Perfect Sides: What to Serve with Low Country Boil

Originally posted on November 13, 2023 @ 8:51 pm

Nothing beats a low country boil as the perfect summer cookout dish. But, what to serve alongside this delectable seafood feast? From classic southern side dishes to innovative flavor pairings, we’ve got you covered for the ultimate low country boil accompaniments.

Whether you’re looking for traditional southern side dishes like hush puppies and collard greens, seafood sides like shrimp pasta salad and grilled oysters, or light and fresh options like salads and gazpacho, we’ve got plenty of delicious options to complement your meal.

Don’t forget the bread and biscuits to soak up all the flavorful juices, and the sauces and dips to enhance the overall taste. And, of course, you’ll need the perfect beverage pairing to complete your low country boil experience.

Key Takeaways

• Low country boil is the perfect summer cookout dish.
• There are plenty of delicious options to serve alongside a low country boil.
• Traditional southern side dishes like hush puppies and collard greens are a classic choice.
• Seafood sides like shrimp pasta salad and grilled oysters showcase the bounty of the sea.
• Light and fresh options like salads and gazpacho provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the seafood.

Traditional Southern Side Dishes

When it comes to low country boil accompaniments, nothing beats the classic flavors of traditional southern cuisine. These dishes are time-tested favorites that perfectly complement the richness of a low country boil. Here are some classic southern recipes to consider:

Cornbread

A staple of any southern meal, cornbread is a beloved side dish that pairs perfectly with low country boil. Its savory flavor and fluffy texture make it an ideal accompaniment to the rich, seafood flavors of the boil. Serve it hot and buttered for an unforgettable experience.

Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are another classic southern dish that should be on your list of low country boil accompaniments. These savory balls of deep-fried cornmeal are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices from the boil.

Collard Greens

Collard greens are a southern favorite that brings a burst of bright, tangy flavor to any meal. These hearty greens are cooked with bacon, onions, and garlic to create a rich, smoky flavor that balances well with the seafood flavors of the boil.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that can help balance the richness of a low country boil. Its creamy dressing and tangy flavor add a refreshing contrast to the seafood flavors of the boil. Serve it chilled for maximum enjoyment.

“There’s nothing like the classic flavors of traditional southern cuisine to accompany a low country boil.”

Seafood Sides

When it comes to pairing dishes with a low country boil, it’s hard to go wrong with seafood sides. These easy side dishes for seafood will complement the main course and impress your guests. Here are some ideas for delicious seafood sides:

Dish	Description
Shrimp and Crab Pasta Salad	This light and refreshing salad is packed with seafood and veggies, perfect for a summer cookout.
Grilled Oysters	Grilling oysters brings out their natural briny flavor and adds a smoky charred taste. Serve with a garlic butter sauce.
Crispy Fried Fish	A classic seafood side dish that pairs well with a low country boil. Use catfish or tilapia and serve with a tartar sauce.
Cajun Shrimp Skewers	Thread shrimp on skewers and grill them with a Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.

These delicious seafood sides will add a burst of flavor to your low country boil. Serve them up and watch your guests’ taste buds dance with delight!

Summer Cookout Dishes

Summer cookouts are the perfect time to gather friends and family and enjoy delicious food. Alongside your low country boil, these popular summer barbecue recipes are sure to impress your guests.

1. Grilled vegetables: Take advantage of summer’s fresh produce and grill up a colorful mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a healthy side dish. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Baked beans: A classic summer side dish, baked beans are a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with barbecue. Sweet, savory, and smoky all at once, this dish is easy to make and always a hit.
3. Potato salad: Creamy and tangy, potato salad is a staple at any summer gathering. Customize your recipe with your favorite herbs, spices, and add-ins like bacon or hard-boiled eggs.
4. Fruit salad: A refreshing and healthy option, fruit salad is a colorful addition to any summer cookout. Mix together juicy watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe with fresh berries and a squeeze of lime juice.

Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad

This easy and flavorful salad is the perfect complement to a low country boil.

Ingredients:	Instructions:
4 ears of corn, shucked	1. Preheat grill to high heat.
1 red onion, chopped	2. Grill corn until slightly charred, about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
1 red bell pepper, chopped	3. Cut kernels off the corn and add to a large mixing bowl.
1 avocado, diced	4. Add chopped red onion, red bell pepper, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro to the mixing bowl.
2 tablespoons olive oil	5. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and toss to combine.
1 lime, juiced	6. Squeeze lime juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

“This grilled corn salad is a hit at every summer barbecue I host. The combination of charred corn, creamy avocado, and tangy lime juice is irresistible.” -Tina, backyard barbecue enthusiast

Unique Flavor Pairings

Take your low country boil to the next level with unexpected flavor combinations that will tantalize your taste buds. Here are some innovative pairing ideas to make your meal unforgettable:

• Watermelon Feta Salad: This refreshing salad combines sweet watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and fresh mint for a burst of summer flavors. The juicy watermelon pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the low country boil.
• Avocado Salsa: Creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and spicy jalapenos create a delicious salsa that provides a cool contrast to the warmth of the seafood. Serve it with tortilla chips or on top of grilled fish.
• Spicy Pineapple Slaw: This zesty slaw combines crunchy cabbage, sweet pineapple, and spicy sriracha for a refreshing kick. It’s the perfect complement to the bold flavors of the low country boil.

Get creative and experiment with different ingredients to find your own unique flavor pairings. Your guests will be impressed by your culinary skills and the unforgettable meal you’ve created.

Light and Fresh Options

If you’re looking for lighter options to balance the richness of a low country boil, consider serving fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or chilled gazpacho. These dishes provide a refreshing contrast and allow the flavors of the seafood to shine.

One great option is a classic Caprese salad, made with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, all drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Another idea is a watermelon and feta salad, which pairs juicy watermelon chunks with tangy feta cheese, all topped with a zesty lime dressing.

If you want something heartier, try grilling some vegetable skewers, featuring seasonal produce like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. You can also make a refreshing gazpacho soup, which blends together tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and garlic, all finished off with a splash of sherry vinegar.

Summer Salad Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and red onion. Toss to combine.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Southern Comfort: Breads and Biscuits

No southern meal is complete without a side of warm, comforting bread. From fluffy biscuits to crispy cornbread, these traditional southern recipes perfectly complement a low country boil. If you’re looking to add a richer flavor, garlic bread is an excellent choice.

Biscuits

Biscuits are the quintessential southern bread, with a soft and fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of a low country boil. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients	Instructions
2 cups all-purpose flour	Preheat your oven to 450°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Gradually add in the buttermilk, stirring until the dough comes together.
4 teaspoons baking powder	Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly. Roll out the dough until it’s about 1/2 inch thick, then use a biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
3/4 cup buttermilk

Cornbread

Cornbread is another classic southern bread that pairs well with a low country boil. Try this simple recipe for a delicious, slightly sweet cornbread:

Ingredients	Instructions
1 cup all-purpose flour	Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
1 cup yellow cornmeal	Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Serve warm with butter and honey.
1/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg

With these southern bread recipes, you can’t go wrong when it comes to serving up the perfect sides for your low country boil. Dig in and enjoy!

Sauces and Dips

Add a burst of flavor to your low country boil with a variety of sauces and dips. These easy-to-make accompaniments will elevate your seafood sides and make your meal even more delicious.

Sauce/Dip	Flavor Profile	Recommended Pairing
Cocktail Sauce	Tangy	Shrimp
Remoulade Sauce	Creamy	Crab Cakes
Cajun Butter	Spicy	Corn on the Cob
Tartar Sauce	Zesty	Fried Fish

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your own flavor combinations as well. Using fresh herbs, lemon, or garlic can add a unique twist to your sauces and dips.

And for a healthier option, try serving sliced veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers with a bowl of light hummus or tzatziki sauce on the side.

Whether you prefer tangy, creamy, or spicy flavors, sauces and dips are an easy way to add more dimension to your low country boil.

Beverage Pairings

Pairing the right beverage with your low country boil can elevate the flavors and complete your summer cookout spread. Here are some popular options:

Beverage	Flavor Profile
Beer	Refreshing and crisp, the perfect complement to seafood dishes. Opt for light or wheat beers to balance the richness of the low country boil.
White Wine	A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can complement the flavors of the seafood without overwhelming them.
Rosé	A versatile wine that can pair well with a low country boil, particularly if you are serving spicy or tangy sauces.
Sweet Tea	A refreshing, classic option that complements the richness of the meal. Serve over ice for a perfect summer drink.

Whichever beverage you choose, be sure to have plenty on hand for your guests to enjoy. Cheers to a delicious low country boil and summer cookout!

Conclusion

With so many delicious side dishes to serve with a low country boil, you’re sure to find the perfect accompaniments to complement your feast. Whether you opt for traditional southern recipes or get creative with unique flavor pairings, the right sides can elevate your meal and impress your guests.

Don’t forget to choose the perfect beverage pairings to enhance the overall dining experience. From ice-cold beer to crisp white wine or refreshing sweet tea, the right drink can make all the difference.

So, get ready to fire up the pot and start cooking! Explore these ideas, experiment with your own spin on the classics, and enjoy a memorable low country boil with family and friends.