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What to Serve With Grits for Dinner: 15 Best Side Dishes

Grits make a comforting and versatile dinner option that shines with the right sides. Consider classic fried chicken for added crunch, or sautéed shrimp for a touch of sweetness. Collard greens introduce an earthy note, while crispy bacon or savory sausage brings robust flavors. Experiment with mushrooms for a meaty texture or ham hocks for deep flavor. Steamed broccoli provides a healthy contrast, and cornbread is an excellent choice for sopping up any creamy goodness. Each side dish enhances the Southern charm of grits, creating a balanced and delightful meal. Explore more combinations to perfect your grits dinner.

Fried Chicken

finger licking good comfort food

A quintessential pairing for grits, fried chicken adds a satisfying crunch and savory flavor that complements the creamy texture of the dish.

Mastering the cooking techniques involves frying at the right temperature for crispy skin.

Seasoning tips include using a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to enhance the flavor profile.

This combination creates a delightful balance of taste and texture.

Shrimp

delicious fried shrimp recipe

Why does shrimp make an ideal companion for grits, enhancing the dish with its succulent texture and delicate sweetness?

Garlic shrimp, cooked to perfection, brings a savory depth that contrasts beautifully with creamy grits.

Adding lemon butter to the mix creates a luscious, tangy sauce that elevates the entire dish.

This harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes shrimp an irresistible choice for grits.

Collard Greens

soul food side dish

Complementing the rich flavors of shrimp and grits, collard greens introduce a robust, earthy element to the meal that balances the dish beautifully.

Southern recipes often feature this leafy green, known for its health benefits, including vitamins A and C.

The slightly bitter taste of collard greens pairs well with the creamy texture of grits, making it a staple side dish in Southern cuisine.

Bacon

crispy fried pork strips

Bacon adds a savory, smoky flavor to grits, enhancing the dish with its crispy texture and rich taste.

Various cooking techniques, such as frying or baking, can be used to achieve the perfect crispness.

Combining bacon with other ingredients like cheese or green onions creates delightful flavor combinations, providing a balanced, robust accompaniment that elevates the overall dining experience.

Sausage

sizzling sausage feast delight

Sausage, with its robust and savory profile, offers another excellent choice for pairing with grits, providing a hearty and flavorful addition to the dish.

There are numerous sausage varieties, from spicy chorizo to mild Italian, each bringing unique flavors.

Sausage recipes can be simple, like pan-fried links, or more complex, such as sausage and peppers, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Grilled Vegetables

healthy summer barbecue option

Grilled vegetables, with their smoky and caramelized flavors, make a delightful and nutritious side dish that pairs wonderfully with grits.

Employing proper grilling techniques guarantees even cooking and enhances natural flavors. Vegetable marinades, such as a mix of olive oil, garlic, and herbs, add depth and richness.

Popular choices include bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus, adding vibrant colors and textures to your meal.

Pork Chops

tender grilled pork chops

Why not elevate your grits with the savory and succulent flavors of perfectly cooked pork chops?

The rich taste of pork chops combined with a variety of spice rubs adds a delightful complexity to your meal.

Enhance this pairing with delicious gravy pairings, ensuring a mouthwatering experience.

The juicy pork chops and creamy grits create a harmonious blend, perfect for dinner.

Blackened Catfish

delicious cajun seafood dish

For a bold and flavorful accompaniment to your grits, consider the spicy and aromatic allure of blackened catfish. This dish, enhanced by a robust spicy seasoning, pairs perfectly with creamy grits.

The key cooking techniques include coating the catfish in a blend of spices and searing it in a hot skillet until it forms a dark, crispy crust, offering a delightful contrast in textures.

Barbecue Ribs

savory smoked meat feast

Complement your grits with the rich, smoky flavors of tender barbecue ribs, which add a hearty and satisfying element to the meal.

Prepared with a smoky marinade, these ribs can be customized to suit your taste with a variety of sauce options, from tangy to sweet.

The bold flavors of the ribs perfectly balance the creamy texture of grits, creating a delightful dining experience.

Roasted Tomatoes

savory oven baked cherry tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes bring a burst of natural sweetness and a touch of acidity that enhance the creamy richness of grits. Their flavor profile, with a balance of sweet and tangy, complements grits perfectly.

Additionally, roasted tomatoes offer numerous health benefits, being rich in vitamins A, C, and antioxidants. This side dish not only elevates the taste but also adds nutritional value to your meal.

Cheese

cheese please four words

Incorporating cheese into grits introduces a rich, creamy texture and a depth of flavor that can transform a simple dish into a gourmet experience.

The flavor pairing of sharp cheddar or tangy blue cheese with the mild grits creates a delightful taste sensation.

Additionally, the texture contrast between the smooth cheese and the slightly coarse grits adds an appealing complexity to the meal.

Mushrooms

fungi in the forest

Building on the rich flavors introduced by cheese, mushrooms offer an earthy and savory dimension that pairs exquisitely with grits.

Consider stuffed mushrooms, bursting with herbs and cheese, to complement the creamy texture of grits.

Alternatively, a bowl of mushroom risotto, with its hearty and robust taste, can elevate your dinner, creating an enticing and satisfying meal experience.

Ham Hocks

succulent smoked pork dish

Ham hocks impart a rich, smoky flavor to grits, making them an ideal pairing for a hearty and comforting dish.

In Southern cuisine, ham hocks are often simmered for hours, releasing their deep flavors into the broth. This cooking technique enhances grits, creating a savory and satisfying meal.

Including ham hocks guarantees a delicious and authentic Southern dining experience.

Steamed Broccoli

healthy and nutritious vegetable

Steamed broccoli provides a fresh, nutritious contrast to the creamy texture of grits, balancing the dish with its vibrant color and subtle crunch. Broccoli nutrition is rich, offering vitamins and minerals essential for health.

Steaming techniques enhance these benefits by preserving nutrients and maintaining the vegetable's crisp-tender texture. This side dish adds a delightful, healthy twist to your grits dinner.

What Are the Best Side Dishes to Pair With Grits for Dinner?

When serving a delicious helping of creamy, warm grits for dinner, the best side dishes for grits will complement and enhance the flavors. Consider options like savory sautéed spinach, crispy bacon or smoked sausage, and tangy shrimp and grits. These dishes will add depth and variety to your meal.

Cornbread

warm crumbly comforting treat

Cornbread complements grits perfectly with its golden crust and slightly sweet, crumbly texture. Its buttery texture adds richness, making every bite a delight.

Drizzle a honey glaze on top for a touch of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory grits. This combination creates a balanced, satisfying meal that brings warmth and comfort to the dinner table.