Sides for fried fish go beyond chips, coleslaw and tartar sauce (though all are deliciously appropriate). We have recipes for the classics, plus a few new ideas that make any fish fry spectacular.
1/21
Hush Puppies
From the Recipe Creator:
A fish dinner isn’t complete without a side of hush puppies, and my mom is well-known for this recipe. It's the best! —Mary McGuire, Graham, NC
Nutrition Facts:
1 hush puppy: 55 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Cornmeal batter fried to a golden brown is one of the best things about a fish fry (after the fish, of course). The key to keeping hush puppies together is making sure the oil is hot enough.
2/21
Creamy Coleslaw
From the Recipe Creator:
For me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This coleslaw recipe is great for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 256 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
Creamy coleslaw is refreshing and tangy, a perfect complement to rich fried fish. If mayonnaise-based coleslaw isn’t your favorite, swap in the dressing from other coleslaw recipes.
3/21
Macaroni Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Classic macaroni salad is a potluck staple. It can be made ahead, transports easily and is the perfect side for grilled meats and sandwiches. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 305 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
Complement your crispy, salty fried fish with a creamy side of mac salad. If you make it ahead of time, mix a little mayo into the salad just before serving to refresh its flavor and texture.
4/21
Tartar Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll never buy the jarred stuff again once you've tried this homemade tartar sauce recipe! —Michelle Stromko, Darlington, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 93 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
This simple and quick tartar sauce recipe will have you swearing off the jarred stuff for good. While you can serve this immediately after making, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
5/21
Onion Rings
From the Recipe Creator:
We use this onion rings recipe as a burger topper to add an extra element to already fantastic burgers. These onion rings are also perfect for giving your salads a little crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 71 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
These crispy and lightly browned onion rings make a great side for fried fish. Serve with any kind of dipping sauce, from ketchup to thousand island or tangy fry sauce.
6/21
Crispy Ranch Fries
From the Recipe Creator:
Would you like fries with that? Coming right up is an express recipe for Crispy Ranch Fries with a creamy, not-so-secret sauce. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 393 calories, 25g fat (3g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 1014mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
You could make homemade french fries, but this easy recipe turns regular frozen fries into zippy seasoned fries in a flash. Don’t skimp on the zesty dipping sauce!
7/21
Cowboy Cornbread
From the Recipe Creator:
This cornbread is richer and sweeter than others I’ve tried. It's especially delicious alongside ham and beans. —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 345 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
Half and half makes this cornbread richer than others, and it’s a dynamite side for fried fish and just about everything else. This one leans sweet, but other cornbread recipes go the savory or spicy route, if that’s your preference.
8/21
Southwest Corn
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law came up with this corn skillet dish one night for dinner. Everyone who tries it absolutely loves it! —Chandy Ward, Aumsville, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 104 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
You only need a few extra ingredients, like tomato, cumin and cilantro, to give corn a punch of flavor. Use fresh or frozen corn kernels.
9/21
Sauteed Zucchini
From the Recipe Creator:
I plant many vegetables to use in cooking. Zucchini is among our favorites and usually grows in abundance. This zucchini stir-fry is always a hit at our house. —Deborah Elliot, Ridge Spring, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 77 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
Lighten up your fish fry with sauteed zucchini. It comes together in only 10 minutes, so you can make it while the fish is frying.
10/21
Rye Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
This gorgeous rye bread has just a touch of sweetness and the perfect amount of caraway seeds. With a crusty top and firm texture, it holds up well to sandwiches, but a pat of butter will do the job too. —Holly Wade, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 118 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
Around the Great Lakes, especially in Wisconsin, you’ll see potato pancakes and rye bread at every fish fry. This gorgeous loaf goes well with a thick pat of butter.
11/21
Soft Dinner Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
The dough for these rolls has a nice texture and is simple to shape. The recipe came from an old church cookbook. —Norma Harder, Weyakwin, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 187 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
Serve these rolls on the side, or use them to turn your fish into a fried fish sandwich. You can even use the tartar sauce, pickles and coleslaw on the table as condiments.
12/21
Easy Dill Pickles
From the Recipe Creator:
This treasured dill pickle recipe is like an old friend. These crispy spears have a slightly salty, tart flavor with a good balance of dill, garlic and peppers. —Betty Sitzman, Wray, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 4 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 727mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
If you like a crisp and tart contrast to fried fish, this easy dill pickle recipe is the perfect place to start. Make zesty homemade spears with lots of dill, garlic and peppers.
13/21
Dill & Chive Peas
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing my own vegetables and herbs helps keep things fresh in the kitchen, but frozen peas make this side is a breeze to prepare. —Tanna Richard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 113 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
The Brits like mushy peas with their fish and chips, but these herbed peas are a nice alternative. Use fresh or frozen peas and lots of fresh dill and chives.
14/21
Baked Sweet Potato Chips
From the Recipe Creator:
The next time you have the hungries, don't reach for high-fat junk food. Instead, spend a few minutes preparing these tasty baked sweet potato chips. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
15 chips: 114 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
For a crunchy side dish for fried fish, toss thinly sliced potatoes with seasonings before popping them into a hot oven. They’re so good, you’ll want to make a double batch!
15/21
Bread and Butter Pickles
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom always made this crisp bread and butter pickle recipe when we were kids, and she gave me the recipe. They're pleasantly tart and so good. Now I make bread and butter pickles for my own kids all of the time! —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 35 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 175mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
These pleasantly sweet-tart pickles make a good foil for fried fish. Cucumber pickles are a great starting point, but feel free to use other vegetables and explore pickling recipes that use everything from carrots to jalapenos.
16/21
Zucchini Fries
From the Recipe Creator:
These aren't anything like potato fries—in a good way! They are air-fried to crispy perfection and oh, so flavorful. Enjoy them as an appetizer or a low-carb alternative to french fries. Don't have an air fryer? You can convection-bake for the same time. —Jen Pahl, West Allis, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 91 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
We love the idea of serving other vegetables in place of potatoes on a fried fish platter. These zucchini fries are coated with panko, baked until crisp, and served with any kind of dipping sauce you like, from marinara to ranch.
17/21
Buttery-Onion Corn on the Cob
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother has been making this recipe for years. Every time I make it for company they rave and can't believe how easy it is! —Lisa Denson, Decatur, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 310 calories, 25g fat (15g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
In some parts of the country, corn on the cob is a fish fry staple. But instead of boiling it, try slathering corn on the cob in butter and onion soup mix and roasting it in the oven.
18/21
Brown Sugar Baked Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
If you must be stingy with salt, you're sure to appreciate this flavor-rich bean dish. These beans are well-received by folks who love hot and spicy foods and those with a more conservative palate, too. It's requested for all our family reunions. —Debra Hogenson of Brewster, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 209 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 7g fiber), 9g protein.
Making baked beans from scratch takes a little more time than opening a can, but the rich flavor is worth the effort. These sweet and spicy beans make the perfect side dish for just about anything.
19/21
Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Bring back the taste of days gone by with this ooey-gooey classic. A little ground mustard and hot pepper sauce give this old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese just the right spice. —James Backman, Centralia, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 267 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 425mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
Jazz up baked macaroni and cheese with ground mustard and hot pepper sauce. It’s the perfect side dish for fish, barbecued meats and more.
20/21
Fry Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
Want a change of pace from ketchup? Try fry sauce! You'll often find this spiced-up blend of ketchup and mayo in Utah and Idaho. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 133 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 261mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
When you want to go beyond ketchup, blend it with mayo and spices for the perfect fry sauce. Use it as a dip for fries, fried zucchini, onion rings—anything!
21/21
Potato Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This homemade potato salad recipe doesn't have many ingredients, so it isn't as colorful as many that you find nowadays. But Mama made it the way her mother did, and that's the way I still make it today. Try it and see if it isn't one of the best-tasting potato salads you have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 231 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
Everyone will want this potato salad at every fish fry, family gathering, picnic and potluck. While hard-boiled eggs, celery and green onions are a classic combination, make the recipe your own by adding other mix-ins like diced red pepper, fresh herbs or bacon.
Sides for Fried Fish FAQ
What are the best sides for fish fry?
The best sides for fish fry are hush puppies, creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread or tangy tartar sauce. These popular choices balance the crispy fish with fresh, creamy and citrusy flavors. You can choose the classics like fries or onion rings, or bring in more variation by pairing fish with side salads or simple slaws.
What easy side dish recipes can I make ahead for a fish fry?
Many classic sides for fried fish can be made ahead, like coleslaw, potato salad, tartar sauce or remoulade. These types of dishes actually taste better after a few hours in the fridge because the flavors have a chance to meld together. You can also bake cornbread the day before and reheat it in a 350°F oven until it’s warmed through. Make sure to cover the cornbread with foil or parchment paper to keep it moist.
What seafood sides are best to bring to a potluck?
The best seafood sides for a potluck don’t require refrigeration, like cornbread muffins, rolls or bean salads. You can also bring classic potluck side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad or pasta salads, which can be chilled in a cooler until it’s time to serve. Dishes like baked beans or macaroni and cheese need to be reheated, so check with the host to ensure oven space will be available.
