Meatloaf is an old-time favorite that goes back to your grandmother’s day. It is classic comfort food that might remind you of Sunday dinners.
Meatloaf is usually served with one or two side dishes, including a vegetable, but there are many choices for what goes good with meatloaf.
Each of our favorites listed below adds a unique element to this dish, and I’m sure that your family will love it.
11 Best Side Dishes To Serve With Meatloaf
Here are a few sides for meatloaf that you can mix and match for endless meal combinations.
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are a great accompaniment to any meal. It’s smooth, creamy texture enhanced with the flavors of butter, garlic, and parsley makes this dish anything but boring.
This recipe can be made ahead! When you’re ready, reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Leftover mashed potatoes can be served for lunch or added to other dinner meals to stretch your food budget. Use leftover potatoes within a day or two as they tend to get watery.
2. Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
This roasted red potatoes recipe can make any meal better. Sweet and starchy, red potatoes get a nice crispy texture when baked in the oven, and the addition of rosemary, olive oil, and kosher salt makes them delicious.
Potatoes are filling and make one of the best side dishes for meatloaf. They soak up the flavors from the meat juices, and their crispy texture makes them a pleasure to eat.
Roasted potatoes are similar in texture to French fries, which go great with many different types of meat dishes like chicken pot pie.
3. Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Who doesn’t love macaroni and cheese? This is a side dish that appeals to kids and adults alike. It’s made with two kinds of cheese and a creamy sauce. This dish is easy to make and should come together in minutes.
For a crispy texture, pop it in the oven and broil until the top is slightly browned and the cheese is bubbling.
Most people think macaroni and cheese is a bland dish because all they have to compare is box macaroni and cheese from the grocery store.
This creamy dish is made from scratch with gruyere and cheddar cheese in a creamy cheese sauce and layered with more cheese, and baked in the oven to get browned and toasty.
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4. Crispy Baked Cauliflower Wings
Served alone with sauce or combined with the main dish, these crispy cauliflower bites are baked in the oven for a crisp, meaty texture.
Cauliflower is also served as a substitute for rice or potatoes and as a vegan meat option.
The cauliflower pieces are dipped in batter and baked in the oven for 25 minutes to give them a crispy texture and allow them to soak up your favorite hot sauce or spicy dipping sauces. These “wings” can be made mild by substituting sweet chili sauce for half the hot sauce.
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5. Southern Fried Cabbage
Fried cabbage is a southern family favorite. When sauteed in olive oil with onion and bacon, this classic dish goes great with meatloaf and a piece of cornbread or dinner roll.
It is easy to make in under 10 minutes and will leave you wanting another helping.
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If you have leftovers, it’s great the day after. Serve it for lunch or as a last-minute dinner item. Cabbage has high water content, so it’s not good to freeze. It does reheat well in the microwave, though.
6. Butternut Squash with Wild Rice
This dish combines the flavors of wild rice, butternut squash, onion, balsamic vinegar, cranberries, and almonds into a tasty side dish that will make your mouth water. This dish is great for fall or winter meals because it showcases fall produce.
Did you know that wild rice is not rice? It’s a type of aquatic grass that grows along the banks of lakes and streams. It is very nutritious and has protein, manganese, and magnesium that make it a healthy addition to meals.
7. Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Are you craving a cheesy rice dish that is healthy and delicious? This rice dish uses rice (white or brown), butter, Campbell’s cream soups, chopped broccoli, and cheese sauce. This versatile dish can be cooked on the stovetop or baked in the oven as a casserole.
Like potatoes, rice and cheese go with just about any main dish, and leftovers are delicious the next day. Reheat in the microwave for 2 – 3 minutes on high.
This can be kept in the refrigerator for a day or two but does not freeze well, so you want to use it quickly.
8. Oven-roasted Asparagus
Asparagus is one vegetable that is versatile and goes great with many types of meats. Oven-roasted asparagus with a little butter and parmesan cheese, this dish will melt in your mouth and make you wish you had made a bigger batch.
Asparagus takes on the flavor of the seasonings and spices you cook it with. Season it with salt, pepper, and whatever else you would like to add. It will be delicious and make a great addition to your dinner meal.
9. Apple Walnut Salad
Another fall favorite that makes a good side dish is a mixed salad. This side salad combines apples, walnuts, cranberries, crisp romaine lettuce, and gorgonzola cheese into a delightful salad served with a cider vinaigrette.
Delicious and tangy, your dinner will be a hit with the whole family served with a generous helping of melt in your mouth meatloaf.
10. Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
Brussel sprouts are tiny vegetables that resemble small cabbages. They are deliciously cooked and served in many ways. One way is to roast them in the oven drizzled with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper.
After removing them from the oven, top them with any of your favorites like bacon, fried onions, parmesan cheese, or any other combination of flavors.
11. Maple Baked Beans
These Baked beans are deliciously flavored with maple syrup, brown sugar, and slices of smoked bacon. A picnic favorite, this dish can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator until ready to serve for a dinner meal and leftovers the next day. It can last several days in the fridge but may not freeze well.
These ideas for side dishes will help you keep a little variety in your meals and gain a reputation as a creative cook. Try any of these combinations when serving meatloaf or any main dish meals for a new spin on an old classic favorite.
