Brunswick stew, a Southern gem, has fans arguing over its origins. Is it Georgia or Virginia? We might never agree.
What we do know is that it’s delicious and filling. Now, what to serve with it? That’s where we shine.
We’ve been there, spoon in hand, wondering what could possibly make this meal better. And guess what? We found 10 sides that do just that.
From crispy cornbread to a refreshing salad, these dishes are game-changers. They complement the stew like a dream.
This isn’t just about throwing random sides on the table. It’s about creating a meal that sings.
Join us as we share our top picks.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Brunswick Stew?
Brunswick stews are versatile because you can cook a small batch at home and even whip up a huge morsel for large gatherings.
These stews can have any form with different meats and not just pork.
Such occasions call for a couple of side dish options.
Firstly, the stew by itself is filling and comforting. But adding some sides will balance your meal.
After all, soups and stews require something to accompany them.
Secondly, they are a traditional “social stew”. With large gatherings, you can prepare some sides to accompany the servings.
This brings everyone together, and we enjoy the soup even more.
Finally, who doesn’t want options and variety? Adding extra dishes gives you time to savor the different flavors together.
It makes your meals less dull and more appetizing.
What to Serve with Brunswick Stew? 10 BEST Side Dishes
1. Saffron Blended Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is a staple in many regions across the globe.
A favorite in many Asian cuisines, this rice dish is an excellent side to accompany your Brunswick stews.
All you need is coconut and rice.
And because of its simplicity, it pairs well with several main courses.
A Brunswick stew is no exception.
You get all the fresh, tropical coconut flavors from the rice.
And while slurping down on that meat and veggie stew, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.
You’ll find nuts and herbs on some.
But for this version, add a dash of saffron for some color and exotic flavor.
2. Roasted Aubergine with Garlic and Herbs
Aubergine or eggplant is another go-to when stews are concerned.
They are a versatile side dish when roasted with garlic and seasoned with herbs.
This takes no time to prepare.
Plus, aubergines have a simple and mild flavor despite their strong purple color.
And that is precisely what we want as a side dish.
Brunswick stews are already packed full of flavors-tangy and creamy.
Serving them with these roasted and herby eggplant slices will elevate your eating experience to a new level.
3. Spicy Fried Polenta
Do you have some leftover polenta? Cut them to attractive shapes and pan-fry them for another excellent side dish option.
These cornmeal bites are rich and buttery.
You want to add just a little kick by frying or searing them in a bit of chili oil.
Serving them with Brunswick stew takes you on a joy ride.
Once you fry them, they are a mix of crispy and soft.
Dip them into your stew and pop them into your mouth.
You can also cut them into thinner slices and add them like a seasoning to the already luscious stew.
4. Garlic Butter Baguette Sandwich
It’s almost like a tradition to have bread with stews and soups.
And a baguette sandwich adds a touch of class to your regular stale bread.
This sandwich takes no time to make.
Smear some garlic butter on your bread, and you’re done.
Watch it literally melt in your mouth as you have it with your favorite southern stew.
With this combo, you get a marriage of garlicky, creamy, and starchy flavors.
And here’s a fun tip.
Use the sandwich to scoop or mop the broth for a juicer bite.
Sandwiches and stews are best friends on any menu.
Give this one a try with your Brunswick stew.
5. Grilled Veggie Platter with Balsamic Dressing
Sometimes simplicity is key to a meal.
And how much simpler will it get than a grilled vegetable platter?
The great thing here is that you have various veggies at your disposal.
Some favorites include red onions, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, carrots, etc.
Add a touch of balsamic vinaigrette, and you have an excellent side dish.
Vegetables are juicy and mildly flavored. This is exactly what we want.
The creamy stew combined with the various crunchy veggie bites is to die for.
We want to grill them to add a hint of smokiness.
The essential juicy goodness will remain intact.
6. Cheddar Bay Biscuits
These biscuits have earned a celebrity status, all thanks to Red Lobster.
And the good thing is you can make your own at home to serve alongside Brunswick stew.
The cheesy goodness of cheddar peaks out with these biscuits.
Having them with Brunswick stews is a favorite for us.
The flavors from both parties complement each other so well everyone will be asking for second helpings.
What’s more, these biscuits are not overpowering.
They act more or less like a piece of bread to accompany your stew.
Plus, it takes less than thirty minutes to prepare these bad boys.
7. Bacon-wrapped Hotdogs
You might have seen bacon-wrapped hotdogs on several YouTube reels.
Most people enjoy them with sandwiches.
Well, these grilled fellows are also perfect with your Brunswick stew.
And who would say no to bacon and hotdogs with a meat-based stew? No-one.
They have similarities in flavors as well.
You get a perfect blend of savory and smoky essences.
To get more out of this side dish, you can slice up your bacon-wrapped hotdogs and toss them in the stew.
It absorbs all the creamy stew making your eating experience more wholesome.
8. Buttermilk Cornbread
Another side dish that stews call for is cornbread.
We believe you won’t get a better combo with your favorite bowl of Brunswick stew.
These buttermilk cornbreads have everything you need.
You get that mild crunch and reach that fluffy interior as you bite into it (it just melts in your mouth).
And as you take a slurp of the stew, there’s no telling where you will go from there.
You can make it even better by crushing them into little bits and adding them to your stew.
Scoop them up and enjoy.
9. Cucumber Kimchi Pickles
How about adding some Korean vibes to your meal? If you agree, it’s time to ferment some cucumber kimchi.
There is a lot going on with kimchi. You have all the various textures and flavors from the fermented veggies.
Such pickles add a burst of taste to dishes like our favorite Brunswick stew.
Kimchi is quite spicy. You want to serve just a small amount to balance the flavors with the stew.
With the appropriate servings, you have a mix of oriental and southern vibes in one meal.
10. Grilled Buttery Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is another staple during get-togethers and parties.
No wonder we included this on our list. You will get some corn taste from the stew.
But there’s nothing wrong with going all-in.
Munching on some butter-infused grilled corn with each slurp of the stew is comfort food at its best.
Plus, there’s nothing much to this side dish regarding flavors or prep time.
The Brunswick stew still stands out, while the corn adds some earthy tones to your meal.
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