Prime ribs are a fancy affair, but what really makes them shine are the sides.
We’ve all been there, staring at a massive piece of meat and wondering, “What’s next?” Let’s crack this code together.
From garlic mashed potatoes to walnut salad, these dishes will elevate your prime rib game.
We’ve got some wild, personal favorites to share. Let’s not play it safe—let’s talk about those sides that’ll make you look like a culinary genius.
Top 12 Side Dishes for Prime Ribs
Here are our top 12 picks for side dishes to serve with prime ribs:
Side Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Difficulty | Time |
Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Potatoes, garlic, butter | Creamy, garlicky | Easy | 30 min |
Honey Glazed Carrots | Carrots, honey, butter | Sweet, buttery | Easy | 20 min |
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower | Cauliflower, Parmesan, olive oil | Savory, cheesy | Easy | 25 min |
Spinach Gratin | Spinach, cream, cheese | Rich, creamy | Medium | 35 min |
Lemon Butter Green Beans | Green beans, lemon, butter | Zesty, buttery | Easy | 15 min |
Wild Rice Pilaf | Wild rice, mushrooms, onions | Earthy, savory | Medium | 40 min |
Balsamic Roasted Red Onions | Red onions, balsamic vinegar, olive oil | Tangy, sweet | Easy | 30 min |
Creamed Corn | Corn, cream, butter | Sweet, creamy | Easy | 20 min |
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon | Brussels sprouts, bacon, garlic | Savory, smoky | Medium | 25 min |
Buttery Dinner Rolls | Flour, butter, yeast | Soft, buttery | Medium | 2 hrs |
Apple Walnut Salad | Apples, walnuts, mixed greens | Fresh, crunchy | Easy | 10 min |
Truffle Parmesan Fries | Potatoes, truffle oil, Parmesan | Savory, umami | Medium | 30 min |
1 – Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are a serious show-stealer. Creamy, buttery, with a hint of garlic that makes you want more. We use Yukon Gold potatoes for that perfect texture.
Add a splash of cream, a knob of butter, and plenty of minced garlic. These spuds are perfect beside prime ribs. A little parsley on top doesn’t hurt either.
2 – Honey Glazed Carrots
Carrots have never been this cool. Honey-glazed with a touch of thyme for that herby kick.
Crisp-tender texture meets sweet-savory flavor. We toss ’em with olive oil, honey, salt, and a whisper of cracked pepper. Roast till caramelized.
They look fancy, taste amazing. Quick to prep and sure to impress. We’ve tested it; less chance of leftovers!
3 – Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Let’s talk cauliflower that’ll knock your socks off. Roasting cauliflower with parmesan changes the game. It’s crispy, cheesy, and downright addictive.
We coat it in olive oil, sprinkle with grated parmesan, and season with salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic powder. Roast till golden and crunchy. Simple, tasty, and a perfect prime rib partner. We practically fight over the last piece.
4 – Spinach Gratin
Spinach gratin is pure comfort. Creamy spinach and gooey cheese baked to golden perfection. We mix fresh spinach with a creamy béchamel sauce, sprinkle with parmesan, and bake till bubbly.
It’s hearty, cheesy, and has that wonderful spinach taste. This dish pairs brilliantly with prime ribs. Remember to use fresh spinach for the best flavor. It’s a favorite at our gatherings!
5 – Lemon Butter Green Beans
Green beans in lemon butter? Pure joy. Crisp beans with a zesty kick. Balance of citrus and creamy butter is bliss. Cook till tender, toss in lemon juice, zest, salt, pepper.
We sprinkle with toasted almond slivers for crunch. Simple, yet sublime. It’s almost too easy. Perfect contrast to juicy prime ribs.
We love it at gatherings. Always a hit.
6 – Wild Rice Pilaf
It’s earthy, nutty, and full of texture. We love that it complements prime ribs without stealing the spotlight. Ingredients? Wild rice, mushrooms, onions, garlic, chicken broth, and a few herbs.
We sauté onions and garlic, add mushrooms, then the rice and broth. Cook till tender. The broth adds depth. Each bite is hearty and satisfying.
Here’s a tip: use fresh herbs to brighten the flavors. We always get compliments.
7 – Balsamic Roasted Red Onions
Ever tried roasting red onions? We love how balsamic vinegar caramelizes them. Sweet, tangy, and umami goodness. Slice some red onions, drizzle balsamic vinegar and olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Roast till soft and brown.
Perfect side for prime ribs. Pairing meat and this side is epic. We swear by it for our gatherings.
8 – Creamed Corn
Remember creamed corn from family dinners? Our twist on it is rich, sweet, and creamy. We use fresh corn, butter, cream, and a bit of sugar. It’s got that perfect balance—crunchy and smooth.
Personal pro tip: We always add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra kick. It’s delightful with prime ribs, trust us. You’ll be licking the bowl clean.
9 – Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts and bacon are a match made in heaven. Roasted Brussels sprouts gain crispy, caramelized edges. The bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that’s just irresistible.
Always olive oil, salt, and the key player—crispy bacon bits. We toss them together and roast till golden. Our secret ingredient? A splash of apple cider vinegar. It adds a tangy twist, elevating the flavors beautifully.
10 – Buttery Dinner Rolls
You know what’s great with prime ribs? Buttery dinner rolls. Soft, fluffy, and warm. We love slathering them with melting butter. They’re simple and always a hit.
Ingredients? Flour, yeast, butter, milk, and a touch of sugar. We bake them till golden brown. They’re perfect for mopping up juices from the prime ribs. We always make extras.
11 – Apple Walnut Salad
Salad with zing and crunch. Apples bring sweetness, walnuts add a nutty bite. Crisp, fresh, and vibrant. We mix apples, walnuts, greens, and a hint of cheese.
Simple vinaigrette ties flavors together. Tangy, sweet, and crunchy—hits all the right notes. Great balance with juicy prime ribs. Trust us, it’s always a hit at our table.
12 – Truffle Parmesan Fries
Fries go fancy with truffle and parmesan. We’re talking crispy golden fries with an earthy truffle aroma. Grated parmesan adds cheesy goodness. Simple ingredients: potatoes, truffle oil, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Perfect balance of crispy and savory. We always sneak an extra bite. Truffle oil is key. Adds that unique touch. We call it our guilty pleasure.
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.