We have some great ideas for delectable shrimp and grits sides to give you that complete dining experience!
The shrimp and grits recipe is said to have originated from the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina, where it is usually eaten during breakfast (hence, the name “breakfast grits”).
The most popular version of this recipe is attributed to the late chef Bill Neal, who showcased a different array of Southern flavors by combining shrimp, bacon, and grits that are made creamy.
What’s awesome about it is that you can tweak the ingredients to your own liking, as this entrée already has a lot of different versions from different places.
The shrimp and grits may be a classic Southern dish that can be prepared for breakfast or even for family dinners, but this doesn’t mean you can’t make it a little extra by pairing it with a variety of options to choose from.
We’ve prepared 27 shrimp and grits sides you can try from home!
You can consider having some greens like Roasted Asparagus Salad With Tomato & Basil or Southern Collard Greens.
You can also try serving Southern Squash Puppies or Sweet Potato Fries for that added savory taste.
You can even see if Southern-Style Buttermilk Biscuits also work well with it!
So if you’re thinking of something to complement your “breakfast grits”, say no more!
This list can be your kitchen buddy to make your tummy happy!
Let’s start off this list with some greens and veggies.
If you like something crispy for your side dish, this is the way to go.
This fried side can be easily prepared by putting the bite-sized fresh okra into a ziplock bag with a breading you prefer (usually a combination of cornmeal, flour, and pepper), after drenching it in egg.
Also, avoid the slime by drying it up before cooking and frying your breaded okra in hot oil – which can also help you get that crunchy and crispy texture you’ll love.
With this side dish, you can have it served with or without the cheese (totally up to you!).
Just a piece of advice, have your homemade vinaigrette done the night before to save some time in preparing.
One of the great things about this side dish is that it goes well not just with shrimp and grits, it compliments other main dishes, too.
In just simple and easy steps, you can already enjoy this salad that can be prepared ahead, which means less time to consume before serving it on the day!
All you have to do is shake, trim, cook and sprinkle.
Make sure to pat dry the beans to help the dressing cling to the rightly cooked beans.
This colorful and flavorful side dish is recommended when planning to have some dinner gathering or holiday dinner.
Getting tired of your usual steamed broccoli?
Then you should try this one.
This can be made using very simple ingredients, and can only take up to 15 to 20 of roasting time.
We’ll just have to make sure they’re cooked well and tossed in with some olive oil or cheese to add some flavor to your crispy broccoli.
If you’re in the mood for something simpler and tender as your complimentary dish, you may consider trying this one.
In the comfort of your own home, with some help from your oven, you can surely enjoy this amazing, tender, crispy dish that can fit with any entree of your choice!
This is one of our favorites when it comes to side dishes that have a Southern touch plus the loose leafy greens.
This also involves your oven and some spices, bacon, and a family of leafy greens which is the collard, that will surely give your meal that extra shine without making a sweat.
For this one, all you need are these main ingredients: carrots, cabbage, sugar and vinegar, and the dressing.
Altogether, this will make your taste buds experience that fresh and lively flavor that will enhance and make your meal stand out.
There is no need to cook longer when you’re planning to serve this Southern staple; you can even add your preference of flavors to it!
These Southern-Style Buttermilk Biscuits will surely give that complete taste, for they can give you that rich and buttery flavor.
This scrumptious and milky dish is flaky but is also tender and has melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Making these biscuits might seem a little tedious to do, especially the dough plus the baking part, but they’re worth the time and effort.
9. Creamed Corn
This amazing holiday side dish will surely let you experience that creamy, buttery taste to go well with your main dish!
With the combination of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, kernels, and a handful of spices, this is a dish you’ll never want to miss out on.
Here’s the catch, you can get this done in around 30 mins prep and cook time!
10. Creamed Peas
Having peas as your side dish can never get this more exciting!
This dish is very simple to prepare without sacrificing the delicious part.
You just have to put together in a saucepan some butter, flour, milk, and spices – plus don’t forget the peas.
I’m sure preparing this dish will be easy pea-sy!
Looking for some green bean and peas alternative for your weeknight meal side?
Give this one a shot.
You can make this in big batches or in smaller ones, you’ll just have to prepare some butter, flour, shallot, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, sea salt, white pepper, water chestnuts, and of course, the spinach.
Just make the roux, add the cheeses and chestnuts, then you can heat it up, mix and serve!
12. Succotash
This summer side dish is recommended if you’re craving some bacon, corn, beans, and herbs, altogether!
This colorful and savory dish can be prepared in less than an hour without using the oven!
You can also consider this as a lighter main course option, in case.
You can also make this dish vegan by omitting the bacon and adding a tasty veggie of your choice.
This might not be your usual side dish, as this is usually served with bread, but this will give you that Southern vibe with the Italian turkey sausage.
It is best served after refrigerating for a day so make sure to prepare ahead.
Friendly tip, you can also try using spicy sausage to give that spicy kick!
Also known as Involtini di Melanzane, the Eggplant Rollatini is ideal if you’re looking for the traditional flavors and aromas of Mediterranean food.
The basic ingredients for this dish are eggplant, mozzarella, tomato, and basil which are cooked using the oven.
Though it’s similar to the eggplant parmigiana, which is considered a full meal, these eggplant rolls will give that added flavor to your main dish.
You might mistake this one for a complete meal, but some people consider this as a side dish!
This pasta side made mainly with zucchini, cherry tomatoes and basil can actually complete your hearty meal while adding up some fun and nutrition.
Make sure to serve it while it’s freshly made to enjoy the richness of the flavors!
This may look like hush puppies, but these cuties are actually made with grated squash and spices.
This incredibly delicious veggie side dish is best served crispy and hot, the kids will surely love it with some ketchup.
This is the perfect side dish for picky eaters, they won’t even know they’re eating squash!
Fries must be one of the well-loved side dishes, especially when it’s made of sweet potatoes.
Homemade baked sweet potatoes are real goodies, and it is best served right after it is baked.
To enjoy, all you need are sweet potatoes, olive oil to drizzle, paprika, and sea salt.
You can also add some herbs and chipotle sauce when you serve them!
I couldn’t stop eating these little buggers when I first had them!
They were so good!
Buttery and flakey with just the right amount of tart, they go really well with delicate shrimp!
Ingredients include: butter puff pastry, frozen spinach, tomatoes, feta chees, and eggs.
Delicious wild mushrooms sitting on top of a freshly baked tart with shallots and rosemary?
Yes, please!
Serve up with Pinot Noir and a bowl of shrimp and grits to complete the equation!
Ingredients include: wild (oyster, crimini, or porcini) mushrooms, butter, shallots, garlic, and gruyere cheese.
Roasted brussels sprouts have long been on the list of top side dishes and appetizers.
It owes its success to the fact that it goes well with everything!
Try serving them up with your shrimp and grits to see for yourself!
Ingredients include: brussels sprouts, olive oil, black pepper, kosher salt, and garlic powder.
A bit on the unconventional side, but Andouille sausage gravy does work with shrimp and grits!
This entry is meant for the more adventurous, as the classic gravy recipe packs quite a punch in the spice department.
Nonetheless, expect it to add an explosion of flavor to your meal!
Ingredients include: butter, andouille sausage, garlic powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
If you’re looking for something quick, easy, and delicious to serve with your shrimp and grits, look no further!
Delicious crabs cakes pan-fried to crunchy, golden-brown perfection are just the thing to add to your meal!
Serve up with some citrus arugula salad to broaden the flavor spectrum further!
Ingredients include: eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, scallions, crab meat, and olive oil.
Warm, hearty, and filling, it creates a nice texture contrast to your shrimp and grits while keeping true to the seafood vibe.
And did I mention it only takes 5 minutes on average to make?
Ingredients include: green onions, oysters, milk, salt, pepper, and butter.
Mojo potatoes have been one of my favorite snacks growing up!
I just couldn’t resist them!
They’re just so crunchy and crispy and oh-so-delicious!
Now with the emergence of the air fryer, they’re even easier to make!
Ingredients include: potatoes, flour, eggs, garlic powder, and seasoning.
25. Brunswick Stew
Brunswick stew has flavors that many perceive as both familiar and exotic, with a few even suggesting it verges on the boundaries of an acquired taste.
Whatever the case, the tomato in it acts as a balancer that complements your shrimp well!
It’s also a good dish to use all your leftover meat in!
Ingredients include: red bell pepper, onions, tomato sauce, beans, and meats.
Yes, it’s the recipe for a delicious side dish, not the TV show.
Coincidentally, the dish’s popularity skyrocketed with the release of the show back in the early 90s.
Crispy and tart, they’re sure to be an interesting addition to your shrimp!
Ingredients include: green tomatoes, flour, buttermilk, pickle juice, and eggs
27. Garlic Bread
This iconic side dish is perfect for people looking for something light, familiar, and delicious with their shrimp and grits!
You can purchase some if you’re in a real hurry or make some of your own with the recipe posted here!
Ingredients include: butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, parsley, and olive oil.
The bottom line
Whether it’s your usual family dinner or a big party, whipping up new ideas for side dishes can be a tiring chore, especially for pairing up with something as versatile as the shrimp and grits.
This traditional dish of the south can be prepared in the comfort of your kitchen without missing the fine dining experience.
Of course, its sides as well, too!
It’s time to upgrade your usual homemade meals to extraordinary ones by trying new flavors and tasty options from this list!
No matter what mood or cravings you have, there are lots of various Shrimp And Grits Sides to choose from.
27 BEST Shrimp And Grits Sides
We have some great ideas for delectable shrimp and grits sides to give you that complete dining experience!
Ingredients
- Southern Fried Okra
- Roasted Asparagus Salad With Tomato & Basil
- Green Bean Salad
- Roasted Broccoli
- Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
- Southern Collard Greens
- Southern Vinegar Coleslaw
- Southern-Style Buttermilk Biscuits
- Creamed Corn
- Creamed Peas
- Homemade Creamed Spinach
- Succotash
- Cornbread & Sausage Stuffing
- Eggplant Rollatini
- Basil Pesto "Zoodles"
- Southern Squash Puppies
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Spinach & Feta Galettes
- Mushroom Tart With Shallots & Rosemary
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts
- Andouille Sausage Gravy
- Speedy Crab Cakes
- Classic Creamy Fresh Oyster Stew
- Air Fried Potatoes
- Brunswick Stew
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- Garlic Bread
Instructions
- Find your favorite recipe from our Shrimp And Grits Sides list.
- Gather all the ingredients needed.
- Start cooking and make us proud!