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What to Serve With Fish and Grits: 15 Best Side Dishes

Enhancing your fish and grits meal with the perfect side dishes can bring out the flavors and complete this comforting Southern classic. Consider serving coleslaw for a crisp, invigorating element, or hush puppies with their crispy exterior and tender interior. Collard greens offer an earthy flavor and essential nutrients. For a touch of sweetness, cornbread is a delightful choice. Steamed asparagus adds elegance and vibrant color. Each side dish complements fish and grits, enhancing both taste and presentation. There are more delicious side dish options you might like, so explore further to discover the perfect pairings.

Coleslaw

cabbage carrots dressing salad

Adding a revitalizing and crunchy element to your meal, coleslaw serves as an ideal side dish for fish and grits.

Beyond its delightful texture, coleslaw offers notable health benefits, being rich in vitamins and fiber.

The dish also boasts flavor variations, from tangy vinegar-based versions to creamy mayonnaise blends, ensuring it complements any palate.

This versatility makes it a perfect accompaniment.

Hush Puppies

comfortable shoes for all

Hush puppies, with their crispy exterior and tender interior, make an excellent complementary side dish for fish and grits. These delightful cornmeal fritters have historical origins in Southern cuisine and are often served with a variety of dipping sauces.

Their rich texture and flavor provide a satisfying contrast to the smoothness of grits, enhancing the overall dining experience with depth and warmth.

Collard Greens

southern comfort food staple

A staple in Southern cuisine, collard greens bring a robust, earthy flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the creamy texture of grits and the tender, flaky quality of fish.

Seasoned with traditional Southern seasoning, these greens are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Rich in vitamins A and C, they contribute essential nutrients to complement your savory meal.

Cornbread

warm and crumbly treat

Complementing the rich flavors of collard greens, cornbread serves as a quintessential side dish that enhances the overall dining experience with its slightly sweet, crumbly texture.

Cornbread's regional variations—from Southern buttermilk to Northern sweet—offer unique twists.

It also provides health benefits, such as essential nutrients and fiber.

This versatile bread pairs perfectly with fish and grits, making it a delightful addition to your meal.

Steamed Asparagus

delicious spring vegetable option

Steamed asparagus adds a touch of elegance and a burst of vibrant color to the plate, making it an excellent side dish for fish and grits.

Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, asparagus benefits include promoting healthy skin and boosting immunity.

For perfect results, follow steaming tips such as using fresh spears, trimming the tough ends, and steaming until tender-crisp.

Fried Okra

southern comfort food favorite

Crispy and flavorful, fried okra provides a delightful contrast in texture to the creamy grits and tender fish. The okra benefits include high fiber and essential vitamins.

For preparation tips, coat okra slices in cornmeal and fry until golden. This side dish not only enhances the meal's visual appeal but also adds a crunchy, savory element that complements the main course perfectly.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

delicious homemade side dish

For a side dish that offers both comfort and a rich, savory flavor, garlic mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with fish and grits. The buttery flavor and creamy texture of these mashed potatoes complement the dish perfectly, adding a satisfying richness.

The smooth blend of garlic and potatoes creates a harmonious balance, making each bite a delightful experience. Indulge in this comforting, flavorful side.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

savory and crispy dish

Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a nutritious and flavorful side dish that pairs well with the savory elements of fish and grits. Their health benefits include being rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Simple cooking techniques like tossing them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting at high heat bring out their natural sweetness and crispiness, making them a delightful addition to your meal.

Macaroni and Cheese

comfort food for all

Macaroni and cheese, with its creamy texture and rich flavor, serves as a comforting and indulgent side dish that complements the savory components of fish and grits.

Experimenting with different cheese varieties, such as cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella, can elevate the dish. Additionally, using various pasta shapes, from classic elbows to shells or cavatappi, adds an interesting twist to this beloved favorite.

Cucumber Salad

fresh and tangy dish

A cucumber salad, with its invigorating texture and revitalizing taste, provides a light and tangy contrast to the hearty flavors of fish and grits. Featuring rejuvenating ingredients like fresh cucumbers, red onions, and a splash of vinegar, this salad is both delightful and healthy. Its easy preparation makes it a convenient choice, perfect for balancing the richness of your main dish.

Southern Green Beans

fresh savory slow cooked beans

With their smoky bacon undertones and tender texture, Southern green beans offer a savory complement to the dish of fish and grits.

This side dish showcases traditional cooking methods, simmering beans with bacon for a rich flavor profile.

The combination of garlic, onion, and a hint of spice creates a mouthwatering experience that balances the creamy grits and delicate fish perfectly.

Pickled Vegetables

fermented vegetable preservation method

Adding a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of fish and grits, pickled vegetables bring an invigorating acidity that enhances the overall dining experience.

Mastering simple pickling techniques allows for a wide range of vegetable varieties to be enjoyed. Try pickling carrots, cucumbers, or radishes for a zesty complement.

The sharpness of these vegetables balances the creaminess of grits, creating a harmonious meal.

Tomato Basil Salad

fresh summer garden flavors

Tomato basil salad offers an exhilarating and vibrant side that pairs seamlessly with the robust flavors of fish and grits.

This delightful dish, perfect for summer recipes, combines juicy tomatoes with fresh herbs like basil. The invigorating taste and bright colors enhance the meal, adding a touch of elegance.

Simple to prepare, it complements the hearty main course beautifully.

Black-Eyed Peas

healthy and tasty legume

Black-eyed peas offer a savory and protein-rich complement to fish and grits, enriching the meal with their earthy flavor and satisfying texture.

Traditional preparation methods, such as simmering with onions and garlic, enhance their taste.

Additionally, black-eyed peas are packed with nutritional benefits, providing essential vitamins and minerals.

This side dish brings a wholesome and hearty element to your dining experience.

Are the Best Side Dishes for Ployes Similar to Those for Fish and Grits?

When deciding on the best side dishes for ployes, consider options that complement the dish’s unique flavor, such as roasted vegetables, garden salad, or coleslaw. These pairings are akin to those suitable for fish and grits, which often include sautéed greens, cornbread, or hush puppies.

Creamed Spinach

delicious side dish option

Creamed spinach provides a rich and velvety side dish that pairs beautifully with the flavors of fish and grits. The nutmeg flavor adds a subtle warmth, enhancing the creamy texture.

For those seeking dairy alternatives, coconut milk or cashew cream can be used instead of traditional cream, resulting in a dish that is both delicious and accommodating to various dietary preferences.