Whether it’s served up for a cozy family dinner, shared at potluck gatherings, or found on the menus of diners and restaurants, meatloaf has carved out a cherished spot in culinary traditions. In this article, let’s explore what to serve with meatloaf, with over 21 perfect pairings that I’ll be suggesting.
The best dishes to serve with meatloaf are: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Steamed Broccoli, Mashed Cauliflower, Roasted Butternut Squash, Glazed Carrots, Fresh Green Bean Almondine, Sautéed Mushrooms, Creamed Corn, Oven-roasted Corn, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Wedges, Cheesy Potatoes, Potato Au Gratin, Oven-Baked Sweet Potatoes, Dinner Rolls, Cornbread, Garlic Bread, Mushroom Risotto, Rice Pilaf, Mac and Cheese, Saffron Rice, etc.
What To Serve With Meatloaf? Vegetables Dishes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts are roasted until tender and caramelized, then tossed with crispy bacon pieces for added flavor and texture.
The savory notes from the bacon complement the heartiness of meatloaf, while the caramelized Brussels sprouts offer a delicious contrast in texture.
Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli is simply broccoli florets cooked by steaming until tender but still retaining a slight crunch. It’s a nutritious side dish with a mild, slightly bitter flavor.
Steamed broccoli is the ultimate sidekick to your meatloaf. Its clean, crisp flavor provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty meatiness of the loaf. Plus, it adds a pop of color to your plate that’ll make your meal look as good as it tastes!
Mashed Cauliflower
Mashed cauliflower is a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. The resulting dish has a similar texture to mashed potatoes but with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
The creamy texture and mild flavor of mashed cauliflower complement the savory taste of meatloaf beautifully. Plus, serving mashed cauliflower alongside meatloaf adds an extra serving of vegetables to your meal, making it a wholesome and well-rounded dish.
I love to enhance the flavor of the mashed cauliflower with ingredients like garlic, butter, or cheese to make it even more delicious.
Roasted Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is peeled, seeded, and diced before being tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted until caramelized and tender. Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of the squash while imparting a rich, nutty flavor.
Roasted butternut squash provides a colorful and flavorful addition to any meal, including meatloaf. Its sweet and nutty notes complement the savory flavor of the meatloaf, creating a well-balanced and satisfying dish.
Glazed Carrots
Carrots are peeled, sliced, and cooked until tender, then tossed in a glaze made from butter, brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup, and a touch of spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. The glaze coats the carrots, giving them a sweet and slightly sticky exterior. Glazed carrots offer a contrast of sweet and savory flavors, making them a popular side dish.
When served with meatloaf, the sweetness of the glazed carrots provides a delightful contrast to the savory meat, adding complexity to the meal.
Fresh Green Bean Almondine
Crisp green beans are tossed with toasted almonds and Fresh green beans are blanched until tender-crisp, then sautéed with butter and toasted almonds until heated through. Almondine refers to a dish garnished with almonds, often toasted to enhance their flavor. Green bean almondine offers a crunchy texture from the almonds and a nutty flavor that complements the fresh taste of the green beans.
While it may not be a traditional pairing with meatloaf, the nuttiness of the almonds can add an interesting dimension to the meal, providing both texture and flavor contrast. to create a simple yet flavorful side dish. The almonds add a nutty crunch to the dish, while the butter enhances its richness and depth of flavor.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Mushrooms are sliced and sautéed in butter or oil until golden brown and tender. Sautéed mushrooms have a rich, earthy flavor and a meaty texture, making them a versatile ingredient in many dishes.
When served with meatloaf, sautéed mushrooms enhance the savory profile of the meal, adding depth of flavor and a luxurious texture. Their umami-rich taste complements the meatiness of the loaf, creating a delicious and satisfying combination.
Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is made by combining sweetcorn kernels with a creamy sauce made from butter, milk, and flour, then simmered until thickened. The creamy sauce coats the corn kernels, giving the dish a rich and comforting texture.
Creamed corn has a sweet and creamy flavor that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. While it may not be a traditional accompaniment to meatloaf, its creamy texture adds a comforting element to the meal, balancing the savory flavor of the meatloaf with its sweetness.
Oven-roasted Corn
Corn on the cob is roasted in the oven until caramelized and slightly charred, enhancing its natural sweetness and imparting a smoky flavor. Roasted corn has a crunchy texture and a deliciously sweet and smoky taste.
While it’s not as commonly served with meatloaf as other side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, oven-roasted corn can add a flavorful twist to the meal. Its sweet and smoky flavor complements the savory taste of the meatloaf, creating a satisfying and well-rounded dish.
Potato Dishes To Serve With Meatloaf
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are made by boiling potatoes until tender, then mashing them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. They are a classic side dish known for their comforting texture and rich, buttery flavor.
Mashed potatoes pair exceptionally well with meatloaf, as their creamy consistency complements the hearty texture of the meatloaf, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal.
Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet potato wedges are thick slices of sweet potatoes that are seasoned with spices like cinnamon, paprika, or cayenne pepper, then roasted until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
They offer a sweet and savory flavor profile with a crispy exterior. Sweet potato wedges can be a delicious and nutritious accompaniment to meatloaf, adding a hint of sweetness and a satisfying crunch to the meal.
Cheesy Potatoes
Cheesy potatoes, also known as funeral potatoes or hash brown casserole, typically consist of shredded potatoes mixed with cheese, sour cream, butter, and sometimes onions or bacon, then baked until bubbly and golden brown. This dish is rich, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness.
Cheesy potatoes complement meatloaf well, adding indulgent comfort to the meal with their cheesy flavor and creamy texture.
Potato Au Gratin
Potato au gratin is a classic French dish made with thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream, cheese, and sometimes onions or garlic, then baked until bubbly and golden brown. It offers a rich, creamy texture with a crispy cheese crust on top.
Potato au gratin pairs beautifully with meatloaf, adding a luxurious touch to the meal with its creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty potato base.
Oven-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Oven-baked sweet potatoes are whole sweet potatoes roasted until tender and caramelized. They have a naturally sweet flavor and a soft, creamy texture. Oven-baked sweet potatoes are a nutritious and flavorful side dish that complements meatloaf well.
Their sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory flavor of the meatloaf, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
Grains And Breads Potato Dishes To Serve With Meatloaf
Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls are small, round bread rolls typically served warm with butter. They have a soft and fluffy texture with a slightly sweet flavor.
Dinner rolls are a classic accompaniment to meatloaf, as their soft texture and buttery taste complement the hearty flavors of the meatloaf. They also provide a convenient option for soaking up any leftover sauce or gravy from the meatloaf.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a type of bread made with cornmeal, flour, eggs, milk, and leavening agents, such as baking powder or baking soda. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a dense, crumbly texture.
Cornbread pairs well with meatloaf, adding a unique texture and flavor to the meal. Its slightly sweet taste complements the savory flavor of the meatloaf, while its crumbly texture provides a satisfying contrast.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is sliced bread brushed with a mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs, then toasted or baked until crispy and golden brown. It has a rich, garlicky flavor with a crunchy exterior and a soft interior.
Garlic bread is a flavorful accompaniment to meatloaf, adding depth and complexity to the meal with its aromatic garlic and buttery taste. It also provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender texture of the meatloaf.
Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom risotto is a creamy Italian rice dish made with Arborio rice, mushrooms, onions, garlic, white wine, broth, and Parmesan cheese. It has a rich and earthy flavor with a creamy, velvety texture.
Mushroom risotto pairs well with meatloaf, adding elegance and sophistication to the meal with its luxurious taste and creamy consistency. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms complements the savory notes of the meatloaf, creating a harmonious combination of flavors.
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a rice dish cooked with broth, onions, and sometimes vegetables, nuts, or dried fruits. It has a light and fluffy texture with a subtle, savory flavor.
Rice pilaf is a versatile side dish that complements meatloaf well. Its neutral flavor allows the meatloaf to take center stage, while its fluffy texture provides a light and satisfying accompaniment to the meal.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food made with cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and sometimes breadcrumbs or additional cheese for topping. It has a creamy, cheesy flavor with a gooey texture.
Mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with meatloaf, adding indulgent comfort to the meal with its rich and creamy taste. The cheesy goodness of the mac and cheese complements the hearty flavors of the meatloaf, creating a deliciously satisfying combination.
Saffron Rice
Saffron rice is a fragrant rice dish flavored with saffron threads, which impart a distinctive golden color and a subtle, floral flavor. It is typically cooked with onions, garlic, broth, and spices such as cinnamon or cardamom.
Saffron rice adds elegance and sophistication to any meal, including meatloaf. Its aromatic flavor and vibrant color enhance the overall dining experience, while its fluffy texture provides a light and flavorful accompaniment to the meatloaf.
Other Sides
- Italian Pasta Salad: A cold side that can be a refreshing contrast to the warm meatloaf.
- Saffron Rice: A fragrant and colorful addition to the meal.
- Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls: For a healthier bread option.
- Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes: A creamy and comforting side if you’re still looking for a potato-based dish that’s not mashed.
- Umami-Rich Cream of Mushroom Soup: A flavorful soup that can start the meal off right.
- Oven-Roasted Corn On The Cob: A versatile side that’s welcome any time of year.
- Herbed Potato Stacks: A fun and impressive way to serve potatoes.
- Super Crispy Smashed Potatoes: A simple preparation with just butter, salt, and pepper.
- Roasted Fingerling Potatoes: A perfect side for any meal, ensuring they’re firm and without bruising.
FAQs
What to serve with meatloaf sandwiches?
Serve meatloaf sandwiches with classic sides like potato chips, cole slaw, or pickles for a satisfying meal. These options provide a balance of flavors and textures that complement the hearty and savory meatloaf. For a lighter option, consider a side salad or fruit salad to add freshness to the meal.
How can I make my meatloaf meal healthier?
To make a meatloaf meal healthier, consider incorporating lighter side dishes and ingredients. Opt for mashed cauliflower or sweet potato mash instead of traditional mashed potatoes. Serve steamed vegetables or a fresh salad as a side to add nutrients and fiber to the meal. Additionally, using lean ground meat or incorporating beans and vegetables into the meatloaf itself can reduce the overall fat content while boosting the nutritional value.
Are there any vegetarian options to serve with meatloaf?
Absolutely! For vegetarian-friendly options, consider sides like roasted vegetables, garlic bread, creamy mashed cauliflower, quinoa salad, or a hearty bean salad. These dishes provide protein, fiber, and plenty of flavor to round out your meatloaf meal.
References
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