This article was updated on the 6th of September 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your crab boil, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 11 of the most popular side dishes for crab boil.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best side dishes to serve with crab boil are spicy potato wedges, Southern cornbread, or garlic knots. For something light, you can serve a simple tossed green salad, or a greek yogurt coleslaw. You can also serve something filling like a grilled potato salad or a creamy mashed turnip.
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.
Starchy Sides
A crab boil is pretty filling on its own, but serving it with starchy sides is the way to go if you want to make the meal more indulgent. Just make sure not to make any plans post-meal, as you’ll probably need a nap after indulging.
Spicy Potato Wedges
5.0 ⭐️ (6 ratings) | 40 mins
Want to add a little kick to your crab boil? You can’t go wrong with these potato wedges.
They’re seasoned with a mixture of cayenne pepper, paprika, onion, and garlic powder, infusing them with a lip-smacking spicy kick that makes them oh-so-addictive.
Psst… don’t forget the dipping sauce! I personally love a classic garlic aioli.
What readers are saying…
“My potato wedges turned out amazing! The spice blend on this was to die for.“
“Crispy and delicious…just how I like my potato wedges!“
“I had so many potatoes to use up so we made these and they’re AMAZING. Thank you!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Southern Cornbread
4.2 ⭐️ (42 ratings) | 35 mins
Looking for something to mop up all the juices from your crab boil? A slice of classic Southern cornbread is the way to go.
This version is pure savory goodness. There’s no added sugar and the bacon grease brings a lightly smoky twist that pairs well with the sweetness of the crab meat.
You won’t need more than a slice or two because it’s pretty rich, but no judgments here if you sneak in another slice because it’s just that tasty!
What readers are saying…
“This is the real deal!”
“Made this for friends and one (very) southern friend said it was the best cornbread he’d ever had. Highly recommend!”
“Quick. Great texture. Perfect size. Awesome flavor.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍳 Hot Water Cornbread
🌱 Dairy-Free Jalapeno Cornbread
Garlic Knots
4.8 ⭐️ (160 ratings) | 3 hrs 25 mins
Garlic knots are a fluffy alternative to garlic bread.
These buttery little bites of heaven are super addicting, so don’t let your guests eat too many or they might be full when it comes to the crab boil!
They look like they’re hard to make, but they’re actually really easy. Just remember to brush the garlic knots before and after you cook them to lock in all the garlicky goodness.
What readers are saying…
“…we tried out your recipe, we followed all the steps as you had outlined. And we are so so happy!! It turned out great!!“
“This was my first time making garlic knots and they were AMAZING! I definitely recommend this recipe!”
“These are so good and so easy to make. Will be making these on repeat.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Hushpuppies
4.7 ⭐️ (23 ratings) | 18 mins
Hushpuppies are a classic side dish for any Southern meal (and crab boil is no exception).
The catch with these treats is you’ll need a large, deep saucepan and lots of oil to fry them up. But the results – savory, sweet dough balls with a flakey texture – are worth it. Plus, they’re guaranteed to be a great hit with any kids you’re feeding.
And to make them even tastier, serve them with a dipping sauce like spicy mayo or honey mustard. Yum!
What readers are saying…
“I loved this recipe, I modified it some by chopping up a jalapeño along with the onion. Came out delicious!”
“I’m from Louisiana and we like our food with a kick to it. I added chopped jalapeños and Cajun seasoning to mine.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Fresh and Light Sides
A crab boil can easily get overwhelming with all of its elements. That’s why you need something light and fresh on the side to balance the meal.
Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus
5.0 ⭐️ (6 ratings) | 15 mins
Roasting has to be one of my favorite ways to cook asparagus because you get a deep, earthy flavor. And the zesty lemon dressing will give your crab boil a refreshing feeling that’s perfect for the summer!
I also like adding red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick, but just a pinch to keep this side dish light and fresh.
Enjoy your crab boil with these lemon-roasted asparagus spears for the ultimate summer meal.
What readers are saying…
“Such a perfect side dish for spring and summer.”
This looks so easy and delicious! Definitely making for dinner.
LOVE asparagus…and I bet the lemon brings out so much amazing flavor!
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍋 Lemon Herb Grilled Zucchini
🌱 Garlic Roasted Green Beans
Watermelon Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (6 ratings) | 15 mins
This watermelon salad is a popular side to serve at barbecues, and it can help brighten up a crab boil.
The combination of watermelon, cucumbers, fresh herbs, and lime juice creates the perfect palate cleanser and helps cool down your mouth after a hit of heat.
For the best results, consume this salad immediately!
What readers are saying…
“My friend made this for a girls get-together! Best thing at our gathering by far. We couldn’t stop eating it.“
“This is so simple yet so amazingly refreshing and flavorful.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Roasted Beets and Carrots
4.5 ⭐️ (142 ratings) | 30 mins
Crab is your protein, so now you need vegetables to complete the meal. And these roasted beets and carrots fit the bill.
Roasting already makes these root veggies tastier, but The Creative Bite goes the extra mile and finishes them off with a honey-butter mixture for maximum deliciousness.
And the intense fuchsia color of the beets and the vibrant orange of the carrots match the bright red crabs so stunningly.
Tip: Don’t add the honey too soon, or it can burn and become bitter.
What readers are saying…
“Delish I have a lot of beets and needed a way to use them up, had a stray sweet potato, I made a double batch for a family of 6, no leftovers!”
“These looks delicious! Going to give them a try with some beers I picked up this morning at the farmers market. I was thinking about adding a sweet potato!”
“Very tasty!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Creamy Mashed Turnips
4.5 ⭐️ (21 ratings) | 40 mins
Mashed turnip is a creamy side dish that’s just as delightful as mashed potatoes. And the best part? It has fewer calories than your regular mash, making it a great low-carb or keto alternative.
Now don’t get me wrong — it won’t taste exactly like mashed spuds. But additions like cream cheese, sour cream, and chive add a familiar flavor that’ll satisfy your taste buds.
Tip: When you’re picking your turnips, go for the smaller ones because they tend to be sweeter than the big ones.
What readers are saying…
I made these last night for my family. They all loved them! We are trying to eat low-carb, so I am so happy that they liked them.
Deliciously different alternatives…
Jazzed up Classics
The classics never go out of style, but they can get a tad predictable at times. It’s a good thing that with a couple of tweaks, favorite sides like coleslaw and potato salad can get a tasty makeover!
Greek Yogurt Coleslaw
5.0 ⭐️ (4 ratings) | 10 mins
It’s time to take your regular coleslaw up a notch by taking a mayo-free approach.
But don’t worry, no-mayo doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice creaminess. Greek yogurt works just as well and adds a nice tang, so don’t be surprised if your guests ask for the recipe!
Plus it only takes five minutes to put together, so you can spend more time entertaining.
Pair this creamy Greek yogurt coleslaw with your crab boil and you’re in for a delicious supper.
What readers are saying…
“This is SO GOOD! The first night it was good, after letting it set in the fridge overnight it’s perfect!! Just like real coleslaw but so much healthier!“
“Love the recipe. This is WAY better than anything based on mayonnaise.“
“My boyfriend thought it was delicious coleslaw and only after I told him I used green yogurt then could he claim to taste it. Very delicious.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Greek Tossed Green Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (14 ratings) | 15 mins
You can whip up this simple tossed green salad in no time at all, so it’s perfect if you’ve only just realized you need something extra to serve at your crab boil.
It’s light, crunchy, and tasty. And it won’t overshadow the main event (the crab). Plus, both your diet and your taste buds will appreciate this scrumptious side.
Pro-tip: Add chickpeas or navy beans to make this salad a tad heartier.
What readers are saying…
“I must say that it was pure perfection….I wouldn’t change a thing… The dressing as spot-on, and can be used on others salads as well I just wanted you to know how much We enjoyed the salad, and we’ll definitely make it often.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥬 Arugula Salad with Olives, Feta, and Dill
🍅 Mediterranean Tomato Salad
Grilled Potato Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (14 ratings) | 15 mins
This side dish is a slightly healthier twist on your usual potato salad. Instead of a mayo dressing, it features a vibrant herb vinaigrette that makes this salad a bit lighter than usual.
And if that’s not enough, the grilled potatoes add a smoky flavor and a bit of char, which works well with the sweet crab meat.
Whip up this potato salad if you want something a little different for your crab boil.
What the chef says…
“Skewering the smaller creamer potatoes ensures that you don’t lose any between the grates and turning is a snap. A grill basket will also work.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
What To Serve With Crab Boil – 11 Best Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 portion spicy potato wedges
- 1 portion greek yogurt coleslaw
- 1 portion hush puppies
- 1 portion watermelon salad
- 1 portion roasted beets and carrots
- 1 portion garlic knots … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your crab boil according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: spicy potato wedges, creamy greek yogurt coleslaw, southern cornbread, lemon garlic roasted asparagus, garlic knots, creamy mashed turnip, greek tossed green salad, grilled potato salad, hushpuppies, watermelon salad, and roasted beets and carrots.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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