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What to Serve with Short Ribs? 12 BEST Side Dishes

Short ribs are awesome. They’re tender, flavorful, and just hit the spot. We’ve all been there, thinking, “What on earth do we serve with these bad boys?” We got you covered.

It’s not just mashed potatoes, okay? We’re talking sides that will make your short ribs pop. We’re talking flavor explosions.

From creamy polenta to roasted veggies, we’ve listed some dynamite pairings. So grab a plate and let’s get to it.

Top 12 Side Dishes for Short Ribs

Here are some of our top picks for what to serve with short ribs:

Side DishMain IngredientsFlavorDifficultyTime
Creamy Parmesan PolentaPolenta, parmesan, butterCreamy, cheesyModerate30 min
Roasted Garlic Mashed CauliflowerCauliflower, garlic, butterGarlicky, creamyEasy45 min
Balsamic Glazed BeetsBeets, balsamic vinegarSweet, tangyEasy1 hr
Sautéed Kale with BaconKale, bacon, garlicSavory, smokyEasy20 min
Cheesy GritsGrits, cheese, creamCreamy, cheesyModerate30 min
Braised Red CabbageRed cabbage, vinegar, applesSweet, sourModerate1 hr
Rosemary Roasted Sweet PotatoesSweet potatoes, rosemary, oilEarthy, herbalEasy45 min
Mushroom RisottoArborio rice, mushrooms, cheeseCreamy, umamiModerate1 hr
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels SproutsBrussels sprouts, garlic, parmesanSavory, nuttyEasy30 min
Creamy Horseradish Mashed PotatoesPotatoes, horseradish, creamCreamy, spicyModerate45 min
Lemon Herb QuinoaQuinoa, lemon, herbsBright, herbalEasy30 min
Roasted Butternut Squash with CranberriesSquash, cranberries, mapleSweet, tartEasy1 hr

1 – Creamy Parmesan Polenta

Creamy parmesan polenta will be the creamy hug your short ribs need. It’s smooth, buttery, and boasts a bold parmesan punch. Ingredients? Simple. We’re talking cornmeal, chicken broth, butter, and parmesan.

It’s easy to whip up in no time. The rich flavors ooze comfort without overwhelming the main event. Tops with a drizzle of olive oil.

2 – Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Forget regular mashed potatoes. Roasted garlic mashed cauliflower is creamy and rich, with a delicious garlic kick. It’s lighter than potatoes, but just as satisfying.

Ingredients? Simple stuff. Cauliflower, roasted garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

We blend it until it’s silky smooth. The roasted garlic adds depth and warmth.

Perfect for pairing with short ribs without overpowering them.

3 – Balsamic Glazed Beets

Beets get a gourmet touch with balsamic glaze. Sweet, tangy, and earthy. We can’t get enough. This dish pairs perfectly with short ribs. The glaze caramelizes beautifully.

Ingredients: beets, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.

Roast the beets for a deep flavor. Glaze adds a sweet, tangy kick. Quick and delicious.

It’s a moment of culinary bliss.

4 – Sautéed Kale with Bacon

Okay, we’re talking sautéed kale with bacon. It’s got that crispy bacon crunch and the earthy goodness of kale. It’s simple but packed with flavor. Ingredients: kale, bacon, garlic, olive oil, and salt.

Bacon gives it that smoky taste. Kale adds a healthy twist. Quick tip: sauté the bacon first. Use its rendered fat for cooking kale. That’s how we roll.

5 – Cheesy Grits

Let’s talk cheesy grits, the ultimate sidekick for short ribs. Creamy, rich, and indulgent. Grits create a smooth, buttery base. Add cheddar and you’ve got magic. Ingredients? Simple: grits, milk, butter, sharp cheddar, and salt. We whip them until they’re creamy and luscious.

Sharp cheddar gives it a tangy kick. It balances the richness perfectly. We can’t resist a second helping.

6 – Braised Red Cabbage

Braised red cabbage is our go-to for a tangy, colorful side. It’s a balance of sweet and sour that complements short ribs perfectly.

Ingredients? Red cabbage, apple cider vinegar, red onions, sugar, apples, salt, and pepper. Each bite blends soft cabbage with a slight vinegar and apple sweetness.

We’ve tried it before, and the flavors sync wonderfully. One of our faves.

7 – Rosemary Roasted Sweet Potatoes

We love rosemary roasted sweet potatoes. Crispy edges, soft centers, and a herby kick. Our secret?

Fresh rosemary and a dash of sea salt. Ingredients are simple: sweet potatoes, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Each bite is a mix of sweet and savory. The rosemary adds a fragrant depth.

Perfect for pairing with short ribs.

8 – Mushroom Risotto

It’s creamy, earthy, and oh-so-satisfying. We’ve got creamy Arborio rice, sautéed mushrooms, and a splash of white wine.

With mushrooms, butter, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and Parmesan. The flavors? Rich and savory, with a hint of umami.

We love how it’s perfect with short ribs. Effortlessly delicious.

9 – Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

You know what’s better than Brussels sprouts? Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts. They’re crispy and savory with that perfect mix of garlic and parmesan. We blend olive oil with garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss the sprouts and roast them until golden.

They have a cheesy tang and a garlicky undertone. A simple, tasty side dish. One bite and you’ll get hooked like us on this combo! Anything with garlic and cheese is a hit in our book.

10 – Creamy Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Horseradish Mashed Potatoes are our new favorite. They’re rich and creamy with a spicy horseradish zing. Ingredients: potatoes, horseradish, butter, cream, salt.

We whip the potatoes until fluffy. Add a generous scoop of horseradish. The result? A perfect blend of creaminess and heat. So simple and tasty, we always go for seconds.

11 – Lemon Herb Quinoa

Lemon herb quinoa brings fresh zest with a herby touch. We love that pop of lemon. Ingredients: quinoa, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, and olive oil.

It’s light yet flavourful. It balances rich meats. Fluffy quinoa absorbs tangy lemon. Herbs add freshness. Garlic brings depth.

We’ve made this for rib nights. Perfect alongside those hearty short ribs.

12 – Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries

Butternut squash and cranberries. It’s a mix of sweet and tart. Squash gets tender with a caramelized hint. Cranberries add a tangy burst.

We’re using squash, cranberries, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast everything until the edges brown. Results? A heavenly blend of softness and zing.

We tried this at a potluck. It was a hit. An easy and festive side.

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