Shepherd’s pie is a quintessential British comfort food that never fails to warm hearts and bellies. Its humble combination of savory meat and vegetables topped with a rich, creamy potato crust has earned its place as a beloved classic.
When it comes to choosing the perfect accompaniment, one might be spoiled for choice. After all, what pairs better with this hearty casserole than a delightful side dish that complements its bold flavors?
For those seeking inspiration, here are 20 ingenious ideas to get you started:
Creamy Sauteed Mushrooms
While some may not be fans of the distinctive woody notes of mushrooms, those who do enjoy them will surely delight in this indulgent recipe. The combination of creamy and cheesy flavors is undeniably alluring, making it a perfect addition to any meal. This rich sauce adds a new dimension of moisture and flavor to classic shepherd’s pie, requiring only 20 minutes of preparation time.
As some recipes for shepherd’s pie already incorporate mushrooms, this dish serves as a natural complement to the main event. The earthy tones of the mushrooms bring a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the overall culinary experience.
Baked Beans
While baked beans may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they can be elevated to a whole new level when paired with the classic comfort food, shepherd’s pie. If you’re short on time, a store-bought canned version will suffice, but if you have the luxury of extra hours in your day, we highly recommend whipping up a batch from scratch.
The key to bringing out the full flavor of these beans lies in the thoughtful use of seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder, which work together to create a rich and savory taste experience. And let’s not forget the addition of crispy bacon, which adds a satisfying smokiness that takes these humble beans to new heights.
Thyme-Roasted Sweet Potatoes
When it comes to exploring beyond traditional potatoes, sweet potatoes can be an excellent choice for those who crave variety. Not only do they boast a distinct appearance that sets them apart from regular potatoes, but their inherent sweetness also lends itself surprisingly well to savory dishes.
This thyme-roasted sweet potato recipe is a perfect example of how the unique flavor profile of these tubers can be elevated through the addition of herbs like thyme.
The minty and earthy undertones of thyme beautifully complement the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, resulting in a delightful side dish that’s both filling and flavorful.
For those seeking a fun and satisfying accompaniment to their meals, this recipe is an excellent option.
Peas And Onions
Serving peas alongside onions can be a game-changer in terms of flavor enhancement. The pungent and tangy taste of onions provides a delightful contrast to the often-mundane peas. This pairing also lends itself well to a variety of dishes, such as shepherd’s pie, where the flavors of the two ingredients complement each other beautifully.
Not only is this combination a flavorful one, but it’s also a nutritious option.
Peas are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, calcium, and potassium, making them a great addition to a balanced diet.
Preparation time for this side dish is a mere 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks. With its ease of preparation and impressive nutritional profile, peas with onions is an excellent option for a quick and satisfying meal.
Soda Bread
Soda bread is an excellent accompaniment to many meals, particularly shepherd’s pie. Its ability to absorb the dish’s juices and incorporate its meaty flavors makes it a harmonious pairing. Additionally, soda bread serves as a satisfying side dish, ensuring you’ll feel full and content afterwards. While making your own soda bread may seem like a daunting task, this Irish soda bread recipe dispels that notion.
With just 45 minutes of preparation time, you can enjoy the rewards of homemade soda bread without sacrificing valuable hours.
Cauliflower Cheese
From the culinary heartland of Britain comes a delightfully creamy and rich side dish – cauliflower cheese. For those who are passionate about cheese, this indulgent treat is sure to tantalize the taste buds. Its versatility makes it an excellent accompaniment to a wide variety of meals, from classic roast dinners to hearty shepherd’s pies. The recipe itself yields a sumptuous cauliflower cheese experience, with a velvety-smooth cheese sauce that exudes cheesy notes in abundance.
A touch of mustard powder adds a sophisticated depth to the dish, making it impossible to resist. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed cheese aficionado or simply looking for a new side dish to impress, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Potato Wedges
We’re thrilled to share what we consider our go-to potato wedges recipe! These flavorful treats have won us over with their unparalleled taste. One of the key elements that sets them apart is the parmesan cheese coating, which adds a rich, cheesy dimension that’s often lacking in dishes like shepherd’s pie. The seasoning also deserves special mention, as it elevates these wedges to a level of sophistication that’s reminiscent of a professional chef’s creations.
But what truly makes this recipe stand out is its ability to deliver the perfect texture – soft and fluffy on the inside, with a satisfying crunch on the outside. It’s an eating experience that will leave you wanting more.
Ratatouille
Ratatouille, a French culinary masterpiece, is a flavorful vegetable stew that brings together the essence of garlic, tomatoes, onions, and more. Its tangy taste is sure to elevate any meal, making it a delightful addition to your dining experience. One of the reasons why Ratatouille stands out is its simplicity – it’s easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, yet yields a rich and satisfying result.
Plus, this recipe serves eight, ensuring you’ll have plenty to go around for days to come. We’re particularly fond of the herb seasoning that adds depth and complexity to this dish. A blend of basil, garlic, thyme, and parsley creates a truly sensational flavor profile that will leave you wanting more.
Apple Salad
While the idea of serving an apple-based side dish with shepherd’s pie may seem unconventional at first, this combination surprisingly works harmoniously together! The sweet and crunchy texture of the apples provides a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the pie. What’s more, this recipe is incredibly quick to prepare, taking only 15 minutes from start to finish – making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
Additionally, the inclusion of healthy ingredients like apples, spinach, and raisins ensures that this side dish not only tastes great but also provides a nutritious boost. With its ease of preparation, unique flavor combination, and wholesome qualities, this apple salad recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
Mediterranean Roasted Artichokes
Artichokes are an often-overlooked ingredient in many kitchens, but their unique nutty and herbaceous flavor profile makes them a staple in ours. With the right preparation, they can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Take our Mediterranean roasted artichokes recipe as inspiration – the combination of roasted garlic and dill vinaigrette is a game-changer that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Braised Leeks
When it comes to accompanying hearty dishes like shepherd’s pie, a lighter side dish can be a welcome respite from the richness. Braised leeks, with their tender texture and intensified flavor, fit the bill perfectly. The braising process not only adds moisture to the leeks but also coaxes out a more pronounced sweetness. What’s more, this recipe is a cinch to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients – a boon for those cooking on a budget.
Yorkshire Puddings
While Yorkshire puddings may not be as ubiquitous as shepherd’s pie, they remain a beloved staple in British cuisine. Often served alongside a hearty roast dinner or meat-based dishes like shepherd’s pie, these homemade treats offer a delightful textural contrast and flavor profile that store-bought alternatives can’t quite match. The perfect accompaniment to a rich gravy or savory sauce, Yorkshire puddings are elevated by the simple act of being topped with a delectable condiment.
When it comes to savoring every bite, there’s no substitute for a freshly baked homemade Yorkshire pudding.
Roasted Potatoes
While it may seem counterintuitive to pair shepherd’s pie with potatoes when the dish already contains them, roasted potatoes can be a game-changer. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior of these potatoes provide a delightful textural contrast to the mashed potatoes in the shepherd’s pie. When served alongside a rich and savory gravy, the combination is truly satisfying.
To elevate this side dish, simply season the roasted potatoes with a blend of garlic powder, parsley, and black pepper for a flavor that complements the hearty main course perfectly.
Broccoli
Looking for a nutritious and healthy addition to your shepherd’s pie? Look no further than broccoli, a vitamin K-rich superfood. While its mild flavor may not be the most exciting, a simple yet effective seasoning of garlic and lemon transforms it into a tangy treat that even kids will love. The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just 10 minutes of your time.
With its simplicity and adaptability, this dish is perfect for busy families or anyone looking to add some extra green to their meal.
Roasted Carrots
When it comes to cooking carrots, roasting them is often the way to go. On their own, carrots can be somewhat one-dimensional, but when you roast them, they take on a whole new level of flavor and excitement. The key to this recipe’s success lies in its use of honey as a sweetener, which caramelizes during the cooking process to add a deep, rich flavor to the dish. Additionally, the parsley and thyme add a bright, herbal note that complements the sweetness perfectly.
And let’s not forget about the visual appeal – these roasted carrots will bring a pop of color to any meal. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion alike.
Green Beans
Green beans are frequently underappreciated for their impressive nutritional profile. However, this doesn’t mean they have to be dull. A French-inspired twist can elevate their humble status and offer a refreshing alternative. By incorporating lemon juice, these green beans take on a zesty, tangy flavor with subtle bitterness notes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – preparation takes just 20 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a midweek meal, such as shepherd’s pie.
With its ease and zest, this dish is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Mashed Parsnips
When it comes to finding a suitable substitute for potatoes in your shepherd’s pie, consider the humble parsnip. Not only do they share similarities with potatoes in terms of cooking methods – including roasting and mashing – but they also bring their own unique flavor profile to the table. In fact, we’re particularly fond of mashing them, as it allows us to coax out their natural sweetness.
Our recipe for creamy mashed parsnips requires just six ingredients and yields a dish that’s both rich and satisfying. As an added bonus, these velvety spuds will expertly soak up the savory juices of your shepherd’s pie, making for a truly exceptional side dish.
Brussels Sprouts With Honey Glaze
Brussels sprouts are a divisive side dish that sparks strong opinions – you either can’t get enough of their distinct flavor or find them completely unappealing. However, with the help of this exceptional recipe, even the most skeptical Brussels sprouts detractors may be won over. The key lies in the sweet and sticky honey glaze that beautifully balances out the bitter undertones typically associated with these vegetables.
For added depth and a touch of heat, we also suggest incorporating red pepper flakes into the mix – but feel free to omit them if you prefer a milder flavor profile. With this recipe, the decision is yours.
Fried Corn
Fried corn is a staple Southern dish that defies simplicity with its diverse applications. When combined with the classic shepherd’s pie, it’s a match made in heaven! The addition of crispy bacon elevates the recipe by introducing a rich, smoky flavor profile and satisfying texture. This clever combination not only tantalizes taste buds but also provides a filling meal.
Furthermore, the vibrant colors and visually appealing presentation – courtesy of the corn, bacon, and chives – make it an ideal dish to delight both children and adults alike.
Final Thoughts
Shepherd’s pie is often praised for its ability to harmonize with an array of side dishes, offering endless possibilities for a well-rounded meal.
While the classic dish itself is certainly delightful, elevating it with a thoughtfully selected accompaniment can truly elevate the dining experience.
Consider pairing your shepherd’s pie with one of these mouthwatering options to create a culinary masterpiece that will satisfy any palate.
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.