What to Serve with Red Beans and Rice

Have you tried the heart and soul of New Orleans cuisine – red beans and rice? If you’re trying them or the first time or enjoying them once again, I’ve got a delicious list of ideas for what to serve with red beans and rice.

This classic dish is a staple in Louisiana cuisine, known for its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients. Whether it’s a weekend or any day of the week, a pot of red beans and rice always hits the spot. 

Authentic red beans and rice is a dish deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Louisiana, particularly in Creole and Cajun cuisine.

To create this popular dish, several key ingredients are essential. Red kidney beans, onions, bell peppers, celery, ham hock or smoked sausage, cajun seasoning, bay leaves, chicken stock, spices, green onions, and hot sauce are the must-have ingredients. All that flavor needs something amazing by its side, so let’s get into what tastes amazing with this side dish!

1. Creole-Style Pork Chops

Seasoned with a Cajun blend of spices and seared to perfection, these juicy pork chops add a savory touch to your meal. Serve them alongside your Louisiana red beans and rice for a truly satisfying dinner.

2. Spicy Andouille Sausage Jambalaya

Amp up the heat with a spicy jambalaya featuring chunks of smoky andouille sausage with red bell pepper and green pepper chunks. The spicy kick of the sausage pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of the red beans and rice.

3. Classic Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden-brown fried chicken is always a crowd-pleaser and a classic Southern dish. The crunchy exterior and tender meat are the perfect contrast to the creamy red beans and fluffy rice.

4. Smoked Sausage Gumbo

Dive into a bowl of rich and flavorful gumbo filled with chunks of smoked sausage, tender red beans, and the holy trinity of Creole cuisine – onions, bell peppers, and celery.

5. Catfish Fillets

Add a taste of the bayou to your meal with blackened or fried catfish fillets. The bold flavors of the blackened seasoning complement the smoky flavors of the red beans and rice. The simple ingredients in this main dish make it an easy pairing with rice and beans.

6. Creole Shrimp Etouffee

Treat your taste buds to a decadent seafood dish with Creole shrimp etouffee. The creamy, flavorful sauce coats plump shrimp and pairs beautifully with the earthy flavors of the red beans and rice.

7. Southern-Style Collard Greens

Add a side of classic southern collard greens to your meal for a burst of freshness and color. The slightly bitter greens balance out the richness of the red beans and rice.

8. Savory Cajun Meatloaf

Put a Louisiana twist on a classic comfort food with Cajun-spiced meatloaf. The savory flavors of the meatloaf complement the creamy texture of the red beans and rice.

9. Southern-Style Green Beans

Warm up your soul a slow-cooked batch of green beans made with smoked turkey leg.

10. Creole-Seasoned Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Fire up the grill and cook up some Creole-seasoned grilled shrimp skewers. The smoky char pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the red beans and rice and might be one of your new favorite meals.

11. Southern-Style BBQ Ribs

Fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs are a match made in heaven for this classic Southern side dish. The tangy barbecue sauce and tender meat are the ultimate comfort food combo. Everyone will be glad to see this combo on the dinner table.

12. Fried Okra

Grab some “Southern popcorn” and enjoy crispy fried okra on the side with your savory red beans and rice.

13. Blackened Cajun Salmon

For a great option that’s on the lighter side, try blackened Cajun seasoning salmon. The bold spices and flaky texture of the salmon complement the creamy red beans and rice.

14. Southern-Style BBQ Pulled Pork

Serve up a heaping portion of tender, smoky BBQ pulled pork alongside your red beans and rice for another Southern classic. This is a good option to keep the spice level down for your meal. The touch of sweetness and tangy flavor of the pulled pork pairs perfectly with the creamy beans and fluffy rice. Add a little cole slaw for another great addition.

15. Cajun-Seasoned Grilled Chicken Breast

Fire up the grill and cook juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts to perfection. The smoky flavors of the grill and the bold Cajun spices add depth to your meal, making it a fantastic pairing with the creamy red beans and rice dish.