What Goes with Meatloaf – 8 Yummy Side Dishes

AndrewByAndrew Updated on

We all know that finding the perfect side dish to go with our meatloaf can be difficult. It’s hard to know what will taste good and what will pair well with the other flavors in the dish.

How do I know?

Well, my family loves to get together for reunions. We usually have a potluck-style meal, and everyone brings their favorite dish to share. One year, my cousin brought a side dish that she made specifically for meatloaf. It was a mix of roasted potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and bacon. She called it her “meatloaf hash.”

I was intrigued by her dish, and I wanted to learn more about what goes well with meatloaf. So, I decided to do some research on the subject. After doing much research, I was able to come up with my own meatloaf side dish formula.

So much so that at the following family reunion, I was able to bring my own dish, that had my cousin’s dish beat.

Consequently, in this article, I’ll discuss a variety of side dishes that will rock your world just as they did mine.

Let’s get this show on the road.

Side Dishes for Meatloaf

  1. Potato Soufflé
  2. Cheesy Cauliflower Tots
  3. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
  4. Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
  5. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
  6. Rainbow Roasted Veggies
  7. Mashed Cauliflower with Butter and Herbs
  8. Creamed Spinach

Potato Soufflé

Admittedly, I just love a good potato soufflé! It’s the perfect side dish for just about any meal, but it really shines as a partner to meatloaf. The fluffy potatoes and rich creaminess are the perfect complements to the density of the meatloaf, and it’s just so dang tasty!

There are a few things to keep in mind when making a potato soufflé. First, use starchy potatoes like russets for the best results. Second, don’t overmix the batter or you’ll end up with tough potatoes. And finally, be sure to bake it until it’s nice and golden brown on top.

Nevertheless, if you’re looking for another use for this versatile dish, try serving it as a side for roasted chicken or pork chops. No matter how you serve it, this potato soufflé is sure to please.

Cheesy Cauliflower Tots

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to tater tots, then these cheesy cauliflower tots are for you!  This scrumptious dish is packed with nutrients and fiber, and it’s low in calories and fat.

Plus, it’s super easy to make. Just steam or roast some cauliflower florets, then mash them up with some shredded cheese, eggs, and bread crumbs. Form the mixture into little tots, then bake them in the oven until golden brown. If you’re feeling adventurous, try dipping them in ketchup, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.

While these cheesy cauliflower tots make a great side dish for meatloaf, they would also be delicious as a snack or appetizer.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Who doesn’t love sweet potato fries? They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they have a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory dishes like meatloaf.

To make baked sweet potato fries, start by peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes into thin wedges. Then, toss them with some olive oil and sea salt. For an extra crispy fry, try dipping them in cornstarch before baking. You can also add other spices like chili powder, cumin, or paprika to the fries for a flavor boost.

Afterward, spread the potatoes on a baking sheet, and bake at 450 degrees for about 20 – 25 minutes. Serve with ketchup, BBQ sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce alongside your meatloaf.

Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Next up is a dish that is a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors, and it’s sure to please everyone at the table. The Brussels sprouts are roasted in maple syrup and balsamic vinegar glaze, then they’re topped with crispy bacon bits.

It’s the perfect side dish for meatloaf, or really any meal similar to meatloaf

To make this dish, start by slicing your Brussel sprouts. Then, put them on a baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup. After, top with crumbled bacon and season with salt and pepper.

Once the sprouts are done roasting, I like to drizzle them with a bit of extra maple syrup and crispy bacon bits however, this dish is delicious as is.

From my experience, this dish is best served warm, so be sure to enjoy it right out of the oven.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Now, there’s just something about bacon that makes everything better, and these bacon-wrapped asparagus spears are no exception. The salty bacon pairs perfectly with the earthy asparagus, and it all comes together in one delicious package.

Basically, to make this dish, start by wrapping each asparagus spear with a strip of bacon. Then, place the spears on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for about 20- 25 minutes.

Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Additionally, I like to serve these bacon-wrapped asparagus spears with a dipping sauce on the side, but they’re delicious on their own, so go ahead and dive in with a serving of your juicy meatloaf.

Rainbow Roasted Veggies

Next, if you’re looking for a fun and colorful side dish to accompany your meatloaf, look no further than rainbow-roasted veggies! This dish is packed with nutrient-rich vegetables like carrots, red peppers, and yellow squash. Plus, the roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making them even more delicious.

To prepare rainbow-roasted veggies, simply toss your favorite vegetables with a bit of olive oil and sea salt. Then, roast in a preheated oven for 30-50 minutes. Once they’re crispy and tender, they’re ready to enjoy!

Moreover, rainbow roasted veggies also make a great addition to salads and grain bowls. So whether you’re serving them alongside meatloaf or enjoying them as a standalone dish, you’ll be sure to love their flavor and nutrition!

Mashed Cauliflower with Butter and Herbs

Following that, mashed cauliflower is a delicious and low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. It’s packed with nutrients and has a light and fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with meatloaf.

As it relates to preparation, start by boiling the cauliflower florets in water for a few minutes. Then, drain them and add them to a food processor with some butter, milk, and herbs.

I like to use chives, parsley, and thyme in my mashed cauliflower, but feel free to use whatever herbs you have on hand. Once everything is well combined, season with salt and pepper to taste.

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