10 Best Side Dishes for Catfish You’ll find Amazing

One of the best things about catfish is that it goes well with a variety of side dishes. If you don’t agree with me right now, you will by the end of this article.

While many people find it daunting to come up with the perfect side dish that complements catfish, with a little creativity, it can be done. And I’ve got you covered.

I’ve tried all sorts of things over the years, from macaroni and cheese to cornbread. But nothing seems to hit the spot quite like collard greens or black-eyed peas.

So, if you’re looking for some inspiration, here are ten catfish side dishes that are sure to please.

Best Sides for Catfish

  1. French fries
  2. Corn on the cob
  3. Mac and cheese
  4. Salt & vinegar chips
  5. Coleslaw
  6. Hush puppies
  7. Cucumber salad
  8. Cornbread
  9. Fried okra
  10. Peach cobbler

French fries

what goes with catfish

French fries are the perfect side dish for catfish. They are greasy and salty, which provides a flavorful contrast to the fish. The combination of the two is perfect – the fish is light and flaky, while the French fries are crispy and delicious.

French fries are also very flavorful and the ultimate comfort food and the perfect combination of both French fries and catfish will have your taste buds thanking you.

When it comes to French fries, just make sure you get them hot and fresh. There’s nothing worse than a soggy, limp French fry. Instead, it should be crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside to make an all-around scrumptious, enjoyable meal.

Quick Recipe: Parmesan French Fries

  • Ingredients: Potatoes, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt,
  • Average Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Instructions:
    1. Cut potatoes into fries and toss with olive oil and salt.
    2. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30-35 minutes.
    3. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.

Corn on the cob

side dishes for fried catfish

Corn on the cob is a delicious and popular side dish, often served with grilled or roasted meats.

The sweet, buttery flavor of corn pairs nicely with the mild taste of catfish, and the charred kernels offer a refreshing contrast to the flaky fish.

When seasoning your corn, be sure to use a generous amount of salt and pepper. This will help to bring out the sweetness of the corn and balance the flavors of the dish.

When choosing corn on the cob as a side dish for catfish, be sure to select ears that are fresh and in season. For the best results, grill or roast the corn until the kernels are tender and lightly browned. Serve immediately with your favorite catfish recipe.

Quick Recipe: Mexican Street Corn on the Cob

  • Ingredients: Corn on the cob, mayonnaise, lime, chili powder, cotija cheese
  • Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Instructions:
    1. Grill corn until charred.
    2. Brush with mayonnaise and sprinkle with chili powder.
    3. Squeeze lime over the top and coat with crumbled cotija cheese.

Mac and cheese

Mac and cheese is the perfect side dish for catfish. The rich, creamy, cheesy goodness is satisfying and filling, and the combination of flavors is simply delicious.

Mac and cheese also helps to offset the mildly fishy taste of the catfish, making it a perfect pairing. In addition, it provides a nice contrast in texture, with its smoothness complementing the flakiness of the fish.

Plus, mac and cheese is filling and satisfying without being too heavy. Overall, it’s also a delicious way to round out a meal.

Quick Recipe: Lobster Mac and Cheese

  • Ingredients: Macaroni, cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, lobster meat, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper
  • Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Instructions:
    1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
    2. Mix in grated cheddar and Gruyère until melted.
    3. Stir in cooked lobster meat.
    4. Top with breadcrumbs.
    5. Bake for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Salt & vinegar chips

catfish sides

Salt and vinegar chips are a perfect side dish for catfish. The crunchy contrast of the chips pairs well with the flaky texture of the fish, and the acidity of the vinegar helps to cut through the richness of the dish.

Salt and vinegar chips are also incredibly easy to make at home. Simply fry a few potatoes in hot oil until they are golden brown, then toss them in a mixture of salt and vinegar. For an extra kick, you can also add a few drops of hot sauce to the mix.

Whether you’re serving up a casual meal for family or friends or preparing for a more formal dinner party, salt and vinegar chips are sure to please.

Quick Recipe: Homemade Salt & Vinegar Chips

  • Ingredients: Potatoes, white vinegar, sea salt, olive oil
  • Average Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Instructions:
    1. Slice potatoes thinly and soak in a bowl of vinegar for 30 minutes.
    2. Drain and pat dry.
    3. Toss in olive oil and sea salt.
    4. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Coleslaw

catfish dinner sides

Coleslaw is a classic side dish that goes well with a variety of main courses, but it is particularly scrumptious with catfish. The cabbage in it is slightly crunchy and the mayonnaise gives it a smooth texture, while the carrots add a touch of sweetness. You can also add other vegetables if you want.

Coleslaw is also refreshing and light, making it a perfect complement to a hearty meal like catfish. In addition, it is healthy and low in calories, making it a great choice for those watching their weight. It is also an excellent source of Vitamin C.

Quick Recipe: Asian Fusion Coleslaw

  • Ingredients: Cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce
  • Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Instructions:
    1. Mix shredded cabbage and carrots in a bowl.
    2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
    3. Combine with vegetables and toss well.

Hush puppies

Hush puppies are a Southern staple that is loved by many. They are typically fried balls of cornmeal batter that are served as a side dish.

Hush puppies are often served with catfish, and there are a few reasons why they pair so well together. First, both are traditionally fried, so they have a similar texture. Second, the cornmeal batter of the hush puppies complements the flaky flesh of the catfish.

Finally, the hush puppies are addictive, and they help to round out the meal by providing a little something extra to snack on.

Whether you’re from the South or not, hush puppies are a delicious way to complete a plate of fried catfish.

Quick Recipe: Jalapeño Cheddar Hush Puppies

  • Ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, baking powder, jalapeño, cheddar cheese, milk, egg, salt
  • Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Instructions:
    1. Mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, diced jalapeño, and shredded cheddar.
    2. Stir in milk and beaten egg.
    3. Drop spoonfuls into hot oil and fry until golden.

Cucumber salad

Cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for catfish. The cucumbers are refreshing and crispy, and the coolness of the salad helps to offset the richness of the fish.

I like to add red onion for sweetness and oregano for a bit of spice. Dill is also a great herb to use in this dish, as it complements the flavor of the cucumbers nicely. And Greek yogurt is my preferred choice for the dressing, as it gives the salad a creamy texture without being too heavy.

All in all, I find that cucumber salad is a simple dish that is easy to prepare, and it makes an excellent accompaniment to any type of fish.

Quick Recipe: Thai Cucumber Salad

  • Ingredients: Cucumber, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, fish sauce, sugar
  • Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Instructions:
    1. Slice cucumber and red onion thinly.
    2. Mix with chopped cilantro.
    3. In a separate bowl, combine lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.
    4. Toss vegetables in the dressing.

Cornbread

Cornbread is a quintessential Southern dish, and it makes the perfect side for catfish. The sweetness of the cornbread helps to balance out the richness of the catfish, and the crumbly texture pairs well with the flaky fish.

Cornbread can be either savory or sweet, depending on how it is prepared. For a more traditional dish, try adding a bit of honey or sugar to the cornbread batter. For a more savory option, add some diced onion or jalapeño pepper.

Whichever way you choose to prepare it, cornbread is sure to be a delicious accompaniment to your catfish dinner.

Quick Recipe: Honey Jalapeño Cornbread

  • Ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, baking powder, honey, jalapeño, milk, egg
  • Average Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Instructions:
    1. Mix cornmeal, flour, and baking powder.
    2. Stir in diced jalapeño, honey, milk, and beaten egg.
    3. Pour into a greased pan and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Fried okra

Fried okra is a Southern staple that goes well as a side dish for catfish. This is because it is an irresistible side that can be cooked in a cornmeal batter and fried to golden perfection.

Plus, it is packed with flavor and has a crunchy texture that pairs well with the flakiness of catfish. When you fry okra, the natural sugars in the vegetable caramelize and this creates a delicious flavor that complements the taste of catfish.

If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make side dish, fried okra is a perfect choice.

Quick Recipe: Crispy Fried Okra with Cajun Aioli

  • Ingredients: Okra, cornmeal, flour, egg, milk, Cajun seasoning, mayonnaise, lemon juice
  • Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Instructions:
    1. Slice okra and dip in a mixture of beaten egg and milk.
    2. Coat with a mix of cornmeal, flour, and Cajun seasoning.
    3. Fry in hot oil until crispy.
    4. For aioli, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Cajun seasoning.

Peach cobbler

Peach cobbler is a delicious and refreshing side dish that goes well with catfish. The plump peaches in the cobbler are a perfect complement to the flaky crust, and the sweet sauce is a tasty contrast to the savory fish.

Plus, the peaches in the cobbler add a touch of sweetness to the dish that helps to offset the fishy taste of the catfish.

When served together, these two dishes create a balanced meal that is sure to please any appetite.

Quick Recipe: Peach Cobbler with Cinnamon Streusel

  • Ingredients: Peaches, sugar, flour, baking powder, milk, cinnamon, butter, brown sugar
  • Average Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Instructions:
    1. Layer sliced peaches and sugar in a baking dish.
    2. Mix flour, baking powder, and milk, and pour over peaches.
    3. For streusel, combine cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar, and sprinkle on top.
    4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes.

More options

  • Fried green tomatoes
  • Cilantro lime rice
  • Mashed cauliflower
  • Asparagus fries
  • Cold green beans
  • Mashed potatoes & gravy
  • Fried onions or green tomatoes
  • Baked beans
  • Pan-roasted or sweet chipotle corn
  • Fried or sauteed yellow squash
  • Potato patties
  • Potato salad
  • Louisiana gumbo
  • Red beans and rice
  • White rice
  • Spaghetti
  • Fruit salsa

Conclusion

Catfish is a delicious fish that can be prepared in many ways. In this article, we have listed eleven different side dishes that you can serve with catfish. We have included both classic and contemporary options, so there is something for everyone.

No matter which dish you choose, we are sure that it will pair well with catfish and help to create a delicious and satisfying meal. So go ahead and give catfish a try, you won’t be disappointed.

10 Best Side Dishes for Catfish You'll find Amazing

Here are 10 creative pairing suggestions for your next meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • French fries
  • Corn on the cob
  • Mac and cheese
  • Salt & vinegar chips
  • Coleslaw
  • Hush puppies
  • Cucumber salad
  • Cornbread
  • Fried okra
  • Peach cobbler

Instructions
 

  • Choose your preferred recipe
  • Prepare the ingredients needed to complete the recipe
  • Prepare your side dish
Keyword what to serve with catfish