39 Delectable Side Dishes to Serve with Catfish

You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re wondering what to serve with your catfish.

In this essay, I present 39 of the most popular catfish side dishes.

In a rush? Heres the short answer.

Sweet onion hush puppies, mac n cheese, and garlic butter rice are the tastiest side dishes to offer with catfish. You may also offer fried okra, fried potato slices, or sweet and sour greens as an accompaniment. Try apple coleslaw, grilled asparagus, or lemon and dill potato salad for lighter sides.

Ready? Lets jump right in.

Fried okra

If you’re accustomed to slimy okra, forget it. Okra is crisp and tasty when cooked properly.

This healthful vegetable can be fried to perfection in an air fryer in 10 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute meals.

And the crispiness of this Southern-style fried okra will complement your delicate fish.

Why we love this recipe: no oil is required to prepare this fried okra.

Recipe FeaturedFried okra served with a spicy aioliMake a salad out of it.Salad with fried okraLeave out the frying.Okra stewed with tomatoes

Garlic butter rice

Why not pair your juicy catfish with a fatty side?

Garlic butter rice is simple yet tasty.

In addition to the garlic butter, the rice is cooked in stock, which imparts flavor from the start.

Psst, add some protein to this side dish with chickpeas.

Why we like this recipe: the tastes may be readily changed by adding lemon juice, fresh herbs, or additional garlic.

Recipe FeaturedRice with garlic butterKeep things simple.Pilaf of brown riceMake it filling.Rice with black beans

Sweet onion hush puppies

Fried catfish and hush puppies are a tried-and-true combo.

Both dishes are covered with cornmeal, which makes them crunchy on the exterior and tender on the inside.

These hush puppies also have a tinge of sweetness from onions, which pairs nicely with a pungent tartar sauce.

Why we like this recipe: You can’t go wrong with this classic side dish.

Recipe FeaturedHush puppies with sweet onionBack to the fundamentalsHush pups in the SouthMake it hot.Hush puppies with jalapeno and cheddar cheese

Apple coleslaw

Coleslaw is another traditional side dish that goes well with fried fish or in catfish tacos.

And by using apples, this dish provides a delicious twist.

Apple coleslaw is a light, sweet, and crispy side dish that will brighten up your meal.

Why we love this recipe: it’s ideal for preparing for a large group.

Recipe FeaturedColeslaw with applesStick to tradition with classic coleslaw.Remove the mayonnaise.Coleslaw with vinegar

Sweet and sour greens

Green beans are one of my favorite vegetables.

They’re inexpensive, healthful, and simple to prepare. However, they might become monotonous when served plain.

Add smoky bacon and a sweet-but-sour sauce prepared with sugar, apple cider vinegar, and the umami-packed Worcestershire sauce to kick things up a level.

Why we like this recipe: they transform a low-cost dinner into something delicious.

Recipe FeaturedGreen beans with a sweet and acidic flavorMaintain simplicity.Steamed green beans with lemonMake it unique.Toasted green beans with tomato sauce

Lemon dill potato salad

Looking for a summer side?

Try a lemon dill potato salad.

The salad’s acidic flavors will complement the somewhat sweet catfish well, and the dill will keep things interesting.

Psst add some crunch with chopped celery.

Why we like this recipe: This salad will leave a lasting impact.

Recipe FeaturedPotato salad with lemon dill dressingCream it up.Salad with creamy red potatoesMake it enjoyable.Salad with loaded baked potatoes

Onion rings

What about onion rings if sweet onion hush puppies aren’t your thing?

Theyre fun to make and even more fun to eat!

Just dont forget the dipping sauce.

I prefer to use horseradish sauce because it gives a spicy bite.

Why we like this recipe: the panko breadcrumbs provide crunch.

Recipe FeaturedRings of onionMake it one-of-a-kind.Onion rings wrapped in baconChoose a batter.Onion rings dipped in beer batter

Crawfish etouffee

Crawfish etouffee is ideal for elevating your catfish with huge, powerful tastes.

Fresh crawfish, spices, and herbs abound in this soupy meal.

Its thick gravy produces a fantastic sauce for your catfish, and I’d add a dollop of the garlic butter rice I described before on the side to round out the dish.

Yum.

Why we adore it: it’s the ideal Southern comfort food.

Recipe FeaturedEtouffee de crawfishCrisp it up.Egg rolls with crispy cajun crawfishMake it a vegetable.Ratatouille

Grilled asparagus

Grilled asparagus is one of the nicest things about spring.

Its a sure sign that summer is nearly here!

Grilling the spears imparts a smokiness and a crisp-tender texture. There will be no weak, wet spears.

If you’re poaching your catfish, try a lemon bearnaise sauce on top of your grilled asparagus.

Why we love this recipe: its bright and fresh.

Recipe FeaturedAsparagus grillMake it gooey.Grilled asparagus with cheeseMake it one-of-a-kind.Asparagus covered with grilled bacon

Shaved fennel salad

Fennel is an underutilized ingredient that I believe should be more widely used, and it pairs well with fish.

It has a light green flavor and a light, crisp texture.

Psst dont worry it doesnt taste like licorice!

Why we like this recipe: it simply takes 5 minutes to prepare and requires only 6 ingredients.

Recipe FeaturedSalad with shaved fennelSalad with green beans and roasted fennelBack to the fundamentalsSalad for everyday use

Blue cheese mac and cheese

Throwing a dinner party?

Make a beautiful blue cheese mac and cheese for your guests.

The blue cheese gives a bit of refinement to this rich, creamy, and comforting dish.

But don’t worry, it’s just a hint, so the flavor won’t overshadow your catfish.

Why we like this recipe: the breadcrumb topping gives it a crisp touch.

Recipe FeaturedMac and cheese with blue cheeseMake classic mac and cheeseMake it one-of-a-kind.Bites of fried mac and cheese

Fried potato slices and onions

Quick, easy, and filling.

These fried potato slices are a crowd favorite and a tasty alternative to traditional fries.

The butter-fried potato slices have a delicate, fluffy feel with crunchy edges.

Warning these are pretty addictive.

Why we like this recipe: it’s a fresh take on the simple potato.

Recipe FeaturedOnions with fried potato slicesMake classic French friesMake it opulent.Potatoes scalloped

Cheese grits

Cheesy grits are another staple southern comfort meal.

They have a porridge-like texture that, although first unappealing, is really rather comfortable once you start digging in.

This side’s richness will make your catfish shine.

Why we like this recipe: the leftovers may be eaten for breakfast the following day.

Recipe FeaturedGrits with cheeseMake it hot.Grits with jalapeno cheddar cheeseMake it one-of-a-kind.Souffle casserole with cheesy grits

What vegetables to serve with catfish?

Simple vegetables like grilled asparagus, steamed broccoli, or sautéed green beans go well with catfish. Try sweet and sour green beans, braised collard greens, or fried okra for something different.

The best vegetables to serve with catfish:

• Steamed broccoli
• Sauteed green beans
• Sweet and sour green beans
• Braised collard greens
• Fried onions
• Grilled asparagus
• Fried green tomatoes
• Fried okra