
“I love making healthy substitutions like this and my family never notices the difference!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
💚 Vegan Pasta Salad
🧘♀️ Spaghetti Squash Salad
Pico de Gallo
5.0 ⭐️ (235 ratings) | 15 mins
Add a fresh bite to your low country boil with a serving of this pico de gallo.
This side dish is usually made with equal parts tomato and onions, flavored with zesty lime juice and cilantro. But you can spice it up by throwing in some chopped jalapenos — add the seeds if you can handle extra heat.
Another thing I love about this side dish is you can make it ahead of time because the longer you let it sit, the more the flavors develop.
What readers are saying…
“This is a fabulous, simple and fresh recipe – exactly what it should be.”
“I’ve been CRAVING some authentic pico de gallo, restaurant good! This really fits the bill!”
“This is absolutely amazing, definitely recommend!!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Cucumber Mango Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (3 ratings) | 25 mins
Searching for a refreshing and fun salad to go with your low country boil? This cucumber mango salad might just be what you’re looking for.
It features a zingy Asian dressing that offsets the sweetness of your cucumbers and mangoes.
Looking for a spicy kick? Add chili oil to the dressing — a small amount goes a long way.
What readers are saying…
“My husband said that on a 1-10 scale, this gets an 11!“
“This dressing was so good I could have drank it. Would go good on any salad. Delicious!!!!!”
“Two of my favorite summer treats! I love the colors in this fresh salad!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍍 Pineapple Cucumber Salad
🍉 Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint
Grilled Treats
If you’re already prepping your low country boil outdoors, why not whip up some tasty grilled treats too? These bring a delightful smoky undertone to the meal and add more depth and flavor.
Grilled Steak Kabobs
4.9 ⭐️ (26 ratings) | 1 hr 25 mins
With these grilled steak kabobs, you can turn your low country boil meal into a surf-and-turf feast.
The steak pieces are marinated in a soy sauce-based marinade loaded with aromatics and seasoning. It’s simple, but this makes the steak pieces oh-so-delicious and tender.
And another thing I love about these skewers is guests can easily grab and eat them on the go as soon as they finish grilling.
What readers are saying…
“My husband said that on a 1-10 scale, this gets an 11!“
“This dressing was so good I could have drank it. Would go good on any salad. Delicious!!!!!”
“Two of my favorite summer treats! I love the colors in this fresh salad!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Grilled Corn on the Cob
5.0 ⭐️ (34 ratings) | 20 mins
If you want to switch things up, leave out the corn from your low country boil and grill it instead. You’ll get that smoky charred flavor, plus you get to season the corn the way you like.
You can keep it simple by just slathering it with salted butter, or you can follow The Endless Meal’s lead and whip up a chili-infused butter to drizzle over the charred corn.
Either way, grilling your corn separately is an easy way to jazz up your low country boil.
What readers are saying…
“I made this for dinner tonight. My husband is one of those “plain is best” eaters. He absolutely loved this corn. It was perfect the way it was written…”
“Loved these!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
5.0 ⭐️ (35 ratings) | 17 mins
If you’re intent on serving your low country boil spread out on a picnic table, these bacon-wrapped scallops are an excellent dish to go with it.
They’re just the perfect size for picking up with your hands. Plus, no serious meat-eater can turn down anything bacon-wrapped!
And the best part? These wrapped scallops boast an irresistible sweet and savory flavor combination that’s guaranteed to have everyone coming back for more.
What readers are saying…
“Delicious!! Great recipe, I’ve made it twice now, thanks for sharing!“
“The bacon wrapped scallops were absolutely delicious and very easy to make!”
“These babies were a hit at Christmas and disappeared quickly! I searched for the perfect recipe and I think I’ve found it. Absolutely delicious!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥓 Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
🧄 Garlic Butter Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Char-Grilled Oysters
Total Time: 20 mins
Take your low country boil spread to the next level with a platter of char-grilled oysters.
What I love about them is they look fancy, but they couldn’t be any easier to make.
They’re filled with a lemon garlic butter sauce, topped with cheese, then char-grilled until golden brown. It’s a simple dish packed with buttery seafood goodness that’s hard to resist.
What readers are saying…
“These were perfect, tasted just like the chargrilled oysters you can find in the French Quarter.”
“Decided to try this for a change and oyster night has now officially been elevated!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌿 Fresh or Grilled Oysters with Chimichurri
⏲ Butter and Herb Baked Oysters
Crispy Delights
Low country boils are filled with tender, juicy elements so you can’t go wrong with adding something crisp and crunchy on the side for a textural contrast.
Jalapeno Hush Puppies
4.8 ⭐️ (19 ratings) | 20 mins
Hush puppies are a classic Southern treat usually enjoyed with seafood dishes like a low country boil.
They’re excellent, but this recipe takes them to another flavor level. Adding jalapenos and smoked cheddar cheese packs them with a touch of heat and a delicious smoky, savory flavor.
Pssst… You can dip these in melted butter or make a creamy Cajun dipping sauce.
What readers are saying…
“I LOVE hush puppies! These look SO good! I love the bit of heat from the jalapeno which goes perfectly with the cheddar!”
“I don’t think I’ve had hush puppies since I was a child. My grandma used to make them and this recipe just took me back! They are absolutely delicious and so easy to make.”
“There’s nothing more perfect in this world than hush puppies, or so I thought. Adding cheddar AND jalapeño to the hush puppies made them next-level amazing.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Oven-Fried Okra
4.4 ⭐️ (253 ratings) | 40 mins
Fried okra is the perfect accompaniment if you want to keep your low country boil feast simple and fuss-free.
These bite-sized treats are ultra crunchy, courtesy of their coating made with Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and cornmeal.
And the best part? These are cooked in the oven, so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of deep-frying.
What readers are saying…
“Turned out exactly as you said it would! It only took a few minutes to throw together and now my house smells like Italian seasoning.”
“We have a bumper crop of okra from this year’s garden and were looking for a healthier recipe. This did the trick! Our okra tasted fabulous. Perfect crispness too.“
“Delicious! Honestly can’t tell they’re not fried! Definitely agree with adding more spice to kick them up a bit!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Fried Catfish
4.2 ⭐️ (60 ratings) | 40 mins
Add a classic Southern seafood dish to your low country boil with this fried catfish recipe.
The fish is dredged in seasoned cornmeal breading, ensuring you get a crunchy and crisp coating while keeping the insides flaky and tender.
Serve your fried fillets with a side of tartar sauce for a zesty kick or Cajun remoulade if you’re more of a spice fiend.
What readers are saying…
“This recipe is PERFECT!!!! I wouldn’t change a thing!!!!”
“Simply delicious! same food all of the time. I normally oven bake my fish, but even after deep frying and putting the fish on a rack in the oven it was not weighted now with grease.”
“My husband isn’t big on fish but he loved this. I liked the hot sauce in it. We will make it again.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
What To Serve With A Low Country Boil
Ingredients
- 1 portion dill pickle coleslaw
- 1 portion macaroni salad
- 1 portion char-grilled oysters
- 1 portion pico de gallo
- 1 portion cucumber mango salad
- 1 portion cilantro black bean rice … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your low country boil according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: jalapeno hush puppies, dill pickle coleslaw, macaroni salad, popovers, steak kabobs, crunchy okras, black bean rice, grilled corn on the cob, bacon-wrapped scallops, char-grilled oysters, pico de gallo, cucumber mango salad, and fried catfish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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