Table of Contents
Introduction
When you’re hosting or attending a crawfish boil, it’s not just about the crawfish—it’s the full spread that steals the show. These 10 crawfish boil side dishes are designed for busy hosts and seafood fans alike. Each one is full of flavor, easy to prep, and guaranteed to complement your crawfish feast. I’m Samuel, your kitchen companion, ready to help you elevate your boil—from prep to plate—without the stress.
Discover the 10 Crawfish Boil Side Dishes
Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cajun Corn on the Cob | Corn, butter, Cajun seasoning | Spicy, buttery | Easy | ~15 minutes |
Spicy Cajun Potatoes | Baby red potatoes, Cajun spices | Spicy, savory | Easy | ~30 minutes |
Andouille Sausage Bites | Andouille sausage, olive oil | Smoky, savory | Very easy | ~10 minutes |
Garlic Butter French Bread | Baguette, butter, garlic, parsley | Buttery, garlicky | Easy | ~10 minutes |
Classic Southern Coleslaw | Coleslaw mix, mayo, vinegar, sugar | Creamy, tangy | Very easy | ~10 minutes + chill |
Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread | Cornbread mix, cheese, jalapeños | Cheesy, spicy | Easy | ~25 minutes |
Caprese Skewers | Tomato, mozzarella, basil, balsamic | Fresh, tangy | Very easy | ~10 minutes |
Beet & Citrus Salad | Beets, oranges, arugula, balsamic dressing | Sweet, earthy | Easy | ~15 minutes |
Rice with Peas & Peppers | Rice, peas, bell peppers, Cajun seasoning | Mildly spicy | Easy | ~30 minutes |
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers | Jalapeños, cream cheese, bacon, cheddar | Spicy, smoky | Medium | ~25 minutes |
1. Cajun Corn on the Cob
Ingredients (serves 8):
- 8 ears fresh corn, husked
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add corn and boil for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk melted butter with Cajun seasoning.
- Drain corn; brush generously with seasoned butter.
- Sprinkle parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
2. Spicy Cajun Potatoes
Ingredients (serves 8):
- 2 lbs baby red potatoes, halved
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
- In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet, cut side down.
- Roast for 25 minutes, until crispy and tender. Season again if needed.
3. Andouille Sausage Bites
Ingredients (serves 8):
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.
- Add sausage slices in a single layer.
- Cook 4–5 minutes per side until browned and heated through.
- Transfer to a platter—serve with toothpicks.
4. Garlic Butter French Bread
Ingredients (serves 8):
- 1 large baguette, halved lengthwise
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat broiler on high.
- Mix butter, garlic, and parsley.
- Spread on cut sides of baguette.
- Place under broiler 3–4 minutes until golden and bubbly. Slice and serve hot.
5. Classic Southern Coleslaw
Ingredients (serves 10):
- 1 package (16 oz) coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage & carrots)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Toss dressing with coleslaw mix until evenly coated.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
6. Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread
Ingredients (makes one 9×9″ pan):
- 1 box cornbread mix
- Ingredients required by the mix (usually egg + milk)
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- In a bowl, prepare cornbread batter per package instructions.
- Stir in jalapeño and cheese.
- Pour into greased pan and bake 20 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Caprese Skewers
Ingredients (makes ~24 skewers):
- 24 cherry tomatoes
- 24 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 24 fresh basil leaves
- 2 Tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions:
- Thread one tomato, basil leaf, and mozzarella ball onto each toothpick/skewer.
- Arrange on a platter; drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
8. Beet & Citrus Salad
Ingredients (serves 6):
- 3 medium cooked beets, peeled and sliced
- 2 oranges, segmented
- 4 cups arugula
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Arrange arugula on a serving dish.
- Scatter beet slices and orange segments on top.
- Whisk olive oil, vinegar, salt & pepper; drizzle over salad.
9. Rice with Peas & Peppers
Ingredients (serves 10):
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
- 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions:
- Rinse rice under cold water until clear.
- In a pot, bring broth to a boil; stir in rice and Cajun seasoning.
- Cover, reduce heat to low, cook 18 minutes.
- Turn off heat, stir in peas and peppers (don’t reseal); recover and let steam 5 minutes.
- Fluff with fork, top with green onions.
10. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients (makes 24 poppers):
- 12 large jalapeños, halved and seeded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 slices bacon, halved
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese and cheddar.
- Fill each jalapeño half with cheese mixture.
- Wrap each with a bacon half, securing with a toothpick.
- Place poppers on a baking sheet and bake 20 minutes until bacon is crisp.
Tips & Tricks
- Prep smart: Roast potatoes and make slaw a day early.
- Let flavors mingle: Rest dishes briefly after cooking.
- Heat control: Adjust jalapeños and Cajun seasoning for your crowd’s preference.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t wrap too tight: Allow cheese room to ooze in poppers.
Avoid overcrowding pans or sheets: Causes steaming instead of crisping.
Skip chilling slaw: Let it rest so flavors meld.
Final Thoughts
Bringing these 10 crawfish boil side dishes to the table means adding variety, color, and crowd-pleasing flavor—with minimal fuss. From cheesy jalapeño poppers to refreshing beet salad, you’ll have something for every taste bud. You focus on the crawfish; I’ll handle the sides—and together, we’ll make your boil unforgettable!
If you’re ready to add quick-and-tasty baked dishes to your rotation, check out my
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FAQs About crawfish boil side dishes
What sides go with a crawfish boil?
Popular sides for a crawfish boil include corn on the cob, boiled baby potatoes, garlic butter French bread, andouille sausage, coleslaw, jalapeño cornbread, and fresh salads like beet & citrus or caprese skewers. These balance the spice of the crawfish and add texture to your feast.
What are some Cajun side dishes?
Classic Cajun sides include dirty rice, Cajun potato salad, cornbread, collard greens, red beans and rice, and hush puppies. They’re flavorful, often spicy, and hearty—perfect companions to any main dish with bold Louisiana flair.
What should I serve with a seafood boil?
Serve a mix of starchy, fresh, and creamy sides: think corn, potatoes, crusty bread, green salads, coleslaw, rice pilaf, or even pasta salad. And don’t forget the dipping sauces—garlic butter, remoulade, or spicy mayo are favorites.
What is usually served at a crawfish boil?
Alongside the crawfish, you’ll typically find corn on the cob, whole garlic cloves, baby potatoes, sausage (like andouille), and sometimes mushrooms or lemons tossed into the boil. Bread and cold beverages round out the spread.
What vegetables go well with crawfish?
Corn, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and whole garlic cloves are common. Arugula, beets, tomatoes, and citrus fruits also work great in salads to provide freshness against the rich crawfish flavors.
What vegetables are good in a seafood boil?
Corn, potatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and even green beans or mushrooms hold up well in the boil and soak up the seasoned broth beautifully. They add variety, color, and flavor to the pot.
10 Crawfish Boil Side Dishes
- Total Time: PT45M
- Yield: ~8–12 servings each
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A roundup of 10 easy, vibrant side dishes perfect for a crawfish boil party.
Ingredients
See each Recipe Separately
Instructions
See each Recipe Separately
Notes
Ideal for busy hosts seeking quick, crowd-pleasing sides.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT25M
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, roasting, baking, assembling
- Cuisine: Cajun/Southern American