Nothing beats the feeling of going home after a long day and seeing a meatloaf on the table. It has been a comfort food for the majority highlighting its savory flavor and sweetness due to the spices thrown into it. Although there is no definitive history of meatloaf regarding its origin, it became a staple in American homes.
Cooking the meatloaf in the oven allows you time for side dishes until it’s ready to serve. Below is a list of sides that will definitely blend well with the night’s main star, starting from classics to distinct sides from different countries. So, without further ado, here are the 27 Best Side Dishes for meatloaf you can try!
1. Mashed Potatoes
Indeed, nothing beats a staple, just like creamy mashed potatoes for a pair of something meaty and juicy. The secret to creamy and soft mashed potatoes is to start with the potatoes in cold water, then bring it to a boil. Add some warmed butter and cream to the boiled potatoes, and voila! The creamiest mashed potato is ready to serve and undoubtedly fits your tasty meatloaf!
2. Dinner Rolls
What is better than something you could stack in the oven simultaneously with your meatloaf? Dinner rolls are pastries that can be paired with jams, fillings, or even meat! Its soft and fluffy texture complements the savory meatloaf you have prepared. Plus, you can create your mini sandwiches with this bread that you can make within 30 minutes.
3. Garlic Bread
Turn your dinner into something special by pairing this flavorful garlic bread with a mouthwatering loaf of meat. As easy as it sounds, cover your bread with garlic and spread some butter, and whether you want it soft or crispy toasted, it is all up to your choice! Only 18 minutes of your time is needed to do the magic and serve them to your guest.
4. Southern Creamed Corn
Cheesy, creamy, and delicate side dish; who would resist natural sweet corn upgraded with milk and spices? Hailing from the South, this version of creamed corn is ready to steal your hearts as it uses coconut milk to enrich the taste, pairing perfectly with your meatloaf. One may think a simple dinner turns out to be a Thanksgiving dinner when you pop this out to your table!
5. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Are you craving heavy meat but want something refreshing for balance? This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is ready to save the day! With Quinoa, tomatoes, radish, avocado, and other herbs, you can now enjoy a light, healthy side dish to pair with your meatloaf. You only need 30 minutes to encourage everyone to eat smart and healthy.
6. Roasted Garlic Butter Potatoes
When you need a side dish to go with a delicate and flavorful meatloaf, potatoes are the usual choice. Everyone would enjoy roasted garlic butter potatoes as a side dish; cover them with a mixture of butter, garlic, and seasonings and roast them for a bit.
7. Fresh Creamed Spinach
If we don’t step up the game by improving it, some people will really overlook a platter of nutritious leafy veggies. For your fresh creamed spinach, it is preferable to use cream cheese rather than heavy milk for a much richer taste. The recipe is as simple as it sounds and only calls for basic ingredients. Still, when everything is combined, it tastes divine.
8. Macaroni and Cheese
Searching for the perfect treat for kids or some young at heart? A rich, flavorful macaroni and cheese is perfect for you, especially when paired with meatloaf. If you’re not a big lover of rich-to-rich pairings, the flavors might be too much for you, but the kids will adore you after you make this dish!
9. Sauteed Broccolini with Garlic
You might not have enough time to prepare everything else for dinner, so choose a dish that is both quick and delicious. Just sauté the broccolini until it reaches a charred outside while seasoning it with garlic and seared with olive oil. An ideal green side dish, together with your meatloaf, may become your new favorite!
10. Korean Soybean Sprouts
Have you tried visiting a Korean restaurant? They usually serve a lot of banchan or side dishes together with their main dish. One of these dishes is the soybean sprouts which elevate the flavors of the meat with just seven ingredients. This is great for small gatherings and intimate dinner time with your family!
11. Moroccan Couscous
A simple healthy dish all the way from Morocco, filled with sweet raisins and crunchy almonds to carry out the flavor of couscous. This side dish does not overdo spices since it paves the way for the savory flavor of the meatloaf. Make this tiny pasta recipe and make your guest line up for two!
12. Cream of Mushroom Soup
Whether canned or fresh mushrooms, creating cream of mushrooms is within your reach. This savory side dish could top the tasty meatloaf, resulting in an explosion of flavors in your mouth. Mushrooms are good on their own and do not require overdoing spice; convenience will be your best friend! With only ten ingredients, you can make an excellent pair for your meatloaf.
13. Dauphinoise Potatoes
Fancy up your potatoes with a French twist with sliced potatoes, heavy cream, and gruyere cheese. On a rank of one to ten, this dish would totally be eleven as its simplicity compliments protein foods such as meatloaf. The most valuable part is you can prepare dauphinoise potatoes with few tools and kitchen work.
14. Squash Casseroles
Consider adding some vibrant and colorful dishes to your table. Squash casserole is ready to steal your guest’s hearts. These tender squashes mixed with cheddar cheese, sweet onions, and butter would melt not just the dish itself but also your guests’ hearts.
15. Korean Sesame Broccoli Salad
It does not need to be challenging to have a full protein dish and a healthier option for a side dish. Grab some broccoli and make some sesame dressing—I promise it won’t take long. Korean flavors never disappoint, especially in this sesame broccoli salad which tastes well for a meatloaf, whether semi-steamed or blanched. Fifteen minutes is all you need to prepare to wow your guests!
16. Cauliflower Tots
Everybody knows that tater tots are loved by many; Hence, making a healthier version would not hurt much. Cauliflower contains nutrients that are light, perfect contrast to your newly cooked meatloaf. It may not look like your ordinary tot, but it tastes fantastic!
17. Filipino Cheese Rolls
Another delicacy has arrived! If you serve these soft rolls with a meatloaf, you’ll have second thoughts about them; They have melted cheese inside and are sprinkled with granulated sugar. The sweetness of the cheese will enhance the flavor of the meat, making it a perfect accompaniment; You wouldn’t know that your cookbook needed Filipino bread.
18. Classic Succotash
A bunch of vegetables is coming on your way! If you’d like a healthier option for a side dish, then succotash is for you; onion, corn, beans, and tomatoes are some ingredients needed to make this. A healthy combination with your meatloaf might be loved and rave compliments on your dinner.
19. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Warm, cozy, and healthy sweet potatoes are often served during fall, which gives pleasant feelings when eaten. Since sweet potatoes are flavorful, popping them straight in the oven is the only major thing you need to do. Easy and comfy side dish for a heavy meatloaf; your family will surely love this!
20. Lemon and Garlic Kale
Worrying about guests who always look for something leafy and healthy? Serve this Lemon and Garlic Kale with meatloaf for them to enjoy and savor. Lemon and garlic give a refreshing taste to the kale that may work perfectly with the lush flavor of your meatloaf!
21. Oven Roasted Asparagus
For a much more extraordinary and healthier suggestion, asparagus can come in handy when preparing dinner because of the convenience that it brings. Roasting vegetables would naturally secrete their flavors, which goes the same way in asparagus.
With only a span of twelve minutes, you can now serve nutritious side dishes for your guests. And, of course, this side dish will definitely work for you if you want nothing but a vegan option!
22. Braised Baby Potatoes (Algamja-jorim)
Potatoes are indeed versatile vegetable which has a different distinct recipe from each country. Korea has Algamja-jorim, or braised baby potatoes, used as a side dish, notably when the dining table is filled with protein. Remember to use baby potatoes as they have thinner skin than regular ones; flavors are easier to absorb, which would hook your guests.
23. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Kids would usually run away from the table if Brussels sprouts were served, but this recipe would make them change their minds. These are charred, crispy, and caramelized brussels sprouts roasted in the oven for 25 minutes. Let them try these Brussels sprouts again; they cannot say no again next time.
24. Coleslaw
If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy alternative, coleslaw is a great choice. White cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and mayo are needed to prepare and enrich the taste by throwing honey, salt, and pepper into the bowl! A crunchy side that works well with the flavors of your meatloaf!
25. Cajun Style Dirty Rice
By sprinkling Cajun sauce in your skillet, you can spice up that rice. Gizzard and liver are used while cooking rice to add taste, but if you don’t like liver, don’t be alarmed—as it merely adds a faint hint of flavor to the rice. Better add a dash of green bell pepper or jalapeno for something spicy if you prefer a milder flavor!
26. Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots give a sweet and natural flavor to the veggie itself with minimal effort, which gives way to emphasize the taste of your meatloaf. Covered with brown sugar, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper, place it in the oven to create a delectable side dish. In a span of ten minutes, these carrots will surely be loved by your guests!
27. Easy Sauteed Mushrooms with Garlic Butter
Got no time to prepare on the day itself? This Easy Sauteed Mushroom with Garlic butter can be prepared ahead of time to save you on the day itself. In only 15 minutes, you can now have this side dish that works well with savory meatloaf. This recipe by Jamie gives you tips and tricks on ace your dinner nights with this dish!
Wrap Up on the 27 Best Sides for Meatloaf
Meatloaf is savory as it is, and choosing side dishes is up to you; whether you want another delicious or something subtle, with the list above, you can always go right! From greens to pastries to pasta, these recipes will save your day.
Save and Bookmark this page so you will always pair it with your meatloaf, and any day will definitely become a special day! Trying some of the recipes today? Let us know how it turned out.
Raelyn Fuller has been known as a food and wine enthusiast for her entire life. She is a Food Nutritionist student who works as a journalist for their university in their school newspaper. Right after creating her excellent blog, she was recruited by Birch Restaurant, where she gives her strong opinions about restaurants! Her favorite cuisines are Japanese, Mexican, and Korean!
