Wondering what to serve with meatloaf? Explore our favorite sides that complement this hearty entree and make your dinner complete. From classic favorites to unexpected pairings, we have a variety of delicious side dishes that will pair oh-so-well with meatloaf.
Explore a variety of great meatloaf side dishes beyond the usual rice and mashed potatoes!
Side Dishes For Meatloaf
Whether you prefer cornbread, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or refreshing salads, there are numerous side dishes that perfectly complement meatloaf. We want to share some of our personal favorite sides with you. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect accompaniments for a scrumptious dining experience!
1. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are an undeniable crowd-pleaser, especially during holiday gatherings. They often steal the spotlight at the dinner table, and this recipe is no exception. Prepare yourself for a delightful twist with Caramelized Shallot Mashed potatoes. This delectable side dish is so irresistible that it can be enjoyed with any meal, not just meatloaf.
2. Air Fryer Potato Skins
Elevate your meatloaf meal with a delicious side dish of air fryer potato skins. These crispy and flavorful potato skins are the perfect accompaniment to your main course. Loaded with toppings like cheese, bacon, and sour cream, they add an extra layer of indulgence to your dining experience.
3. Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
The creamy and rich flavors of the spinach complement the hearty and savory taste of the meatloaf. The smooth texture adds a luxurious touch to your meal, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether served as a side dish or as a topping for your meatloaf, it adds a delicious and nutritious element to your plate.
4. Southern Fried Cabbage
Southern fried cabbage is a fantastic side dish for meatloaf. Its tender yet slightly crispy texture, combined with the flavorful seasonings, creates a delightful contrast to the savory meatloaf. The cabbage’s natural sweetness adds a pleasant balance to the meal, making it a winning combination that will satisfy your taste buds. Don’t miss out on this delicious duo!
5. Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is an excellent choice as a side dish for meatloaf. It’s incredibly simple to make! Just spread butter and cheese on your bread slices, then air fry them until the cheese melts.
The best part about garlic bread is its versatility. You can customize it by adding your favorite toppings. Give it a try and enjoy the flavorful combination.
6. Steamed Broccoli
If you’re craving something fresh and healthy, broccoli is the perfect choice. It’s far from boring! This side dish is incredibly quick, and turns out perfectly tender every time! Once it’s done, you can enhance its flavor by adding butter and your favorite seasonings. Don’t miss out on this vibrant vegetable side dish that pairs wonderfully with meatloaf!
7. Cheesy Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
The combination of tender roasted Brussels sprouts, melted cheese, and savory garlic creates a delicious and flavorful accompaniment to the hearty meatloaf. It’s a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will elevate your meal to a whole new level of deliciousness!
8. Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus
The tender asparagus spears are roasted to perfection, infused with the rich flavors of garlic and topped with melted cheese. The combination of the savory cheese, aromatic garlic, and the earthy taste of asparagus adds depth and deliciousness to your meal. It’s a winning combination that will satisfy your taste buds and make your meatloaf dinner even more enjoyable!
9. Cabbage Steaks
These thick slices of cabbage are roasted to perfection, creating a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The outer layers become crispy and caramelized while the inner layers remain tender. The mild and slightly sweet taste of the cabbage pairs wonderfully with the savory meatloaf, providing a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
10. Roasted Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad
This vibrant and flavorful salad features roasted cauliflower as the star ingredient, which adds a delightful nutty and slightly caramelized taste. Combined with fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, chickpeas, and tangy lemon dressing, the tabbouleh salad offers a refreshing and light contrast to the rich and hearty meatloaf.
11. Easy Instant Pot Potato Salad
This creamy and flavorful potato salad is made effortlessly using the Instant Pot, resulting in perfectly cooked and tender potatoes. The combination of creamy mayo, tangy mustard, and various seasonings makes a delightful dressing that complements the rich flavors of meatloaf.
12. Brown Rice
Brown rice is a nutritious and wholesome choice that adds a healthy element to your meal. It’s a great option for those looking for a healthier alternative to white rice. Whether served on the side or as a base for the meatloaf, brown rice adds depth and satisfaction to the overall dish.
13. Marinated Mushrooms
Enhance your meatloaf feast with these delectable marinated mushrooms! Bursting with savory flavors, these tender and tangy mushrooms create the perfect side dish. Their earthy taste and succulent texture beautifully complement the richness of the meatloaf.
14. Mashed Cauliflower
Made with tender cauliflower florets, this creamy and fluffy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes is a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. This cauliflower mash pairs beautifully with the savory meatloaf, adding a touch of lightness and a burst of deliciousness to your plate.
15. Buttery Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic
These vibrant green beans are cooked until tender-crisp and then tossed in a luscious buttery sauce infused with aromatic garlic. The result is a medley of flavors that perfectly complements the savory goodness of meatloaf. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful crunch followed by a burst of garlic-infused buttery goodness. This simple yet elegant side dish adds a pop of color and a refreshing taste to your meatloaf dinner, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
16. Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions
The earthy mushrooms and sweet caramelized onions create a harmonious blend that beautifully complements the rich flavors of meatloaf. With each bite, you’ll savor the tender mushrooms and the sweet, slightly tangy notes of the onions. This side dish adds depth and a touch of elegance to your meatloaf feast, making it a truly satisfying and well-rounded meal.
17. Cucumber and Tomato Salad
This simple yet satisfying salad combines crisp cucumber slices and juicy tomato wedges, tossed together with a light and tangy dressing. Each bite offers a refreshing crunch and a burst of flavors, perfectly complementing the heartiness of meatloaf. With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, this salad brings a refreshing balance to your meatloaf meal, making it a complete and well-rounded culinary experience.
18. Super Moist Cornbread Recipe
This classic Southern side dish is a perfect pairing for meatloaf, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness to each bite. The cornbread is tender, fluffy, and irresistibly moist, thanks to the perfect blend of cornmeal, buttermilk, and a hint of sweetness. Its golden crust gives way to a buttery and rich interior that melts in your mouth. It’s a side dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to every meatloaf meal, leaving you craving for more.
19. Naan Bread
This soft and pillowy bread is made with a combination of flour, yogurt, and yeast, resulting in a tender and slightly chewy texture. Pairing the warm naan bread with meatloaf creates a delectable fusion of flavors, as the savory and hearty meatloaf contrasts beautifully with the aromatic and slightly tangy naan. Tear off a piece of naan, scoop up a juicy bite of meatloaf, and savor the explosion of flavors in every mouthful.
20. Focaccia Bread
The golden crust of the focaccia gives way to a light and airy interior, making it an ideal companion to complement the rich and savory flavors of meatloaf. Each bite of this delicious bread provides a harmonious combination of flavors and textures, as the meatloaf’s juicy and tender goodness melds with the fragrant herbs and olive oil-infused Focaccia.
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We hope you have a fantastic and flavorful meatloaf dinner with these delicious side dish ideas! Feel free to share your favorite sides in the comments and come back to let us know which ones you enjoyed the most. Bon appétit!
If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! I will be happy to hear from you!
