Fish sticks are an excellent go-to option when it comes to meal preparation for your family. They’re simple to make and always a favorite with the kids.
While fish sticks may be tasty on their own, having side dishes to accompany them can take the meal up a notch. And you agree with me. Right?
Here are 20 perfect side dishes that will bring out the best in your fish stick dinner or meal anytime!
In a hurry, want to know What you can serve with fish sticks, then any of these- Roasted Asparagus, Salad, Mashed Potatoes, Crispy Roasted Potatoes, Coleslaw, Garlic Toast, Baked Potato Fries, Rice Pilaf, Roasted Vegetables, Sautéed Spinach, Quinoa Salad, Garlic Bread, Baked Macaroni & Cheese, Corn on the Cob, Stewed Tomatoes, Green Beans Almondine, Grilled Veggies, Cheesy Potatoes, Fruit Salad, and Garlic Breadsticks.
20 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Fish Sticks
Fish sticks are a classic, kid-friendly dish that can easily be incorporated into any dinner menu. Since fish sticks are amazing on their own, adding some additional dishes can really improve the dinner and round it out.
Here are some easy and tasty side dish recipes to pair with your fish sticks.
1. Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus is an excellent choice when it comes to pairing with fish sticks. The earthy flavor and slight crunch of asparagus complement the mild taste of fish sticks nicely.
Roasting asparagus is a particularly delicious way to enjoy this vegetable—just toss spears with olive oil, pepper, and salt and roast at 375°F until they start to brown on the edges (about 10 minutes).
2. Salad
A salad is always a great option when it comes to serving fish sticks. You can keep it simple by tossing together fresh greens and tomatoes or get creative by adding nuts, seeds, fruits, grains, and other vegetables.
A light vinaigrette dressing will finish off this dish perfectly. If you’re looking for more substance than just lettuce, try a kale salad or one made with shredded Brussels sprouts instead.
3. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser—and they make the perfect side dish for fish sticks and provide both creamy textures as well as comforting warmth when served hot from the stovetop!
Choose your favorite variety of potatoes (such as Yukon golds), boil them until tender, then mash them up with butter and cream until creamy and smooth.
For extra flavor, season with garlic or herbs like chives or parsley. Serve alongside your favorite condiments like ketchup or tartar sauce.
4. Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes, then toss in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme leaves, and rosemary sprigs until coated evenly.
Spread onto a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
5. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is another easy-to-make side dish that pairs well with fish sticks because it balances out their crunchiness thanks to its creamy texture & tangy dressing made from mayonnaise & vinegar/lemon juice mixture – try adding shredded carrots for extra color & nutrition too!
Mix together until all ingredients are combined, then place in refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving cold.
6. Garlic Toast
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C). Place 8 slices of French bread onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the top of each slice lightly with melted butter, then sprinkle lightly with garlic powder (or minced garlic) and Italian seasoning blend (optional).
Bake for 10 minutes in a preheated oven or until golden brown on top, then remove from oven and let cool before serving as toast accompaniment for the dinner plate.
7. Baked Potato Fries
These potato fries are the ideal match for fish sticks. Just cut potatoes into strips, season them with salt and pepper, and bake for about 20 minutes. You can also top them with cheese or herbs for extra flavor.
8. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is an easy way to add some nutrition to your meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Cook some rice according to package instructions, then mix in lightly sautéed vegetables such as onions, celery, carrots, and zucchini for added flavor and texture.
9. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables is an excellent way to bring out their natural sweetness while adding lots of flavor to your meal.
Try roasting some sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil and adding them to your plate alongside the fish sticks.
10. Sautéed Spinach
Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals and can help balance out the flavors of the fish sticks by providing a slightly bitter yet savory addition to the plate.
Simply sauté spinach in garlic butter or olive oil until it’s just wilted, and serve alongside your main course.
11. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is a tasty grain that adds protein, fiber, and essential vitamins to any meal – plus, it goes well with fish!
Try making a quinoa salad by combining cooked quinoa with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, olives, parsley or mint leaves, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper – yum!
12. Garlic Bread
Nothing beats homemade garlic bread when served alongside fish sticks! Just brush slices of French baguette with melted butter mixed with minced garlic (or garlic powder), sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese (optional), and bake at 350°F until golden brown – delicious!
13. Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Everyone loves macaroni and cheese—so why not make it part of your next fish stick dinner?
There are plenty of different recipes out there. Still, our favorite has got to be this classic stovetop version which features sharp cheddar cheese sauce poured over cooked macaroni noodles before being topped off with some grated Parmesan cheese.
14. Corn on the Cob
Sweetcorn on the cob is an easy way to add some crunchy texture (and color) to your plate without having to put too much effort into cooking it.
– simply steam or boil corn cobs for 6-7 minutes until tender then serves warm alongside your fish sticks!
15. Stewed Tomatoes
Stewed tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C which helps boost immunity while adding flavor too! Simmer chopped tomatoes together in a pot along with diced onions & herbs like oregano & basil before seasoning generously – enjoy hot or cold, depending on preference!
13. Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine is an elegant yet simple side dish that goes great alongside fried foods like fish sticks because its nutty flavor helps bring out the taste of what you’re eating without overpowering it too much.
– try blanching green beans before tossing them in melted butter mixed with slivered almonds for best results!
14. Grilled Veggies
An excellent way to add some freshness to your meal is to serve grilled vegetables as a side dish.
You can use any type of vegetable you have in your hand; just remember that some take longer to cook than others. Try grilling bell peppers, zucchini, squash, onions, tomatoes, or mushrooms for a colorful and nutritious side.
15. Cheesy Potatoes
For an extra cheesy twist on potatoes, try adding shredded cheese over the top of mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes before serving them with your fish sticks.
The melty cheese adds a creamy texture and delicious flavor that pairs well with the crunchy texture of the fish sticks.
16. Fruit Salad
If you’re looking for something light and refreshing to go along with your fish sticks, why not try making a fruit salad?
Simply chop up your favorite fruits—like strawberries, watermelon, pineapple, and kiwi—and toss them together in a bowl with some citrus juice or honey for sweetness. It’s sure to be a hit!
17. Garlic Breadsticks
Garlic breadsticks are always a great accompaniment to any meal—especially one featuring fish sticks!
All you need is some refrigerated breadstick dough, garlic butter, Parmesan cheese, and parsley flakes (optional).
Roll out the dough into long strips, then brush each strip generously with garlic butter before sprinkling it with Parmesan cheese and parsley flakes (if desired).
Bake until golden brown and serve hot alongside your fish sticks.
Fish stick dinner night doesn’t have to be boring! With these delicious side dishes in mind, you can easily create an enjoyable meal that everyone can enjoy without too much effort or expense.
Best way to serve Fish Sticks
Fish sticks are a delicious and versatile meal that can be served in many different ways. For a classic and comforting meal, fish sticks can be served as part of traditional fish and chips with plenty of French fries, tartar sauce, and warm malt vinegar.
On the flip side, mixing crunchy vegetables like carrots, red cabbage, and radishes with a creamy dressing to create a colorful salad is an excellent way to serve fish sticks.
To switch things up even more, layering cooked potatoes with fish sticks alongside steamed veggies in a casserole dish topped with melted cheese makes for an impressive yet effortless dinner.
Fish sticks are a great go-to item to have on hand as they have endless possibilities when it comes to serving them up, rewarding meals everyone will enjoy.
Why are Side dishes important to serving with Fish Sticks?
Side dishes are an integral component of any meal, especially when serving Fish Sticks.
Side dishes are important for serving with fish sticks because they help to create a balanced meal. Side dishes are able to add flavor and texture to the main dish, but they can also supply essential nourishment.
For example, adding a side dish of cooked vegetables such as broccoli or spinach can help to increase the Vitamin A and C content in this otherwise processed food. Additionally, a fresh salad with light dressing can introduce more fiber and essential minerals into the meal.
Including side dishes allows for creative freedom in how you serve your Fish Sticks; for a heartier meal, you could opt for mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese- perfect as a winter comfort food!
On the other hand, a springtime entrée could include grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Side dishes can also be tailored to suit different tastes; if one person likes spicy food, you can create a milder version while offering fiery flavors to those who enjoy it.
Adding some variety to your meal is key when incorporating side dishes into a fish stick dinner; this will make it more enjoyable to eat and prevent boredom from setting in. With careful planning, you can make these side dishes healthy and nutritious as well!
FAQs
What do kids eat with fish sticks?
Fish sticks are a popular and versatile meal for kids. They are suited to a variety of side dishes and make the meal complete. Some great options include roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, steamed rice, quinoa salad, or baked beans.
Kids also love dipping their fish sticks in ketchup, tartar sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. For dessert, serve up some fresh fruit or yogurt for a light and nutritious finish to the meal.
Do mac and cheese go with fish sticks?
“Does Mac and Cheese Go With Fish Sticks?” Before getting the answer few key factors to consider when determining if this pairing works.
The flavors of each dish should be taken into account. Mac and cheese is usually a comforting and somewhat mild dish, while fish sticks often have a more distinct flavor. It may be best to choose fish sticks that are not heavily seasoned or battered in order to avoid overpowering the creamy and cheesy flavors of mac and cheese.
The texture is important when considering this pairing. The crunchy texture of the fish sticks can add some welcome contrast to the softer texture of the mac and cheese. If these two textures are balanced well, it can create a very enjoyable combination.
Consider adding in some vegetables or a light salad for balance and additional flavor.
What is the best way to cook frozen fish sticks?
The best way to cook frozen fish sticks is to preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, place the fish sticks on a baking sheet banded with parchment paper or aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown. Be sure to flip them halfway through cooking. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.