When it comes to meatloaf, it’s not just about the main event. Finding the perfect side dishes can elevate the experience and provide a satisfying accompaniment to this beloved comfort food. And don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. After scouring the internet for inspiration, I’m excited to share 29 mouth-watering options that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. With such a diverse array, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye and maybe even wins over your heart.
To top it all off, I’ll also be addressing some common questions and concerns you may have about pairing side dishes with meatloaf.
Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables
Pairing your meatloaf with a vibrant medley of Mediterranean vegetables creates a harmonious culinary experience. This recipe’s colorful medley, featuring an assortment of tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, and squash, is elevated by the subtle nuances of lemon juice, oregano, thyme, garlic, and salt and pepper. A perfect accompaniment to your meatloaf, this dish yields 4-6 servings in a mere 45 minutes, making it an ideal addition to any meal.
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Hasselback potatoes are a unique and flavorful side dish that’s gained popularity for its visually appealing presentation. By cutting the potatoes about halfway through into thin, fan-like slices, you can create a stunning accompaniment to your favorite main courses, such as meatloaf. The recipe featured here takes sweet potatoes to the next level, resulting in a satisfying combination of crispy exterior and soft, creamy center.
This particular recipe yields 4 servings and can be prepared in just 80 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or special occasion alike.
Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe
If you’re a fan of KFC’s coleslaw, you’ll be thrilled to know that this homemade version is incredibly similar – and just as delicious! The secret lies in the combination of shredded carrot, onion, and cabbage, which provides a refreshing crunch. A squeeze of lemon juice, a touch of sugar, and a hint of mayonnaise add depth and richness to the dish. To make it even more appealing, a splash of milk and a sprinkle of onion powder and salt and pepper bring everything together.
With this recipe, you’ll be enjoying a fresh and flavorful coleslaw in just 10 minutes, serving 8 people with ease.
Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This humble dish belies its bold flavor profile. Its ease of preparation only adds to its allure.
To create this culinary delight, simply boil and mash potatoes with a rich medley of ingredients: butter, cheddar cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, chives, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Once the mixture is combined, let it bake until the sprinkling of cheese on top has melted to perfection.
This recipe yields eight generous servings and can be prepared in just 75 minutes, making it an ideal addition to any meal or gathering.
Cheesy Herbed Garlic Bread Recipe
Get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering garlic bread recipe that’s packed with flavor! This show-stopping ciabatta loaf is loaded with rich butter, pungent garlic, crunchy green onions, melted cheddar cheese, gooey mozzarella, and fragrant basil. And the best part? It’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare – ready in just 15 minutes and serving up to 10 people. Plus, each serving clocks in at a reasonable 381 calories.
Lighter Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipe
Mac and cheese, a quintessential American comfort food, takes on a healthier twist in this recipe. By incorporating whole wheat macaroni, whole wheat breadcrumbs, skim milk, and reduced fat cheddar, the dish remains both satisfyingly rich and remarkably low-calorie. With 261 calories per serving, this recipe makes a guilt-free indulgence for eight people. The best part? It’s ready to devour in under an hour.
Fruit ‘N’ Nut Tossed Salad Recipe
Pair your meatloaf with a refreshing salad that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! The combination of crisp romaine lettuce, juicy mandarin oranges, sweet seedless red grapes, and crunchy toasted almonds creates a delightful harmony of textures. For the dressing, combine lemon juice, sugar, grated lemon zest, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil for a zesty and balanced flavor profile. And the best part?
This salad is ready in just 15 minutes, making it the perfect accompaniment to your meatloaf.
Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Tots Recipe
The cauliflower tot alternative is an absolute delight! Its unique combination of flavors makes it the perfect accompaniment to your meatloaf. Moreover, its impressive carb count – a mere fraction of traditional tater tots – earns it keto-friendly status (for more delicious keto side dishes, check out our previous article). Additionally, this recipe is gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions.
This recipe requires only a handful of ingredients: cauliflower, cheddar, flour, and Parmesan cheese. Best of all, it yields 4 generous servings in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks or special occasions alike.
Easy Carrot & Swede Mash Recipe
For a healthier twist on traditional mashed potatoes, try this carrot and swede mash. By boiling the two root vegetables until tender, then mashing them with heavy cream, butter, and a touch of nutmeg and salt and pepper, you’ll create a deliciously lower-carb and lower-calorie alternative. This recipe yields six generous servings at just 96 calories per serving, and can be prepared in under half an hour.
Plus, the addition of cream and butter adds a rich and indulgent feel without sacrificing nutritional value.
Easy Sauteed Mushrooms With Garlic Butter Recipe
With its ease of preparation and minimal ingredients required, this delectable side dish is a cinch to create. Simply combine mushrooms, avocado oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to taste, along with chopped herbs for garnish. For an added layer of flavor, you can also incorporate one of four options: Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, or white wine. This recipe conveniently yields eight servings and can be devoured in under 15 minutes.
Honey Maple Roasted Carrots Recipe
Indulge in this wholesome side dish that pairs perfectly with meatloaf. The star of the show are vitamin-rich carrots, swimming in a sweet and savory dressing infused with the warmth of maple syrup, honey, ground coriander, fresh thyme, and chives, finished with a crunchy sprinkle of sesame seeds. And the best part? Each serving is remarkably low in calories at just 153 per portion, and can be ready in as little as 40 minutes.
Seasoned Rice Recipe
Elevate your meatloaf game by trading plain white rice for a flavorful and aromatic seasoned rice dish. This simple yet satisfying recipe combines long grain white rice with a medley of savory ingredients, including butter, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, onion, and parsley, to create a mouthwatering accompaniment that’s sure to please. With this recipe, you can enjoy 4 servings in just 45 minutes.
Steamed Broccoli And Feta Cheese Recipe
This 10-minute side dish is a perfect accompaniment to meatloaf. Its star ingredient, broccoli, emerges from cooking in a vibrant green hue, retaining its natural crispness and tenderness while taking on a rich, flavorful profile. The simple addition of olive oil, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese brings a delightful textural contrast and depth to the dish. With this trifecta of flavors, you’ll be eager to dig in.
Roasted Asparagus With Pecan Parmesan Seasoning Recipe
This mouthwatering side dish showcases the star power of asparagus, combined with a medley of other wholesome ingredients, including nutritional yeast-based vegan pecan parmesan. A quick and easy-to-make recipe that requires minimal pantry staples, it can be whipped up in under 25 minutes to serve four.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Packed with flavor, Brussels sprouts are an undeniable delight – whether you’re a fan or not. This show-stopping side dish is the perfect accompaniment to your meatloaf, featuring roasted Brussels sprouts that have been transformed into sweet and caramelized morsels, then finished with a tangy balsamic glaze. Best of all, this recipe serves four and is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans alike.
Creamed Spinach And Parsnips Recipe
Indulge in this decadent creamy dish, crafted with a handful of readily available ingredients. To get started, you’ll need parsnips, honey, spinach, onion, flour, olive oil, cream, salt and pepper to taste, and a pinch of nutmeg for added depth. This recipe serves 2-4 people and requires approximately 70 minutes of preparation time.
Caramelized Onion Quinoa Recipe
This delectable accompaniment perfectly complements the richness of meatloaf. With only seven ingredients at your disposal – including yellow onions, quinoa, wilted spinach leaves, rich butter, olive oil, aromatic garlic cloves, and a sprinkle of nutty Parmesan cheese – this recipe is an effortless delight. Its yield of four generous servings can be yours in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy households seeking to elevate their mealtime experience.
Nut Rice Pilaf Recipe
This recipe boasts a medley of aromatic spices and textures, with the likes of onion, garlic, coriander, cumin, nutty brown rice, crisp dry white wine, savory broth, and your preferred choice of nuts – I’m particularly fond of pairing it with the distinct flavors of almonds, pistachios, and pine nuts. With its generous yield of 6 to 8 servings, each portion clocking in at a reasonable 242 calories, this dish is ready to satisfy your hunger in just 75 minutes.
Roasted Green Beans With Caramelized Onions Recipe
If you’re craving more flavorful ways to incorporate healthy greens into your meals, a simple yet satisfying side dish recipe is just what you need. With only a few ingredients required and minimal effort needed, this roasted green bean delight will have you hooked from the first bite.
The magic happens when tender and crisp green beans are paired with sweet caramelized onions, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And the best part?
Each serving clocks in at just 102 calories, making it an ideal addition to your healthy eating routine.
Give this recipe a try and discover a world of delicious possibilities with your greens!
Creamy Polenta Recipe
Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with this delectable creamy cornmeal recipe, expertly crafted with cooked yellow cornmeal in a savory broth and culminating in a delightful union of butter and parmesan cheese. This satisfying dish serves 8 and is ready to delight your taste buds in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet impressive meal.
7 Layer Salad Recipe
A vibrant and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with meatloaf is this colorful filling salad. Its diverse array of ingredients includes leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, purple cabbage, orange bell pepper, hard-boiled eggs, black olives, shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits. To tie everything together, the salad is complemented by a rich and creamy buttermilk dressing.
Sweetcorn Fritters Recipe
Indulge in the simplicity of this mouthwatering sweetcorn fritter recipe, perfectly paired with a savory meatloaf. With only a handful of essential ingredients – think sweetcorn, green onions, flour, milk, eggs, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper – you’ll be whipping up 12 crispy fritters in no time. And the best part? This recipe is lightning-fast, ready to devour in under half an hour.
Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Sweet potato fries are a game-changer for anyone looking to indulge in the crispy, deliciousness of traditional fries while reaping the nutritional benefits of a healthier alternative. Not only do they boast a sweeter flavor profile compared to their regular counterparts, but the process of making them at home is surprisingly simple and requires minimal ingredients. To get started, simply slice sweet potatoes into thin strips, drizzle with olive oil, and add your preferred seasonings.
For an extra burst of flavor, I recommend sprinkling on some paprika for a smoky kick.
Super Easy Potato Gratin Recipe
To start, let’s dive into a rich and indulgent gratin that combines the perfect balance of textures. The golden-brown crust gives way to a velvety-smooth, cheesy center that pairs exquisitely with meatloaf. For an authentic experience, be sure to use high-quality ingredients, including whole milk, heavy whipping cream, and brie cheese (if you’re interested in exploring more creative uses for this delicious variety, check out our comprehensive list of ’23 Brie Cheese Recipes’).
This recipe serves 6 and requires approximately 75 minutes of preparation time.
Bisquick Cornbread Recipe
Get ready for a culinary delight! I’m thrilled to share with you my absolute favorite cornbread recipe, which yields an incredibly warm, slightly sweet, buttery, and tender treat. With minimal ingredients required, this recipe is perfect for satisfying your cravings. Not only does it serve 10 people generously, but each serving is only 247 calories – a fantastic option for those watching their diet.
Better still, prep time is just 5 minutes, and you’ll have your cornbread ready to devour in a mere 40 minutes. Trust me, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household!
Skinny Baked Cauliflower Tots Recipe
If you’re a tater tot enthusiast like myself, you’ll be thrilled to discover this game-changing recipe! Not only is it incredibly tasty, but it’s also a healthier alternative to the traditional favorite. The secret lies in the combination of cauliflower florets, sautéed onion, minced bell pepper, cheddar cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, all bound together with crispy breadcrumbs.
This recipe produces an impressive 30-40 tots and can be ready in under 30 minutes – talk about a winning combo!
Traditional Irish Colcannon Recipe
Indulge in the rich flavors of Ireland with this delightful traditional dish, perfect for Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. The harmonious blend of russet potatoes, curly kale, green onions, butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper comes together to create a truly scrumptious meal. To elevate its appeal, be sure to top it off with a generous dollop of butter before serving – a game-changer!
This recipe serves 4-6 people and can be ready in as little as 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet satisfying feast.
Spicy Roasted Potato Wedges Recipe
I’m a self-proclaimed potato wedge enthusiast, and when done to perfection, they’re a match made in heaven – crispy on the outside and richly buttery within. This particular recipe boasts a subtly seasoned dressing, crafted from a harmonious blend of garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt, and pepper. With this recipe, you’ll be able to satisfy your cravings for 8 delectable servings in under an hour.
Wrap Up
When it comes to pairing side dishes with meatloaf, the options can be overwhelming. To simplify the process, try focusing on one idea at a time. This approach will help you narrow down your choices and ensure that each dish complements the rich flavor of the meatloaf. With a little creativity and experimentation, you’ll find the perfect combination to elevate your meal.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.