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Home - Recipes - Side Dishes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

What to Serve with Neck Bones? 10 BEST Side Dishes

Neck Bones pairs well with Burgundy Mushrooms, Black Eyed Peas, Sauerkraut, Benihana Fried Rice, and Arancini Balls.

Burgundy Mushrooms -

There is a special nostalgic feeling about a side of button mushrooms that come with Neck Bones.

For a lighter option, try Arancini Balls. Arancini Balls -

When we say the Italians are geniuses at food, we wholeheartedly mean it.

Neck bones might just be the secret star of comfort food. Seriously, they pack a ton of flavor. what next?

It's like, sure, you could just make them.

But what about turning it into a feast? We need sides, and not just any sides.

The best ones.

Remember that summer BBQ at Aunt Jen's? She threw down some sides that made even the simplest dishes sing.

That's our goal.

We aim to recreate that magic. No fluff or filler here.

Just the good stuff, straight-up delicious side dishes to improve those neck bones to legendary status.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • 10 Ideal Sides to Pair with Neck Bones
    • 1. Burgundy Mushrooms
    • 2. Black Eyed Peas
    • 3. Sauerkraut
    • 4. Benihana Fried Rice
    • 5. Arancini Balls
    • 6. Pastry Wrapped Asparagus
    • 7. Chicken Souvlaki Salad
    • 8. Sheet Pan Meatballs with Broccoli
    • 9. Caprese Stuffed Garlic Butter Portobello
    • 10. Garlic Thyme Fondant Potatoes
  • Frequently Asked Questions

10 Ideal Sides to Pair with Neck Bones

While there may be several bones to work around this dish, the delicious results are worth it.

It's a classic on the menu around any soul food joint or household.

To know what would be the perfect side for this dish, have a look at the tempting list that we've compiled.

1. Burgundy Mushrooms

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There is a special nostalgic feeling about a side of button mushrooms that come with Neck Bones.

Showing off their beautiful color and rich flavor, Burgundy Mushrooms are sure to make an entry every time you serve Neck Bones as your dinner from here on.

They make a lovely addition to your dinner menus and are perfect for serving alongside any poultry and beef.

The only catch here is; they should be prepared a day ahead, but hey, good things take time, and burgundy mushrooms are all worth it.

2. Black Eyed Peas

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Black-Eyed Peas, a.k.a. Hoppin' John, is a comforting and soul-warming side treat.

Served along with Neck Bones, they're smokey, have a kick of spice, and offer pure joy with their fantastic flavor.

It is also served on New Year's Day because this dish is considered to bring good luck.

People love anything with beans, and making this a side in its simplest rusticity with simple ingredients like onions, salt, oil, and a few spices of your choice will make all your problems run away like a charm.

3. Sauerkraut

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What do you think about making when life gives you cabbage? You make sauerkraut.

While this side dish is not the national dish of Germany, it's a side dish that's most associated with German cuisine in other parts of the world.

Its crunchy bite and pleasantly sour taste make it the perfect topping for a round of Neck Bones.

It's also straightforward to make, as you depend on the cabbage bacteria to aid its fermentation process.

And the best part about making a single batch? You can eat it for months.

4. Benihana Fried Rice

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Anyone who has been to the celeb-vouched Benihana restaurant knows their starring dish is the Fried Rice, and while Benihana takes the crown as the king of all fried rice, don't let that tag prevent you from cooking this delicious Japanese side at home.

A few common elements in your kitchen cabinets are all you need to make this special side dish at home.

Want to know the Benihana Fried Rice secret? It's the Benihana garlic butter.

Turn into a Teppanyaki culinarian with this simple side dish as you have people wowing around the dinner table.

5. Arancini Balls

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When we say the Italians are geniuses at food, we wholeheartedly mean it.

Gooey, cheesy rice deep fried into a beautiful golden crunchy crumb, these Arancini Balls are eye-rollingly amazing.

Arancini Balls make a quick and scrumptious side dish that's simple in itself, making it a great side to complete your Neck Bones.

Rated 10/10 by all age groups and picky eaters even, these are one of the sides you must make in huge batches; they're known as a side that magically disappears before reaching your dinner table.

6. Pastry Wrapped Asparagus

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Asparagus wrapped in puff pastry is not an expected side you hear about, yet the possibilities are endless in the world of pastries.

Cheesy, pastry-wrapped asparagus is one of the many puff pastries that's served as a side, and being an effortless side to make, the crowds sure worship them.

While asparagus is a debated veggie, with people either loving it or hating it, this side dish has people changing their minds after just one bite of this tasty puff pastry.

They're elegant enough to serve as a side at a brunch party and uncomplicated enough to serve at your dinner table in just under 30 minutes.

7. Chicken Souvlaki Salad

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When has a salad side ever failed you? Never.

Similarly, the Greek-inspired Chicken Souvlaki Salad is one side dish that'll make your dinner a winner.

This salad reminds you of a beautiful colorful flower-filled garden because of all the freshness, color, and flavors that come in a bowl, making it a perfect pair to serve with your neck bones.

The duo has proven to be enjoyable and sufficing without that awful feeling you may sometimes have after eating hearty meals.

8. Sheet Pan Meatballs with Broccoli

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Sheet pan meatballs are synonymous with heaven, and when you include Broccoli in the pan as well, everyone loves to love this side dish.

They're easy to prep, with no frying horror, resulting in crispy delicious excellence, making them the most effortless choice for direct-off-the-pan side treats.

Super juicy and intensely flavored, serving these alongside your Neck Bones will have your guests swooning and raising praise over this tasty combo.

9. Caprese Stuffed Garlic Butter Portobello

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Garlic butter mushrooms are perhaps one of man's greatest inventions.

But have you tried marrying them with a classic Caprese flavor and Caprese-filled Portobello Mushrooms?

You should, because it's the best of both worlds.

While the garlic butter is optional, we suggest throwing the word optional out of your mind because the flavor hybrid is insane.

These are so sufficing and perfect to have as a side dish and are known as a great low-carb side for any dinner you are hosting.

Every bite is flavourful and targets to impress all your guests; there is no room for disappointment here.

10. Garlic Thyme Fondant Potatoes

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If there's a side dish look that could kill, count Garlic Thyme Fondant Potatoes as the assassin.

Fondant potatoes are potatoes skinned and slashed into stout cylinders, browned in oil, then seared with stock and butter, resulting in a side dish that's nearly creamy in the center while being brown and crispy on its exterior.

While it's true that they're a little 'cheffy,' making these as a side for your Neck Bones will have everyone's eyes widening at your outstanding culinary skills.

Besides, when have potatoes ever done you wrong?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best side dish for Neck Bones?

They make a lovely addition to your dinner menus and are perfect fo Black Eyed Peas Black-Eyed Peas, a.k.a. Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.

What side adds the most nutritional balance?

A leafy green or fiber-rich vegetable balances the meal best. They make a lovely is a good pick for adding color and nutrients.

Pairing a protein-heavy main with a lighter vegetable side keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.

What texture should the side dish add?

Aim for a contrast - if the main dish is soft and saucy, a crispy or firm side adds welcome variety. If it is already textured, a smooth or creamy option rounds things out.

How far ahead can you prep the sides?

Most grain and roasted vegetable sides can be prepped a day ahead.

Store separately and reheat before serving.

Fresh salads and anything with a sauce are better made same-day.

Explore more: This post is part of our Side Dish Pairing Guide.
Andrew Gray

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Restaurant industry veteran sharing real recipes, honest substitutes, and tips that actually work in a home kitchen.

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