Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is undeniably a Nashville institution, a pilgrimage site for spice lovers and fried food fanatics alike. The fiery chicken steals the spotlight, deservedly so, but to truly experience the full Hattie B’s glory, you need to explore the often-overlooked but equally delicious world of their sides. These aren’t just afterthoughts; they are thoughtfully crafted complements designed to cool, contrast, and elevate the entire hot chicken experience. This guide dives deep into the Hattie B’s sides menu, revealing the must-try options and providing insights into what makes each one so special.
Mac & Cheese: A Creamy, Cheesy Dream
Let’s start with a classic: Mac & Cheese. While seemingly simple, Hattie B’s rendition is anything but ordinary. It transcends the typical mac and cheese experience, delivering a velvety smooth, deeply flavorful dish that’s become a favorite for many.
The Cheese Blend: A Symphony of Flavor
The secret, and there’s always a secret, lies in the cheese blend. Hattie B’s doesn’t rely on a single cheese, but instead, orchestrates a carefully balanced combination of sharp cheddar, creamy Gruyere, and perhaps a touch of something even more decadent, like Havarti. The result is a complex cheesy flavor that coats every noodle, leaving you wanting more.
Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Al Dente Delight
Beyond the cheese, the pasta itself is cooked to perfection. Al dente, meaning “to the tooth” in Italian, signifies that the pasta retains a slight firmness, providing a satisfying texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Overcooked, mushy pasta is a common mac and cheese pitfall, but Hattie B’s avoids this entirely.
Pairing Suggestions: Cool Down the Spice
The Mac & Cheese serves as an excellent counterpoint to the heat of the chicken. If you’ve opted for a higher heat level, like “Damn Hot!” or “Shut the Cluck Up!!!,” the creamy richness of the Mac & Cheese will provide a much-needed respite for your palate. It’s the perfect culinary yin to the chicken’s fiery yang.
Black Eyed Pea Salad: A Taste of Southern Tradition
For a lighter, more refreshing side, the Black Eyed Pea Salad is a fantastic choice. This Southern staple offers a vibrant mix of flavors and textures that complement the richness of the fried chicken. It’s a welcome change of pace that keeps your taste buds engaged.
Fresh Ingredients: A Burst of Flavor
The success of any salad hinges on the quality of its ingredients, and Hattie B’s doesn’t skimp. Fresh black eyed peas, crisp red onions, sweet bell peppers, and juicy tomatoes combine to create a colorful and flavorful mix. A light vinaigrette dressing ties everything together, adding a touch of tanginess that brightens the dish.
A Hint of Spice: A Subtle Kick
While the Mac & Cheese is designed to cool you down, the Black Eyed Pea Salad offers a subtle kick of its own. A touch of finely diced jalapeño adds a gentle heat that complements the other flavors without overpowering them. It’s a clever way to incorporate the hot chicken theme into a seemingly mild dish.
Pairing Suggestions: A Refreshing Contrast
The Black Eyed Pea Salad pairs particularly well with the milder heat levels of the chicken, such as “Mild” or “Medium.” The refreshing flavors of the salad cut through the richness of the chicken, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s also a great choice for those who prefer a less heavy side option.
Cole Slaw: A Crispy, Tangy Classic
No Southern fried chicken meal is complete without Cole Slaw, and Hattie B’s version is a solid contender. This classic side provides a cool, crunchy, and tangy contrast to the hot chicken, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the heat and richness.
The Shredded Cabbage: The Foundation of Crunch
The foundation of any good Cole Slaw is the shredded cabbage. Hattie B’s uses a mix of green and red cabbage, providing both visual appeal and textural variety. The cabbage is shredded thinly, ensuring that it’s easy to eat and doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients.
The Tangy Dressing: A Zesty Kick
The dressing is what truly makes or breaks a Cole Slaw, and Hattie B’s leans towards a tangy, vinegar-based dressing. This provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fried chicken, cutting through the grease and cleansing the palate. A touch of sweetness balances the tanginess, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Pairing Suggestions: A Versatile Choice
Cole Slaw is a versatile side that pairs well with any heat level of chicken. Its refreshing qualities make it a welcome addition to any meal, regardless of how spicy you like your chicken. It’s a classic for a reason, and Hattie B’s delivers a solid rendition.
Fries: Crispy, Golden Perfection
Sometimes, you just need a good basket of fries. Hattie B’s offers crispy, golden fries that are the perfect vehicle for soaking up any leftover hot chicken sauce. These aren’t just any fries; they’re carefully prepared to ensure maximum crispness and flavor.
Double-Fried: The Secret to Crispness
The key to truly crispy fries is the double-frying technique. This involves frying the potatoes once at a lower temperature to cook them through, and then frying them again at a higher temperature to achieve that golden brown, crispy exterior. Hattie B’s clearly understands this principle.
Seasoning: Simple but Effective
The seasoning on Hattie B’s fries is simple but effective. A generous sprinkle of salt and pepper is all that’s needed to enhance the natural flavor of the potatoes. Sometimes, the simplest things are the best.
Pairing Suggestions: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Fries are a universally loved comfort food, and they pair well with any heat level of chicken. They’re especially good for soaking up any leftover sauce from the hotter levels, adding an extra layer of flavor to each bite. Don’t be afraid to dip them in some of the other sides, like the Mac & Cheese or Cole Slaw, for a truly decadent experience.
Pimento Mac & Cheese: A Southern Twist
For those seeking a twist on the classic Mac & Cheese, Hattie B’s offers the Pimento Mac & Cheese. This variation elevates the dish with the addition of pimento cheese, a Southern staple made with cheddar cheese, pimentos, and mayonnaise.
The Pimento Cheese: A Southern Staple
Pimento cheese adds a creamy, slightly spicy, and tangy element to the Mac & Cheese. The pimentos themselves offer a subtle sweetness, while the mayonnaise contributes to the overall richness of the dish. It’s a flavor combination that’s deeply rooted in Southern culinary tradition.
Enhanced Flavor Profile: A Deeper Experience
The addition of pimento cheese significantly enhances the flavor profile of the Mac & Cheese. It adds a layer of complexity that’s both familiar and exciting, making it a great choice for those who want to try something a little different.
Pairing Suggestions: A Southern Comfort
The Pimento Mac & Cheese pairs well with the milder to medium heat levels of the chicken. The richness of the dish is balanced by the slight tanginess of the pimento cheese, creating a harmonious flavor combination. It’s a truly Southern comfort food experience.
Greens: A Touch of Southern Soul
Collard Greens, often just referred to as “Greens,” offer a glimpse into Southern soul food. These slow-cooked greens are tender, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. They provide a comforting and grounding element to the fiery chicken experience.
Slow-Cooked Perfection: Tender and Flavorful
The key to good Collard Greens is slow cooking. This allows the greens to become incredibly tender and flavorful, as they absorb the smoky, savory broth they’re cooked in. Hattie B’s clearly understands this principle.
Seasoning: Smoky and Savory
The seasoning of the Greens is crucial to their flavor profile. Typically, they are seasoned with smoked meats, such as ham hocks or bacon, which impart a rich, smoky flavor. Other common seasonings include garlic, onion, and a touch of vinegar.
Pairing Suggestions: A Balancing Act
Greens are a surprisingly versatile side that can pair well with a variety of heat levels. Their earthy, savory flavor provides a counterpoint to the richness of the fried chicken, while their slight bitterness can help to cut through the spice.
The Underrated Sides: Don’t Overlook These Gems
While the Mac & Cheese, Black Eyed Pea Salad, Cole Slaw, Fries, Pimento Mac & Cheese, and Greens are often the most popular choices, there are a few other sides on the Hattie B’s menu that deserve your attention.
Potato Salad
The Potato Salad offers a creamy and comforting alternative. It is especially satisfying when contrasting it against the fiery heat of the chicken. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a reliable and satisfying choice.
Baked Beans
Another Southern classic, the Baked Beans provide a sweet and smoky complement to the hot chicken. The rich flavors and hearty texture make them a filling and flavorful side option.
Crafting Your Perfect Hattie B’s Meal: A Strategy Guide
Ultimately, the best sides at Hattie B’s are a matter of personal preference. However, by understanding the flavor profiles of each side and how they interact with the different heat levels of the chicken, you can create a truly memorable meal.
Consider your spice tolerance. If you’re opting for a higher heat level, choose sides that will help to cool you down, such as the Mac & Cheese or Cole Slaw. If you prefer a milder heat level, you can experiment with sides that offer a bit more flavor and complexity, such as the Black Eyed Pea Salad or Pimento Mac & Cheese.
Don’t be afraid to try something new. The Hattie B’s sides menu is full of delicious options, so step outside your comfort zone and discover a new favorite.
And finally, remember that the best way to experience Hattie B’s is with friends and family. Share your sides, try a little bit of everything, and enjoy the experience together. It’s a culinary adventure that’s best enjoyed in good company.
Choosing the right sides at Hattie B’s is an integral part of the overall experience. They aren’t just afterthoughts; they’re carefully crafted complements that enhance the flavors of the hot chicken and create a balanced and satisfying meal. So, next time you visit Hattie B’s, take some time to explore the sides menu and discover your own personal favorites. You might just find that the sides are just as memorable as the chicken itself. Remember to consider your spice tolerance and choose sides that complement your chosen heat level, creating a harmonious and enjoyable dining experience. The sides add layers of flavor and texture that elevate the entire meal.
What makes Hattie B’s sides so special compared to other restaurants specializing in Nashville hot chicken?
Hattie B’s distinguishes itself by offering sides that are not mere afterthoughts but rather integral parts of the dining experience, designed to complement the intensity of their hot chicken. Their recipes are carefully crafted, using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and are prepared with attention to detail, resulting in flavors that are both comforting and unique. This focus sets them apart, as many establishments prioritize the chicken itself and treat sides as secondary options.
Furthermore, Hattie B’s excels at providing variety in their side dishes, catering to diverse palates with options ranging from classic Southern staples to innovative creations. They are also willing to adapt their menu, introducing seasonal sides that showcase the best produce available. This commitment to quality and innovation extends beyond the chicken and is a key element of their success.
Are all of Hattie B’s sides safe for those with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarianism or gluten intolerance?
Hattie B’s does offer vegetarian side options, such as their pimento mac & cheese, black-eyed pea salad, and coleslaw. However, it is crucial to check the specific ingredients with the staff, as preparations can vary, and some items may contain hidden animal products or cross-contamination may occur. Also, be aware that items fried in the same oil as chicken are typically not considered vegetarian.
For those with gluten intolerance, Hattie B’s offers some naturally gluten-free sides like their black-eyed pea salad. However, it is imperative to confirm with the restaurant staff about ingredient lists and preparation methods to ensure that no gluten cross-contamination occurs, particularly with items made in the same kitchen as breaded and fried chicken. Always err on the side of caution and communicate your dietary needs clearly.
What are the spiciest sides available at Hattie B’s, and how do they compare to the heat levels of the chicken?
While Hattie B’s sides are not typically offered at the same extreme heat levels as their chicken, some options do pack a subtle punch. The spicy pimento mac & cheese, for example, includes a blend of cheeses and peppers that add a noticeable warmth, providing a pleasant heat without being overwhelming. The hot chicken skin fries, although technically a combination, take on the spice from the chicken.
Generally, the heat level in the sides is designed to complement the chicken without overpowering it. While you won’t find sides matching the “Shut the Cluck Up!!!” level, they can offer a manageable level of spice to enhance the overall dining experience. Consider trying a variety to discover your personal preference.
Which side dish at Hattie B’s is considered the most popular and why?
The pimento mac & cheese consistently ranks as one of Hattie B’s most popular side dishes. Its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and slight kick of spice make it a perfect complement to the hot chicken. Many customers appreciate the comforting and familiar taste with a unique twist.
Its popularity also stems from its versatility; it’s enjoyable on its own or as a side to cool down the heat of the chicken. Furthermore, its appeal spans across different age groups and spice preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser and a go-to choice for both first-time visitors and loyal patrons.
How does the price of Hattie B’s sides compare to the cost of the chicken itself?
Hattie B’s sides are generally priced affordably, making them an excellent value and a worthwhile addition to any meal. They are significantly less expensive than the chicken entrees, allowing customers to sample multiple sides without breaking the bank. This pricing strategy encourages customers to create a complete and balanced meal.
The reasonable pricing also reflects Hattie B’s commitment to providing a well-rounded and accessible dining experience. They aim to offer quality food at a fair price, ensuring that customers can enjoy a full meal without feeling financially burdened. The sides’ prices are structured to enhance the overall customer satisfaction.
Does Hattie B’s offer different side dishes at different locations or at different times of the year?
While Hattie B’s strives for consistency across its locations, there can be slight variations in the menu, including side dishes. This may be due to local ingredient availability or variations in customer preferences in different markets. It is always advisable to check the specific menu for the Hattie B’s location you plan to visit.
Furthermore, Hattie B’s occasionally introduces seasonal side dishes to showcase fresh, locally sourced ingredients. These limited-time offerings can add variety to the menu and provide customers with new and exciting flavor combinations. Keep an eye out for these seasonal specials, which are often advertised on their website or social media.
Can you order Hattie B’s sides as a meal on their own without purchasing any chicken?
Absolutely, you can absolutely order Hattie B’s sides as a meal. They are available for purchase à la carte, allowing you to create a fulfilling meal entirely from their selection of sides. This is a great option for those who may not be in the mood for chicken or for vegetarians seeking a satisfying meal.
The ability to order sides individually also allows you to customize your dining experience to your preferences. You can mix and match different sides to create a balanced and flavorful meal, focusing on the tastes and textures that you enjoy the most. This flexibility makes Hattie B’s accessible to a wider range of customers.