When it comes to taking meatloaf night to the next level, one of the key factors is finding the right side dishes to pair with this classic comfort food. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of 27+ side dishes that are sure to impress your family or guests.From traditional favorites like mashed potatoes and garlic bread to more innovative options like cauliflower tots and Brussels sprouts, there’s something for everyone on this list. And the best part? Each one is designed to complement the rich flavors of meatloaf without overpowering them.
What Goes With Meatloaf?
When it comes to pairing side dishes with a juicy meatloaf, you’re spoiled for choice. Classics like mac and cheese, mashed potato, garlic bread, and cauliflower tots are always winners. But if you’re looking for some inspiration beyond the usual suspects, we’ve got you covered. At mantitlement.com, we’ve rounded up 27 mouth-watering side dishes that will perfectly complement your meatloaf masterpiece. From comforting favorites to innovative twists, these options are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Duchess Potatoes
Imagine elevating the humble mashed potato to new heights by adding a golden-brown crust without sacrificing its signature creamy center. With duchess potatoes, you can achieve just that – and then some! Infused with an aromatic blend of garlic, cream, nutmeg, and parmesan, each bite is a flavorful delight. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of sophistication or simply take your mashed potato game to the next level, this side dish is sure to please.
Dinner Rolls
Meatloaf, the quintessential comfort food, finds its ideal partner in the humble dinner roll. The very fact that both dishes are typically oven-baked makes them a match made in heaven. Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy meatloaf slice, only to be followed by a bite of soft, buttery bread slathered in savory gravy. It’s a combination that will leave you craving more. And let’s not forget the versatility of using dinner rolls as mini sandwich buns, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of meatloaf throughout the week.
Lemon Cake
Consider ending a hearty meatloaf meal on a lighter note with a dessert that provides a refreshing contrast. Lemon cake, in particular, is an excellent choice. Its airy texture and tangy flavor won’t leave you feeling weighed down or sluggish, thanks to its well-balanced sweetness. The icing, too, is a delightful touch, adding an extra layer of indulgence without overpowering the cake’s natural charm. By pairing this sweet treat with your savory meatloaf dinner, you’ll create a harmonious culinary experience that will leave you satisfied and eager for more.
Garlic Bread
When it comes to dinner, why settle for ordinary when you can elevate the experience with a flavorful combination? Garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to many dishes, especially those that benefit from a rich and savory flavor profile.
Convenience-wise, garlic bread has become a staple in many supermarkets, making it easy to grab one on your way home. However, this doesn’t mean you’re limited to the store’s offerings alone. Feel free to get creative and add your own twists by incorporating ingredients like melted cheese or butter slices before baking.
Timing is everything, though – imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy meatloaf, served with a side of warm and aromatic garlic bread that’s been perfectly cooked. It’s a match made in heaven!
Chocolate Coffee and Caramel Tart
When it comes to indulging in desserts, I firmly believe that a rich and decadent chocolate tart is elevated to new heights when combined with the bold flavors of coffee and caramel. The resulting treat is nothing short of extraordinary, with each bite delivering a deep and satisfying experience that’s sure to leave you wanting more. This show-stopping dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you’re looking to impress your guests – but be warned: it tends to disappear quickly once served, so don’t blink or you might miss out!
Cornbread
When incorporated into a bread mixture, corn takes on a new dimension that pairs exquisitely with meatloaf. The crumbly texture of the cornbread is perfectly suited to absorb the rich flavors and juices of the meatloaf, creating a harmonious balance between sweet and savory notes. The sweetness of the corn also complements the heartiness of the meatloaf, making this duo an unbeatable combination that will leave you wanting more.
Apple Pie
The harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors is quintessential when paired with meatloaf, making it a natural pairing. Moreover, a slice of warm apple pie served alongside can elevate the overall dining experience. To take it to the next level, consider serving the apple pie à la mode with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, allowing each bite to meld together in perfect harmony.
Mashed Potatoes
When it comes to potato sides, mashed potatoes are a timeless classic that pairs perfectly with meatloaf’s rough edges. Not only do they complement each other, but the creamy texture also invites you to take it up a notch by dipping your meatloaf into the potatoes for a delightful combination. While it may require a bit more effort than some of the other options, the payoff is well worth it when you’re ready to indulge. To elevate your mashed potatoes, try adding a generous amount of butter and maybe even a hint of garlic for an added depth of flavor.
Sauteed Mushrooms
Mushrooms bring a delightful harmony to meatloaf when paired together, with each bite offering an enticing blend of flavors. The key to this culinary match made in heaven lies in the simplicity of preparation – toss some butter into your pan and allow the mushrooms to soak up its rich, savory essence. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, add a dash of garlic to amplify the overall flavor profile. This effortless yet delectable side dish is sure to become a staple at future dinner gatherings.
Potato Wedges
Indulge in the harmonious union of crispy, outer-layered potato wedges and tender meatloaf. The starchy center of the potatoes provides a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the meatloaf. For an added layer of depth, consider infusing your roasted potatoes with the bold, spicy essence of Louisiana seasonings. To take it to the next level, dice up some pungent garlic and scatter it atop the potato wedges, finishing with a sprinkle of nutty parmesan cheese for added complexity.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
When it comes to cream of mushroom soup, the flavors seem to linger on the palate, leaving a lasting impression. When paired with meatloaf, the combination is truly unforgettable. The creamy sauce provides a rich and indulgent contrast to the hearty loaf, making each bite a delight. Adding some high-quality mushrooms to the mix can elevate the dish to new heights. And let’s not forget, using the cream of mushroom soup as a gravy by dipping the meatloaf into it adds an extra layer of depth and flavor.
Cauliflower Tots
While traditional tater tots are a crowd-pleaser, many of us are looking for healthier options that still satisfy our cravings. Cauliflower tots offer a tasty and nutritious alternative that’s perfect for the whole family. With their delectable flavor and satisfying crunch, these veggie-based bites will have you wondering how you ever settled for regular tater tots in the first place! The best part? Your kids won’t even realize they’re eating veggies, making it an excellent way to sneak some extra nutrition into their diet.
Coleslaw
When it comes to finding the perfect side dish that complements the flavors of your meatloaf without overpowering them, coleslaw is an often overlooked yet excellent choice. Its crunchy texture and inherent goodness make it a refreshing addition to any meal. While many people may not give coleslaw the recognition it deserves, its unique flavor profile allows it to harmonize beautifully with even the heartiest of main courses.
One of the best things about coleslaw is that you don’t have to rely solely on mayonnaise for its creaminess. In fact, substituting some yogurt can be a great way to add a healthier twist to this classic side dish.
Mashed Cauliflower
Cauliflower’s versatility is reminiscent of potatoes – it can be transformed into a multitude of dishes. A healthier alternative to mashed potatoes, this recipe yields a delightfully similar taste experience. The real magic happens when you serve it to kids and witness their unbridled enthusiasm for veggies, sans hesitation! For those seeking a more indulgent twist, adding cheese on top will undoubtedly make this side dish a new favorite. Inspired by the world of culinary creativity, this recipe is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Rice
When paired with a suitable starch, the rich flavors of meatloaf are elevated to new heights. Rice is an ideal accompaniment, allowing its mild taste to complement the meaty profile without overpowering it. Moreover, rice can effectively absorb and enhance the flavors of your meatloaf sauce, creating a harmonious balance of tastes. If you’re looking for a more exciting option, consider serving fried rice as a side dish – its crispy texture and nutty flavor provide a delightful contrast to the tender loaf.
Creamed Spinach
The clever combination of creamed spinach’s velvety texture and rich, earthy flavor seamlessly harmonizes with the bold, savory taste of homemade meatloaf. This recipe not only satisfies your family’s appetite but also encourages kids to indulge in a nutritious and delicious side dish. As a bonus, any leftovers can be stored in the fridge alongside meatloaf scraps, making for a convenient and healthy snack option throughout the week, paired with crunchy crackers.
Spaghetti
When it comes to pasta dishes, spaghetti is often considered a standalone meal. However, when paired with the rich flavors of meatloaf, a match made in culinary heaven is born. The harmonious union of the tangy tomato sauce and ketchup-infused meatloaf creates a flavor profile that’s hard to beat. Even the most skeptical palates may find themselves returning to this classic combination time and again.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries offer a delightful contrast to traditional regular fries. Their natural sweetness is so pronounced that it borders on being a dessert. The best part? You can achieve this sweet and satisfying side dish without the need for deep-frying. Simply chop up sweet potatoes into fry-sized pieces and roast them in the oven alongside your meatloaf. A pinch of salt and pepper will do the trick, but feel free to elevate the flavor further by adding a touch of brown sugar. The harmonious balance between the sweetness of the fries and the savory meatloaf is nothing short of delightful.
Broccolini
With minimal effort, you can elevate your meal game by whipping up this effortless broccolini recipe. Simply combine salt, pepper, and olive oil in perfect harmony, then let the oven do the rest.
Broccolini’s subtle peppery flavor may be a departure from its more robust broccoli counterpart, but it still packs a nutritional punch.
For an added layer of depth, consider adding some sautéed garlic and a generous sprinkle of parmesan to really make this side dish shine.
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
While Hasselback potatoes are renowned for their golden-brown slices, sweet potatoes offer a healthier and sweeter alternative. To elevate these nutritious spuds to new heights, consider adding a flavorful garlic herb butter. Creating your own butter only requires a few minutes of effort, but the payoff is well worth it – just wait until you take that first bite.
Broccoli Apple Salad
When seeking a nutritious addition to your meal that’s sure to please, consider this game-changing broccoli apple salad recipe. This harmonious blend of crunchy broccoli and sweet apple not only complements savory meatloaf perfectly but also provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites. The versatility of this salad lies in its ability to accommodate a variety of healthy ingredients, allowing you to get creative with your additions while still delivering on flavor. With a little creativity, this salad recipe can be customized to suit any taste or dietary preference.
Asparagus
Asparagus is an incredibly versatile vegetable that pairs well with a variety of main courses, including fish, steak, or even tender meatloaf. Its crunchy texture and refreshing flavor provide a perfect balance to the rich, savory taste of the meatloaf. One of the best things about asparagus is its adaptability – it can be prepared in numerous ways to suit individual tastes. For added zest, you can squeeze some lemon juice over it, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, or even add crispy bacon strips for a smoky twist. If you’re looking for an alternative, green beans are another option that shares similar texture and functionality, making them a suitable substitute in many recipes.
Roasted Veggies
Stale veggies no longer a problem! If you’re facing a fridge full of forgotten greens, this recipe is your savior. Simply slice up those unwanted vegetables and toss them in the oven with a pinch of your favorite seasonings. The result? A visually stunning side dish that will leave everyone wondering how you managed to create such a masterpiece in mere minutes.
Honey Glazed Carrots
When it comes to serving alongside meatloaf, a sweet and savory contrast is key. One excellent option is a honey-glazed carrot side dish that perfectly balances the richness of the meatloaf. To make this simple yet impressive accompaniment, start by slicing carrots into circular shapes. Then, combine brown sugar and honey in a sauté pan over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Once the mixture is smooth, add the carrot slices to the pan and stir until they’re evenly coated with the sweet and sticky glaze. For an added pop of color and visual appeal, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving. This delightful side dish not only complements the meatloaf but also adds a touch of elegance to the overall presentation.
Brussels Sprouts
When it comes to elevating the flavor of Brussels sprouts, a simple sprinkle of salt and drizzle of olive oil can be a great starting point. However, if you want to match the rich flavors of your meatloaf, consider adding some minced garlic and a splash of balsamic vinegar to the mix. You could also get creative and add in some crispy bacon bits or a hint of maple syrup for added depth. While the idea of using maple syrup on Brussels sprouts may seem unusual, trust that it can be a game-changer when done right. The key is to keep a close eye on your sprouts as they cook, as overcooking can easily lead to an unpleasant sulfur taste. With a little attention and some experimentation, you can transform Brussels sprouts from intimidating to irresistible.
Corn Pudding
When it comes to finding the perfect accompaniment to balance out the bold flavors of your meatloaf, a delicious corn pudding recipe is an excellent choice. This versatile side dish offers unparalleled value, as it’s not only budget-friendly but also incredibly easy to tailor to your family’s unique tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and comforting or something savory and satisfying, corn pudding can be adapted to fit the bill. With its rich, velvety texture and subtle sweetness, it’s the perfect complement to a hearty meatloaf meal.
Mac and Cheese
Savor the comfort of a classic macaroni and cheese dish that’s sure to become a staple in your household. When paired with tender meatloaf, it’s a match made in heaven. The nostalgic combination is reminiscent of home cooking at its finest.What’s not to love about macaroni and cheese? It’s a crowd-pleaser that transcends age boundaries. Children adore the gooey cheesy goodness, while adults can elevate their experience by incorporating sophisticated elements like gruyere cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs.But why stop there? Take your macaroni and cheese game to the next level by adding some unctuous bacon or pork belly. Be warned, though – you might find yourself in a state of culinary nirvana and struggle to resurface.
Final Words
These recipes are sure to satisfy the taste buds of your loved ones. Invite your family and friends over, gather around the table, and savor the flavors together. We’d love to hear about your experiences with these dishes!