Shepherd’s pie, a comforting and hearty dish, is a classic for a reason. But even the most beloved main courses benefit from well-chosen side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal. If you’re wondering “what to serve with shepherd’s pie,” you’ve come to the right place. This guide explores a variety of delectable sides, from fresh salads to flavorful vegetables and comforting breads, ensuring your shepherd’s pie dinner is a resounding success. Get ready to discover 25 mouthwatering recipes that will elevate your next shepherd’s pie feast!
Vibrant Veggie Sides
Adding vegetables to your shepherd’s pie meal is not only healthy but also brings a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Hearty shepherd’s pie, rich in savory meat and creamy mashed potatoes, pairs beautifully with fresh, bright, or roasted vegetables.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions
For a touch of smoky, savory goodness, Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions is an excellent choice. This simple yet flavorful side dish offers a delightful tang and sweetness that cuts through the richness of shepherd’s pie. The crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch, while the onions provide a subtle sweetness that complements the cabbage perfectly. It’s a fantastic side for any time of year, not just St. Patrick’s Day!
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Overhead view of flavorful fried cabbage with bacon and onions in a black serving dish.
Maple Roasted Carrots
Introduce a touch of sweetness and vibrant color with Maple Roasted Carrots. The natural sweetness of carrots is enhanced by a buttery maple glaze, creating a caramelized and slightly sticky side dish that’s both elegant and easy to make. Roasting brings out the carrots’ inherent sweetness, and the maple glaze adds a gourmet touch that complements the savory notes of shepherd’s pie.
Charred Broccolini with Preserved Lemon
For a sophisticated and flavorful green vegetable option, try Charred Broccolini with Preserved Lemon. The slight bitterness of broccolini, when charred to perfection, is beautifully balanced by the bright, citrusy notes of preserved lemon and the salty caper dressing. This side dish adds a refreshing zest and a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the pie, creating a well-rounded meal.
Close-up shot of charred broccolini drizzled with preserved lemon dressing, showcasing its vibrant color and texture.Balsamic Green Beans
Keep it simple yet elegant with Balsamic Green Beans. This tangy and bright side dish requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that beautifully complements the savory shepherd’s pie. Green beans offer a satisfying crisp-tender texture and a vibrant green color that enhances the plate’s visual appeal.
Batata Harra – Lebanese Spicy Potatoes
If you crave a bit of spice and unique flavors, Batata Harra – Lebanese Spicy Potatoes are an exciting side to consider. These oven-roasted potatoes are tossed in a vibrant cilantro, garlic, and crushed red pepper sauce, offering a delightful kick and aromatic flavors. The lemony finish adds a refreshing zing that balances the richness of the shepherd’s pie, creating an adventurous and flavorful pairing.
Detailed image of Batata Harra, showcasing the spicy potatoes with cilantro garnish and red pepper flakes.Oven Roasted Vegetables Medley
For a colorful and nutritious option, an Oven Roasted Vegetables Medley is always a winner. This versatile side dish can include a variety of seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and more, all roasted to tender perfection. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and creates a slightly caramelized flavor that complements the hearty shepherd’s pie.
Roasted Beets with Herby Skyr & Pistachios Recipe
Add an earthy sweetness and beautiful presentation with Roasted Beets with Herby Skyr & Pistachios. Roasted beets offer a deep, rich flavor that pairs surprisingly well with savory dishes. The herby skyr (Icelandic yogurt) adds a creamy tang, while the pistachios provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, creating a sophisticated and flavorful side dish.
Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Indulge in a sweet and comforting side with Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes. These tender roasted sweet potatoes are coated in a spiced, sweet sauce and topped with crunchy, buttery pecans. The sweetness and warmth of candied sweet potatoes offer a delicious contrast to the savory shepherd’s pie, especially during holiday meals.
Roasted Green Beans and Carrots
For a classic and simple side, Roasted Green Beans and Carrots are always a crowd-pleaser. This easy dish requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum flavor. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of both vegetables, and a simple seasoning of olive oil, salt, and herbs allows their flavors to shine. It’s a versatile side that pairs well with almost any main course, including shepherd’s pie.
Overhead shot of roasted green beans and carrots, showcasing their vibrant colors and slightly caramelized texture.Crispy Thai Brussel Sprouts
Elevate your Brussel sprouts game with Crispy Thai Brussel Sprouts. These sprouts are roasted or pan-fried until crispy and then tossed in a flavorful salty and sweet Thai-inspired sauce. The crunchy peanuts, refreshing mint, and hint of spice from red jalapeños add layers of flavor and texture that make this side dish truly addictive. The sweet and spicy notes provide a delightful contrast to the savory shepherd’s pie.
Cauliflower Steaks with Caramelized Shallots
For a more substantial and elegant vegetable side, consider Cauliflower Steaks with Caramelized Shallots. Thick slices of cauliflower are roasted until tender and slightly caramelized, then topped with sweet and savory caramelized shallots and a creamy tahini sauce. This plant-forward dish is bursting with flavor and offers a satisfying bite, making it a sophisticated pairing for shepherd’s pie.
Overhead image of cauliflower steaks topped with caramelized shallots, chickpeas, and tahini sauce, highlighting the dish's gourmet presentation.Fresh and Light Side Salads
A fresh side salad is a wonderful way to balance the richness of shepherd’s pie. The crisp greens, vibrant vegetables, and light dressings offer a refreshing contrast and cleanse the palate.
Mixed Green Salad
Keep it classic and healthy with a simple Mixed Green Salad. A medley of different greens provides a variety of textures and flavors. Add your favorite toppings like cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and customizable side salad. A mixed green salad is a versatile and easy way to add freshness to your shepherd’s pie meal.
Spinach Salad with Strawberry Salad Dressing
For a touch of sweetness and unexpected flavor, try a Spinach Salad with Strawberry Salad Dressing. The tender spinach leaves are complemented by a homemade strawberry vinaigrette that’s both sweet and tangy. Fresh strawberries and crunchy pralines add extra layers of flavor and texture, making this salad a delightful and unique side dish.
Balsamic Pasta Salad
For a slightly more substantial salad option, Balsamic Pasta Salad is a great choice. This colorful and flavorful salad combines pasta shells with bell peppers, red onion, tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumber, and a sweet-and-sour balsamic vinaigrette. The pasta adds a bit more heartiness, while the vegetables and vinaigrette keep it refreshing and balanced. It’s a perfect side for a casual shepherd’s pie dinner.
Comforting Bread Sides
Bread is a natural companion to shepherd’s pie, perfect for soaking up the savory gravy and adding another layer of comfort to the meal. From fluffy rolls to cheesy biscuits, bread sides are always a welcome addition.
Old Fashioned Yeast Rolls Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort with Old Fashioned Yeast Rolls. These rolls are rich, fluffy, and slightly sweet, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The addition of heavy cream and honey butter makes them incredibly moist and flavorful. These yeast rolls are worth the effort and are sure to be a hit alongside shepherd’s pie.
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Sourdough Dinner Rolls with Rosemary
For a touch of rustic charm and aromatic flavor, try Sourdough Dinner Rolls with Rosemary. These rolls are incredibly fluffy and soft, with a subtle tang from the sourdough starter and a fragrant hint of rosemary. The rosemary adds a savory and slightly piney note that complements the flavors of shepherd’s pie beautifully.
Overhead view of sourdough dinner rolls with rosemary, showcasing their golden-brown crust and rosemary garnish.Mexican Cornbread Recipe
Add a touch of Southwestern flair with Mexican Cornbread. This moist and delicious cornbread is made with creamed corn, cheddar cheese, and green chilies. The slight sweetness from the corn and the cheesy, slightly spicy flavors from the cheddar and chilies create a unique and flavorful bread that pairs surprisingly well with shepherd’s pie.
Bisquick Cheddar Biscuits
For a quick and easy bread side, Bisquick Cheddar Biscuits are a fantastic option. These golden brown biscuits are cheesy and savory, and they come together in just over 20 minutes using Bisquick mix. The cheesy flavor and fluffy texture make them a comforting and satisfying side for shepherd’s pie.
Quick & Easy Air Fryer Sides
For those busy weeknights or when you want a quick and healthy side, air fryer vegetables are the perfect solution. They cook quickly and achieve a wonderful crisp-tender texture with minimal effort.
Air Fryer Baby Carrots
Simple and sweet, Air Fryer Baby Carrots are ready in minutes. Air frying brings out the natural sweetness of baby carrots and creates a slightly caramelized exterior. A drizzle of honey or your favorite seasonings can elevate this simple side dish even further. Air fryer carrots are a healthy and quick way to add vegetables to your shepherd’s pie meal.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Transform Brussels sprouts into a crispy and delicious side with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Air frying ensures they become beautifully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Season them simply with salt and pepper, or add your favorite spices for extra flavor. Even picky eaters might become Brussels sprouts fans with this method!
Overhead view of air fryer Brussels sprouts, showcasing their crispy edges and tender centers.
Air Fryer Green Beans
For a quick and healthy green side, Air Fryer Green Beans are an excellent choice. They cook in minutes and achieve a wonderful crisp-tender texture. Simply seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, these green beans are packed with flavor and offer a satisfying crunch. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end adds a touch of freshness.
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Enjoy perfectly cooked cauliflower in minutes with Air Fryer Cauliflower. Air frying creates tender cauliflower with slightly crispy edges. Season it with your favorite spices or keep it simple with salt and pepper. Air fryer cauliflower is a versatile and healthy side dish that pairs well with shepherd’s pie.
Overhead image of air fryer cauliflower florets with garnish, highlighting their golden-brown and slightly crispy texture.FAQs about Shepherd’s Pie Sides
Should I cover Shepherd’s Pie when reheating?
Yes, it’s best to cover the pie with foil or a lid to prevent the top from drying out when reheating. This will ensure your shepherd’s pie remains moist and delicious even after reheating.
Enjoy your shepherd’s pie with any combination of these delicious side dishes! Experiment with different pairings to find your family’s favorites and create memorable and satisfying meals.
