Tasty Pairings: 8 BEST Side Dishes for Red Beans and Rice

If you’ve wondered what Red Beans and Rice is, wonder no more.

This traditional dish from Louisiana has been a favorite of Americans for over one hundred years.

The combination of flavorful red beans and rice, bacon or sausage, green peppers, celery, and onions creates something truly delicious.

One taste, and you’ll be hooked on the flavor.

Farmers who raise pigs in the South turn their parts such as ears and feet into delicious greens, with a flavor, unlike any other vegetable.

For the most amazing taste, add some green onions and garlic to your vegetables.

Red beans and rice are gluten-free and very healthy for you- it’s high in protein and fiber with low-fat content and little carbs.

If you’re on a diet, this is the perfect choice for you.

Serving this dish with either sausage or bacon, depending on your preference of meat, is delicious.

It’s also going well with some cornbread.

This dish is perfect for any time of year, but it’s especially delicious in the fall.

In this article, we will provide you with some great recipes that are perfect for your next family meal.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Red Beans and Rice?

Red beans and rice is a dish that can make you feel warm inside but could leave your taste buds feeling lonely.

Since the dish comprises only one type of item, it can be considered a little bland.

It’s best to provide some accompaniments to give your taste buds something else to think about.

You must vary the flavors with different side dishes for red beans and rice.

In regards to variety, it is always good to provide a wide range of colors and flavors for your guests.

Think about how many options there are, all of which will be different in two or three distinct ways.

You can go even further by thinking about textures that you want to pair with the dish, as well as what your guests may enjoy.

The best thing about red beans and rice is the ability to think of it as a blank canvas.

There are so many possibilities for suitable side dishes for red beans and rice, so have fun with it.

Just be sure that you know your guests well enough to guide them to elements they will enjoy.

What to Serve with Red Beans and Rice? 8 BEST Side Dishes

So, you have decided to serve red beans and rice but do not know the best accompaniment? Well, you are in luck because there are so many possibilities.

No matter your guest’s preferences, there is a side dish for them here.

1 – Brunswick Stew

This meal is perfect for chicken or pork dishes.

It has a slightly tangy taste that allows the meat’s natural flavors to come through while still allowing it to take center stage.

A lot of people don’t know about this dish – but you should.

Not only is it great with any meat, but it’s also vegan-friendly, which is always nice to know.

There are several variations (depending on the vegetables you put in your stew), but one thing remains consistent – corn.

Brunswick Stew also makes for an excellent potluck dish, so once you give it a try, be sure to share.

2 – Cornbread

Often accompanied with any southern meal, cornbread is a common favorite.

Although it provides an excellent crunch and texture to the meal, it also has a slightly sweet flavor that can add another element to your dishes.

There are many ways to make cornbread, but the most popular is in cakes or loaves (either square or round) and cream-style corn.

You can add different elements to it (such as jalapenos or peppers) and even make it savory if you like, but your imagination only limits the recipe.

3 – Fried Chicken

When you think of southern food, the first thing that comes to mind is often fried chicken.

This is because it’s such a popular dish.

People love this recipe and eat it frequently in their homes.

Not only is this dish tasty, but it can also be served in so many different ways.

You can make regular fried chicken or go with a twist by adding ingredients that you find in chicken nuggets (such as cheese or sauce) to make it unique.

One specific example would be Southern Fried Chicken Nuggets.

No matter what recipe you use for this dish, it will bring joy to your dinner table and provide a great flavor and texture.

4 – Grilled Pork Ribs

Ribs are another popular dish when it comes to traditional southern food.

It’s common to see them at any barbecue event, so be careful not to bring the same thing everyone else has.

To make grilled pork ribs, you need a good plan.

First, you have to marinate the meat to absorb flavor and then cook it until it is done.

This process provides an excellent texture and allows the meat to fall off the bone.

Once you have cooked the ribs, you can top them with a variety of sauces.

There are all kinds to choose from, but some excellent ones include barbecue and sweet chili.

5 – Fried Green Tomatoes

A common side dish in the southern United States, fried green tomatoes are an excellent way to provide flavor and texture to your meal.

There are many different ways to cook this meal, but what is consistent is that it needs tart ingredients (such as lemon juice or vinegar).

The rest of the recipe usually involves mixing up all ingredients before placing them in flour or breadcrumbs.

This meal also requires frying, but make sure that the oil is hot enough to cook it thoroughly.

6 – Fried Okra

Another popular side dish when it comes to fried foods.

Although fried okra does not have as much flavor as some other dishes, there are several ways to be prepared, such as the one described here.

This meal is usually cut into slices and coated with flour or cornmeal.

Make sure that it is cut thinly, so the exterior is crispy and the insides are soft.

Be aware that this dish goes well with salt and pepper or hot sauce (if you like a little spice).

This dish can also be made with other vegetables, such as eggplant or zucchini.

7 – Baked Macaroni and Cheese

A common side dish to any meal, this is a popular choice among kids and adults alike.

It has the comforting factor that makes it perfect for dinner time.

The ingredients you need are typically macaroni (or pasta of your choice), salt, pepper, butter, milk or cream (whole or skim), cheese (your preferred kind; cheddar is a popular choice), breadcrumbs, and an oven.

The preparation process includes boiling the noodles until they are cooked through and soft before combining them with all other ingredients.

Once everything is combined, make sure it is buttered on the bottom and put the breadcrumbs over the top.

Then, place it in the oven to bake at 350°F for 20 – 30 minutes.

This meal can be served with various ingredients mixed in or on tops, such as bacon bits or green onions.

8 – Cajun Roasted Potatoes

These potatoes provide the perfect crispiness and flavors that you dream of.

The ingredients you need are russet or red-skinned potatoes, table salt, unrefined coconut oil (or any other high smoke point cooking oil), pepper (fresh ground recommended), and Cajun seasoning.

Although you can cut up potatoes and cook them, this meal is best when placed in layers in the pan with the seasoning sprinkled over each layer.

Cook until brown and crispy before serving.

You can also broil them for a few minutes to get the perfect crispiness.

The amount of oil you use depends on how many potatoes are in the pan, but make sure they are evenly coated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, red beans and rice are a staple in Louisiana.

Louisiana red beans and rice can be made with much more than just red beans and rice.

Every family has their version of this recipe; we’ve shared eight delicious options you should consider trying the next time you make it.

So, the next time you’re in Louisiana, be sure to ask about their red beans and rice recipe.

You might be surprised at all of the things that go into this tasty dish.

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