Red beans and rice – a classic, hearty dish that's deeply rooted in Louisiana cuisine. This comfort food staple, with its flavorful blend of beans, smoked sausage, and aromatic vegetables over fluffy rice, is a feast in itself. But it's also incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of side dishes.

If you're looking to create an unforgettable meal with red beans and rice as the star, these are the perfect accompaniments that I've found will truly enhance your culinary experience.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with red beans and rice are corn on the cob, pulled pork, brats, shrimp boil, green beans with bacon, London broil, country style ribs, coleslaw, fried okra, cornbread, Cajun shrimp skewers, deviled eggs, collard greens, biscuits, chicken wings, and Andouille sausage.

Now, let's get cooking!

Table of Contents

1. Corn on the Cob
2. Pulled Pork
3. Brats
4. Shrimp Boil
5. Green Beans with Bacon
6. London Broil
7. Country Style Ribs
8. Coleslaw
9. Fried Okra
10. Cornbread
11. Cajun Shrimp Skewers
12. Deviled Eggs
13. Collard Greens
14. Biscuits
15. Cajun Chicken Wings
16. Andouille Sausage
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What To Serve With Red Beans And Rice

1. Corn on the Cob

Nothing complements a flavorful bowl of red beans and rice like fresh corn on the cob. The sweet, juicy kernels offer a burst of freshness that balances the savory flavors of the main dish. Brushed with a little butter and sprinkled with salt, it's a simple, delightful side that's always a crowd pleaser.

2. Pulled Pork

Pulled pork, with its tender, shredded meat and rich, smoky sauce, is an excellent choice. It matches the hearty nature of red beans and rice, while its barbeque flavors add a new layer of complexity to the meal. Serve it on a bun for a satisfying sandwich, or on its own for a low-carb option.

3. Brats

Juicy, flavorful brats make a great pairing with red beans and rice. The sausages' robust flavor stands up well to the hearty beans and rice, and their satisfying, meaty texture offers a nice contrast. Grill them for a touch of smokiness, and serve with mustard and sauerkraut for a true taste of the summer barbecue.

4. Shrimp Boil

A classic shrimp boil, with its succulent shrimp, sweet corn, and hearty potatoes, complements red beans and rice wonderfully. The seafood adds a touch of elegance, while the corn and potatoes echo the comfort food vibe of the main dish. It's a feast of flavors and textures that's sure to impress.

5. Green Beans with Bacon

Green beans with bacon is a side dish that delivers big on flavor. The tender-crisp green beans, salty bacon, and hint of garlic make for a delightful combination that's both fresh and satisfying. It's a perfect counterpart to the rich, robust flavors of red beans and rice.

6. London Broil

London broil, marinated and grilled to perfection, is a fantastic match for red beans and rice. Its strong, meaty flavor can stand up to the boldness of the main dish, while its tender texture offers a pleasing contrast. Plus, it adds a touch of elegance to your meal, transforming a casual dinner into a special occasion.

7. Country Style Ribs

Country style ribs, slow-cooked until they're fall-off-the-bone tender, make a wonderful side dish. The ribs' rich, meaty flavors and sticky, sweet barbecue sauce complement the savory red beans and rice perfectly. It's a pairing that's guaranteed to satisfy any carnivore's cravings.

8. Coleslaw

Cajun coleslaw, with its vibrant mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy, spicy dressing, makes an excellent companion to red beans and rice. Its refreshing crunch provides a great textural contrast, while the zingy flavors cut through the richness of the main dish, making each bite even more delightful.

9. Fried Okra

Fried okra is a classic Southern side dish that pairs beautifully with red beans and rice. The okra, with its soft, gooey interior and crispy, golden exterior, offers an interesting play on textures. Its earthy flavor balances the hearty beans and rice, resulting in a well-rounded meal.

10. Cornbread

Nothing says comfort food quite like a slice of warm, freshly baked cornbread. Its sweet, grainy flavor and soft, crumbly texture make it a wonderful accompaniment to red beans and rice. Plus, it's perfect for mopping up any extra sauce from your plate.

11. Cajun Shrimp Skewers

Cajun shrimp skewers add a touch of elegance to your meal. The succulent, perfectly grilled shrimp are seasoned with a blend of spices that echoes the bold flavors of the main dish. They're a delicious, low-carb side that's sure to impress.

12. Deviled Eggs

Creole deviled eggs, with their rich, creamy filling and hint of spice, are a tasty and visually appealing side dish. They offer a different set of flavors and textures that work well with red beans and rice, making your meal even more exciting.

13. Collard Greens

Collard greens, cooked until tender and flavored with bits of bacon, make a soul-satisfying side dish. Their slightly bitter taste is a nice contrast to the savory beans and rice, while their soft texture complements the dish's heartiness.

14. Biscuits

Soft, flaky biscuits make a wonderful addition to any meal. They're mild in flavor, allowing the red beans and rice to truly shine. Plus, they're great for sopping up any leftover sauce, ensuring you enjoy every last bit of your delicious meal.

15. Cajun Chicken Wings

Cajun chicken wings, with their crispy skin and juicy meat, are a fantastic pairing with red beans and rice. The wings' spicy, smoky flavors echo the main dish's boldness, while their crisp texture provides a pleasing contrast.

16. Andouille Sausage

Andouille sausage, with its robust, smoky flavor, is an excellent choice. The sausage's hearty, meaty texture offers a nice contrast to the beans and rice, and its smoky, spicy flavor enhances the overall taste of the meal.

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