Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various side dishes. Whether you are planning a family dinner or hosting a party, finding the perfect accompaniment to your meatloaf can elevate the meal to a whole new level of deliciousness.
One of the most popular options to serve with meatloaf is mashed potatoes. The creamy and buttery texture of the mashed potatoes complement the savory flavors of the meatloaf perfectly. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley for an added burst of freshness.
If you want to add some veggies to your meal, roasted vegetables are a great choice. The natural sweetness and caramelization of the roasted vegetables balance out the richness of the meatloaf. Try roasting a combination of carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes for a colorful and nutritious side dish.
Another classic option is macaroni and cheese. The cheesy and gooey goodness of macaroni and cheese creates a delightful contrast to the hearty meatloaf. You can even add some crispy breadcrumbs on top for an extra crunch.
For a lighter option, a crisp garden salad is a refreshing choice. The fresh and crunchy greens provide a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the meatloaf. Top it off with your favorite dressing or some tangy vinaigrette.
Whether you prefer comfort food classics or lighter options, there are plenty of delicious side dishes to consider when serving meatloaf. From mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables or macaroni and cheese, you can customize your meal to suit your taste and enjoy a satisfying and well-rounded plate.
Tasty Side Dishes
If you’re looking for delicious side dishes to complement your meatloaf, we’ve got you covered! Here are a few tasty options:
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a perfect accompaniment to meatloaf. Choose a variety of your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers. Toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven until they are tender and slightly caramelized. The combination of flavors and textures will add depth and balance to your meal.
Mashed Potatoes
Is there anything more comforting than a heaping mound of creamy mashed potatoes? Serve them alongside your meatloaf for a classic and satisfying side dish. For extra flavor, try adding garlic, chives, or a bit of cream cheese. Don’t forget to season them with salt and pepper to taste!
Green Salad
For a lighter option, a fresh green salad is a great choice. Toss together a variety of your favorite greens, such as spinach, arugula, and romaine lettuce. Add in some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing and healthy side dish.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
If you’re looking to indulge a bit, cheesy garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser. Slice a baguette in half lengthwise and spread a mixture of butter, garlic, and shredded cheese on top. Pop it in the oven until it’s golden and bubbly. Slice it up, and serve it alongside your meatloaf for a comforting and flavorful side dish.
With these tasty side dishes, your meatloaf is sure to be the star of the meal. Whether you prefer something light and refreshing or rich and indulgent, there’s a side dish here to satisfy every craving. So go ahead and get cooking!
Delicious Sauces and Gravies
Meatloaf is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sauces and gravies. Whether you prefer a tangy tomato-based sauce or a rich and creamy gravy, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some delicious sauces and gravies that will take your meatloaf to the next level:
- Classic Tomato Sauce: This is a staple sauce that complements meatloaf perfectly. Simply combine tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices to create a tangy and flavorful sauce that will enhance the taste of your meatloaf.
- Mushroom Gravy: If you love mushrooms, this gravy is a must-try. Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until they are golden and tender. Add flour, beef broth, and seasonings to the pan, and cook until the gravy thickens. Pour this savory gravy over your meatloaf for a delightful twist.
- Bourbon Glaze: For a touch of sweetness and a hint of smokiness, try a bourbon glaze. Combine bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan. Simmer until the glaze thickens and becomes syrupy. Brush this glaze over your meatloaf before baking for a delicious caramelized finish.
- Spicy BBQ Sauce: If you like a little heat, a spicy BBQ sauce is the way to go. Mix together ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, hot sauce, and spices to create a bold and flavorful sauce. Brush this sauce on your meatloaf before baking or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Creamy Dijon Sauce: If you prefer a creamy sauce, a Dijon sauce is a perfect choice. Whisk together Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and spices to create a tangy and creamy sauce that complements the flavors of the meatloaf.
These sauces and gravies are easy to make and will add a burst of flavor to your meatloaf. Whether you prefer a classic tomato sauce or want to experiment with a new twist, there is a sauce or gravy to suit every taste. Get creative and enjoy the endless possibilities of meatloaf!
Amazing Accompaniments
Enhance the flavors of your meatloaf with these amazing accompaniments:
1. Mashed Potatoes
Nothing pairs better with meatloaf than creamy mashed potatoes. The velvety texture of the potatoes complements the juicy meatloaf perfectly. Whether you prefer classic buttery mashed potatoes or something more adventurous like loaded mashed potatoes with cheese, bacon, and chives, this side dish will take your meatloaf to the next level.
2. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables add a healthy and colorful touch to your meatloaf meal. Choose your favorite vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, and onions, toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast them in the oven until caramelized and tender. The roasted vegetables provide a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the meatloaf.
Great Vegetable Pairings
When it comes to serving meatloaf, there are a variety of vegetables that can make for excellent pairings. Not only do vegetables add color and freshness to the plate, but they also provide a healthy balance to the richness of the meatloaf. Here are some great vegetable options that you can consider:
1. Roasted Carrots
Roasting carrots brings out their natural sweetness and creates a caramelized exterior. This perfectly complements the savory flavors of meatloaf. To make roasted carrots, simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in the oven until tender and slightly browned.
2. Mashed Potatoes with Peas
Mashed potatoes are a classic meatloaf pairing, and adding peas to them adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Simply prepare mashed potatoes as you normally would, then stir in cooked peas before serving.
3. Green Beans Almondine
Green beans cooked with almonds add a delightful crunch to the meal. To make this dish, blanch the green beans in boiling water until tender-crisp, then sauté them in butter and sprinkle with toasted almonds.
4. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meatloaf dish. Simply brush the asparagus spears with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then grill until tender and slightly charred.
5. Buttered Corn
A simple side of buttered corn can bring a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to your meatloaf. You can either use fresh corn on the cob or frozen corn kernels. Just cook them in butter until tender, then season with salt and pepper.
Remember, the key to a successful meatloaf and vegetable pairing is to choose vegetables that complement the flavors and textures of the meatloaf, while also providing a balance of freshness and color to the plate. Experiment with different vegetables to find your own favorite combinations!
Perfect Potatoes
When it comes to serving meatloaf, the perfect side dish is often a delicious potato dish. Whether you prefer mashed, roasted, or baked potatoes, there are plenty of options to choose from that will complement the meatloaf and enhance the overall meal.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic choice and can be prepared in a variety of ways. For a simple and creamy option, boil peeled potatoes until tender, then drain and mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. You can also jazz them up by adding garlic, sour cream, or cheese for extra flavor.
Roasted Potatoes
If you’re looking for a crispy and flavorful potato dish, roasted potatoes are a great option. Simply toss cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, and your choice of herbs and spices, then spread them out on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until golden brown and crispy. You can also add diced onions or bell peppers for additional flavor.
Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are another simple and tasty option. Start by scrubbing the potatoes clean and piercing them several times with a fork. Bake them in a preheated oven until tender, then slice them open and fill them with your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, chives, or grated cheese.
Other potato dishes that pair well with meatloaf include scalloped potatoes, potato salad, or even potato wedges. Whichever potato dish you choose, it’s sure to be a hit alongside the meatloaf and create a satisfying and comforting meal.
Q&A
What are some side dishes that go well with meatloaf?
Some popular side dishes that go well with meatloaf are mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, coleslaw, and macaroni and cheese.
Can you suggest any recipes for a side dish to serve with meatloaf?
Yes, here are a few recipe ideas for side dishes to serve with meatloaf: creamy garlic mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, cheesy baked Brussels sprouts, roasted sweet potatoes, and buttery corn on the cob.
What are some alternative main dishes to serve alongside meatloaf?
If you’re looking for an alternative main dish to serve alongside meatloaf, some options could be grilled chicken breasts, baked salmon, roasted pork tenderloin, seared steak, or stuffed bell peppers.
Are there any vegetarian side dishes that pair well with meatloaf?
Yes, there are vegetarian side dishes that pair well with meatloaf. Some options include roasted vegetable quinoa, garlic roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, mushroom risotto, and a mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
What are some easy and quick side dishes to make with meatloaf?
If you’re looking for quick and easy side dishes to make with meatloaf, you might consider making garlic butter roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, buttered corn, a simple green salad, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
What are some good side dishes to serve with meatloaf?
There are many delicious side dishes that complement meatloaf well. Some popular choices include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread.