What to Serve with Catfish – 15 Delicious Sides

Are you planning to fry catfish fillets, but you aren’t sure what to serve with catfish? Fried catfish has a meaty texture and nice, mild but rich flavor that is perfect for a fish fry. Choosing the best side dishes for catfish will help complement the richness of the fish and make a delicious complete meal! I’ve got some great ideas for sides for your catfish dinner. 

One of the most popular ways to prepare catfish is by coating it in seasoned cornmeal batter or flour and then deep-frying until it’s golden brown. This method is commonly referred to as Southern fried catfish and is known for its crispy exterior and tender interior. Grilling, pan searing, air fryer, and smoking are great if you want a healthier option. No matter how you’re cooking your catfish, any of these sides will be the perfect match. 

1. Potato Salad

Creamy and comforting, potato salad is the cool and tangy sidekick to your catfish. Creamy mayo-based sauce with a hint of mustard, mixed with tender potatoes, crunchy celery, and just the right touch of dill. 

2. Cheese Grits

This Southern staple is a comforting blend of ground corn goodness, buttery richness, and a generous sprinkle of cheese. Cheesy grits are perfect with this mild white fish! 

3. Hush Puppies

These golden nuggets of fried perfection are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re made of a savory blend of cornmeal, onion, and a hint of spice, making them the ideal crunchy companions to your catfish adventure.

4. Collard Greens

Collard greens bring more of that Southern charm to your catfish meal. Cooked in a savory broth and seasoned with smoky bacon, a side of collard greens is a flavorful journey to the heart of Southern comfort.

5. French Fries

Whether hand-cut, shoestring, or even potato wedges or sweet potato fries, fries are the perfect crunchy side for your catfish. Dip them in ketchup, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.

6. Fried Green Tomatoes

Tangy, crunchy, and utterly irresistible, fried green tomatoes add a zesty addition to your catfish feast. Sliced green tomatoes are coated in a seasoned cornmeal crust and fried to golden perfection. Dip them in hot sauce and sour cream for even more flavor!

7. Cucumber Salad

Crisp, refreshing, and bursting with coolness, cucumber salad is the palate cleanser your catfish deserves. Thin slices of cucumber mixed with red onions and fresh herbs, and a light vinaigrette. This healthy side dish brings a burst of freshness that complements the hearty flavors of catfish.

8. Onion Rings

Golden circles of thinly sliced onion inside a crunchy, seasoned coating. With each bite, you experience the perfect marriage of sweet onion and savory crunch. These are the perfect Southern comfort food for a catfish meal.

9. Cilantro Lime Rice

This citrusy side perfectly complements grilled or air fried catfish. Fragrant cilantro and zesty lime season fluffy white rice for a fresh and filling side dish. If you’re looking for different side dishes to pair with your catfish, this is a great one!

10. Fresh Salad

A crisp salad is the perfect light side for your catfish dinner. Use a mix of fresh greens, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and any other favorite veggies, all tossed in a tangy dressing. This makes a great side for a lower-calorie diet

11. Pasta Salad

Pasta salad, with a mix of colorful vegetables and pasta twists, tossed in a flavorful vinaigrette or creamy dressing, it’s a medley of textures and tastes that complements the heartiness of catfish.

12. Southern Green Beans

Slow-cooked green beans are a delicious side for your next fish fry. Simmered to perfection with smoked meat and a sprinkle of seasoning, these green beans bring a burst of flavor.

13. Cornbread

A slice of warm, buttery cornbread is the soulful companion to your catfish dinner. With its golden crust and sweet, crumbly interior, cornbread adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavor of catfish.

14. Fried Okra

Each bite-sized okra is coated in a seasoned cornmeal crust and fried to golden brown. Crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, this Southern classic adds a touch of down-home comfort to your catfish feast.

15. Red Beans and Rice

Red beans, simmered with spices and served over a bed of fluffy rice, create a savory side that perfectly complements the flavors of catfish.