What to Serve with Fried Catfish
If you’re stumped on what to serve with Fried Catfish or any fried fish, look no more! Here’s a collection of easy side dishes to serve with your favorite Southern fried catfish recipe!
Most often, you’ll find fried catfish fillets served with the most popular side dishes – a little fresh lemon, tartar sauce and french fries, onion rings or hush puppies.
And don’t forget the Louisiana hot sauce, cornbread and fried green tomatoes!
You can find most of the ingredients for these easy catfish side dishes at your local grocery store.
You’ll love these catfish side dishes!
Fried catfish is a staple Southern comfort food that is served year-round!
- In the South, side dishes are just about as important to the family meal as the main entree! These recipes are tried-and-true, proven, easy and delicious!
- Most of these can be made in advance and reheated in the microwave or on the stove top
- No fancy ingredients – just simple, staple items you find at your neighborhood grocery store
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a perfect side dish for fried catfish and definitely one of the most popular! Shredded cabbage and carrots in a seasoned dressing – pairs beautifully with fried food.
Coleslaw is a southern staple side dish with flaky catfish and here are two options: one with No Mayonnaise and the other, a creamy Cajun coleslaw
No Mayo Coleslaw
The No Mayonnaise Coleslaw is easy to make and has a nice apple cider vinegar flavor which holds up great in the summer heat and at outdoor picnics and gatherings!
Creamy Creole Coleslaw
The second coleslaw recipe is a spin off of the traditional creamy coleslaw with a little kick of Creole heat! Make this as mild or spicy as you like! This goes great with spicy fried catfish!
Greens, Beans, Tomatoes
A heaping side dish of vegetables is exactly what balances (and justifies the fried aspect) your catfish dinner. You can never go wrong with fresh seasoned collard greens or summer squash!
Southern Collard Greens
Southern Collard Greens complement the flaky and crispy exterior of the fried fish and don’t they take all day to make! This is a healthy side dish that folks just love with their crispy fish!
Maple Baked Beans
Baked Beans are always a good idea to serve with catfish. Here, you can “dress up” canned beans with a few seasonings, some barbecue sauce and a hint of maple syrup! Enjoy this simple dish with your homemade catfish fillets!
Smothered Okra and Tomatoes
Smothered okra and tomatoes are a classic side dish in the South and this quick and easy (and healthy) recipe goes well with fish or just about anything!
Speckled Butter Beans
Southern speckled butter beans with bacon – always a good and healthy side dish with fried catfish!
Corn
Sweet corn kernels are a perfect side dish anytime of the year, but particularly in the summer when corn is fresh.
Cream Style Corn
Use fresh, frozen or canned corn and turn it into homemade cream style corn. Sweet and delicious, this is a nice addition!
Pan Roasted Corn
Grab your cast iron skillet and take fresh, frozen or canned corn to the next level!
Sweet Chipotle Corn
Sweet Chipotle Corn casserole is a semi-spicy sidekick with a little Mexican flair that goes great with catfish!
Squash
Summer squash, yellow neck or zucchini squash pairs well and is a quick and easy side dish!
Sauteed Yellow Squash and Onions
Sauteed yellow squash is a quick, easy and healthy option to serve with fish!
Fried Yellow Squash
If you don’t mind having a fried side dish with your fried catfish, yellow squash is an excellent choice!
Creamy Side Dishes
Some folks gotta have those creamy side dishes and these won’t let you down! They pair beautifully with crispy fried catfish!
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is another classic comfort food and it goes great with just about anything!
Mashed Potatoes and White Cream Gravy
Mashed potatoes and cream gravy are just “one of those classic side dishes” that goes with everything! Comfort food, definitely!
Potato Patties
A great way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes and a great side dish for fried catfish.
Salads that go with catfish
If you’re looking for lighter side dishes for catfish, these will be at the top of your list!
Marinated Cucumber Salad
Easy and refreshing catfish side dish that requires no cooking! Great for a healthy summer option!
Southern Potato Salad
Just about every diner I know that serves fried catfish offers a heaping side of Southern Potato Salad! It’s also a Southern staple side dish!
Broccoli Crunch
A summer favorite that makes a well-balanced meal with fish.
Louisiana favorite side dishes for fried catfish
A cup of gumbo – seafood or chicken gumbo – is always a welcome side dish in Louisiana! If you can’t get to New Orleans fast enough, whip up some of these sides!
Louisiana Gumbo
A classic combination in Louisiana, you’ll find this at just about every Cajun or Creole restaurant!
Red Beans and Rice
You can never go wrong with serving red beans and rice at a fish fry!
Hoppin’ John
A flavorful combination of black eyed peas and rice with onion, bell pepper and bacon!
Purple Hull Peas
A big bowl of purple hull peas and a slice of onion and fresh tomato! That’s my favorite side dish with fried catfish!
Sauces
Classic Tartar Sauce
Tangy mayonnaise-based tartar sauce with a hint of sweetness and lemon! The quintessential sauce for all fried catfish!
Remoulade Sauce
Add a little Southern spice to your fish with this Louisiana Remoulade sauce recipe
Try any or all of these delicious Southern side dishes with your next fish fry! And don’t forget the cornbread!
More Southern recipes
- Mom’s Meatloaf with Tomato Sauce
- Beef Tips with Rice and Gravy
- Chicken Linguine Alfredo
- Homemade Sloppy Joe’s
If you make these recipes, please scroll down and leave a comment and rating! I love to hear from you! Thank you!
