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What to Serve with Prime Ribs? 12 BEST Side Dishes

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 DishMain IngredientsFlavor ProfileDifficultyTime
Garlic Mashed PotatoesPotatoes, garlic, butterCreamy, garlickyEasy30 min
Honey Glazed CarrotsCarrots, honey, butterSweet, butteryEasy20 min
Parmesan Roasted CauliflowerCauliflower, Parmesan, olive oilSavory, cheesyEasy25 min
Spinach GratinSpinach, cream, cheeseRich, creamyMedium35 min
Lemon Butter Green BeansGreen beans, lemon, butterZesty, butteryEasy15 min
Wild Rice PilafWild rice, mushrooms, onionsEarthy, savoryMedium40 min
Balsamic Roasted Red OnionsRed onions, balsamic vinegar, olive oilTangy, sweetEasy30 min
Creamed CornCorn, cream, butterSweet, creamyEasy20 min
Brussels Sprouts with BaconBrussels sprouts, bacon, garlicSavory, smokyMedium25 min
Buttery Dinner RollsFlour, butter, yeastSoft, butteryMedium2 hrs
Apple Walnut SaladApples, walnuts, mixed greensFresh, crunchyEasy10 min
Truffle Parmesan FriesPotatoes, truffle oil, ParmesanSavory, umamiMedium30 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.

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