Crab cakes are a culinary delight that never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving them as an elegant appetizer or a quick and easy dinner for the family, these mouthwatering morsels offer unparalleled versatility when paired with a wide range of side dishes.
The perfect combination of savory flavors and crispy textures makes crab cakes a crowd-pleaser across America.
Without further ado, let’s dive into our list of favorite pairings!
Bread Rolls
Crab cakes are often enjoyed in a bread roll, and it’s easy to see why – the patty-like shape is reminiscent of a burger. But even if you’re short on time, it’s still worth making your own bread rolls from scratch. Not only can you customize the flavor and texture, but freshly baked homemade rolls simply can’t be replicated by store-bought alternatives. This recipe demonstrates how to whip up a batch in under four hours, giving you ample opportunity to indulge in that perfect crab cake sandwich.
Bloody Mary Cocktail
When hosting a party and looking to elevate the experience for your guests, consider crafting a bespoke cocktail to serve alongside your signature crab cakes. A bloody Mary stands out as an ideal pairing due to its harmonious blend of tomato, vodka, and pepper flavors that beautifully complement the richness and savory notes of the crab cakes.
Not only does this refreshing drink provide a delightful contrast to the warm weather on hot days, but it also adds a sophisticated touch to your gathering.
Asparagus And Tomatoes
When it comes to pairing healthy options with crab cakes, asparagus and tomatoes make for a fantastic combination. The earthy sweetness of the vegetables complements the rich flavor of the crab cakes beautifully before any preparation is done. But when you add the natural sweetness that’s unleashed after roasting and sprinkling with herbs and parmesan, the texture and flavors take on an entirely new dimension.
To elevate the dish even further, a drizzle of balsamic reduction adds a depth of flavor that brings everything together perfectly.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
This refreshing cucumber tomato salad may seem deceptively simple, but its impact on the palate is undeniable. The combination of light and crisp elements creates a harmonious balance that will leave your taste buds singing. The satisfying crunch from the vegetables adds another layer of delight, making it an incredibly satisfying side dish to accompany any meal.
Moreover, this recipe’s ease of preparation and affordability make it an excellent choice for those looking for a flavorful yet budget-friendly option.
Cheesy Garlic Broccoli
There’s no denying that anything smothered in melted cheese has a special appeal to it. This cheesy garlic broccoli recipe is a perfect example, with its satisfying crunch and rich flavors. The dish is so appealing, even picky eaters are likely to enjoy it. While the saltiness of the accompanying crab cakes provides a nice contrast, the true star of this side dish is the nutrient-dense broccoli.
Packed with essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, this recipe offers a deliciously healthy option that’s both nutritious and tasty.
Roasted Vegetables
When it comes to preparing a mouthwatering and nutritious side dish in no time, roasted vegetables truly excel. The simplicity of this recipe is part of its charm – just toss your favorite veggies with some seasonings and roast them in the oven. This will not only add an air of elegance to your crab cakes but also infuse them with a wealth of new flavors. As the veggies caramelize, they’ll release a natural sweetness that’s sure to delight.
What’s more, this side dish is also incredibly good for you, making it an excellent choice for those looking to nourish their bodies.
Grilled Vegetables
Transform your vegetable game by opting for grilling instead of roasting! When paired with succulent crab meat, grilled veggies elevate the flavors of a mouthwatering crab cake dish. This harmonious combination is particularly suited for summer gatherings. Simply skewer a colorful medley of vegetables like sweetcorn, peppers, and onions, add your signature spices, fire up the grill, and let the charred goodness unfold.
Apple Sweet Potato Bake
Looking for a show-stopping side dish to wow your guests? Look no further than this delectable apple sweet potato bake. As the weather cools, this autumnal recipe is sure to become a staple at your holiday gatherings. The harmonious union of apples and sweet potatoes is elevated by the warm, comforting essence of cinnamon, creating a truly unforgettable flavor profile.
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
This garlic parmesan potato recipe is a masterclass in simplicity and elegance. With just a few key ingredients – including garlic, baby roasted potatoes, parmesan, and a pinch of spices – this side dish delivers on both flavor and presentation. The outside is crispy and golden, while the inside remains delightfully soft and fluffy. A sprinkle of bacon, butter, and herbs adds an extra layer of depth to the dish.
Once prepared, simply roast your potatoes until they reach that perfect balance of crunch and tenderness.
Herbed Potatoes
Herbed potatoes make a quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for busy days or when you’re short on ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity – all you need are some potatoes, preferably Russet or Yukon Gold, and your favorite spices. You can use any spices you have on hand, but for the best flavors, it’s worth sticking to the recipe. The result is a deliciously crispy and soft potato dish that’s sure to please.
Green Salad
While serving crab cakes, a crisp green salad makes an excellent accompaniment, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the seafood. Packed with essential vitamins, nutrients, and minerals, this side dish is not only effortless to prepare but also boasts numerous health benefits. When paired with a tangy lemon vinaigrette, it’s a perfect summer-side dish option for gatherings large or small.
The beauty of green salads lies in their versatility – feel free to experiment with the recipe to tailor it to your personal taste preferences.
Corn Salad
Infuse your summer gatherings with the essence of warmth by pairing crab cakes with a refreshing corn salad. The harmonious union of corn and crab cakes embodies the carefree spirit of the season. To craft this delightful side dish, simply combine sweet corn with the pungency of scallions and basil, then elevate it with a pinch of salt and a zesty vinegar dressing. Don’t forget to add in some extra vegetables to create a medley of textures.
The result is a symphony of flavors – sweet, tangy, and crunchy – that will leave your guests craving more.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Indulge in the harmonious union of sweet potatoes and crab cakes with this delectable mashed sweet potato recipe. When expertly paired, the buttery smoothness of the sweet potatoes perfectly complements the flaky, salty crab cakes. This versatile recipe is ideal for both casual Sunday dinners and meal prep for the week ahead. Simply roast the sweet potatoes to perfection and mash them to create a mouthwatering side dish that elevates any meal.
Sweet Potato Wedges
For a delightful alternative to crab cakes, consider transforming your sweet potatoes into a scrumptious side dish. Sweet potato wedges are not only easy to prepare in under 40 minutes but also packed with flavor, nutritious, and easily storable for later use. This versatility allows you to enjoy the leftovers throughout the week.
To achieve the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior, simply season each sweet potato wedge with garlic, black pepper, and salt, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Grilled Avocados
As we explore the next crab cake side dish, grilled avocados take center stage. This trendy green superfood shares a similar richness and creaminess with crab cakes, making them an unbeatable pairing. The natural affinity between the two is undeniable. When it comes to avocados, grilling takes their flavor profile to new heights, revealing even more depth and complexity.
The addition of salsa to the grilled avocados elevates the dish further, infusing a burst of freshness and tanginess that perfectly complements the crab cakes.
Gazpacho
For newcomers to this delightful culinary experience, gazpacho is a refreshing cold soup that pairs harmoniously with an array of dishes, particularly those with crispy fried textures. Its creamy, tangy flavor profile provides a striking contrast to the richness and crunch of crab cakes, making it a match made in heaven.
This Andalusian staple is crafted by rehydrating bread in water, blending together juicy tomatoes with a medley of vegetables, and infusing with an assortment of herbs and spices. A sweet and unexpected twist can be achieved by adding ripe mango to the mix.
Mango Salsa
Mango and crab meat may seem like an unconventional pairing at first glance. However, when combined in a refreshing mango salsa recipe, the sweetness and lightness of the dish perfectly complement the savory flavor of crab cakes. The unique combination is unlike any other salsa you’ve ever tried before – it’s super sweet, incredibly refreshing, and a game-changer for those looking to add some excitement to their meals.
If you’re hesitant to try this recipe, start by serving the salsa with some tortilla chips to get a feel for its unique flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
With 19 mouth-watering side dishes under your belt, you’re now equipped to create a culinary masterpiece by pairing any of these delights with your beloved crab cakes. The diverse range of options presented on our list will undoubtedly broaden your understanding of the perfect accompaniments to this seafood sensation.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.