What to Serve with Crawfish Etouffee: 11 Delicious Ideas

When I was growing up, my Maw-Maw would make the most amazing crawfish etouffee. It was always a special treat, and we would all gather around the table to enjoy it.

Even now, years later, her recipe is still my go-to for a delicious and comforting crawfish etouffee.

However, what to serve with crawfish etouffee has always been a challenge for me. This is a dish that really needs the perfect sidekick. So, I always want my meal to be perfect, and that means finding the right side dish to elevate it.

After years of experience, I’ve finally found a few perfect pairings for my crawfish etouffee. Here are my top picks:

Crawfish Etouffee Sides

1. Cajun Dirty Rice
2. Jambalaya
3. Grilled Zucchini and Eggplant
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
5. Cajun Corn Maque Choux
6. Italian Bread
7. Creamy Coleslaw
8. Caramelized Vegetables
9. Mashed Potatoes
10. Cracker Barrel Fried Okra
11. Potato Salad

Cajun Dirty Rice

There is something about the rich, earthy flavor of Cajun dirty rice that makes it the perfect side dish for crawfish etouffee.

This dish is a classic on the Cajun side of Louisiana. And I think it’s special how the rice absorbs all of the deliciousness from the etouffee. It’s simply easy to appreciate both tastes together.

There are uncountable recipes for Cajun dirty rice, but they all have one common goal: to be packed with flavor.

This is usually achieved by using the Holy Trinity (celery, onions, and bell peppers) as a base, then adding garlic, green onions, and other spices. The rice is cooked in chicken broth or stock until it’s tender and fluffy.

Jambalaya

Jambalaya is another Louisiana classic that makes an excellent side dish for crawfish etouffe. This rice dish is packed with sausage, chicken, and shrimp, making it a hearty and filling meal.

The best part about jambalaya is that it can be made in one pot, which means less cleanup for you.

Jambalaya is a great side dish because it has all of the flavors that crawfish etouffe is missing. The sausage and chicken add a nice smokiness, while the shrimp provide a touch of sweetness.

The rice is also cooked in a tomato-based sauce, which gives it a slight acidity that balances out the rich etouffe.

Grilled Zucchini and Eggplant

If you’re looking for a lighter side dish, then grilled zucchini and eggplant is a great option.

These vegetables are full of flavor, but they won’t weigh you down like some of the other dishes on this list.

The key to making this dish is to grill the vegetables until they’re tender but not mushy. I like to season them with a little bit of salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.

Then I drizzle them with olive oil and put them on the grill. Grilled zucchini and eggplant are the perfect side dish for crawfish etouffe because they add a touch of brightness and freshness.

This combination is also a great way to get your vegetables in, especially if you’re serving etouffe as a main course.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are another excellent side dish for crawfish etouffe. I love the way the etouffee clings to the roasted sprouts, and the slightly charred flavor is a perfect compliment to the dish.

When I make this dish, I usually have only one desire, to keep the sprouts as whole as possible. That way, each bite is a little surprise.

My favorite thing about roasted Brussels sprouts is that they can be made ahead of time. I always make a big batch and then reheat them when I’m ready to eat. This dish is also great because it can be served at any temperature.

Cajun Corn Maque Choux

Cajun corn maque choux is a side dish that is often overlooked, but it should definitely be on your radar.

This dish is a unique blend of corn, tomatoes, celery, onions, and peppers. It’s usually seasoned with cajun spices like garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

I love this dish because it has a little bit of everything. The corn is sweet, the tomatoes are acidic, and the spices add a nice kick.

This dish is also very versatile. It can be served as a side or a main course. And it can be made ahead of time and reheated.

Italian Bread

No matter what you’re serving, Italian bread is always a good idea. It’s great for dipping in etouffe or sopping up the sauce.

I like to make my own bread, but you can also buy it at the store. Just make sure to get a good quality bread that’s fresh.

If you’re serving Italian bread with your etouffee, then I recommend pairing it with a side of roasted vegetables. The bread will soak up all of the flavors and make a delicious meal.

One thing people like to do when they’re finished with their etouffe is to make a sandwich. And what better bread to use than Italian bread?

Just put some of the etouffe on the bread and you’ve got a delicious sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Creamy Coleslaw

I love some coleslaw. It seems I can never get tired of it. And it just so happens to be a great side dish for crawfish etouffee.

The creamy coleslaw I’m talking about is the kind that’s made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar. It’s simple but it’s oh-so-good.

Coleslaw is a wonderful accompaniment since it’s light and crisp. It cuts through the richness of the etouffe, and it’s a fantastic method to consume your veggies.

If you don’t like mayonnaise, then you can substitute Greek yogurt. It’s a healthy alternative that will still give you the same creamy texture.

Caramelized Vegetables

Here’s another great side dish for etouffe. Caramelized vegetables are a fantastic way to add some sweetness and depth of flavor to your meal.

The key to making caramelized vegetables is to cook them low and slow. I like to use a combination of carrots, onions, and garlic. And it comes correct all the time.

This is why I always make a big batch of caramelized vegetables. They’re great as a side dish or as a topping for etouffee.

What’s more, this dish is healthy and a great source of vitamins and minerals. So, if you’re looking for a way to elevate your etouffee, then look no further than caramelized vegetables.

Mashed Potatoes

The king of side dishes, mashed potatoes, is always a good idea. It’s creamy, comforting, and goes well with just about anything.

When it comes to etouffee, I like to add a little bit of cajun seasoning to my mashed potatoes. It gives them a nice kick that goes well with the dish.

Sometimes, I get scared that my mashed potatoes will be too dry. So to avoid that, I always use starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon gold.

And, if I’m using milk, I make sure it’s whole milk. You can also use cream, but that will make the dish richer.

Cracker Barrel Fried Okra

If meals were movies, this side dish would be a blockbuster.

You ask why?

Well, for starters, it’s fried. And we all know that everything tastes better when it’s fried.

But what really makes this dish a hit is the fact that it’s coated in a cornmeal batter. This gives it a crispy texture that pairs perfectly with etouffee.

And, if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can add a dipping sauce. I like to use a combination of ketchup and hot sauce. But you can really use any sauce you like.

Potato Salad

I could be rich if I got a penny for every time I’ve had potato salad. It’s one of my all-time favorite side dishes.

There are so many different ways to make potato salad. It’s so versatile that you can use any type of potato, and you can add just about anything to it.

My personal favorite is a simple potato salad made with red potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, and celery.

It’s a classic for a reason. It’s creamy, tangy, and the perfect side dish for etouffee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What bread goes with c?

There are many different types of bread that can be paired with crawfish etouffee. Some people like to use white bread, while others prefer wheat bread. There is no right or wrong answer, it simply depends on your preferences.

I have a long list of favorites, though and they are; Italian bread, French Baguette, Brioche, Cornbread, Garlic Bread and Focaccia.

Is etouffee always served with rice?

While etouffee is often served with rice, it is not a requirement. There are many different types of side dishes that can be paired with etouffee. Some people prefer to use bread, while others prefer to use vegetables. Again, it simply depends on your preferences.

What do you eat with crawfish étouffée?

There are many different types of side dishes that can be paired with crawfish etouffee, such as; mashed potatoes, rice, vegetables, and bread. It simply depends on your preferences.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, there are many options for side dishes to go with crawfish etouffe. It all depends on your personal taste.

This wonderful main dish deserves so much intentionality on your part, when choosing what to serve it with. I hope this list has inspired you and given you some ideas.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me. I would love to hear from you.