How to Choose the Best Sides for Your Fried Turkey Breast

Nothing makes a main course better than fried turkey. But figuring out what to serve with each juicy, crispy bite isn't always easy. After all, you want to choose a side dish that will enhance the dining experience!

Ready for some help? Read on to learn how to choose the best sides for your fried turkey breast meal!

Consider Your Goals

Are you going to visit family for holiday turkey meals? Or are you hosting friends at a dinner party? Before you start cooking side dishes, it's wise to go over some key considerations.

Not every side dish requires the same time investment to prepare. And not every side dish will suit the tone of your meal. You may need to plan your side dish choice around:

• Diners' dietary needs
• Holiday traditions
• Your schedule

If you're pressed for time, a make-ahead option will make more sense. You can prepare sides like casseroles in advance and bake them as guests are arriving. Similarly, cornbread is easy to prepare ahead of time. 

But if it's Christmastime and everyone is banking on your cornbread dressing, you may need to cater to demands! And if you have guests with food allergies like gluten intolerance, for instance, you'll want to be mindful of their needs. 

Keep It Classic

When you're enjoying a bite of Cajun fried turkey, you don't need a side dish to try to upstage it. Instead, you need a classic selection that will create a memorable dining experience, like:

• Mashed potatoes
• Jambalaya
• Queso
• Sausage dressing

A heaping spoonful of mashed potatoes will be a nostalgic experience for most diners. It also will be the perfect creamy contrast to every glistening piece of turkey. When you're not sure what to do for a side dish, turn to mashed potatoes with some chives sprinkled on top. 

Alternatively, you can go with jambalaya. This one-pot side dish gives diners a spicy dose of traditional Cajun cuisine. And it always meshes well with a plate of fried turkey. 

Sausage stuffing will be a people-pleaser every time, too. The saltiness of the sausage coupled with crumbled cornbread won't disappoint at your next family gathering. 

For a gathering where people might mingle informally, queso is the right answer. This cheesy dip is always a southwestern favorite. Dress it up with avocado or caramelized onions for an elevated experience with each bite. 

Select Starchy Sides

With the best fried turkey, you can't go wrong with starchier sides for the ultimate comfort food meal. Soft, floury foods are a welcome addition to any plate. Consider options like:

• Casseroles
• Grits
• Pasta
• Cornbread

A casserole bubbling with cheese and potatoes will be a filling complement to a plate of fried turkey. Better yet, the creamy texture will contrast the crispier edges of the turkey for a perfect blend. Try sweet potato casserole for a soothing and velvety side that will add a punch of color, too. 

As another option, try adding a square of cornbread or a bowl of grits to your next turkey dinner. Buttered pasta with some light herbs on top can be another nice option. Or if you prefer something more decadent, make mac and cheese a reliable staple in your side dish repertoire. 

Turn to Vegetables

Sometimes you might not want a traditional choice for an entree side. Or you might want to take advantage of the freshest vegetables available during harvest. In any case, vegetables can be a healthy or decadent side dish, depending on how they're prepared.

Vegetables can lighten an entree when you're eating crispy fried turkey. While you still might want a dollop of mashed potatoes, too, you can make veggies the star of the show among your sides. Look at the following choices:

• Collard greens
• Fresh green beans
• Vegetable casseroles
• Lima beans

Collard greens are both veggie-centric and classic as a side dish selection. Simmering their green leaves with garlic and onions, for instance, can create a delicious and aromatic side. Toss in some chopped peppers or tomatoes for a little extra color. 

Casseroles don't have to be loaded with meat and potatoes. Veggie-focused casseroles can be another way to weave some vegetables into your meal alongside other flavors. But you'll still get a rich, creamy mouthful of food with each bite. 

Creamed corn or broccoli casseroles, for instance, would be welcome additions to a plate of fried chicken. Squash or roasted veggie casseroles are other tantalizing options. And garlicky lima beans with a splash of lemon and herbs will brighten any plate of food.

Try Lighter Choices

Sometimes you or your guests will want lighter fare when it comes to sides for fried turkey. Even if these side dishes depart from tradition, they're still delicious - and a little healthier:

• Roasted vegetables
• Salads
• Soup

Roast carrots or asparagus with a squirt of lemon and olive oil. Toss some slivered almonds on top and a little feta cheese for a tangy side dish. Just be sure to roast your veggies long enough to get a slight char on top that pulls out even more flavor.

If you don't want to mess with roasting, you can balance the intensity of crispy fried turkey with a light salad. Use crisp iceberg lettuce with some bacon bits and sliced vegetables. Toss in some fresh seasonal veggies for a cold and fresh side. 

And if you want a side dish that will keep you warm and cozy, soup always is a good choice. From a creamy potato soup to a lighter veggie medley, soups can be a hearty and soothing addition to your meal. 

Know What to Serve with Fried Turkey Breast

Fried turkey breast will taste even better with the right sides. Look to starchy classics, like grits and mashed potatoes, or reach for a roasting pan and some vegetables. A side of soup or salad can be another approach to add lightness to your meal. 

At The Cajun Turkey Company, we've been serving the best Cajun fried turkey since 1994. You can order anything from appetizers to complete dinners in our online shop. Reach out today to learn more!