Brunswick Stew: Best Side Dish Options

Brunswick stew is a hearty and flavourful dish that is often served as a side at barbecues and cookouts in the southern United States. It is typically served with other side dishes that are not too spicy or acidic, like potato salad, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, and coleslaw.

Garlic Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian or French loaf
• 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter (can also be salted)
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra parsley and chives

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Slice the bread in half lengthwise and place it on the baking sheet, cut side up.
• In a medium bowl, mix the butter, garlic, parsley, and salt together until well combined. Spread the mixture evenly over the bread.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes or until slightly golden brown on the edges. If you want to add cheese, sprinkle it on during the last 2 minutes of baking. For crispier garlic bread, bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to ensure it doesn't burn.
• Cool the bread, then slice it into 1-inch pieces.

Tips:

• For softer garlic bread, wrap the bread in aluminum foil before baking.
• Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for 1-2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.

Green Beans Almondine

Ingredients:

• 1 lb French green beans (haricot verts), trimmed
• 2 tablespoons of sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1 clove of garlic, grated
• 1/2 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

First, blanch the green beans by cooking them in a large pot of salted boiling water for 2 minutes. They should be crisp-tender and bright green. Transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then drain and spread them on a kitchen towel to dry.

Next, toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown. This should take around 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the almonds from the pan and set them aside.

Add the oil to the pan and turn down the heat if necessary. Add the shallot and salt, and sauté for 2 minutes. Then, add the green beans and sauté for another 2 to 4 minutes, until they are warmed through and tender.

Finally, season and serve. Stir in the garlic and lemon juice, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and top with the toasted almonds. Enjoy!

Grilled Corn

Recipe

You will need the following ingredients:

• Corn
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice

First, shuck the corn and remove any silk. Brush the corn with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings, such as smoked paprika or chilli powder, for an extra kick. Place the corn on a preheated grill and cook for about 7-10 minutes, turning it occasionally until it is tender and slightly charred. Once it is done, remove the corn from the grill and let it cool down. Finally, cut the kernels off the cob and serve!

Tips

• If you are using early-season corn that is not at its peak, you can blanch the corn in salted boiling water for 3-5 minutes before grilling it. This will help plump and tenderize the corn.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of corn, such as yellow, white, or bi-coloured corn, to find your favourite.
• You can also add other ingredients to your grilled corn to make it even more delicious. For example, you could make a grilled corn salad by mixing in chopped tomatoes, avocado, red bell pepper, and green onions.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the corn in the oven or on the stovetop. Simply cut the kernels off the cob and roast them in the oven or sauté them in a skillet with some olive oil.

Macaroni and Cheese

When making macaroni and cheese, it is best to shred your own cheese. Although it can be tempting to use pre-shredded cheese, these often contain a starchy substance that can prevent it from melting properly.

There are many ways to make macaroni and cheese your own. You can add crispy, crumbled bacon to the topping, or even mix it into the macaroni and cheese itself. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, gouda, smoked gouda, swiss, monterey jack, colby jack, or colby.

If you want to make macaroni and cheese a main dish, you can serve it with a vegetable side like a simple salad with cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and shredded carrots, or steamed or sauteed green beans.

Mashed Potatoes

When making mashed potatoes, it is best to use Russet potatoes as they have a high starch content. They also absorb milk and butter well, resulting in creamy mashed potatoes. For added flavour, you can include shredded cheese, green onions, or bacon bits.

Frequently asked questions