Ever thought about what to serve with cauliflower cheese? We know that cheesy goodness can steal the spotlight, but it doesn't have to go solo. (cauliflower cheese is a baked British-style dish of cauliflower florets in a béchamel and melted cheddar-style cheese)
It's like that friend who's always the life of the party, and we need to find some tasty sidekicks.
Remember those family dinners where we tried to make everything perfect? Nothing beats a spread that makes the main dish shine even brighter.
We've rounded up a list of sides that not only pair well but compliment cauliflower cheese in all its cheesy glory. Get ready to impress friends and family while keeping it simple and delicious!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Cauliflower Cheese
Here are 13 of the best side dishes to serve with cauliflower cheese:
1 - Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Ever thought about roasting Brussels sprouts? Try these roasted vegetables side ideas.
Balsamic glaze makes them even better (a sweet-tangy reduction that caramelizes and adds a glossy finish).
This side dish is crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Season them well. Olive oil, salt, and pepper work wonders.
Toss them in the oven and watch them transform.
We're fans of leaving them in until they're nicely caramelized.
Garnish with parmesan for an extra umami kick. Cheers to simple sides that steal the show!
2 - Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Crispy bacon-wrapped asparagus is a way to go; pair it with asparagus side pairings for variety.
We get the crunch and the salty goodness working together.
This side dish is quick to prepare. Bake at 400°F and watch them sizzle.
Don't overcrowd the pan. It leads to soggy mistakes.
Use thin asparagus for that perfect bite.
Add a sprinkle of lemon juice after cooking for some zing (about ½ lemon per pound). Simple, fun, and delicious!
3 - Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops
Want to impress without breaking a sweat? Herb-crusted lamb chops are our go-to.
They bring the flavor without a full recipe book.
Seasoning matters here. Fresh herbs bring out the best.
We season with garlic, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) for a punchy finish.
Cook them at high heat for a juicy result. Let them rest before slicing.
That keeps them tender.
Serving ideas? Try them with mint sauce, or explore lamb chop side dishes for dinner.
4 - Garlic and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes with garlic and rosemary pair well with garlic butter shrimp side ideas for weeknights.
These spuds shine bright as a side dish. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.
Fresh herbs take potatoes from plain to fancy (try rosemary, a piney Mediterranean herb). Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Bake until golden brown. Keep an eye on them; no one likes burnt bits.
Pair them with anything and watch them shine. Perfect for family meals or pizza nights.
5 - Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Tart
Ever thought about making a tart? We find caramelized onion and mushroom tart a real crowd-pleaser.
Its buttery crust wrapped around sweet onions and earthy mushrooms is classic.
We recommend using fresh herbs for extra flavor. Thyme or rosemary works nicely.
Don't skip the cheese, either. A sprinkle of goat cheese or Gruyère makes it richer (Gruyère adds a nutty, slightly sweet profile).
This dish is versatile; pair it with onion dip side options for entertaining.
Keep an eye on baking time. You want that golden perfection, not burnt bits!
6 - Honey Glazed Carrots
For a little added sweetness, we like to serve honey-glazed carrots with cauliflower cheese. These are an excellent way to sneak in some veggies for the kids.
The glaze is simple: butter, brown sugar, and honey (use about a 1:1:1 ratio of butter to brown sugar to honey). A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth and depth.
It's essential not to overcook them; no one likes mushy carrots.
Pair them with your favorite protein and dig in.
7 - Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Do we really need another reason to eat portobello mushrooms? These guys are thick, meaty, and full of flavor (rich in umami and meat-like texture).
They can easily stand in for meat in any dish.
We grill, roast, or sauté them to unlock their potential. Give them a sprinkle of balsamic for a zesty twist.
Want more flavor? Add fresh herbs while cooking.
Keep an eye on them; sogginess is a no-go.
Served as a side or a main, portobellos always deliver. They're super versatile.
8 - Baked Cod with Lemon and Dill
What do you get when you combine flaky cod with zesty lemon and aromatic dill? A side dish that hits the spot!
Baked cod is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Season your fish properly for the best flavor.
Use fresh dill (Anethum graveolens); it gives a fresh, herby punch.
Don't overcrowd your baking dish. Each piece needs some space to cook evenly.
Serve with a squeeze of lemon for that tasty zing. Perfect alongside cauliflower cheese or a salad.
9 - Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
Ever thought spinach was just a side note? Sautéed spinach brings the greens without the fuss.
We toss it in a pan with garlic for a light sizzle. Quick cooking keeps it bright.
Olive oil is key (use extra-virgin for best flavor). This combo is fast and simple.
Skip the mushy vibes; aim for tender-crisp. Perfect alongside rich dishes.
Experiment with toppings - a squeeze of lemon or a dash of red pepper flakes are solid moves.
This dish shines when served fresh and warm.
10 - Beef Wellington
Ever thought about wrapping beef in pastry? Beef Wellington shines as a fancy classic.
The flaky crust holds juicy beef, usually fillet, with mushroom duxelles (finely chopped mushrooms, shallots, and herbs reduced to a paste). It's a bit of a showstopper for special occasions.
We recommend using prosciutto to add more flavor.
Preparation takes time, but it's worth it for that wow factor. Serve with gravy for extra flair, and don't skip resting the beef before slicing.
It's all about the crunch and tenderness coming together. Perfect for impressing guests!
11 - Mixed Green Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
If you want to add some freshness to your meal, a mixed green salad with Dijon vinaigrette is the way to go. We love the contrast of crunchy greens and tangy dressing.
Use a variety of greens like romaine, arugula, and spinach for a textural adventure (arugula gives a peppery bite).
Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper for an easy homemade vinaigrette.
Add in some cherry tomatoes and sliced almonds for extra flavor and crunch. Serve as a side or add grilled chicken or shrimp for a filling main course salad.
12 - Yorkshire Puddings
Yorkshire puddings are a classic British side dish that can improve any meal. The crispy, golden-brown exterior and fluffy interior make them the perfect vehicle for gravy.
Traditionally served with roast beef, these savory pastries can also be filled with other meats or vegetables.
It's important to use a hot oven and preheat your muffin tin with oil before pouring in the batter for the best results (preheat oven to 220°C / 425°F). Serve alongside a Sunday roast or as an appetizer with dipping sauces.
13 - Apple and Fennel Slaw
Last but not least, we have a refreshing and unique side dish - apple and fennel slaw. This crunchy combination of sweet apples, fresh fennel, and tangy dressing is a useful.
Thinly slice the apples and fennel bulb, then toss with a homemade dressing made of Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper (use about 3 parts oil to 2 parts vinegar to 1 part mustard).
Add in some dried cranberries or sliced almonds for extra texture and flavor. Perfect alongside grilled meats or as a topping for sandwiches or tacos.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
