Whether you’re serving crab cakes as an upscale dinner starter or a casual get-together mainstay, these delightful patties have a way of bringing people together. With their harmonious blend of savory flavors and satisfying crunch, it’s no wonder they’re a crowd-pleaser. So why settle for just the crab cakes themselves when you can elevate the experience with a thoughtfully chosen side dish? Let your taste buds indulge in a culinary symphony by pairing them with some of the best accompaniments to complement their rich flavors.
Garlic Butter Instant Pot Red Potatoes
When crafting crab cakes from scratch can be a time-consuming endeavor, it’s wonderful to have a reliable, hands-off side dish like this potato recipe to provide balance to your plate. This versatile dish pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of brisket, and its simplicity is a breath of fresh air. Simply add the potatoes to your cooker, select ‘start,’ and let the appliance do the work for you.
Loaded Ranch Potato Salad
This delectable side dish is elevated by its tangy ranch dressing and crunchy bacon bits, making every morsel an absolute delight. For added convenience, prepare this dish ahead of time and allow it to chill in the refrigerator before serving. To elevate the flavor even further, consider pairing it with a splash of apple cider vinegar and some sweet red bell peppers for a delightful combination.
Quick-Roasted Potatoes
Indulge in the simplicity of preparing a flawless roast potato in just twenty minutes without breaking a sweat. The key lies in opting for baby or new potatoes, which cook faster than their larger counterparts and boast a subtle natural sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with savory delights like crab cakes. The result is a satisfying side dish that’s sure to elevate any meal.
Grilled Baby Potatoes
Elevate your dining experience with these creative skewers that are sure to impress. The key to achieving their signature flavor is to cook the potatoes until they’re tender, either by boiling or steaming. Next, give them a flavorful boost by brushing them with the caper mixture and finishing them off on the grill to achieve those sought-after char lines.
Smothered Potatoes
Stealing the spotlight with its flavorful medley of veggies and cheese, this indulgent smothered potato dish is sure to impress. When I’m hosting friends for a big game or other event, I like to serve it alongside a platter of crispy crab cakes – the perfect combination for a satisfying gathering.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
When it comes to pairing with crab cakes, sweet potatoes are an excellent choice. But why settle for just any preparation method when you can elevate them by mashing? The resulting buttery and smooth consistency makes them the perfect complement to a flaky crab cake. And the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to achieve – simply roast some sweet potatoes, add your desired seasonings, and then mash until they reach that iconic orange puree. This side dish not only pairs well with crab cakes but also holds its own against a juicy steak. So next time you’re looking for a delicious accompaniment, consider giving mashed sweet potatoes a try.
Sweet Potato Wedges with Paprika
When it comes to sweet potatoes, one of their most defining characteristics is their natural sweetness. This next recipe takes advantage of this quality in a unique way by roasting the potatoes, which caramelizes their sugars and creates a rich, dark flavor profile. The resulting wedges are not only sweeter but also chewier than traditional potato wedges, adding a depth of flavor to your meal that’s hard to match.
Healthy Sides for Crab Cakes
When crafting crab cakes, it’s likely that you’re seeking a nutritious, well-balanced, and flavorful meal for its numerous health benefits. To complement this dish, choosing the right side dish is crucial. The following options showcase the inherent sweetness of crab without overpowering the main course.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Indulge in a refreshing culinary experience with this straightforward yet tantalizing cucumber and tomato salad. The chunky texture of the vegetables creates a satisfying crunch that will leave you wanting more. What’s more, this recipe is a breeze to prepare, requiring minimal effort and time. Plus, its affordability is an added bonus. To elevate the flavor even further, consider adding some nutty sunflower seeds and pairing it with succulent crab cakes.
Cheesy Garlic Broccoli
While some might think the simplicity of just three ingredients – cheese, broccoli, and garlic – would lead to a dull culinary experience, quite the opposite is true. The absence of overpowering flavors allows each component to take center stage, showcasing its unique characteristics. When paired with crab cakes, this dish becomes a satisfying and nutritious option that will leave you feeling full yet guilt-free.
Simple Side Salad
Transform your everyday side salad into an exciting experience by offering a variety of dressings. This unique approach allows each person to customize the flavor to their liking, making mealtime more engaging and enjoyable. Additionally, this simple yet versatile salad pairs well with pork chops, making it a great accompaniment for a satisfying meal.
Balsamic Tomato Basil Salad
In the realm of triumphant salads, the harmonious union of tomatoes and basil stands out as a true delight. Drawing inspiration from the timeless flavors of Italy, this straightforward yet satisfying combination can be effortlessly incorporated into even the most hectic weeknight routine.
Roasted Cauliflower and Asparagus
When cooking up a storm in the kitchen, it’s easy to overlook the humble side dish – especially when the main event is as demanding as crab cakes. However, a well-crafted accompaniment can elevate the entire dining experience. For me, that means reaching for roasted cauliflower and asparagus, a harmonious union of two of nature’s finest ingredients. This delightfully tangy and garlicky medley not only pairs perfectly with an array of main courses but also serves as a tasty reminder that sometimes the simplest dishes can be the most satisfying.
Oven Roasted Zucchini
Transform the presentation of your crab cakes by garnishing them with roasted zucchini spears, which infuse a delightful earthiness into each bite. The simplicity and speed of preparation for these roasted vegetables make them feel almost too effortless to be true.
Tropical Mango Coleslaw
Elevate your crab cakes with this refreshing coleslaw recipe that’s as visually appealing as it is flavorful. Each crunchy bite bursts with vibrant, zesty notes that add a new layer of depth to the dish. Unlike traditional slaws, this version skips the creamy sauce, making it a lighter and dairy-free alternative that won’t overpower the other ingredients.
Spring Salad with Sauteed Peas and Scallions
Experience the harmonious union of flavors in this vibrant salad, where zesty radish, rich avocado, and tender peas come together in perfect harmony. This versatile accompaniment elevates even the most mundane dishes, such as crab cakes, to a whole new level of excitement. As your guests take their first bite, you’ll witness their eyes light up with surprise and delight.
Best Sides for Crab Cakes
As we near the culmination of this culinary journey, the million-dollar question remains: what are the quintessential sides to pair with crab cakes? Not merely seeking the healthiest or most convenient options, but rather the showstoppers that elevate the dish to new heights.
From grand occasions to everyday indulgences, these ten delectable dishes boast a harmony of flavors that rivals their luxurious reputation.
Tabbouleh
This vibrant salad hails from Lebanon, where the harmonious blend of fresh flavors and aromatic herbs creates a culinary symphony. A medley of succulent fruit and savory botanicals meld together in perfect harmony, evoking the essence of the Mediterranean. When paired with a squeeze of lemon juice, this salad becomes an ideal accompaniment to balance out the richness of crab cakes.
Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Crab cakes and creamy pairings are made in heaven, and this casseroles brings the perfect harmony. A medley of tender green beans and crispy fried onions, cooked to perfection, provides an unparalleled complement to the flaky crust of your crab cakes. The al dente texture of the beans offers a delightful contrast that will leave you craving another bite.
Summer Succotash with Grilled Corn
The harmonious union of fresh corn, vibrant herbs, plump cherry tomatoes, and tender lima beans creates a feast for the senses. With every bite, a new flavor profile emerges, showcasing the versatility of the crab cakes. A delicate drizzle of olive oil weaves the dish together, allowing each component to shine in perfect harmony.
Jalapeno Cheddar Bread
Indulge in the rich flavors of this savory quick bread recipe, characterized by its tender crumb and deep flavor profile. This mouthwatering accompaniment pairs exquisitely with crab cakes boasting a Mexican or Spanish twist, where the harmonious union of jalapeno and cheddar cheese creates an unparalleled culinary experience.
Ranch Veggie Pasta Salad
A harmonious fusion of flavors, this ranch veggie pasta salad seamlessly blends the freshness of a traditional leafy side salad with the tanginess of a BBQ-inspired ranch pasta salad. The outcome is a delectable culinary marriage that beautifully complements crab cakes and pairs equally well with BBQ chicken.
Creamy Parmesan Polenta
Polenta offers a reliable solution for side dishes when you’re stuck. This rich and flavorful dish is surprisingly quick to prepare and devour. To elevate the classic, we’ve added sharp Parmesan cheese and a touch of heavy cream, creating an exceptionally creamy Parmesan polenta experience.
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
The cilantro and lime juice-infused white rice serves as the harmonious accompaniment to the star of the show – your delectable crab cakes. The light, yet fragrant flavor of this rice provides a delightful contrast to the sweet-and-savory crabcake, much like a refreshing palate cleanser that leaves you craving another bite.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
What’s more impressive about this air fryer corn on the cob is that it not only replicates the charred flavor you’d typically get from grilling, but does so without the added complexity and mess associated with outdoor cooking methods. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to achieve. Simply brush your corn cobs with a custom blend of your preferred flavors – I personally find that a harmonious balance of butter, lime zest, and salt brings out the natural sweetness in the corn perfectly.
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower transforms into a mouth-watering treat when cooked to perfection in an air fryer. The aromatic combination of spices infused within the crispy vegetable is reminiscent of flavors found in savory crab cakes. This delightful snack can be enjoyed with the same dipping sauce used for its crustacean counterpart, elevating the overall eating experience.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Garlic bread, in all its buttery, cheesy glory, never fails to impress. This timeless classic is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. In fact, whipping up a batch of garlic bread takes less time than you might think, and the results are well worth the minimal effort required. Serve it alongside a platter of savory crab cakes at your next gathering, and I’m confident you’ll earn top honors as the host with the most.
