What to Serve with Crab Legs: 15+ Sides That Complete Your Seafood Feast

Crab legs are something of an occasion, at least, sweet and tender and always well worth the trouble. Whether you crack them open at the backyard seafood boil or dish them out with candles and white wine, they always seem to feel that little bit special. But let’s face it: as wonderful as crab is on its own, it’s the side dishes that actually complete the meal. The ideal pairings do more than fill the plate—they set off the crab’s richness, balance the flavors, and complete the experience.

Imagine the tangy crunch of fresh green salad, the richness of buttery potatoes, or the taste of warm cornbread straight from the oven. Or perhaps you’re going for the whole surf-sand-turf scenario with the steak, garlic bread, and wine on the side. No matter where you’re headed, the delicious side dishes you put out can transform crab legs from one guilty pleasure to a complete, filling meal.

Throughout this article, I’ve gathered 15+ of the top sides, sauces, and combinations to serve snow crab legs with—whether you’re having a summer barbeque, taking someone out on a seafood date night, or having an at-home dinner. From traditional combinations to surprise favorites, below is how to construct a meal that makes every morsel of crab taste better.

Starchy Sides That Soak Up the Flavor

1. Roasted or Boiled Baby Potatoes

Potatoes are a staple for a reason—they’re hearty, easy to prep, and go with just about everything. For crab legs, baby potatoes are an ideal match. You can roast them in the oven with olive oil, garlic, and sea salt until crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, or simply boil them until tender and toss with butter and herbs. Add a sprinkle of paprika or a dash of lemon zest if you want to brighten things up. They’re also perfect for catching any butter or crab juices left on the plate.

2. Corn on the Cob

It’s hard to imagine a crab feast without corn. Whether you’re boiling it in the same pot as your seafood or charring it on the grill, corn on the cob adds a naturally sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with crab’s buttery richness. Slather it with seasoned butter—garlic herb, Cajun, old bay seasoning or chili lime are all great options. If you want to go a step further, try a street corn-inspired topping with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime, and smoked paprika.

3. Mac and Cheese

This is comfort food at its finest. While mac and cheese is often served with lobster, it’s just as dreamy next to crab legs. The creamy, cheesy texture complements the tender crab without overpowering it. For extra flavor, use sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or gruyère, and top with crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a little crunch. Want to go all out? Stir some of that leftover crab meat right into the mac.

Try This: One Pot Super Creamy Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, and perfect for pairing with seafood.

4. French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries

Whether you’re keeping it casual or creating a seafood platter vibe, fries are always a hit. Regular French fries bring the classic salty crunch, while sweet potato fries add a bit of natural sweetness to balance the rich crab. Make them from scratch for the best results, or use frozen fries and dress them up with herbs and seasonings. Serve with garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, or Old Bay-spiced ketchup for dipping.

5. Cornbread

Cornbread is the unsung hero of many seafood spreads. Its slightly sweet flavor works as a nice contrast to savory, buttery crab legs. Whether you prefer it Southern-style with honey butter or more savory with bits of jalapeño and cheddar, cornbread is great for soaking up any leftover sauces on your plate. Bake it in a skillet for crispy edges, or use muffin tins for easy serving at the table.

Fresh & Crunchy Vegetable Sides

Seafood meals can feel heavy with all the butter and starch, so adding something green and fresh helps create balance. These veggie sides, including bell peppers, bring color, texture, and just enough acidity or bitterness to complement crab legs without competing with their delicate flavor.

6. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is one of those sides that works with just about everything, and it’s especially good with crab. The cool crunch of shredded cabbage paired with a tangy dressing is the perfect contrast to buttery crab meat. A creamy version is great for comfort-style meals, while a vinegar-based slaw—think apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey—adds brightness and keeps things light. Bonus: it can be made ahead of time, and it only gets better as it sits.

7. Green Salad

When in doubt, keep it simple. A crisp green salad with romaine, spring mix, or even arugula adds a fresh element to the plate. A lemon vinaigrette or fresh lemon juice-based dressing works well with seafood, cutting through the richness of the crab. Add-ins like shaved fennel, sliced cucumbers, or avocado can elevate it without making it too fussy.

8. Caesar Salad

This one deserves its own spot on the list. Caesar salad is bold enough to stand next to crab legs but not too heavy. The garlic, anchovy, lemon, and Parmesan in the dressing complement the brininess of the crab, and the crunchy croutons give your meal that extra texture. Make it with homemade dressing if you can—it makes all the difference.

9. Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli

Roasted vegetables bring a deeper flavor to your meal, and asparagus or broccoli are two of the best choices. Roasting at a high heat caramelizes the edges and gives a crisp-tender bite that pairs beautifully with crab. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and finish with a squeeze of lemon or a grating of Parmesan just before serving.

10. Steamed Artichokes

This one’s a bit unexpected but totally worth it. Steamed artichokes are often dipped in butter—just like crab legs—so they fit naturally into a seafood meal. Serve them halved or whole, and let your guests peel off the leaves and dip them in the same garlic butter used for the crab. It adds variety, keeps things interactive, and feels a little indulgent in the best way.

Breads & Carbs (Because… Butter)

Let’s be honest—when crab legs are on the menu, melted butter is basically its own food group. And where there’s butter, there should definitely be bread. These carby companions aren’t just filler; they’re an essential part of the experience. Great for dipping, mopping, or just nibbling between bites of crab, these options are warm, comforting, and endlessly satisfying.

11. Garlic Bread

It doesn’t get more classic than this. Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and slathered in garlic and butter—garlic bread is basically made to be eaten with crab. Toast it under the broiler until golden, and if you want to level it up, sprinkle with parsley, Parmesan, or even a dash of crushed red pepper for a little kick. It’s a no-brainer side that works for everything from crab boils to plated seafood dinners.

12. Dinner Rolls or Sourdough Slices

Soft, pillowy dinner rolls are a cozy choice, especially if you’re serving a sit-down meal. Tear one open, dunk it in warm crab butter, and you’ll see why this is a favorite. Sourdough slices, on the other hand, bring a slightly tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the crab. Toast them lightly and serve with salted butter—or even better, let guests use them to wipe up leftover garlic butter on their plates. Zero waste, maximum flavor.

Bonus: Cheddar Biscuits or Herb Focaccia

If you’re feeling ambitious or want to add something homemade to the mix, consider making cheddar bay-style biscuits (like the ones from that famous seafood chain) to pair with king crab . They’re cheesy, buttery, and ridiculously good with crab. Focaccia also works beautifully, especially one topped with rosemary or olives—it adds an herby depth that pairs well with seafood.

Dipping Sauces That Elevate Every Bite

Crab legs are rich, delicate, and flavorful on their own—but the right sauce can take them to another level. Whether you want to add a citrusy zing, a spicy edge, or a creamy butter mixture to round it all out, these sauces are simple to make and well worth putting on the table. Bonus: most pair just as well with shrimp, lobster, or scallops, so you’ll be ready for any seafood spread.

13. Melted Garlic Butter

Let’s be real: this one is non-negotiable. Melted butter is the essential dip for crab legs, and it doesn’t take much to upgrade it. Add fresh minced garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt to create a delicious garlicky butter sauce . If you like a little heat, throw in a dash of crushed red pepper or cayenne. Want to make it feel fancy? Finish it with chopped parsley or chives. Serve it warm in a small bowl or keep it hot on the table with a butter warmer.

14. Classic Cocktail Sauce

Tangy, zesty, and just a little spicy, cocktail sauce is the classic pairing for cold crab legs or crab served over ice. The base is usually ketchup and horseradish, but you can customize it with Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, hot sauce, or even a splash of prepared horseradish for extra punch. Serve it chilled in a ramekin with lemon wedges on the side.

15. Spicy Remoulade or Aioli

If you’re looking for something with a bit more personality, go for a Cajun-style remoulade or homemade aioli. Remoulade is creamy, tangy, and spiced with mustard, paprika, and sometimes capers or hot sauce. It’s especially good if you’re serving your crab legs alongside shrimp, fried fish, or hush puppies.

Aioli (basically a garlic mayo) also works beautifully—flavored with lemon, roasted garlic, chipotle, or herbs like tarragon and dill. It’s rich, smooth, and brings a completely different profile than butter or cocktail sauce.

Don’t Skip Dessert

After all that savory, something sweet and citrusy hits the spot:

• Key lime pie
• Lemon sorbet
• Fresh berries with whipped cream

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, crab legs don’t really require much assistance—but serving them with the appropriate side dishes makes an already tasty meal an all-out affair. Whether you go traditional with the corn and potatoes, or get adventurous and opt for mac and cheese and snow crab legs, the trick is to balance richness with freshness and crunch.

So take the seafood crackers and fill them with the butter and construct a spread to remember.