Red beans and rice is a classic combination that can be found in many cultures around the world.
It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s easy to make and can be varied with different types of beans and spices.
But even though beans and rice are delicious on their own, sometimes it’s nice to serve them with a side dish to add flavor, texture, and variety. So, what to serve with red beans and rice?
This blog post will explore some of the best ideas for what to serve with red beans and rice. We’ll cover a range of tasty options that will take your meal from ordinary to extraordinary!
1. Roasted Chicken
This is the first on our list of what to serve with red beans and rice. Adding roasted chicken to your meal of beans and rice is a great way to switch up the flavors and create a more complete, hearty dish.
Roasting chicken gives it a crispy, juicy texture and brings out its natural flavor. The simple combination of beans and rice gets upgraded with roasted chicken, making it an excellent choice for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Season it with garlic, herbs, and spices when roasting chicken to create maximum flavor. You can also add a light glaze to enhance the flavor of the chicken even further.
When served with beans and rice, you can create a flavorful dish that will satisfy everyone at the table.
2. Cheesy Garlic Biscuit
Cheesy Garlic Biscuits are the perfect accompaniment to a hearty plate of red beans and rice. These fluffy, savory biscuits will tantalize your taste buds and take your meal to the next level.
They’re super easy to make and require minimal ingredients so that you can whip them up quickly in your kitchen.
Serve with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost! This comes second on our list of what to serve with red beans and rice.
3. Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
This is the next on our list of what to serve with red beans and rice. Beef brisket is a great choice regarding what to serve with red beans and rice.
Slow cooking the beef brisket makes it tender and full of flavor. The beef brisket can be cooked in a slow cooker, so all you have to do is set the timer and let the beef cook until it is ready to be served.
This makes it the perfect side dish for busy weeknight meals. Accompanying the beef brisket with a variety of seasonings and herbs like garlic, oregano, thyme, and rosemary will add even more flavor to the dish.
You can also pair it with vegetables like bell peppers and onions for a heartier side dish.
Serve the beef brisket with freshly cooked beans and rice for a complete meal that will satisfy your family’s appetite.
4. Sausage
Sausage is a classic accompaniment to red beans and rice. It adds a savory flavor to the dish that balances out the earthy flavor of the beans and the starchy taste of the rice.
A great way to incorporate sausage into beans and rice dishes is to brown it in a skillet with some oil or butter before adding it to the pot. This will add an extra layer of flavor to the meal.
If you feel creative, you can create your own seasoning blend to give your dish an extra kick. Just mix together equal parts garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, and chili powder, and then add it to the pan when cooking the sausage.
This seasoning blend will bring out the sausage flavors and help balance the beans and rice taste.
5. Fried Green Tomatoes
This comes next on our list of what to serve with red beans, and rice Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with beans and rice. They’re easy to make and can be served either hot or cold.
To make fried green tomatoes, start by slicing unripe tomatoes into 1/2-inch thick slices. Dip each slice in a beaten egg and then dredge in a mixture of seasoned flour and cornmeal.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the tomato slices until they’re golden brown.
Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels and serve with a sprinkle of salt. Fried green tomatoes are a great side dish because they’re tasty and nutritious.
Try adding these fried green tomatoes to your next beans and rice dish for a delicious and healthy meal!
6. Southern Fried Catfish
Regarding what to serve with red beans and rice, there’s no better option than Southern fried catfish. This classic comfort food is sure to please everyone at the table!
Catfish is easy to prepare; dredge in cornmeal and fry until golden brown and crispy. Serve the fried catfish with tartar sauce for a tasty addition.
The contrast of the crispy, fried fish against the creamy, savory beans and rice is an unbeatable combination. The meal will be complete when you serve a side of hushpuppies or coleslaw. Enjoy!
7. Ham Hocks
Red beans and rice are a staple dish in many cultures worldwide, but it can often be tricky to decide what to serve alongside them.
One of the best side dishes to pair with beans and rice is ham hocks or Schweinshaxe. Ham hocks are large cuts of pork from the pig’s front leg and are often smoked and seasoned with spices.
When cooked slowly, the fat renders out, and the meat develops a deep smoky flavor. The pork fat in the ham hock pairs perfectly with the hearty texture of beans and rice.
The smokiness also adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the classic combination. The combination of red beans and rice with ham hocks is perfect for a comforting dinner on a cool night.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.
8. Shrimp Scampi
What to serve with red beans and rice? Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that is perfect for what to serve with red beans and rice.
The combination of shrimp, garlic, lemon, and butter makes a flavorful and delicious accompaniment to the hearty bean and rice dish.
To prepare shrimp scampi, first, sauté garlic in butter until fragrant. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
Cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, then add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve the shrimp scampi over the beans and rice for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
For an added touch of flavor, you can also toss fresh herbs such as parsley or basil into the shrimp scampi just before serving.
This will give the dish a bright pop of color and a burst of freshness that pairs perfectly with the beans and rice.
Enjoy this classic Italian-American dish for an easy and delicious way to serve beans and rice.
9. Air-Fried Pork Chops
Air-fried pork chops are a great way to turn a simple meal of beans and rice into something truly special.
Combining the savory pork with the creamy texture of the beans and the fluffy grain of the rice is sure to make any diner’s taste buds sing.
To air-fry pork chops, coat them in oil, seasonings, and spices and then place them in an air fryer. Set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for about 15 minutes or until the pork is cooked through.
The result is a juicy, tender pork chop perfect for what to serve with red beans and rice.
10. Pot Roast
Pot roast is an excellent side dish to serve with beans and rice. This classic comfort food is a great way to add a hearty, savory flavor to the meal.
Pot roast is made with slow-cooked beef, vegetables, and a flavorful gravy. It can be served over mashed potatoes, alongside roasted vegetables, or on its own with a side of rice. Serve it with beans and rice for a filling, delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Add some cooked bacon or crumbled sausage to the pot roast for an even heartier version of this classic dish. This will give the meal an extra boost of protein and flavor.
To make your pot roast even more flavorful, consider adding some herbs or spices to the mix before cooking. This will take your dish to the next level and ensure that everyone enjoys their meal.
11. Smoked Ribs
Smoked ribs are perfect ideas for what to serve with red beans and rice. They are a great way to dress up classic beans and rice dishes.
The smoky flavor of the ribs helps to bring out the earthy flavors of the rice and beans while adding a depth of flavor.
The ribs can be smoked in the oven or on the grill, making them an easy addition to the meal.
With their succulent texture and robust flavor, smoked ribs are sure to make any meal of beans and rice unforgettable.
Serving smoked ribs with other side dishes is important to balance the meal. A fresh salad, some roasted vegetables, or a light soup can all be delicious accompaniments to the smoky ribs.
These side dishes will help cut through the richness of the ribs and add texture and flavor to the meal. Plus, they will add a splash of color to the plate, making for a beautiful presentation.
12. Steamed Veggies
When you serve red beans and rice, steamed vegetables are a great way to add a nutritious, delicious element to your meal.
Steaming is a healthy cooking method that can help preserve the nutritional value of vegetables while still providing a flavorful accompaniment.
Also, It’s an easy way to cook veggies if you’re short on time! Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and green beans all work well when steamed – chop them up and steam for about 5 minutes until they are fork-tender.
Serve them as a side to your beans and rice to add extra flavor and texture to your dish.
13. Savory Cheese Beignets
Savory cheese beignets are a delicious way to turn a traditional side dish of beans and rice into an elevated meal.
Beignets are like a cross between a doughnut and a fried cheese stick – small, cheesy puffs of dough that are crunchy on the outside and fluffy and cheesy on the inside.
Paired with a side of creamy beans and fluffy rice, these beignets add a unique touch to any meal.
Not only do they offer great flavor, but they also provide a delightful contrast in texture. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite hot sauce to give it an extra kick!
14. Baked Pork Chops
Baked pork chops make an ideal accompaniment to a plate of red beans and rice. Not only do they add a juicy protein to the meal, but they also pair nicely with the smoky flavor of the beans. Baking pork chops is easy and requires minimal prep time.
Season the chops with a combination of your favorite herbs and spices, brush them with oil, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This is what to serve with red beans and rice for a hearty and nutritious dinner.
15. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is the perfect side dish to serve with beans and rice. This classic salad comprises shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, and vinegar.
It adds a crunchy and tart flavor to the meal, sure to be a hit with your family or guests. Coleslaw also pairs well with other traditional sides like cornbread or corn tortillas.
16. Collard Greens With Bacon
Collard greens with bacon make an ideal side dish for what to serve with red beans and rice. The flavor of smoky bacon enhances the hearty, earthy flavor of the collard greens and complements the savory taste of the beans and rice.
Plus, it’s easy to prepare! Sauté the bacon in a pan before adding the collard greens and some chicken broth.
Cook until the greens are tender, and season with salt and pepper. Serve this tasty side dish with your favorite beans and rice for a delicious and filling meal.
17. Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is an excellent side dish to serve with beans and rice. This combination of flavors creates a delicious, hearty meal that’s sure to be enjoyed by all.
Pulled pork is also incredibly versatile, so you can make it in advance and pair it with different types of beans and rice.
For example, you can try serving pulled pork with black beans and white rice or use pinto beans and yellow rice.
Top the pulled pork with some salsa or your favorite barbecue sauce to add an extra layer of flavor. The result will be a comforting and filling meal that everyone will enjoy.
18. Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
This is the last on our list of what to serve with red beans and rice. Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread is a great side dish to serve with beans and rice. It provides a deliciously spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of the beans.
Plus, it’s easy to make, and you can prepare it ahead of time to enjoy more time with your family and friends.
The combination of jalapenos, cheddar cheese, and cornbread creates a delicious treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Serve it warm with butter for an added layer of flavor, or top it with some shredded cheese for an even more cheesy delight.
With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can have this delicious side dish ready in no time. Its simple ingredients make it both affordable and tasty, making it an ideal addition to any meal.
Whether serving beans and rice as a main dish or as part of a larger meal, Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread is the perfect accompaniment.
Make sure to add this side dish to your next dinner or get-together for a tasty and unique spin on traditional beans and rice.
Conclusion
Beans and rice are a classic combination that is nutritious, filling, and versatile. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal or need a quick and easy dinner, beans and rice can be a great choice.
But if you’re looking to switch up the flavors or add more nutrients to the meal, what to serve with red beans and rice? This post explored some of the best sides to serve with beans and rice and how to make them.
