We know you might be reading this title and think we have our sides and entrées mixed up.
We do sincerely appreciate your concern, (as we have our fair share of mix up moments) we are referencing the practice of serving red beans and rice as either the side OR the entree!
Some of the sides we suggest will be the complementary protein source, while others may be a side that views the red beans and rice are the main entrée.
The red beans and rice might have the seasonings of a Latino or Caribbean or Louisianan flare.
Excellent.
They are all unique and we hope these recipes inspire you to create a superbly scrumptious meal!
Grab that iron skillet you received for Christmas last year (that has been quietly collecting dust) because now is the time to bake up this amazing side dish to go with red beans and rice!
What is it you ask? Cornbread!
It has a grainy texture that gives a heartiness to your red beans and rice recipe!
Besides, if you do not fall in love with the kick it has, you will most definitely fall in love as you watch the butter melt down the sides of that warm square of deliciousness!
Hot Tip: How to reheat cornbread
Coleslaw is an excellent answer to the question of what to serve with red beans and rice.
This Carolina recipe has no mayonnaise but uses vinegar instead giving it a tangy taste.
Pull out your favorite knife and cutting board (and a favorite tune or two) to prep the ingredients and you will be done in no time flat!
Needs a few hours to chill and is best served cold. It certainly is a tasty way to add color to your plate!
This veggie side dish that goes with red beans and rice is served blackened. That means it is cooked just a tad longer than necessary to give it a smoky flavor.
Which veggie? Broccoli!
We often associate the term blackened with protein options.
Did you know? How long does broccoli last?
But here, the broccoli gets the special treatment to add a complex taste to your red beans and rice, especially if you squeeze a little lemon on top!
The absolute best way to give your whole home a tantalizing aroma is to oven roast a chicken!
It is indeed the perfect savory accompaniment to eat with red beans and rice!
Lots of specific information here to take the mystery out of how to serve the baked chicken you see in your mind’s eye and not a dried-out, overcooked one.
You will not be able to keep folks away from digging in before it has even cooled.
Here we share a copycat recipe we created is a replica of the Cheddar Bay Biscuits that Red Lobster ever so famously serves.
This recipe adds a neutral flavor as a side for spicy red beans and rice. These are literally just bites of pure heaven!
And of course, we do not mind if you use them to scoop your beans and rice onto your fork!
6. Grilled Corn
Ah, corn. Today we are talking corn-on-the-cob! A fantastic option to serve as a beans and rice side dish!
Depending on where you live, you may have learned a specific way to cook corn-on-the-cob.
I am here to confess to you I had no idea there was so very many ways to do so until I started researching.
Here I compiled four popular methods so give one a try and let me know how it goes!
Quick Tip: How to reheat corn on the cob
If you are a fan of dark chicken, particularly legs, then this is the recipe that will satisfy your craving and double as tasty red beans and rice side dish.
We highly encourage taking the time to dry the legs before you begin preparing them. Take into account a 30-minute marinade step before baking.
The rich and tangy glaze here is what sets this recipe apart.
What goes with red beans and rice? Collard greens. But not just any collard greens, these authentic southern collard greens are smooth and seasoned just like the deep South folks enjoy!
Cleaning is crucial if you pick them up from a farmer’s market.
This recipe called for braising the collard greens for several hours so they will be a perfect veggie to share the plate with your red beans and rice!
It has raving reviews so do not be hesitant to give it a try.
Another outstanding idea of what to eat with red beans and rice would most definitely be BBQ beef brisket! This recipe certainly lives up to its name of slow cooker since it cooks for 12 hours.
Perfect for those days when you are up early and eat dinner a bit late!
Fall apart, tender juicy brisket is exactly what you are getting here!
Another superb option here of what to serve with red beans and rice! Air fryer fried chicken simply sounds amazing!
The seasoning includes the Old Bay standard. You can select your favorite part of the chicken to air fry, whether it be thighs, breasts, or tenders.
If you do not have an air fryer, I am sure you have a friend you could collaborate with to try this recipe!
Who here thinks everything tastes better with a side of ranch, whether it be dressing or seasoning? I knew I was not the only one!
When wondering what goes with red beans and rice, look no further than this oven-roasted pork chop recipe.
Using ranch seasoning and taking a few extra minutes to sear both sides of the pork chops before sliding them into the oven, are the steps that will put this recipe into your rotation!
Alright, enough with the red meat and chicken choices!
On to considering a fish option to serve with red beans and rice!
Salmon is front and center here prepared croquette style so a bit of prep before baking allows lots of flavors and textures to be added in!
Straight forward and easy-to-follow steps will yield a beautiful and hearty side dish for your red beans and rice night.
So, if you were wondering, fried green tomatoes really are a thing! They might just be that crunch you are looking for to go with red beans and rice on the side!
Starting with unripe large tomatoes, tangy and firm, they are perfect for coating, frying, and dunking in a side sauce of choice!
Included are instructions for both skillet frying and air frying, and they are different, so you have options baby!
Fresh catfish is a solid southern choice of side for red beans and rice! Flaky, sliced thin for extra crispiness, breaded with a light cornmeal seasoning, and fried to perfection!
Great pictures here to be sure you are on track in your prep steps. I am picturing a tall glass of sweet tea to make this meal picture perfect!
When comfort food is what you are after, chicken fried steak with country gravy will fit the bill for what to serve with your red beans and rice.
It is always a crowd-pleaser and never forgets the gravy! This combination falls under the category of grub that is “down-home cooking.”
The Bottom Line
I am quite sure you noticed that more than a few of these recipe selections had the word “Southern” in them.
Probably because red beans and rice are as common in the Southern parts of the United States as hot dogs are at a baseball game!
Hope these piqued your interest by giving you a combination of two you just couldn’t resist!
What To Serve With Red Beans And Rice 🫘 🍚
If you are trying to figure out sides for red beans and rice you are gonna love our list of Southern ideas. These are the sides that we like to eat.
Ingredients
- Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
- No-mayo Carolina coleslaw recipe
- Blackened Broccoli
- Roasted Chicken
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits
- Grilled Corn
- Balsamic Glazed Chicken Legs
- Southern Collard Greens
- Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Oven Roasted Pork Chops
- Southern Salmon Croquettes
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- Southern Fried Catfish
- Chicken Fried Steak
Instructions
- Pick two dishes to serve with red beans and rice
- Follow the recipe instructions
- Let us know which ones you pick