Red beans and rice is a classic New Orleans recipe made from red kidney beans slow cooked with spicy andouille sausage and the holy trinity until they are melt-in-your-mouth tender. They are served over perfectly cooked rice. Red beans pair well with southern sides like coleslaw, cornbread, pork chops, and smothered green beans.
First, you need a good red beans and rice recipe! My authentic red beans and rice recipe is so flavorful and hearty, with three types of meat. It’s a true Cajun comfort food. Classic red beans are perfect for serving for a Mardi Gras party, or just when you want a hearty satisfying meal.
Red beans and rice is basically a whole meal by itself. There’s filling beans, smoked andouille sausage, and even some veggies served over rice. Many people use it as an all in one meal, but if you are cooking up a big spread, here are some of the best side dishes to serve with your red beans.
What do Cajuns Eat with Red Beans and Rice?
I polled a bunch of Cajuns and South Louisiana food lovers to see what they serve with their red beans and rice. Some of the favorites to serve with red beans were cornbread, pork chops, collard greens, smothered green beans, white bread, coleslaw, fried chicken, and of course some sweet tea to wash it all down with! Don’t forget a hefty dose of hot sauce.
Fun fact: An old Cajun way of eating red beans is to stir a scoop of mayonnaise into the beans! My paw paw always did this with his.
Meaty red beans and rice can be a rich dish, so it goes well with an acidic topping to balance out the fattiness. Vinegar based hot sauces work well for this, or even pickled vegetables and cole slaw.
In South Louisiana, it is common to serve red beans and rice with the following:
- Hot sauce (vinegar based like Crystal) – a must!
- White bread or french bread
- Raw onion slices or tomato slices
- Green onions
- Pickled vegetables like pickled red onions or pickled okra
- Smoked sausage
- A scoop of mayonnaise (Blue Plate – a New Orleans born company!)
Best Sides for Red Beans and Rice
Perfect White Rice Recipe (without a rice cooker)
If you’re making red beans, you’re going to need rice. Say goodbye to mushy rice with this easy method for making perfectly cooked and fluffy white rice, every time! (No rice cooker needed!)
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Cast Iron Skillet Cajun Cornbread
Homemade cornbread with a cajun twist! This cornbread is a little sweet, a little spicy, and moist. It’s the perfect side for serving with your pot of red beans!
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Cajun Smothered Green Beans Recipe
These Louisiana smothered green beans are cooked down with bacon, smoked ham, onions, and garlic for a rich and savory flavor. They make the perfect side dish for your southern meal.
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Deep Fried Pork Chops
Pork chops is a favorite to serve with red beans. Plus these look incredible. Indulge in the nostalgic charm of Grandma’s southern kitchen with these mouthwatering deep fried pork chops that are golden and crispy.
Deep Fried Pork Chops Recipe
Easy Homemade White Bread
White bread is great for serving with red beans and rice. Slather on some butter, and sop up all that's left in the bowl! This easy homemade white bread recipe is fast only only needs 6 ingredients.
Homemade White Bread Recipe
Smoked Spare Ribs
This smoked pork spare ribs recipe is perfect for beginners and really easy to make with a few simple ingredients. The smoky flavor of these ribs will pair perfectly with the smoked sausage in red beans and rice.
Smoked Spare Ribs Recipe
Cajun Blackened Green Beans Recipe
Easy green beans side dish ready in 20 minutes! Blistered green beans are tossed in blackened seasoning, garlic, onions, and butter. Lots of flavor, little time.
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Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Ribs
If you’re looking for tender and flavorful pork ribs with little effort, then this easy recipe for Crock Pot Dr. Pepper Ribs is it.
Dr. Pepper Ribs Recipe
Buttermilk Southern Fried Chicken
Traditional, authentic, deep-fried buttermilk-brined southern fried chicken by a true Southern Belle! The best, easiest, most flavorful fried chicken ever!
Buttermilk Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
Homemade French Bread
French bread is a necessity in New Orleans! Making homemade French bread is easy when following this simple recipe. Try adding garlic, fresh herbs, or shredded cheese for the best French loaf!
Homemade French Bread Recipe
Oven Fried Chicken
Oven fried chicken is tossed in a breading consisting of panko bread crumbs, corn flakes, cornmeal, and spices to give you a delicious new family staple!
Oven Fried Chicken Recipe
Homemade Pickled Okra
Learn how to make Homemade Pickled Okra. From preparing the brine to packing jars, this step-by-step guide will have you canning our favorite southern veggie with no added preservatives.
Homemade Pickled Okra Recipe
Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Crock Pot Pork Chops and Apples is an easy dump and go dinner recipe made with tender pork chops and sweet juicy apples.
Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops Recipe
Backyard Sweet Tea {Rum Cocktail}
Backyard Sweet Tea is a super simple & tasty rum cocktail for any holiday, party or get together with friends. Great recipe for last minute entertaining.
Backyard Sweet Tea Recipe
Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs
These Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs require minimal effort but deliver maximum taste. Juicy meat slathered in a tangy sauce. These fall-off-the-bone ribs are a crowd pleaser!
Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Best Fried Shrimp
Southern Fried Shrimp is crunchy and delicious, plus it’s so easy to make! Make this restaurant favorite at home in just minutes!
Best Fried Shrimp Recipe
Southern Coleslaw
An easy side dish that is perfect for serving with tender red beans. This is a southern classic coleslaw recipe made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a deliciously sweet, creamy dressing.
Southern Coleslaw Recipe
Sweet Potato Cornbread
This sweet potato cornbread is incredibly moist, tender and delicious. Roasted sweet potato adds a natural sweetness to this savory side dish.
Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe
Mustard Greens
Mustard Greens are a peppery, tangy, and nutritious classic Southern side dish with a unique taste that lends creativity to any meal.
Mustard Greens Recipe
Southern Fried Catfish
This classic southern fried catfish recipe is dredged in a perfectly seasoned and spiced cornmeal breading and fried until golden brown and tender.
Southern Fried Catfish Recipe
Southern Cabbage
A Southern cabbage recipe featuring boiled cabbage in a smoky turkey broth with seasonings and spices. It’s a Sunday soul food dinner staple!
Southern Cabbage Recipe
Red Wine Vinegar Pickled Onions
Red wine vinegar pickled onions are perfect for pairing with the hearty and rich flavor of red beans. This foolproof quick pickle method is perfect for beginners.
Pickled Onions Recipe
Coleslaw Recipe (No Mayo)
No Mayo Vinegar Coleslaw recipe with an easy dressing. Great with pulled pork sandwiches or side dish for potluck picnics and BBQ cookouts.
Coleslaw Recipe (No Mayo) Recipe
Grilled Pork Chops
These Grilled Pork Chops include a marinade with incredible flavor and moisture. You can eyeball amounts and still achieve fantastic results! Perfect for serving with red beans.
Grilled Pork Chops Recipe
Southern Collard Greens
These authentic Southern Collard Greens are braised in a savory meat flavored and perfectly spiced pot liquor resulting in an amazing tender silky texture.
Southern Collard Greens Recipe
Fried Green Tomatoes with Cajun Shrimp Sauce
Take your tomatoes to a new level with this spicy, creamy, shrimp Cajun sauce for fried green tomatoes. It’s bursting with flavor!
Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Southern Sweet Tea
Learning how to make Southern Sweet Tea is super easy with two simple ingredients. Learn how Southerners make this essential drink.
Southern Sweet Tea Recipe
The Best Homemade Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Cajun seasoning isn’t technically a side dish, but it is sure to be found on any Cajun’s kitchen table. This homemade blend of cajun spices has cayenne pepper for heat along with garlic powder, black pepper, and other herbs and cajun spices to add a tasty kick to any meal.
Cajun Seasoning Recipe
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Meet Lauren
I’m the blogger, recipe developer, food photographer, and otherwise food obsessed gal behind Lauren From Scratch. I was born and raised in New Orleans and lived in South Louisiana most of my life. Growing up around Cajun country has instilled a love of food that runs deep in my bones. I am passionate about food and teaching you how to make mouth-watering Louisiana inspired dishes in your own kitchen!
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