14 Best Sides For Shepherd’s Pie You’ll Enjoy
When it comes to shepherd’s pie, there are endless possibilities for sides that can complement the dish.
Here we’ll explore some of our favorites, ranging from classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans to more unique pairings like couscous and roasted garlic asparagus and mushrooms.
So whether you’re looking for something familiar or something a little more adventurous, we’ve got you covered!
Best Sides For Shepherd’s Pie
- Roasted Bacon With Butternut Squash
- Apple Walnut Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Lemon Artichokes
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Lemon And Pecorino
- Smokey Roasted Cauliflower
- Garlic Sauteed Swiss Chard
- Roasted Garlic Asparagus And Mushrooms
- Irish Soda Bread
- Beet And Goat Cheese Salad With White Wine Vinegar Dressing
- Dinner Rolls
- Garlic Lemon Green Beans
- Roasted Eggplant
- Brown Butter Peas With Mint
- Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Bacon With Butternut Squash
While roasted bacon with butternut squash may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a side dish for shepherd’s pie, it can be a great way to add a bit of extra flavor to the dish.
The sweetness of the roasted squash pairs well with the savory flavors of the meat and potatoes, and the bacon provides a crispy contrast to the creamy toppings.
Plus, the squash adds a touch of color to an otherwise drab-looking dish.
Apple Walnut Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette
Apple Walnut Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette is a great side dish for Shepherd’s Pie.
It is light and refreshing, and the sweetness of the apples pairs well with the savory flavors of the pie.
The salad also provides a contrast in texture, which can help to balance out the dish as a whole.
In addition, the balsamic vinaigrette adds a touch of acidity that helps to cut through the richness of the pie.
Lemon Artichokes
Lemon artichokes are a delicious and versatile side dish that can be used in many different recipes.
Shepherd’s pie is a traditional English dish that typically includes meat and vegetables, so lemon artichokes would be a perfect addition.
The acidity of the lemon helps to balance out the richness of the shepherd’s pie, and the artichokes add a beautiful pop of color and texture.
Additionally, lemon artichokes are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, so they are a healthy choice as well.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Lemon And Pecorino
The shaved Brussels sprout salad is the perfect side dish for shepherd’s pie.
The tartness of the lemon and the saltiness of the Pecorino balance out the rich flavors of the shepherd’s pie, and the crunch of the sprouts add a nice texture contrast.
This dish is also relatively healthy, thanks to the Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. They’re also low in calories, making them a great choice for those watching their weight.
This side dish is also very easy to make. Simply shred the Brussels sprouts, toss with lemon juice, Pecorino, and olive oil, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
It’s a fast, refreshing side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Smokey Roasted Cauliflower
Smokey Roasted Cauliflower is an excellent side dish for Shepherd’s Pie. Not only does it add a delicious smoky flavor to the dish, but it also provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.
Cauliflower is a particularly good source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function. Additionally, the antioxidants in cauliflower can help to protect against cell damage. The fiber content of cauliflower also makes it an excellent choice for promoting digestive health.
Garlic Sauteed Swiss Chard
There are many cases in which garlic-sauteed Swiss chard would make an excellent side dish for shepherd’s pie.
First, the benefits of using Swiss chard as a side dish are numerous. Swiss chard is packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as magnesium, potassium, and iron. It’s also a low-calorie food, so it’s a great way to bulk up a meal without adding a lot of extra calories.
Additionally, Swiss chard has a mild flavor that won’t overpower the flavors of the other dishes on the table.
Second, there are many recipes or things that garlic sauteed Swiss chard would be suitable to be used as a side dish. For example, this side dish would pair well with roasted chicken or beef.
It would also be a good choice to accompany a vegetarian entree such as lentil soup.
And third, how does it compare with other side dishes? When compared with other similar side dishes such as mashed potatoes or rice pilaf, garlic sauteed Swiss chard comes out ahead in terms of nutrition and flavor.
Roasted Garlic Asparagus And Mushrooms
Roasted garlic asparagus and mushrooms is a flavorful and healthy side dish can be made in just a few simple steps.
First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Then, wash your asparagus and trim the ends. Next, peel and slice your mushrooms.
Finally, toss the asparagus and mushrooms with olive oil and roasted garlic, then spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
There are a few things that make this side dish a perfect match for shepherd’s pie.
First, the roasted garlic adds a rich depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory meat and potatoes in the pie.
Additionally, the asparagus and mushrooms add a touch of color and freshness that helps to balance out the heaviness of the dish.
And last but not least, the vegetables are roast to perfection – not too soft, but not too crunchy either.
Irish Soda Bread
Irish Soda Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is the perfect complement to shepherd’s pie.
This bread is made with simple ingredients like flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and salt. The dough is then formed into a loaf and cooked in a hot oven until it is golden brown. The result is a light and airy bread that has a slight sweetness from the buttermilk.
Irish Soda Bread is also very versatile – it can be served plain or topped with butter, cheese, or jam. Additionally, it can be used as the base for a savory sandwich or even used to make French toast.
Beet And Goat Cheese Salad With White Wine Vinegar Dressing
Beet and goat cheese salad with white wine vinegar dressing is a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs well with many main dishes.
This salad is perfect for a summer picnic or potluck, as it can be served at room temperature or cold.
The sweetness of the beets pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing, and the goat cheese adds a rich creaminess that takes this dish to the next level.
Dinner Rolls
When it comes to pairing a side dish with shepherd’s pie, dinner rolls are an excellent option. Here’s why:
First, dinner rolls are the perfect size for sopping up all of the delicious gravy and juices from the shepherd’s pie. They’re also sturdy enough to stand up to the hearty ingredients in the pie, without falling apart.
Second, they have a neutral flavor that won’t compete with the flavors of the shepherd’s pie. This is important because you want the focus to be on the savory flavors of the pie, not on the side dish.
Third, dinner rolls are widely available and relatively inexpensive. This makes them a great option for those on a budget.
And fourth, they can be made ahead of time and frozen until needed. This makes them an ideal option for busy weeknight dinners. Simply thaw them out and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Garlic Lemon Green Beans
Garlic lemon green beans are a delicious and healthy way to add some color and nutrition to your plate. As a side dish, they are the perfect accompaniment to shepherd’s pie.
Green beans are a good source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. They are also low in calories and fat.
Moreover, the addition of garlic and lemon enhances the flavor of the green beans without adding any extra fat or calories. Plus, garlic provides some additional health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Lastly, the lemon adds a bright, acidic flavor that balances out the richness of the shepherd’s pie.
Roasted Eggplant
Roasted eggplant makes a great side dish for shepherd’s pie. Shepherd’s pie is a hearty dish that is traditionally made with ground lamb or beef, vegetables, and a mashed potato topping.
Eggplant is a perfect complement to this dish, as it has a rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with lamb or beef. Additionally, eggplant provides a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
When roasting eggplant, be sure to drizzle it with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt before baking. This will help to bring out its natural flavors and make it more palatable.
Brown Butter Peas With Mint
Brown butter peas with mint is an excellent side dish for shepherd’s pie. The sweetness of the peas pairs well with the savory flavors of the shepherd’s pie, and the mint provides a refreshing contrast.
This dish is also relatively easy to prepare, which is a definite bonus when you’re short on time. S
imply simmer the peas in a mixture of water and butter until they’re tender, then stir in some chopped mint leaves and season to taste.
Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
One option that can complement the heartiness of the shepherd’s pie and add an extra layer of flavor is honey balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts.
The sweetness of the honey pairs well with the savory flavors of the shepherd’s pie, while the balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity.
The Brussels sprouts themselves are also a good source of fiber and vitamins, making them a healthier option than mashed potatoes.
When roasted, they take on a crispy texture that provides a nice contrast to the creamy filling of the shepherd’s pie.
Conclusion
There are a variety of side dishes that can be paired with shepherd’s pie.
When choosing a side dish, it is important to consider the flavors of the shepherd’s pie and choose a recipe that will complement those flavors.
So next time you’re planning for dinner, be sure to keep shepherd’s pie and its sides in mind.
You’ll be sure to impress your guests with a delicious and well-rounded meal.