Are you trying to figure out what to serve with succotash?
Stop the never-ending search because I have your solutions right here!
Succotash is a Southern side dish with a colorful melody of corn, lima beans, and tomatoes.
Of course, there are other versions too. Some have bacon, zucchini, or okra, among other things.
But either way, it’s fresh and bright.
Southern-style proteins like crispy catfish or fried chicken go particularly well. Although, everyone loves biscuits and cornbread.
From light to hearty, these succotash sides have your needs covered.
1. Oven-Fried Pork Chops
What is it about oven-fried pork chops that go so well with succotash?
The savory meat and fresh veggies are such a scrumptious pairing, especially when you add bacon to the succotash!
The key to getting the pork chops nice and crispy is patting them dry. Well, that and the herb-seasoned dry bread stuffing.
It adds a wonderful texture and a little extra flavor.
2. Crispy Chicken Tenders
Call the family to the dinner table by adding these chicken tenders to the spread.
They have the most delightful crunch and the meat is super juicy.
Plus, they come with a honey mustard dipping sauce!
Sure, you could skip all the work and go the store-bought route.
But those freezer-burned tenders are no match for these.
3. Southern Fried Shrimp
You’ll devour these plump shrimp until there’s nothing left!
Seasoned flour gives them a satisfying crunch and kick of flavor.
It’s an incredible contrast to the sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and buttery lima beans in the succotash.
From simple dinners to outdoor summer gatherings, Southern fried shrimp and succotash is a perfect pairing.
4. Crisco Fried Chicken
You might be picking up on a theme, succotash pairs well with crispy proteins.
And if there’s one I can’t get enough of, it’s fried chicken.
From the texture to the flavor, this Southern staple is mouthwatering.
Paprika, garlic salt, and poultry seasoning make the batter extra toothsome.
Fry it in Crisco for the ultimate crispy texture and superb flavor.
5. Shrimp and Grits
You can’t talk about Southern food pairings without talking about shrimp and grits.
It’s one of the most iconic Southern dishes!
There are many variations, but this is one of my favorites with succotash.
On the bottom, you have a cheesy bowl of creamy grits.
On top, you have jumbo Cajun shrimp simmered in a savory gravy with bacon and veggies.
Savory and comforting, it’s a great contrast to the bright flavors of succotash.
6. Spicy Oven-Fried Catfish
It doesn’t get more Southern than catfish and succotash.
Okay, well maybe if you add grits and hush puppies, too. But I digress!
Spicy oven-fried catfish is a true delicacy. Flaky, flavorful, and filling, it’s crave-worthy.
By baking it in the oven, you skip masking the flavor in oil. And it’s better for you, too.
Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the egg mixture to kick it up a notch.
Crystal, Louisiana, Tabasco, or Texas Pete, any Southern-style hot sauce will do.
7. Sirloin Tip Steak
Want a main protein that’s not coated in a batter? Go with sirloin tip steak.
The juicy beef with fresh succotash is what a well-balanced meal is all about.
You get plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals. And you don’t have to skimp on flavor.
While steaks don’t come cheap, sirloin tip steak is more budget-friendly.
So pour on the savory mushroom gravy and pile the succotash on the side.
The only thing that’s missing now is a side of mashed potatoes.
8. Blackened Salmon
Craving something fresh, flavorsome, and nutritious? You can’t beat blackened salmon.
It’s one of my faves!
The blackened seasoning adds a ton of flavor and a crispy texture. Pan-fry it with the skin intact for the best results.
Then give it a squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavor. The spices and sweet, flaky meat do wonders to complement succotash.
And, the fish only takes 20 minutes.
From weeknight dinners to backyard feasts, blackened salmon is an easy protein to add to the menu.
9. Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Holidays or not, this baked ham will make any meal special. It’s sweet, savory, and dripping with deliciousness.
The pineapple brown sugar glaze accentuates the succulent meat.
It doesn’t take a ton of ingredients either. Just six simple things.
Place this on the dinner table and it will certainly steal the show.
But every centerpiece protein needs a side. And a fresh heaping of succotash is a prime choice.
Say, while you’re at it, I have a few more suggestions for your feast.
How about air fryer Brussels sprouts, collard greens, and buttermilk biscuits?
10. Jiffy Cornbread Muffins
When you want just a little more substance, these cornbread muffins will be waiting.
Jiffy is a classic that’s been gracing dinner tables for decades.
On their own, boxed instructions can result in dry muffins. But not my recipe!
I experimented with the store-bought mix until I got fluffy and buttery muffins.
The trick is to add a few other ingredients and brush the top with butter. Trust me, it makes a world of difference.
11. McCormick Meatloaf
Nothing says family dinner like meatloaf. And McCormick is how you season it just right.
Flavorful and moist, this isn’t your typical dry and mediocre meatloaf. It’s a main protein the whole family will love.
It has the classic topping of ketchup and uses quality spices, which is key.
If you’re new to meatloaf, don’t worry. All in all, it’s super easy to make.
12. Air Fryer Biscuits
Nowadays, I use the air fryer for cooking just about everything. Including biscuits.
Even the most novice home cook can make these.
You take a can of store-bought biscuits, place them in an air fryer, and cook. The entire process takes just 10 minutes.
So if you’re ready to eat your succotash, but decide you want a side, it won’t take long. Even for a well-planned dinner, it’s a must.
I mean, who doesn’t like warm, buttery, flaky, freshly baked biscuits?
13. Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter
Healthy and quick, pan-seared scallops are another winner.
These plump and succulent shellfish are delectable. You don’t need much to fix them up.
Simply enhance their subtly sweet flavor with butter and a squeeze of lemon.
That does the trick!
They’re a fabulous addition to succotash for a light meal. Plus, you don’t have to make a big to-do about it.
You can cook as many or as few as you like. Searing only takes a handful of minutes.