Wondering what to serve with fried catfish fillets? There are plenty of tasty side dishes that are absolutely delicious with catfish. From classic southern sides to fresh salads, any or all of these options are sure to elevate your meal and make your taste buds very happy.

If you enjoy a flaky fish with a nice crunch from the cornmeal coating and fried to a golden brown, you’ll love this delicious main course.
My mother used to like a little Cajun seasoning on her fried catfish, so I grew up thinking that was normal. And in my world, it is.
But we never just had catfish. There was always a bounty of sides and desserts to enjoy along with our fish dinner. So add the perfect side dish or two … or more, and you’ll be a hero.

I like to place a few condiments and add-ons in the center of the table so folks can use whatever they want. Here are some favorites:
- Ketchup
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon wedges
- Lemon juice
- Lime juice
- Sour cream
- Lemon dill dipping sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Olive oil for dipping
Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Catfish
All of these side dishes are easy to make and pair very well with fried catfish!
Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
No catfish dinner is complete without a side of southern-style coleslaw. This creamy dish is the perfect side for the rich and savory flavors of catfish.
To make it, you can either use a pre-shredded mixture of cabbage, carrots, and other ingredients and mix it with some super easy homemade dressing. Spice lovers can add a splash of hot sauce for an extra zing.
Jiffy Cornbread Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are a classic southern side dish that pairs perfectly with catfish. Deep fried cornmeal batter that’s crispy on the outside and soft and flaky in the middle satisfies on so many levels!
Make this recipe from Back to My Southern Roots as-is or add other ingredients. We like chopped onions or jalapeños. It’s up to you to add whatever you like. Dip this southern staple in some yummy tartar sauce, and you’ll be in hog heaven!
Simple Southern Style Cornbread Recipe
Cornbread is another classic southern side dish that pairs well with catfish. My favorite recipe is savory, not sweet. I cook it in a cast iron skillet that helps create a crispy crust that holds in all the wonderful deliciousness.
It’s amazing with a dab of this homemade butter. Make extra so you can crumble it into a glass of milk later, when you need a snack.
Southern Skillet Fried Okra
This fried okra recipe from Julia’s Simply Southern is a great side dish and will have you reaching for seconds. Crispy on the outside and tender in the center, these are absolutely amazing little tidbits of yum!
I like them with a dash of salt and pepper, but some people like to douse them with hot sauce. Regardless of how you like them, you’ll want more.
Best Air Fryer French Fries
When you serve catfish to anyone in my family, they expect a side of French fries. That’s because they go together like Lucy and Ricky. Or Fred and Wilma. Or Barney and Betty. Or … you get the picture. We absolutely love some fries with our catfish.
Whether you prefer potato wedges or shoestring cuts, fries offset the richness of the fish. This is a simple recipe that’s good with salt or a dash of Cajun seasoning. I make these in my air fryer, so I don’t have to deal with splatters of hot oil.
A Classic Quick & Easy Recipe - Southern Bite
Another classic southern side dish that pairs well with catfish is collard greens. I remember watching these yummy greens go into the humongous pot at my great-grandmother’s house, and my mouth would instantly water.
I’ve always loved collard greens, and this is a personal favorite. This collard greens recipe from Southern Bite is as close to the one I remember as I could find.
Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in an Air Fryer
Sweet potato fries are a delicious and actually good for you! They are easy to make at home and pair perfectly with catfish.
You can purchase frozen sweet potato fries or pick up a couple of sweet potatoes and slice them yourself. Serve alongside your catfish for a tasty and nutritious meal.
Broccoli Slaw Recipe
Broccoli slaw is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that pairs perfectly with catfish. To make it, simply shred broccoli florets and stems, along with some carrots and red cabbage. It’s a healthy side dish that you can’t help but like.
My secret sauce is so easy to make you can do it in your sleep with one hand tied behind your back. Seriously. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving with your catfish.
Sautéed Spinach and Tomatoes Recipe
Sautéed spinach and tomatoes is a healthy and flavorful side dish that is so good with catfish. All of the seasonings you add absorb into the spinach and deliver a burst of yummy flavor!
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve alongside your catfish for a nutritious and delicious meal.
Classic Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole
Macaroni and cheese is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with catfish. Whether you make it from scratch or use a boxed mix, this creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.
I use gluten-free pasta, but if you prefer, you can use traditional or whole wheat pasta. Serve it alongside your catfish for a comforting and delicious meal.
Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Such a cool and refreshing side dish, this wonderfully colorful and tasty salad adds a whole new dimension and a hint of sweetness to your catfish dinner.
All of the ingredients are good for you, and when you put them together, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life.
How to Make Canned Corn Taste Better
While you’re in the pantry, pull out a can of corn. I’ve found some wonderful ways to take them to next-level yumminess.
Corn lovers won’t even know that these came from a can … unless you decide to tell them. Doctored up canned corn is a delicious side dish that goes really well with fried fish.
Easy Roasted Parmesan Carrots Recipe
Looking for a healthy and flavorful side dish to serve with your catfish? Try these roasted parmesan carrots! All of the ingredients are available at any grocery store, and the process of making them is super simple.
The sweetness of the carrots offsets the savory flavor of the catfish, making this a winning combo. The kids will love them, making it a win-win for your family!
Easy Cloud Bread Recipe Without Flour
Although this cloud bread is gluten-free, everyone I know loves it. After all, what’s not to like about this light, fluffy bread that goes so well with any main dish?
I put a bit of butter on mine, but a lot of people like to drizzle honey over it. This yummy bread is also good when you’re in the mood for dipping into olive oil.
How to Make Canned Green Beans Taste Better
When you want to get a meal on the table quickly, and the fish is almost ready to serve, pop open a can of green beans and follow the directions from Insanely Good Recipes.
You’ll be amazed by how delicious they’ll turn out with just a few little tweaks with seasonings you probably already have in your kitchen.
Best Balsamic Glazed Zucchini (Quick and Easy Recipe)
If you’ve ever had a difficult time getting the family to eat their vegetables, make this one. You’ll have them begging for more once they taste the rich flavors of the balsamic glaze over this very nutritious vegetable.
After my husband tried it the first time, he hopefully asked if I was going to make it again. Of course, the answer was yes, absolutely! This is an excellent choice of sides for fried catfish.
Easy No Bake Pineapple Pie Recipe with Cool Whip
Yes, you read that right. A catfish meal isn’t complete without dessert, so I decided to list some of my favorites.
This pineapple pie is like a tropical vacation with every bite. It’s light, fluffy, and so wonderful with a delightful blend of tart and sweet.
No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
Don’t have an ice cream maker? No worries. I’ve got you covered with this wonderfully easy strawberry ice cream that doesn’t require any fancy machines.
It’s richly decadent and delivers an eye-popping strawberry flavor that you won’t be able to stop thinking about.
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls (No Bake Recipe)
Some people put chocolate on these and call them buckeyes. I simply call them delicious—with or without a chocolate coating.
They’re easy to make and yummy to eat. Be sure to make enough for each person to have several.
Easy Butterscotch Pecan Cookies Recipe
Butterscotch lovers will devour these cookies, so be sure to make a lot of them. They're a delicious dessert for any meal, but they're also wonderful for a snack!
These cookies satisfy a sweet tooth like nothing else can. You'll be asked for the recipe after people taste one. It's up to you whether or not to give it to them.
The Joy of Southern Catfish
Any time you serve catfish, you won’t have to announce that dinner is ready more than once. Everyone will race to the table so they don’t miss out on the crunchy, flaky deliciousness in every single bite!
Even if you already have your favorite sides to serve with fried catfish, try at least a couple of the ones listed above. You just might discover a new favorite.

Whether you’re eating a celebratory meal at the dinner table or having a casual outdoor fish fry, this catfish recipe is the foundation of an easy dinner. If you need fillers, you can always add a bag of chips and a loaf of bread.
All of these dishes are also great to bring to a potluck fish fry. The host will certainly appreciate any of the sides or desserts that are sure to make the meal even better.