Introduction:
The topic of what to serve with meatloaf is one that is frequently asked. A delicious side dish can enhance the taste of the meatloaf and elevate an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast. To help you choose, I’ve included a quick synopsis of each of the top 20 side dishes that go well with meatloaf in this post. Let’s explore together…
What to Serve with Meatloaf
1. Mashed potatoes:
Mashed potatoes are the classic comfort dish. They are the perfect addition to meatloaf since they are creamy, fluffy, and rich. Cook or steam the potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and delicious.
2. Roasted Vegetables:
Roasting veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini not only intensifies their flavors but also gives a wonderful charred flavor that matches the savory meatloaf perfectly. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs before roasting until soft and slightly caramelized.
3. Garlic Bread:
Warm, crusty garlic bread spread with delicious butter and minced garlic is aromatic and tasty. Bake it till golden brown, and the delectable aroma will make your mouth swim.
4. Green Beans Almondine:
Try green beans almondine for a refined touch. These blanched green beans are sautéed with slivered almonds, adding a delicious crisp and nutty taste to offset the richness of the meatloaf.
5. Coleslaw:
Coleslaw is a traditional side dish that has a creamy and tangy sauce. It’s ideal for individuals who enjoy a crisp, refreshing accompaniment to their meal. Cabbage, carrots, and mayonnaise combine to produce a flavor and texture harmony.
6. Caesar Salad:
A Caesar salad, made with crisp romaine lettuce, crispy croutons, and a zesty Caesar dressing, is a classic. It gives a burst of freshness and tanginess to your meatloaf, perfectly balancing the savory elements.
7. Cornbread:
Cornbread is a Southern classic that goes perfectly with meatloaf. It’s sweet, moist, and golden. With its gentle sweetness and crumbly texture, it’s like a warm hug for your taste senses.
8. Rice Pilaf:
A fragrant rice pilaf seasoned with herbs and spices goes well with meatloaf. The pairing of fluffy rice grains and aromatic spices is hearty and fulfilling.
9. Sweet Potato Fries:
Crispy, slightly sweet sweet potato fries add a great textural and flavor contrast to your meatloaf. Slice sweet potatoes into thin strips, drizzle with oil and seasonings of choice, and bake until crispy and golden.
10. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms:
These stuffed mushrooms are a tasty and cheesy side dish that complements the main course. Large mushroom caps are packed with spinach, feta cheese, and spices to make a delightful accompaniment to your meatloaf.
11. Macaroni and Cheese:
Creamy macaroni and cheese is the ideal comfort food, and its cheesy richness complements meatloaf perfectly. Cook the macaroni, then combine it with a decadent cheese sauce and bake till golden and bubbly.
12. Quinoa Salad:
A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette is a fantastic alternative for a healthier side dish. Quinoa serves as a light, protein-rich foundation, while the fresh vegetables give a burst of flavor and crunch.
13. Honey Glazed Carrots:
Tender carrots coated with honey and butter add a touch of sweetness to the savory meatloaf. The honey enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots, resulting in a pleasant mix.
14. Creamed Spinach:
The velvety creamed spinach is a rich and decadent side dish that enhances the savory flavors of the meatloaf. Cook spinach with garlic and onion until tender, then add cream and cheese for a wonderful, creamy finish.
15. Roasted Asparagus:
Roasted asparagus spears with an olive oil drizzle and parmesan cheese sprinkling are a simple yet attractive side dish. The roasting procedure brings out the natural sweetness of the asparagus, while the cheese provides a salty note.
16. Baked Beans:
Smoky, sweet baked beans are a traditional American side dish that complements meatloaf. The mix of delicate beans, molasses, and bacon creates a beautiful blend of flavors that pairs wonderfully with your meatloaf.
17. Cucumber Salad:
A light and refreshing cucumber salad with a spicy vinegar-based dressing complements the flavorful meatloaf. For a simple yet tasty side, thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions are marinated in the acidic dressing.
18. Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans:
Crispy bacon-wrapped green beans provide a smokiness and crunch to the dish that improves it. The bacon lends a wonderful salty richness, while the green beans provide a refreshing counterpoint.
19. Sautéed Mushrooms:
Sautéed mushrooms with garlic and herbs provide a rich, earthy flavor that enhances the flavor of the meatloaf. The aromatic mushrooms add dimension to any dish and may be prepared in a variety of ways.
20. Caprese Salad:
A light and lively alternative is a Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and a splash of balsamic sauce. The salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the meatloaf and highlights the bright, uncomplicated flavors of its ingredients.
8 Best Sauces to Elevate Your Meatloaf
With the right sauce, a cherished staple like meatloaf can be elevated to new heights. The correct sauce may give your meatloaf depth, flavor, and a hint of richness. In this section, I’ll introduce you to the eight greatest sauces to serve with meatloaf, each with a distinct flavor that will enrich your eating experience. So, be with me…
1. Homemade BBQ Sauce:
A flexible and delicious addition to meatloaf is homemade BBQ sauce. Combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of spices like paprika and cayenne pepper to make a simple version. Simmer until the liquid thickens and the flavors combine. This sauce has a sweet, tangy, and slightly smokey flavor that adds a cozy, homemade touch to meatloaf.
2. Brown Mushroom Gravy:
Brown mushroom gravy is a delicious and earthy alternative that complements meatloaf perfectly. Begin by browning the mushrooms, onions, and garlic in butter. Make a roux with the flour, then whisk in the beef broth and boil until thickened. The end product is a rich, umami-packed gravy that perfectly matches the tastes of the meatloaf.
3. Brown Onion Gravy:
Brown onion gravy is a rich, warming sauce that goes great with meatloaf. To create it, caramelize finely chopped onions in butter, then add beef broth and reduce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’ll have a savory gravy with a sweet hint from the caramelized onions.
4. Sweet Chili Sauce:
Sweet chili sauce is a wonderful choice for a little of sweetness with a hint of fire. Its flavor profile of sugar, red chili peppers, and vinegar contrasts sharply with the meatloaf. Drizzle it over the meatloaf or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.
5. Garlic Aioli:
Garlic aioli is a creamy, garlicky sauce that goes perfectly with meatloaf. Combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of salt to make it. This zesty and delicious sauce gives your meatloaf a great zing.
6. Tangy Mustard Sauce:
Tangy mustard sauce is a traditional condiment with a kick that goes great with meatloaf. To achieve a combination of sweet and tart flavors, combine Dijon mustard, honey, white wine vinegar, and a touch of salt.
7. Hollandaise Sauce:
The Hollandaise sauce elevates the flavor of your meatloaf. It’s a buttery, creamy sauce with a tinge of lemon. To make it, mix together the egg yolks, butter, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper until thick and velvety. For a luxurious touch, drizzle it over the meatloaf.
8. Cranberry Sauce:
Cranberry sauce is a sweet and tart alternative, ideal for special events. The bright and fruity tones in this sauce complement the savory meatloaf well. To add a festive touch to your meal, use homemade cranberry sauce or store-bought varieties.
Some Other Recipes For Meatloaf Lovers:
Conclusion
The humble meatloaf takes center stage in the world of culinary innovation, and the wide range of side dishes and sauces we’ve explored offers a symphony of tastes to accompany it. There’s something for every taste bud, from the classic charm of mashed potatoes to the elegance of hollandaise sauce and the tartness of horseradish cream. These carefully picked options encourage you to personalize your meatloaf experience, turning it into a delectable culinary adventure. So, whether you’re looking for comfort or a gourmet touch, these sides and sauces will elevate your meal and ensure your meatloaf moments are nothing short of exceptional.