25 Best Side Dishes For Crab Legs
We often envision crab legs with a heaping bowl of garlicky butter, but there's a world of side dishes to be paired with the iconic main and its appropriate dipping sauce. No matter how you like to enjoy your crab legs, we've rounded up the best side dishes for crab legs so you're sure to find a colorful recipe in this rotation that fits your special menu. The true beauty of crab legs is the versatility in direction you can take with the meal's flavor palate. If you're craving something particularly rich, try our Gruyère Scalloped Potatoes. If you're in the heat of summer and hoping to prepare a light, refreshing meal, stick with our Spicy Pepper Jelly Coleslaw or the Grilled Peach-and-Arugula Salad with Feta. Sometimes the best side dishes for crab legs also happen to be the best side dishes for crab cakes. That certainly sounds like a way to satisfy all audiences. Now is no time to be crabby: Your crab leg side dish dreams await.
Gruyère Scalloped Potatoes
If you're looking for a rich, creamy side to go with your crab legs, this decadent spin on scalloped potatoes is the recipe for you. Salty ham and chopped thyme leaves enhance the flavor of the classic dish.
Curried Okra Shoestring Fries
Of course, it wouldn't be a true Southern crab leg meal without some form of fried vegetable. We love this twist on fried okra by Ann Taylor Pittman because it combines the familiarity of a beloved Southern dish with the unique flavors of curry powder and chutney.
Twice-Baked Potatoes
In all honesty there's not a potato recipe that wouldn't go well with crab legs. Twice-Baked Potatoes offer the best of both worlds with crispy skin and a fluffy filling that's a worthy combination paired with rich Alaskan king crab legs.
Grilled Corn On The Cob
Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
The crunch of sweet corn on the cob can't be beat, especially as a side for your seafood boil. Grilling the cobs give them a delicious smoky flavor to contrast tender and sweet crab legs.
Spicy Pepper Jelly Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a summertime staple—as such, it deserves to be on the table beside a pile of crab legs. This hot-and-sweet version of coleslaw kicks up the heat and tang with fresh cabbage, bell peppers, cilantro, red onion, and a dressing of lime juice, pepper jelly, and cayenne pepper.
Lisa Cericola's Herbed Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
Although Southern Living Senior Food Editor Lisa Cericola isn't big on mashed potatoes at every meal, her Herbed Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes are a great side dish for a special occasion. Butter, half-and-half, cream cheese, and a swirl of herbed brown butter on the top makes these mashed potatoes ultra-rich and deliciously tender.
Permanent Slaw
This all-purpose slaw recipe get extra flavor from mustard and celery seeds. The longer it sits in the fridge, the better the flavor gets.
Southern Skillet Cornbread
Are you team sugar or no sugar when it comes to cornbread? This recipe skips the sugar and uses every Southern mama's secret cooking weapon: bacon drippings.
Fried Artichoke Hearts With Roasted Red Pepper Aïoli
In true Southern fashion, we've taken a jar of marinated artichoke hearts and dredged them with buttermilk and breadcrumbs. On the slim chance that you have any leftover artichoke hearts and crab meat, consider making a delicious Hot Crab-and-Artichoke Dip.
Brussels Sprouts With Bacon And Shallots
Brussels sprouts and bacon were meant to be served together. We'll take this crispy casserole as a side for rich crab legs any day.
Seared Steak-And-Field Pea Salad
Pair this Seared Steak-and-Field Pea Salad with your crab legs for an innovative surf and turf combination. The summery salad includes fresh corn, bell peppers, and chives.
Skillet Mac-And-Cheese With Crispy Breadcrumbs
You've heard of Lobster Mac and Cheese, but give this recipe a try alongside crab legs for a decadent flavor combination. This side includes a trio of creamy cheeses: Cheddar, Velveeta, and whole-milk ricotta.
Chef Mike Lata's Carolina Gold Rice Middlins
This Southern side dish from Charleston Chef Mike Lata pairs well with any seafood main course. Bay leaves, butter, and toasted sesame seeds make this anything but plain-Jane white rice.
Caesar Salad With Garlicky Croutons
It's high time that the Caesar salad received a modern makeover, and we think this recipe does the job. Pickled capers, vinegar, and lemon add a refreshing, salty tang that pairs well with crab.
Easy Grilled Asparagus
Step up your grilling game and try cooking this beloved spring veggie over the flames. Topped with bacon and a sherry vinaigrette, your guests will ask for a second helping of this bright side dish.
Hoppin' John Hush Puppies
We've transformed the fish fry favorite into a fritter starring field peas and hot peppers. The Tomato-Corn Relish adds even more freshness and heat.
Grilled Sweet Potato Fries
The natural sweetness of these fries and your tender crab legs will complement each other. Chili powder and queso fresco give this version of sweet potato fries a bit more personality.
Spiced-Up Shoestring Fries
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
You can never go wrong with a plateful of sizzling hot French fries. This incredibly easy recipe spices up your favorite frozen fries, with an optional side of Chipotle Mayonnaise for dipping.
Savannah Red Rice
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Bacon, peppers, tomatoes, and hot sauce load this Low Country rice dish with texture and flavor. Savannah Red Rice makes a filling side for seafood, and will leave you with plenty of leftovers to eat for lunch the next day.
Old-School Squash Casserole
Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
Crunchy, rich, creamy, and summery—what's not to like about this old standby? Just make sure to strain the squash after sautéing so your casserole won't be watery.
Baked Zucchini Fries
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey
Turn your bounty of zucchini into delicious oven-baked fries for your seafood dinner. Cook them on a wire rack to crisp both sides.
Angel Biscuits
A hybrid of a buttermilk biscuit and a soft, pillowy roll is just what you need for your refined crab dinner. You may just forget about your crab for a moment when you bite into this yeasty, slightly sweet biscuit.
Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas With Orange Zest And Buttery Almonds
A simple preparation of sugar snap peas always makes a great accompaniment for seafood. This recipe is on another level, with a sprinkle of sliced almonds, Creole seasoning, and orange zest.
Best-Ever Succotash
Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
We're calling this five-vegetable succotash our best-ever for good reason. Bacon and fresh basil heighten the wonderful flavor.
Grilled Peach-And-Arugula Salad With Feta
This salad is the ideal pairing for crab legs because it can be prepared right beside your grill. Ripe summer peaches receive a delicious char before they're tossed in a honey and Dijon vinaigrette with bitter arugula, nutty pistachios and tangy feta cheese.
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