Pot roast is a classic comfort food that warms hearts and fills bellies. But what side dishes can you serve with it to make your meal even better? This article will show you 17 tasty options to pair with your pot roast.
You’ll find a mix of classic and creative sides that complement the rich flavors of pot roast. From veggies to starches, there’s something for everyone. These sides will help you turn your pot roast into a complete and satisfying meal.
Garlic mashed potatoes are a perfect side dish for pot roast. You can make them by boiling peeled potatoes until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash them until smooth and creamy. For extra flavor, mix in roasted garlic cloves.
To roast garlic, cut the top off a head of garlic and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap it in foil and bake at 425°F for about 45 minutes. Squeeze out the soft cloves and add them to your potatoes.
These garlicky potatoes pair wonderfully with the rich flavors of pot roast. Their creamy texture complements the tender meat perfectly.
Glazed carrots make a sweet and colorful side dish for pot roast. You can easily prepare them in the oven or on the stovetop.
To make oven-roasted glazed carrots, toss peeled and sliced carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F until tender.
For stovetop glazed carrots, melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced carrots and cook covered for a few minutes.
In both methods, finish by adding honey or brown sugar to create a glossy glaze. You can also add herbs like thyme for extra flavor. The result is tender carrots with a delicious sweet coating.
Creamed spinach is a rich and tasty side dish that pairs well with pot roast. You can make it easily by mixing cooked spinach with a creamy sauce.
The sauce often includes butter, cream, and cheese. Mozzarella, cream cheese, and parmesan are popular choices. These ingredients give the dish a smooth texture and deep flavor.
This side adds a pop of green to your plate. It also provides some nutrients to balance out your meal. The creamy taste complements the savory pot roast nicely.
Yorkshire pudding is a classic British side dish that pairs perfectly with pot roast. You can make it easily at home with just a few ingredients.
Mix flour, eggs, milk, and salt to create a smooth batter. Let it rest for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Pour a small amount of hot oil or beef drippings into each cup of a muffin tin. Heat the tin in the oven until the oil is sizzling. Carefully add the batter to each cup.
Bake for about 20 minutes until the puddings are puffed up and golden brown. Serve immediately with your pot roast for a delicious meal.
Roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty side dish for pot roast. To prepare them, preheat your oven to 425°F. Trim the ends off the sprouts and cut them in half.
Place the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can add garlic powder or nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
Toss the sprouts to coat them evenly. Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for about 20-25 minutes, until they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside.
For a flavor boost, try tossing the roasted sprouts with grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar before serving.
Buttered corn on the cob is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with pot roast. You can easily prepare it in the oven for a hands-off approach.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Rub each ear with softened butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place the corn on a baking sheet and roast for about 30-35 minutes. Turn the ears halfway through cooking for even browning.
For extra flavor, try mixing herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil into the butter before spreading it on the corn. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright touch.
When serving, provide extra butter for guests to add as desired. The sweet, juicy kernels complement the rich flavors of pot roast beautifully.
Cheesy cauliflower gratin is a tasty side dish for pot roast. You start by roasting cauliflower florets until they’re tender and lightly browned.
While the cauliflower cooks, make a cheese sauce. Melt butter, add flour to create a roux, then whisk in milk until it’s smooth and bubbly. Stir in grated cheeses until melted.
Pour the warm cheese sauce over the roasted cauliflower in a baking dish. Top with a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for extra crunch.
Bake the gratin until it’s golden and bubbling. The result is a creamy, cheesy cauliflower dish that pairs perfectly with pot roast.
Green bean almondine is a tasty side dish that pairs well with pot roast. To make it, you’ll need green beans, sliced almonds, butter, and some simple seasonings.
Start by boiling the green beans for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and set them aside.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring often. The almonds should turn light golden brown.
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss them with the buttery almonds. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This quick and easy side dish adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor to complement your pot roast meal.
Herb-roasted potatoes are a tasty side dish for pot roast. You can make them easily in your oven. Start by cutting potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Toss the potato chunks with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs. Popular choices include rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Spread the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet. Make sure they’re in a single layer. Roast them at 425°F for about 30-35 minutes.
Flip the potatoes halfway through cooking. This helps them get crispy on all sides. They’re done when golden brown and tender inside.
For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. These crispy, herby potatoes pair perfectly with your pot roast.
Cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor to your pot roast meal. You can make it from scratch or use store-bought versions. Fresh cranberries, sugar, and water are the basic ingredients for homemade sauce.
For a quick option, canned cranberry sauce works well too. Some recipes mix cranberry sauce directly into the pot roast as it cooks. This infuses the meat with a fruity taste.
You can also serve cranberry sauce on the side. Its bright color and tart flavor balance the rich, savory pot roast. Try mixing in orange zest or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Parmesan asparagus is a tasty side dish that pairs well with pot roast. You can make it easily in your oven.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread asparagus spears on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Top the asparagus with grated Parmesan cheese. Roast for 10-12 minutes until the asparagus is tender but still crisp. The cheese will melt and form a savory crust.
For extra flavor, squeeze some lemon juice over the roasted asparagus before serving. This bright, cheesy vegetable side complements the rich flavors of pot roast nicely.
Macaroni and cheese is a perfect side dish for pot roast. You can make it from scratch or use a boxed mix for convenience.
To elevate your mac and cheese, try adding some shredded pot roast into the mix. This creates a hearty and flavorful combination.
For extra creaminess, use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan. Add a crispy topping by sprinkling breadcrumbs on top before baking.
You can also experiment with different pasta shapes. Shells or rotini work well to hold the cheesy sauce. Serve your macaroni and cheese hot alongside your tender pot roast for a satisfying meal.
Honey butter biscuits are a sweet and savory side that pairs perfectly with pot roast. These fluffy biscuits soak up the roast’s juices and gravy wonderfully.
To make them, you’ll mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cold butter. Then add honey and milk to form a dough. Cut the dough into rounds and bake until golden brown.
Once out of the oven, brush the tops with melted honey butter for extra flavor. The combination of honey’s sweetness and the butter’s richness complements the savory pot roast nicely.
Serve these biscuits warm alongside your pot roast for a comforting and delicious meal. You can also use leftovers for breakfast the next day, topped with jam or more honey butter.
Caesar salad makes a great side for pot roast. It adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the hearty meat. You can easily make this classic salad at home.
Start with crisp romaine lettuce. Add crunchy croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese. The dressing is key – mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and anchovies.
Toss everything together just before serving. The cool, tangy salad balances the rich pot roast nicely. It’s a simple but tasty pairing that works well.
The Importance of Pairing Pot Roast with the Right Sides
Choosing the right sides for pot roast can make or break your meal. The perfect sides boost flavors, add texture, and round out the nutritional value of your dinner.
Enhancing Flavor Profiles
The right side dishes can bring out the best in your pot roast. You want flavors that work well with the rich, savory taste of the meat. Try roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts. Their natural sweetness balances the meat’s umami flavors.
Herb-infused rice or mashed potatoes soak up the gravy and add depth to each bite. For a tangy kick, serve a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. This cuts through the richness of the roast.
Don’t forget about herbs and spices. Rosemary, thyme, or garlic in your sides can echo flavors in the pot roast itself. This creates a more cohesive meal.
Balancing Texture
Texture is key in a great pot roast meal. The meat is often tender and soft, so you want sides with some crunch or firmness. This contrast makes each bite more fun.
Crispy roasted potatoes or a crusty bread can add that needed crunch. For a softer option that still has texture, try rice pilaf or quinoa. These grains have a slight bite that works well with the meat.
Don’t shy away from raw veggies. A simple slaw or sliced cucumbers can add freshness and crispness. This helps cut through the richness of the pot roast.
Nutritional Considerations
Pot roast is high in protein but can be heavy. Light, veggie-based sides help balance the meal. They add vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your plate.
Green veggies like broccoli, spinach, or green beans are great choices. They’re low in calories but high in nutrients. Plus, their bright colors make your plate look more appealing.
For extra fiber, serve whole grain sides. Brown rice, whole wheat bread, or barley are good options. These keep you full and help with digestion.
Don’t forget about healthy fats. A side salad with olive oil dressing or roasted vegetables with a drizzle of avocado oil can boost nutrition.
Classic Side Dishes for Pot Roast
Tried-and-true sides have accompanied pot roast for generations. These dishes complement the rich meat perfectly and offer familiar flavors that many people love.
Why They Stand the Test of Time
Classic pot roast sides are popular for good reasons. They’re easy to make and use simple ingredients. Many of these dishes can cook alongside the roast, saving time and effort.
Mashed potatoes are a favorite. They soak up the gravy and add a creamy texture to each bite. Carrots are another staple. Their sweetness balances the savory meat.
Green beans offer a fresh crunch. They’re quick to prepare and add color to the plate. Dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up extra gravy.
These sides are filling and budget-friendly. They feed large groups easily, making them ideal for family dinners.
Traditional Preparation Methods
Old-school cooking techniques bring out the best in classic pot roast sides. Boiling and mashing potatoes creates a smooth, fluffy texture. Adding butter and milk makes them extra creamy.
For carrots, slow-cooking them with the roast infuses them with flavor. You can also roast them separately with a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Green beans are often steamed until tender-crisp. A quick toss with butter and salt is all they need. Some cooks add slivered almonds for extra crunch.
Dinner rolls are best when freshly baked. The smell of warm bread adds to the cozy meal experience. Brushing the tops with melted butter gives them a golden shine.
Modern Twists on Traditional Pot Roast Sides
New takes on classic sides can add excitement to your pot roast dinner. These updates bring fresh flavors and healthier options to the table while keeping the comfort food feel.
Incorporating Global Flavors
Try adding international flair to your pot roast sides. Swap plain mashed potatoes for garlic mashed potatoes with a drizzle of truffle oil. This small change adds a touch of luxury.
For a Mediterranean twist, roast carrots with za’atar spice blend. The mix of herbs and sesame gives a tangy, nutty flavor that pairs well with pot roast.
Replace standard green beans with Chinese long beans stir-fried with ginger and soy sauce. This brings a crisp texture and Asian-inspired taste to your plate.
Health-Conscious Alternatives
Lighter versions of traditional sides can make your meal more nutritious. Use cauliflower instead of potatoes for a low-carb mash. Steam and blend it with a bit of butter and milk for a creamy side.
Roast a mix of colorful root vegetables like beets, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. This adds variety and boosts the vitamin content of your meal.
For a fresh take on creamed spinach, try sautéed kale with garlic and a splash of lemon juice. It’s packed with nutrients and adds a bright flavor to balance the rich pot roast.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
