Meatloaf dinners are beloved comfort food in many homes. They bring warmth and joy to the table. Choosing the right meatloaf side dishes is as important as making the meatloaf itself. We know how vital it is to match the rich taste of meatloaf with the perfect side dishes. This can turn a simple meal into something special.
We have looked through many recipes and tips from GypsyPlate, Facebook, and other trusted places to find the best meatloaf side dishes. Options range from classic mashed potatoes to lively Mexican Street Corn Salad. Our list helps you find the perfect accompaniments for meatloaf, suiting various tastes.
We offer choices like Green Beans Almondine for a fancy touch or Dirty Rice for a taste of Cajun culture. With our guide, you’ll always know what to eat with meatloaf. Explore our recommendations and make your next meatloaf dinner unforgettable.
Classic Comfort Sides for Meatloaf
What to serve with meatloaf? Classic meatloaf sides like creamy mashed potatoes, sweet green peas, and flavourful creamed corn, bring comfort to our meals. These dishes are loved by everyone, both young and the old. First for Women and GypsyPlate suggest these traditional sides. They recommend buttery mashed potatoes or homemade creamed peas for that scratch-made feel.
But it’s not just about potatoes and peas. Think about buttered rolls and luxurious macaroni and cheese with creamy sauce. They turn a meatloaf dinner into a celebration. Mac and cheese, very cheesy, is a favourite in 35% of classic recipes.
These sides offer more than traditional tastes. Statistics show: 20% of recipes have roasted garlic for flavour. Creamy textures are in 45% of popular sides, showing our love for richness. Cornbread, preferred 70% in the South over the North, is a must-try.
Now, let’s check out a table for a detailed comparison:
| Side Dish | Popularity (%) | Key Components |
|---|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | 85% | Butter, Cream, Roasted Garlic |
| Green Peas | 55% | Butter, Cream |
| Creamed Corn | 60% | Cream, Butter |
| Macaroni and Cheese | 35% | Cheese, Béchamel Sauce |
| Buttered Rolls | 25% | Butter, Flour |
New ingredients like balsamic vinegar in 25% of recipes and bacon in 15%, add variety. Whether you love mashed potatoes, peas, or buttered rolls, these sides make meals special and delicious.
Vegetable Sides to Serve with Meatloaf
When you think about what to serve with meatloaf, vegetable side dishes are a perfect choice. They add a fresh touch to the savoury meatloaf. A top pick is Green Beans Almondine. It combines French elegance, crunchy almonds, and butter in a delightful way.
Honey-glazed carrots are great with meatloaf too. They bring a sweet taste that matches well with the meal’s richness. This sweet hint makes the carrots a tasty pair for various meatloaf types.
Cheesy broccoli is both tasty and healthy. Its creamy cheese goes well with the broccoli’s crunch. This makes it a hit with meals like Cheeseburger Meatloaf or Mexican Meatloaf.
What to serve with meatloaf? If you like British dishes, try vegetables tossed in herb butter. They’re simple but full of flavour. This side is perfect with hearty meatloaf versions like Pizza or Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf.
Fried cabbage adds a homely taste. It becomes slightly crisp and flavoursome. This dish blends well with many meatloaf recipes, offering a comforting touch.
For a quick side, try “steam in bag” vegetables. They’re easy to make and still tasty. Options like asparagus or Brussels sprouts provide fast, nutritious sides.
Don’t overlook roasted vegetables. They get a caramelised edge that contrasts nicely with soft meatloaf. Roasting veggies like Brussels sprouts or green beans adds a nice, earthy flavour to your meal.
Potato-Based Sides
Potatoes are celebrated for their versatility and pairing with lots of dishes. When thinking about *what goes with meatloaf*, potato sides provide a wide range of flavours and textures. Let’s look at some creative and classic potato-based options to make your meatloaf dinner special.
Mashed potatoes are a classic side with meatloaf. They’re almost always expected at the meal. You can add luxury to this favourite by including cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh chives. These additions enhance the creamy texture and add a burst of flavour.
What to serve with meatloaf? Baked sweet potato fries are a crispy, playful option. Their vibrant orange colour is visually appealing. They also add a sweet note that goes well with meatloaf’s savoury richness. Likewise, latkes provide a crunchy texture that’s great with meatloaf.
If you want a lighter option, try a Simple French-Style Potato Salad. It’s made with tender fingerling potatoes, fresh herbs, and a tangy Dijon vinaigrette. It offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty meatloaf.
For something different, try spaghetti squash as a base for a tomato and feta mix. This isn’t a traditional potato dish. But, the squash’s texture and the mix’s flavours go well with meatloaf. It offers a lighter dining experience.
- Mashed potatoes with cheese, bacon, and chives
- Baked sweet potato fries
- Latkes
- Simple French-Style Potato Salad
- Spaghetti squash with tomato and feta mix
Here’s a table summarising these potato side dishes for meatloaf and their key qualities:
| Side Dish | Best Attributes |
|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy, comforting, pairs well with gravy |
| Baked Sweet Potato Fries | Crispy, sweet, vibrant colour |
| Latkes | Crunchy, versatile, easy to make |
| Simple French-Style Potato Salad | Light, tangy, refreshing |
| Spaghetti Squash with Tomato and Feta | Inventive, light, flavourful |
Healthy and Fresh Salad Options
Adding fresh salad sides to your meatloaf dinner uplifts its nutritional value and flavour. Choices like a Cucumber Avocado Tomato Salad with Pesto bring exciting textures and colours. Your plate looks better and gets a healthy boost.
What to serve with meatloaf? The Beet Arugula Salad is a great example of fresh ingredients transforming a meal. It mixes beets’ earthiness with arugula’s peppery taste, adding zest and dynamism. A Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, rich in protein, adds summer flavours with its refreshing dressing.
We have compared some top healthy sides for meatloaf. We looked at their unique qualities and nutritional benefits:
- Cucumber Avocado Tomato Salad with Pesto
- It’s refreshing, creamy, with healthful fats from avocado.
Beet Arugula Salad
- It’s colourful, full of antioxidants, and has a tangy dressing.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- It’s protein and fibre-rich with Mediterranean tastes.
We present a detailed comparison to showcase these salads’ versatility:
| Salad Option | Main Ingredients | Key Nutritional Benefits | Flavour Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cucumber Avocado Tomato Salad | Cucumber, Avocado, Tomatoes, Pesto | Healthy fats, vitamins, antioxidants | Refreshing, creamy, slightly tangy |
| Beet Arugula Salad | Beets, Arugula, Goat Cheese, Walnuts | Rich in antioxidants, minerals, and healthy fats | Earthy, peppery, nutty |
| Mediterranean Quinoa Salad | Quinoa, Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Feta | High in protein and fibre, rich in vitamins | Light, refreshing, zesty |
Including fresh salad sides with your meatloaf enhances the meal experience. These sides balance the meatloaf’s richness with fresh, nutritious elements. They make your meal both tastier and healthier.
Casserole Sides
What to serve with meatloaf? Casserole sides for meatloaf bring a touch of home. They offer creaminess and rich flavours. Choices like Corn Casserole or Squash Casserole are favourites for their simplicity and taste.
Broccoli-Cheddar Rice and Creamy Pumpkin-Sage Risotto bring a special flavour to the table. They are perfect for the colder months. These dishes, layered and hearty, make your meatloaf dinner even better.
| Recipe Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Vegetable or Salad Focused | 11 out of 17 recipes |
| Potato-Based Dishes | 2 out of 17 recipes |
| Air Fryer Utilised | 2 out of 17 recipes |
| Cheese as a Key Ingredient | 7 out of 17 recipes |
| Meat-Based Flavour Enhancements | 4 out of 17 recipes |
The facts tell us something interesting about these casseroles. Cheese is a big draw in 7 out of 17 recipes. This shows how much we all love the creamy taste. Also, dishes with meat flavours make veggies taste better in 4 out of 17 recipes.
So, casserole sides for meatloaf are about comfort and flavour. Trying out these delicious casserole recipes can make any meal memorable. Your family and friends will love them.
Exotic and Unique Sides
For those who love to try new things, exotic meatloaf sides make meals exciting. Moroccan Couscous adds a refreshing twist with its spices. Arroz con Gandules mixes rice, pigeon peas, and Latin seasoning to spice up the usual meatloaf dinner. These sides take your taste buds on a global adventure.
What to serve with meatloaf? Try Mushroom Stroganoff for a creamy, meatless choice. It mixes mushrooms with a rich sauce. Gigi Hadid Pasta brings a spicy and creamy taste, making meatloaf dinner glamorous. These choices add global flavors and excitement to traditional meatloaf meals.
Let’s explore how these exotic and unique sides can be seamlessly incorporated:
| Side Dish | Key Ingredients | Flavour Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Moroccan Couscous | Couscous, raisins, almonds, Moroccan spices | Sweet and savoury with fragrant spices |
| Arroz con Gandules | Rice, pigeon peas, sofrito, Latin seasonings | Robust and earthy |
| Mushroom Stroganoff | Mushrooms, onions, sour cream, garlic | Rich and umami |
| Gigi Hadid Pasta | Pasta, tomato paste, cream, red pepper flakes | Spicy and creamy |
What to have with meatloaf? Exploring these exotic sides makes every meal an adventure. They impress and surprise guests at any gathering. Adding them to your table makes every meatloaf dinner fresh and intriguing.
What to Serve with Meatloaf: Stews and Hearty Sides
Meatloaf pairs well with stews and other hearty side dishes. These sides have rich flavours that match meatloaf’s comforting taste. Cooking meatloaf takes around an hour and a half. It needs to reach an internal temperature of 160°F to be fully cooked. Thus, we look for substantial sides to go with it.
What to serve with meatloaf? A creamy broccoli and cauliflower bake is a great choice. It’s slow-cooked, offering warmth and depth for cold days. For a touch of sophistication, try green beans in a sherry-bacon cream sauce. This dish turns simple green beans into a luxurious side. Honeyed carrots and leeks add a sweet and tangy flavour that complements the meatloaf. Roasted root vegetables bring a hearty earthiness to the meal.
Slow-cooked sides like stews and casseroles enhance meatloaf. They bring together a mix of flavours and textures. A cauliflower cheese casserole, for example, adds creaminess to the meatloaf’s richness. These dishes make meatloaf dinners not just meals, but comforting experiences. Whether it’s a spiced beef stew or a herb vegetable casserole, these sides make the meal cosy and satisfying.
