Which Side Dishes Are Offered?

After enjoying the main courses at Pappadeaux, I wanted something to balance out the rich seafood flavors. Their side dishes are more than just fillers — each one adds texture, contrast, and sometimes even comfort to the plate. Whether you’re craving something buttery, crunchy, or lightly seasoned, there’s likely a side that fits your preference. I made sure to sample each one to get a full idea of the variety. Some were creamy, others were crisp or hearty, and a few reminded me of home-style cooking. Below are the sides I tried, along with prices and notes that might help you decide which one to add to your meal.

Truffle Potatoes

These were smooth, creamy, and had a rich finish. The portion came in a small bowl, topped with a mild layer of melted cheese. The truffle flavor wasn’t too strong — more of a subtle, earthy undertone that made the potatoes feel a bit elevated without being overwhelming. The texture was thick and buttery, and I noticed they held heat well throughout the meal. If you enjoy mashed potatoes but want something with a bit more depth, this is worth trying.

Price: $8.95
Allergens: May include dairy (butter, cheese, or cream)
Texture: Creamy and dense with a soft finish
Personal Note: This side pairs nicely with grilled or blackened seafood options.

Fresh Green Beans & Almonds

This side came with bright green beans that were cooked just right — not mushy, but not too firm either. They had a natural crunch and a light buttery glaze, topped with thinly sliced almonds. The almonds added a nutty flavor and extra texture. I appreciated how light this side felt compared to some of the creamier options. It worked well as a palate cleanser between bites of rich seafood or meat.

Price: $8.95
Allergens: Contains nuts (almonds), possibly dairy from the glaze
Flavor: Fresh, slightly nutty, and not over-seasoned
Observation: A good pick if you want something lighter and refreshing on the plate.

Baked Potato

The Baked Potato at Pappadeaux arrived warm and generously sized. It was served with a side of toppings, including sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, butter, and green onions. I liked that everything came on the side so I could control how much I added. The skin was crisp, and the inside was fluffy — not dry or overly salty. I added just a little butter and some green onions, and it paired perfectly with the richer mains like ribeye or redfish.

Price: $8.95
Allergens: Dairy (if butter, cheese, or sour cream is added)
Texture: Fluffy inside, slightly crispy skin
Personal Note: A flexible side, great if you want something filling but not greasy.

Sautéed Spinach

This dish came out glistening, lightly seasoned with garlic and possibly a bit of olive oil or butter. The spinach wasn’t soggy, and it still had a bit of bite. I found it refreshing alongside fried items, especially the Pappadeaux Platter. It added a subtle bitterness that balanced the richness of other dishes. The serving size was just enough — not too small, not too much.

Price: $8.95
Allergens: Possible dairy (butter used in sautéing)
Taste & Texture: Lightly bitter, garlicky, and soft but not mushy
What I Liked: It didn’t feel oily, and it helped cut through heavier flavors on the plate.

Red Beans & Rice

Red Beans & Rice is one of those classic Southern sides, and Pappadeaux does it justice. The beans were soft but held their shape, and the rice wasn’t mushy — just firm enough to hold everything together. I noticed a mild smokiness in the beans, likely from bits of sausage or seasoning meat, though it wasn’t overpowering. It came in a small bowl, warm and well-seasoned, and worked especially well with fried seafood or blackened fish.

Price: $8.95
Allergens: May contain pork or dairy depending on preparation
Flavor Profile: Smoky, savory, slightly peppery
My Take: I’d definitely order this again when I want a more filling side than just fries or bread.

Dirty Rice

The Dirty Rice was flavorful without being greasy. It had a fine grain texture and was filled with bits of meat, likely ground beef or sausage, and a mild spice blend that reminded me of Creole seasoning. It wasn’t overly salty, and I could still taste the rice itself — not just the meat or seasoning. It came in a smaller portion than other sides, but that made sense given its richness.

Price: $4.95
Allergens: May include meat, dairy, or gluten (depending on mix-ins)
Taste & Texture: Savory, slightly spicy, grainy but soft
Why I Liked It: It was bold enough to stand alone but also paired nicely with grilled shrimp or fried catfish.

French Fries

French Fries might seem like the safest choice on the menu, but Pappadeaux’s version still had a few things going for it. The portion was generous, and the fries were thin-cut with a light golden color. They were served hot, with a crisp exterior and a fluffy interior. I didn’t notice any excess oil, which made them feel lighter than most restaurant fries. Salt was balanced — not too much, not too little.

They held up well even when paired with saucy dishes like fried shrimp or crawfish etouffee. And if you dip them into the leftover tartar or cocktail sauce from other plates, it adds a nice kick.

Price: $6.95
Allergens: Possible gluten (cross-contact in fryers), possibly soy
What to Expect: Thin, crispy, lightly salted fries
Personal Note: Simple but satisfying — especially good when you’re already having something bold and just want a mild side.

Garlic Bread

The Garlic Bread was lightly toasted, with a golden-brown surface and soft inside. It had a good balance of garlic and butter — not too oily or overly garlicky. Each slice was long and wide enough to be dipped into sauces or used to scoop up any leftover gumbo or spinach dip.

I found it particularly useful when I ordered a cheesy appetizer like the Fondeaux or the crab & spinach dip. The bread didn’t fall apart when dipped, which is always a plus.

Price: $6.95
Allergens: Gluten, dairy
Flavor: Buttery, garlicky, soft on the inside with slight crisp on the edges
Best Use: Great for mopping up sauces or just having a warm, familiar side.

Conclusion: Which Side Dish Was Worth Adding?

After trying nearly every side Pappadeaux had to offer, I noticed each one served a clear purpose. Some were lighter, some richer, but all had their place depending on what you’re pairing them with.

If you’re having something heavy like fried seafood or an etouffee, the Fresh Green Beans & Almonds offer a nice contrast — crunchy, fresh, and slightly nutty. On the other hand, for comfort or to soak up sauces, Garlic Bread or Truffle Potatoes work really well.

Personally, I’d go back for the Dirty Rice. It was the most flavorful standalone side — spiced just right and full of small savory bites. It stood on its own, not just as an add-on. If you’re only picking one side and want something with depth, Dirty Rice is a strong pick. But if you’re splitting sides for the table, combining that with the baked potato or green beans would cover both rich and light cravings without feeling repetitive.