The Best Side Dishes to Pair With Crab Legs

Recipe: 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.

Recipe: 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.

Recipe: 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.

Recipe: Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob

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.

Recipe: 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.

Recipe: 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.

Recipe: Permanent Slaw

Trust us on this all-purpose slaw recipe. The longer it sits in the fridge, the better the flavor gets.

Recipe: 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.

Recipe: 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.

Recipe: 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.

Recipe: 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.

Recipe: 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. 

Recipe: 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.

Recipe: 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.

Recipe: Fresh Corn and Chèvre Grits

Grits and seafood belong together – especially when fresh corn and goat cheese are also in the mix.

Recipe: Chef Mike Lata's Carolina Gold Rice Middlins

This Southern side dish from Charleston Chef Mike Lata pairs well with any seafood main course.

Recipe: 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.

Recipe: Spaghetti with Pecan Pesto and Garlicky Breadcrumbs

We're always looking for unexpected twists to add to dinnertime, and this pasta recipe combined with crab legs is just the kind of meal to surprise (and delight!) dinner guests.