17 Pot Roast Sides to Make Every Meal Special
Pot roast sides enhance the comforting flavors of this classic main, adding texture, color, and variety to the meal. These sides range from light, refreshing salads to rich, warm dishes that complete the pot roast experience.
Each side pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of pot roast, making the meal feel balanced and satisfying. With options that bring out both bold and subtle flavors, these dishes suit any gathering, from casual dinners to special occasions.
Perfect for complementing the richness of pot roast, these sides add a delightful touch to every bite. Here’s a guide to 17 delicious pot roast sides to make your meal complete:
Baked Potato
Baked potato is a classic accompaniment that pairs beautifully with pot roast, enhancing the meal's heartiness.
This versatile side can be prepared in various ways, whether you opt for slow cooking in a crockpot or using an air fryer for quick results.
To achieve fluffy and flavorful potatoes, adhering to specific preparation techniques makes all the difference; seasoning with salt elevates their taste significantly.
Summer Squash Saute
Summer squash sauté offers a fresh complement to any pot roast. Highlighting the natural sweetness of yellow summer squash and zucchini, this dish is both simple and satisfying.
Utilizing olive or avocado oil allows for a vegan-friendly option while enhancing the flavors with garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and aromatic Italian herbs adds depth without overwhelming your meal. This side provides an easy way to incorporate seasonal vegetables into your dinner table routine.
Pair it alongside hearty meats for an inviting contrast that balances richness beautifully.
Frozen Air Fryer French Fries
Frozen air fryer French fries are a convenient and tasty accompaniment that enhances any pot roast meal.
With the air fryer, these crispy delights come out perfectly golden without the excess oil traditionally used in frying or baking.
You can choose from various shapes like crinkle-cut or steak fries and season them to suit every palate, such as garlic powder, paprika, or even a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor.
Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots bring a delightful sweetness and earthy flavor that perfectly complement pot roast. This method involves cooking the carrots in an oven, enhancing their natural sugars while infusing them with aromatic fresh thyme.
The result is tender, caramelized pieces that elevate any meal effortlessly. You’ll find this approach transforms how you enjoy these root vegetables, making it hard to go back to other preparations.
Pairing roasted carrots with your favorite cut of meat adds not only color but also a depth of taste to your dining experience.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a great alternative for those seeking a healthier side to accompany pot roast. These crispy treats offer the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness, making them an irresistible option on your plate.
Ideal for various dietary preferences like keto or paleo, they provide a satisfying texture without traditional root vegetables. Air frying enhances their flavor while keeping them light, allowing you to enjoy this snack guilt-free.
Pairing these fries with sugar-free ketchup adds an extra layer of enjoyment that complements any meal beautifully.
Sous Vide Green Beans
Sous vide green beans are a flavorful side dish that elevates the classic vegetable with precision cooking.
Infused with anchovies, olive oil, and garlic, this preparation enhances the natural taste while keeping the beans perfectly tender.
Topped with grated parmesan cheese and sprinkled with black pepper and sea salt, these greens offer a delightful crunch from chopped walnuts.
The sous vide method allows for consistent results every time you make them.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a creamy, comforting side that perfectly complements hearty meat dishes.
The standout feature lies in their rich layers of thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes baked to golden perfection with a luscious blend of butter, garlic, and onions.
Elevating the dish further is the option to add cheddar cheese for those who crave extra creaminess.
This classic pairing not only enhances your pot roast but also invites you to explore various flavors that round out your meal beautifully.
Boiled Corn On The Cob
Boiled corn on the cob is a classic side that complements any pot roast meal beautifully.
Its natural sweetness and tender kernels provide a delightful contrast to rich, savory beef dishes.
When preparing this simple yet satisfying vegetable, avoiding salt in your cooking water ensures the corn remains soft and juicy rather than tough.
Freshly boiled corn can easily be customized with butter or herbs for added flavor while maintaining its essential character as an appealing accompaniment to hearty meals.
Creamy Mac N Cheese
Creamy mac n cheese stands out as a comforting classic that brings warmth to any meal.
This dish features a rich combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, creating a luscious texture that's hard to resist.
Whole milk, half and half, or even heavy cream, enhance its creamy profile while paprika adds just the right hint of spice.
For those looking for speed and convenience, preparing this favorite in an Instant Pot offers an effortless way to enjoy it without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire pudding is as a classic accompaniment to roast beef, known for its light, airy texture and crispy edges.
This traditional British dish utilizes the flavorful fat rendered from your beef roast, enhancing its taste while making it simple to prepare at home.
The magic happens when batter is poured into hot fat, resulting in puffs that are perfect for soaking up gravy.
Incorporating this side elevates any dinner table with both elegance and comfort, offering a delightful contrast to rich meats like pot roast.
Buttery And Soft Dinner Rolls
Buttery and soft dinner rolls are an essential complement to pot roast, providing a warm, comforting touch. These homemade rolls feature a tender texture that’s simply irresistible alongside hearty beef dishes.
With their rich flavor and fluffy consistency, they effortlessly soak up savory gravies or sauces. You’ll find these easy-to-make rolls turn any meal into something special while inviting compliments from your guests.
Baking them fills the kitchen with delightful aromas that enhance the dining experience without overwhelming your time in the kitchen.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a flavorful side that brings a delightful crunch to any meal. These mini cabbages have recently gained popularity, finally earning their rightful place on dinner tables everywhere.
Infusing them with parmesan cheese and garlic enhances their natural taste, while cooking methods like roasting in the oven or using an air fryer create a perfectly crispy texture. A drizzle of olive oil alongside kosher salt and black pepper sets the stage for seasoning options such as balsamic vinegar or fresh lemon juice, adding zesty notes you’ll appreciate.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, red pepper flakes can elevate this dish even further along with your choice of fresh herbs for added aroma.
Microwave Mashed Potatoes
Microwave mashed potatoes are an effortless way to enjoy creamy, comforting goodness.
Using just russet or Yukon gold potatoes, you can whip up this side dish in no time without the fuss of traditional methods.
Incorporating salt, butter, and milk creates a rich texture that pairs beautifully with any main course.
For an even more luxurious finish, consider substituting heavy cream or half-and-half for added creaminess.
Creamy Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad is a refreshing accompaniment that complements roast beef beautifully. This dish stands out for its rich, tangy flavors and creamy texture, making it an ideal side for any meal.
A variety of potatoes can be used as the base, allowing you to customize your salad according to personal preferences. Incorporating ingredients like apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs elevates the taste while providing a delightful crunch from celery and red onion.
With chopped eggs adding extra richness, this versatile recipe can easily be prepared in advance for convenience during gatherings or family dinners.
Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli is a healthful accompaniment that complements various meat dishes.
This green vegetable stands out for its crisp texture and vibrant color, making it an appealing choice on any plate.
Preparing this dish is straightforward; all you need is a pot with water and a steamer basket, or simply utilize the Instant Pot for quick cooking.
A splash of fresh lemon juice along with sea salt, black pepper, olive oil, or parmesan cheese adds just the right touch to enhance its flavor profile without overwhelming your main course.
Fried Rice
Fried rice is a flavorful accompaniment that pairs beautifully with pot roast.
This dish brings together tender grains and vibrant vegetables, creating an appealing contrast to the savory beef.
With ingredients like carrots, eggs, and peas, it offers both color and taste in every serving.
Adding Worcestershire sauce and sesame oil elevates its depth of flavor while garnishing with sliced scallions adds freshness.
Air Fryer Asparagus
Air fryer asparagus is a standout side dish that showcases the versatility of this green vegetable. Cooking it in an air fryer brings out its natural flavors while achieving a delightful crispness that enhances your meal experience.
With minimal prep, you can enjoy tender spears with just the right amount of crunch in no time. This cooking method allows for quick and easy preparation without sacrificing taste or texture, making it an ideal addition to any dinner table.
Whether paired with pot roast or served on its own, air-fried asparagus adds freshness and excitement to your plate.