Cottage pie, a comforting classic, is beloved for its rich, savory meat base and creamy mashed potato topping. But even the most perfect cottage pie can be elevated with the right side dishes. If you’re wondering “What To Serve With Cottage Pie” to create a truly memorable meal, you’ve come to the right place.
A hearty serving of cottage pie accompanied by classic side vegetables: broccoli, peas, and red cabbage.
This guide will explore a variety of fantastic side dishes that complement cottage pie, from classic vegetable pairings to fresh salads and comforting bread options. We’ll help you choose the perfect accompaniments to create a balanced and satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
Classic Vegetable Sides for Cottage Pie
When it comes to traditional pairings, vegetables are a must-have with cottage pie. They provide a welcome contrast in texture and flavor, cutting through the richness of the pie.
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Peas: Sweet and simple, peas are a quintessential side for cottage pie. Their bright green color and gentle sweetness offer a lovely counterpoint to the savory pie. Whether you opt for garden peas, mushy peas, or petit pois, they’re always a winner.
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Broccoli: Steamed or roasted broccoli florets provide a slightly bitter and earthy flavor that balances the richness of the cottage pie beautifully. The florets also offer a nice textural contrast.
A plate of cottage pie with gravy, served alongside broccoli, peas, and pickled red cabbage. A baking dish with more cottage pie is in the background on a wooden board.
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Carrots: Roasted or steamed carrots bring a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the plate. Their natural sweetness complements the savory meat filling of the cottage pie, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
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Green Beans: Whether sautéed, steamed, or roasted, green beans offer a crisp and fresh element. A light drizzle of lemon juice or a sprinkle of toasted almonds can elevate simple green beans to a delightful side dish.
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Cabbage: Steamed or buttered cabbage provides a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture that works wonderfully with cottage pie. For a richer flavor, consider Savoy cabbage.
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Mashed Swede (Rutabaga): For another creamy element, mashed swede is a fantastic choice. Its slightly sweet and earthy flavor profile complements the potato topping and savory filling of the cottage pie.
Fresh Salads to Balance Richness
To lighten up your cottage pie meal, consider serving a fresh salad alongside. The acidity and crispness of a salad can beautifully cut through the richness of the pie.
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Simple Green Salad: A classic green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is always a refreshing option. Lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes are a great base, and you can add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes. A light vinaigrette will provide the perfect tangy contrast.
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Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw can add a cool and crunchy element to the meal. The slight sweetness and tanginess of coleslaw provides a delightful counterpoint to the savory cottage pie.
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Tomato Salad: A vibrant tomato salad with fresh herbs like basil or parsley is a delicious summer side. The acidity of the tomatoes and the freshness of the herbs create a light and flavorful accompaniment.
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Beetroot Salad: For something a little different, a beetroot salad with feta cheese and walnuts offers a beautiful combination of earthy, salty, and crunchy textures and flavors.
Bread and Grains for Extra Comfort
If you’re looking to make your cottage pie meal even more substantial and comforting, consider adding bread or grains to the table.
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Crusty Bread: A simple loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy from the cottage pie. Sourdough, baguette, or ciabatta would all be excellent choices.
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Garlic Bread: For a more indulgent option, garlic bread adds a flavorful and aromatic element. The garlicky butter complements the savory flavors of the cottage pie.
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Buttered Rolls: Soft, buttered rolls are another comforting option that’s perfect for mopping up gravy and enjoying alongside the hearty pie.
Don’t Forget the Gravy!
While technically not a side dish, extra gravy is an essential accompaniment to cottage pie. The original recipe cleverly provides instructions to ensure you have a jug of delicious gravy to serve. Don’t skip this step! The rich, meaty gravy elevates the entire meal and ties all the elements together.
A freshly baked traditional cottage pie in a glass dish rests on a wooden board. The top layer is golden brown and textured. Nearby, a bowl of green peas and a smaller bowl of sliced red cabbage are placed on the table.
Other Delicious Side Dish Ideas
Looking for something a little different? Here are a few more side dish ideas to consider:
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Pickled Red Cabbage: As suggested in the original recipe, pickled red cabbage offers a tangy and crunchy contrast to the rich pie. Its vibrant color also adds visual appeal to the plate.
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Roasted Root Vegetables: A medley of roasted root vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, and turnips adds sweetness and earthiness. Their slightly caramelized edges provide a delightful texture.
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Cauliflower Cheese: For an extra indulgent side, cauliflower cheese is a creamy and comforting option. The cheesy sauce complements the mashed potato topping of the cottage pie.
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Yorkshire Pudding: If you want to embrace the British theme fully, Yorkshire puddings are a classic accompaniment. Their light and airy texture is perfect for soaking up gravy.
Choosing the Right Sides for Your Cottage Pie
Ultimately, the best side dishes for cottage pie depend on your personal preferences and the occasion. Consider these factors when making your choices:
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Balance: Aim for a balance of flavors and textures. If your cottage pie is very rich, choose lighter and fresher sides like salads or simple steamed vegetables.
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Seasonality: Consider seasonal vegetables for the freshest and most flavorful options.
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Dietary Needs: Take into account any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests. There are plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free side dish options available.
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Effort: Choose side dishes that fit your time and energy levels. Simple steamed vegetables are quick and easy, while roasted vegetables or more elaborate salads may require more preparation.
A freshly baked cottage pie with gravy sits in a glass dish on a wooden board, with a portion missing to reveal the filling beneath the golden mashed potato crust. A small bowl of green peas and a fabric napkin are nearby.
By considering these factors and exploring the variety of side dish options, you can confidently answer the question “what to serve with cottage pie” and create a truly satisfying and delicious meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect pairings! Enjoy your cottage pie feast!
