We all have moments when we're rummaging through our fridges, wondering what to pair with that colorful borscht (a beet-based Eastern European soup).
Fortunately for all of us, there are loads of scrumptious options that can turn a simple bowl of borscht into a feast.
Our personal favorite? Slapping some sour cream on top.
It's creamy, it's tangy, and it makes everything better, right?
And let's not forget about bread. A good slice can really complete the vibe.
There are so many sides to choose from, whether it's something refreshing, something hearty, or just a little crunch on the side.
Top 13 Side Dishes for Borscht
Here are some of our favorite sides to pair with borscht:
1 - Dill Potatoes
We love dill potatoes because they are simple yet so full of flavor (use 1-2 tablespoons fresh dill per pound of potatoes). The creamy texture blends perfectly with the herby kick from the dill.
These potatoes pair well with borscht, balancing the dish's tanginess, similar to savory potato sides for creamy dishes.
The buttery notes amplify the entire meal's vibe. Seriously, who would pass up a dish that brings comforting flavors together without breaking a sweat?
2 - Sour Cream and Chive Biscuits
Sour cream and chive biscuits are soft, buttery clouds of goodness. These fluffy delights offer a tangy kick from the sour cream, perfectly balanced by the fresh, oniony chives (Allium schoenoprasum).
We love how they complement any hearty dish and they even work alongside creamy dessert pairings for summer.
Each bite melts in your mouth while adding a savory twist that makes us smile every time! Perfect for soaking up every drop of that delicious soup.
3 - Pickled Herring
Pickled herring is an unexpected side that we always keep in mind when enjoying borscht (a brined, pickled Atlantic herring, Clupea harengus).
This dish comes with a pop of brininess that dances in your mouth. Each bite delivers a salty kick balanced by the sweetness of the pickling process.
It offers a bright contrast. We appreciate how it improves the meal, improving the overall experience without overpowering it.
4 - Beet Salad
Beet salad is our kind of bright side. It's earthy, sweet, and packed with that pop of color that makes our plates sing.
The beets bring a rich, mellow sweetness, while the tangy dressing does a great job of cutting through it (Beta vulgaris).
Pairing this dish with borscht is like having a family reunion-everything feels right together and it echoes crisp salad pairings for bold mains.
5 - Blini with Smoked Salmon
Blini with smoked salmon is like a lovely party on a plate. These little pancakes are tender, slightly sweet, and perfect for holding the rich, smoky salmon (traditional blini are small yeasted buckwheat pancakes).
The soft and fluffy blini compliments the fish's briny flavor without overwhelming it, much like gentle sides for delicate fish.
We love how the dill and cream pairing adds a fresh kick, improving the overall experience. It's a wonderful accompaniment, marrying well with borscht's heartiness.
6 - Garlic Rye Bread
Garlic rye bread is a classic side that we can never resist. Its rich, nutty flavor brings warmth to any meal.
The addition of garlic improves the taste, adding an aromatic punch we all love (try 2-3 cloves per loaf for a balanced bite).
It goes well with borscht, improving the soup without competeing for attention, and matches garlic-forward sides for seafood.
The savory garlic notes bring out the earthy undertones of the beets while adding a tasty layer. We can't imagine borscht without it!
7 - Mushroom Pierogi
Garlic rye bread is pure comfort food. Its nutty flavor stands out and adds warmth to any meal.
We love that garlicky kick!
This bread is dense yet soft, making it the perfect companion to borscht (typically made with dark rye flour).
Comparing garlic rye bread to regular rye shows it's like a party: more flavor, more aroma, similar to earthy mushroom pairings for risottos.
8 - Cucumber and Radish Salad
We adore cucumber and radish salad for its crisp freshness. The crunch from the cucumbers and the zing from the radishes give it an exciting texture (Cucumis sativus and Raphanus sativus).
This salad has a light, refreshing vibe that complements heavier dishes like borscht beautifully. The bright flavours cut through the richness of the soup, making each bite feel balanced.
Just toss them together with a bit of vinegar and olive oil, and you're set!
9 - Kvass (Fermented Beverage)
Kvass is our kind of tangy treat. We can't get enough of its slightly fizzy kick.
It's made from fermented bread, usually rye, which gives it a rich flavor (traditionally fermented from rye bread via lactic fermentation).
The balance of sweetness and sourness is refreshing. This drink complements borscht well, cutting through its richness.
It's like the bubbly sidekick to a filling meal.
Trust us, it's a must-try for any foodie looking to up their dining experience!
10 - Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Stuffed cabbage rolls are comfort food in their most pleasant form. They're filled with a mixture of seasoned meat and rice, then wrapped in tender cabbage leaves (commonly ground beef or pork).
The flavor is strong, with hints of herbs and spices. Unlike heavy dishes, these rolls offer a nice balance of textures and a slight tang from the tomato sauce they often swim in.
They're perfect alongside borscht, adding layers of savory goodness to our meal.
11 - Sautéed Kale with Garlic
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Sautéed kale with garlic is a fantastic side that stands out for its simple yet bold flavors. The kale turns tender with a slight crisp, while garlic adds a punchy, aromatic kick (kale is Brassica oleracea var. sabellica).
It's savory and rich, making it a great companion for borscht. This dish enhances the soup's earthiness without overwhelming it.
We love how easy it is to whip up, plus, it's a healthy option that keeps things fresh.
12 - Apple and Walnut Salad
Apple and walnut salad is a crunchy, fresh treat. The sweetness of the apples goes well with the nutty, earthy flavour of the walnuts (tart varieties like Granny Smith work well).
We enjoy the way this salad brightens up our plate. The tangy dressing pulls everything together without being overpowering.
It's a great option for those looking to add a refreshing touch to their meal. This dish adds a nice contrast to heartier items like borscht.
13 - Buckwheat Kasha
Buckwheat kasha is our go-to grain (toasted buckwheat groats, Fagopyrum esculentum). It's nutty and hearty, bringing a wonderful chewiness to any meal.
The earthy flavor complements heavier dishes like borscht well.
We love how it adds a filling texture without overshadowing other elements. Kasha has a subtle toasted taste that really shines through.
Pair it with roasted veggies or drizzle with a bit of olive oil for a simple yet satisfying side.
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.
