Who doesn't love a good meatloaf? It's that cozy dish we can all agree on (a baked mixture of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings).
But let's be real: meatloaf needs sidekicks. You know, those trusty accompaniments that turn a good meal into a feast.
We're all about breaking up the monotony with some delicious sides that will improve our meatloaf game. Maybe it's creamy mashed potatoes or a tangy slaw that brings some zing.
The right side dish can really shake things up and help us avoid the dreaded meal rut.
So, let's dig in and find out what to serve with meatloaf. Spoiler alert: the options are more than just BBQ sauce and bread.
Top 13 Side Dishes for Meatloaf
Here are our top 13 picks for side dishes to serve with meatloaf:
1 - Garlic Mashed Potatoes
We love garlic mashed potatoes. They're creamy, buttery, and packed with garlicky goodness.
The garlic (Allium sativum) gives them a rich, zesty kick that makes the usual spuds feel fancy.
They go well with meatloaf, adding a savory punch and are also great as garlicky sides for shrimp dinners.
These aren't just any mashed potatoes; they bring a nice warmth that makes dinner a little more special.
2 - Honey Glazed Carrots
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Honey glazed carrots are our sweet little secret for a side dish that brightens up any plate. They're not just vegetables; they're like candy that your mom let you eat for dinner.
The carrots get a luscious coating of honey (like mild clover honey), which caramelizes beautifully.
We're talking about a sticky, sweet glaze that compliments their natural earthiness and works well with honey-forward spicy chicken dishes.
3 - Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is the side dish we never knew we needed at dinner. It's rich, creamy, and full of flavor that makes you forget it's healthy.
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is smothered in a luscious white sauce that's comforting and indulgent.
It's a velvety side that's perfect alongside meatloaf, adding some greenery to our plates and pairs well with spinach-stuffed chicken side ideas.
4 - Roasted Parsnips
Roasted parsnips are like the underdog of the veggie world. They bring a subtle sweetness that is absolutely pleasant.
When we roast them, the edges caramelize, giving us a crispy treat with a tender center.
Their nutty flavor is reminiscent of a cross between carrots and potatoes, making them super versatile (Pastinaca sativa). A sprinkle of salt and pepper is all they need for a tasty side.
We love throwing them in our meals for that extra layer of yum!
5 - Classic Coleslaw
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Classic coleslaw is our crunchy classic that we all know and love. It's creamy, tangy, and packs a fresh bite with every forkful.
We mix cabbage, carrots, and a zesty dressing, bringing a crunchy contrast to our meals.
The dressing often includes a splash of vinegar (about 1 tablespoon per cup of mayo), giving that nice tang we crave. It's the perfect side that leaves us refreshed and ready for the main dish.
You can't go wrong with this colorful and delicious bowl of goodness!
6 - Buttery Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob (Zea mays) is pure summertime goodness. The sweetness hits you first, then that buttery richness takes over.
Each bite is juicy and satisfying.
We love slathering it with melting butter, creating that delicious combination and it also pairs well with Mexican street corn style sides.
The bright yellow kernels bring a pop of colour to our plate. It's simple yet effective-just sprinkle a little salt, and we're in heaven.
This side dish goes well with meatloaf and never disappoints.
7 - Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread
Cheddar jalapeño cornbread is a true crowd-pleaser. The mix of sharp cheddar with spicy jalapeños (Capsicum annuum) creates a tempting flavor that's hard to resist.
We get a buttery, moist texture that complements both sweet and savory dishes.
It's the perfect side to add a spicy kick to any meal and complements buttery biscuit-style sides.
This cornbread will definitely steal the spotlight at the dinner table!
8 - Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries (Ipomoea batatas) are our absolute go-to for a side! These crispy gems bring a slightly sweet flavor that we crave.
They offer a satisfying contrast to a meaty dish. The golden edges are perfectly crunchy, while the insides stay soft and warm.
We love adding a pinch of salt for just the right touch.
Pairing these with a smoky dipping sauce takes everything up a notch. It's a simple way to add some fun to our plate!
9 - Savory Stuffing
Savory stuffing is like that friendly companion at every holiday dinner. It's all about fluffy bread mixed with herbs and spices that give it that warm, home-cooked vibe (typically a 1:1 bread-to-broth ratio).
We love adding sautéed veggies or sausage for extra oomph, creating layers of flavor. Each bite feels like a cozy hug that complements our meatloaf.
Aromatic herbs like sage and thyme dance together, leaving our palate excited.
The texture? Perfectly soft, with a bit of bite.
10 - Braised Red Cabbage
Braised red cabbage is a flavour bomb on our plates. It brings sweet and tangy vibes that play well with meatloaf.
We cook it slowly, letting the cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra) soften and soak up all those delicious juices.
The addition of apple or vinegar gives it a fruity zing, while spices like cloves add warmth. This side dish brings a lovely pop of colour and a refreshing crunch that brightens up our meal.
11 - Baked Beans
Baked beans (typically navy beans) bring a comforting sweetness and a smoky depth we adore. These beans mingle perfectly with meatloaf, adding texture with each bite.
We often enjoy them with a touch of brown sugar and a hint of mustard for a balanced flavor. Each spoonful is rich and hearty, making our plate feel complete.
They add a nice stickiness that ties everything together in a cozy meal vibe.
12 - Oven-Roasted Tomatoes
Baked beans are a classic comfort food that warms us right up. They have a sweet and smoky flavor that improves every meal.
The sauce is usually rich with hints of brown sugar and mustard, giving it a deliciously tangy kick.
Each bean is tender, creating a fun contrast in texture. These little bites go well with meatloaf, making our plates feel complete (oven-roasted tomatoes concentrate sugars for a caramelized bite).
It's that cozy dish that keeps us coming back for more!
13 - Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Cheesy broccoli casserole is our go-to side that never fails to impress. We love how the gooey cheese oozes with every scoop.
It combines tender broccoli florets (Brassica oleracea var. italica) with a creamy sauce for a rich flavor. A crunchy topping adds the perfect contrast to the softness underneath.
This dish is comforting and tastes great alongside nearly anything. Let's be real: cheese makes everything better, and this casserole proves that point.
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.
