It won’t take long for you to figure out that South Carolinians take their sides seriously. From rich mac ‘n’ cheese to fluffy cornbread, they are considered part of our meal-time vegetable line-up. Go ahead and side your fried chicken with both mashed potatoes and rice and gravy, if you wish. Carbs don’t count in these parts, so load up your plate with a heaping helping of these signature sides. We won’t tell.
South Carolina’s Signature Side Dishes
![Dishes of collards, green beans, corn on cob, mashed potatoes, gravy, slaw, sweet potato casserole](https://scprt.widen.net:443/content/fxtbkrxup8/web/2021_VG_SouthernSides_SCPRT_Columbia_Hudons_Sept14_004.jpg?w=720&h=405&crop=yes&u=nkm28l)
![Bowl of potato salad with slices of boiled egg on top.](https://scprt.widen.net:443/content/vrgpztrno7/web/DSCpotatosaladbowl.jpg?w=720&h=405&crop=yes&u=nkm28l)
Potato Salad
Whether you prefer a light potato salad or a hearty one, this go-to side is a Southern staple. Try it: Make tracks to Swig & Swine in Charleston, Summerville or Mt. Pleasant where the delectable baked potato salad reigns supreme.
Liver Hash
Often served over Carolina Gold rice, this delicacy is a savory blend of minced pork liver cooked in barbecue sauce. Try it: A time-honored dish that doesn’t use short cuts can be found at Roger’s Bar-B-Q House in Florence.
![Browned cornbread in iron skillet](https://scprt.widen.net:443/content/jjjebqhle8/web/2021_VG_SouthernSides_BAK_FARM+20190418+129.jpg?w=720&h=405&crop=yes&u=nkm28l)
Cornbread
The great debate about cornbread is whether it should be sweet or savory. Either works well on a Southern plate. Try it: FARM in Bluffton serves up a warm skillet of brown butter cornbread sweetened with cane syrup and topped with a generous sprinkling of flaky sea salt.
Grits
Ground cornmeal cooked to creamy perfection yields a delicious side that can be eaten morning or night. Try it: Dip your spoon into the creamy Adluh stone-ground grits at Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Cafe in Columbia.
![Mac and cheese being forked from a skillet](https://scprt.widen.net:443/content/zavuhpz83n/web/DSCcravemacaroni.jpg?w=720&h=405&crop=yes&u=nkm28l)
Macaroni and Cheese
Count this decadent concoction of macaroni noodles and creamy cheese as a veggie—you’re in South Carolina, after all. Try it: Crave Kitchen & Cocktails in Mount Pleasant elevates its mac ‘n’ cheese with 10-year-cave-aged sharp cheddar.
Collard Greens
Typically braised with ham hocks, collard greens have an exceptional depth of flavor, making them South Carolina’s official veggie and a coveted side when in season. Try it: At Gillie’s Seafood & Soul in Charleston, the collards are a perfectly seasoned tastebud pleaser.
Baked Beans
Barbecue baked beans make a steadfast companion dish to juicy pulled pork. Try it: Head to The Pompous Pig Barbecue in Anderson for their fan favorite: baked beans featuring a mix of five different beans in a zesty house-made sauce.
Ready to make your own great South Carolina side dishes? Check out these tried-and-true recipes.