What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs (15 Sides You’ll Love)
Swedish meatballs are a classic dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of different side dishes. However, finding good sides to serve with them can be a bit of a challenge.
I know this firsthand, as I’ve spent many hours searching for the perfect recipes online. But after trying a few different side dishes, I’ve finally found some that I really love.
So if you’re looking for something new to serve with your Swedish meatballs, check out the list below. These recipes are all delicious, and they’re sure to please everyone at your dinner table!
List of Side Dishes to Serve with Swedish Meatballs
- Cauliflower Steak
- Fresh Kimchi
- Honey Glazed Ribs
- Mashed Potatoes
- Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Lemon Orzo Salad
- Balsamic Roasted Veggies
- Cauliflower-Parsnip Puree
- Stuffed Peppers
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
- Creamed Kale
- Green Bean Almondine
- Smoked Sausage Skillet
- Spicy Bourbon-Glazed Carrots
- Jansson’s Temptation – a traditional Swedish casserole
Cauliflower Steak
Swedish meatballs are often served with mashed potatoes or some sort of ribs. However, this dish can also be complemented by a delicious side of cauliflower steak.
Cauliflower steaks are made by slicing a head of cauliflower into thick slices, which are then cooked in olive oil until they are browned and tender. This simple preparation allows the natural flavor of the cauliflower to shine through, making it a delicious and healthy option for any meal.
Additionally, cauliflower steaks are a great way to add some extra vegetables to your diet. So next time you’re looking for a new way to enjoy Swedish meatballs, try pairing them with a hearty side of cauliflower steak.
Fresh Kimchi
Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made of fermented cabbage and a variety of other vegetables. It is typically quite spicy, and its pungent flavor pairs well with rich Swedish meatballs. It is also a good source of vitamins, as well as iron and calcium.
In addition to being a delicious accompaniment to Swedish meatballs, kimchi can also be used as a topping for rice or noodles, or even eaten on its own as a light snack. If you’re looking for a way to add some zest to your next meal, try serving kimchi alongside Swedish meatballs. You may just find that it’s the perfect pairing!
Honey Glazed Ribs
There is nothing quite like the taste of homemade honey-glazed ribs. The sweet and sticky glaze, combined with the succulent meat, makes for a dish that is impossible to resist. While ribs are typically served as a main course, they can also make an excellent side dish.
When paired with Swedish meatballs, the two dishes complement each other perfectly. The rich flavor of the meatballs is offset by the sweetness of the honey glaze, while the tender texture of the ribs provides a contrast to the firmness of the meatballs. Together, they make for a meal that is both delicious and satisfying.
Mashed potatoes
When it comes to comfort food, it doesn’t get much better than Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes. This classic dish is hearty and satisfying, and it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite among so many people.
The key to making the perfect mashed potatoes is to use Yukon Gold potatoes. These potatoes have a naturally creamy texture, which means that they mash up perfectly every time. For an added touch of flavor, try adding some shredded cheese to the potatoes before you mash them. Then, simply serve the potatoes alongside your Swedish meatballs and enjoy!
Cream of Mushroom Soup
While the meatballs are typically served over mashed potatoes, I like to mix things up by adding a creamy soup as a side dish. The mushrooms in the soup complement the flavors of the meatballs perfectly, and the creamy texture helps to round out the meal.
Plus, by adding the soup as a side dish, you can control how many calories you want to include in your meal. If you’re looking for an easy way to upgrade this classic dish, try serving cream of mushroom soup alongside your Swedish meatballs.
Lemon Orzo Salad
This salad is a lovely, light side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, but especially with Swedish meatballs. It also makes for a great vegetarian option to have on the table.
To make it, the orzo is tossed with a simple lemon dressing, then stirred in with some fresh parsley and parmesan cheese. To give it a bit of extra flavor and texture, I like to add in some chopped kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese.
If you’re looking for an easy way to dress up your meal, this lemon orzo salad is a perfect solution.
Balsamic Roasted Veggies
Balsamic roasted veggies are simple to make and only require a few ingredients: your favorite vegetables, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Simply chop up your veggies into bite-sized pieces, toss with the balsamic vinegar and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Spread the veggies out on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven until tender and lightly browned. Enjoy as-is or serve alongside your meatballs for a complete meal. Bon appetit!
Cauliflower-Parsnip Puree
This recipe combines two classic vegetables – cauliflowers and parsnips – into one irresistible comfort food. To make the puree, the parsnips are first boiled until they are soft, and then they are mashed with milk, butter, and salt to taste. Finally, the cauliflower is added to the mash and blended until it is smooth.
The result is a rich and creamy side dish that is the perfect partner for the flavorful meatballs. Serve this dish with a dollop of sour cream on top for an extra-special treat and enjoy!
Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a great way to add some extra vegetables to your meal. They can be filled with a variety of different ingredients, such as rice, meat, and cheese.
One of the great things about stuffed peppers is that they can be cooked in a variety of different ways. You can bake them, fry them, or even microwave them.
When served as a side dish, they pair well with Swedish meatballs. The combination of the two dishes is sure to please any appetite.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
As any food-lover knows, the key to a great meal is balance. A dish might have all the right flavors, but if it lacks variety in texture or color, it can end up feeling flat. That’s why pairing prosciutto-wrapped asparagus with Swedish meatballs makes for such a perfect dish.
The prosciutto provides a crispy contrast to the soft meatballs, while the asparagus offers a delicate counterpoint to the richness of the prosciutto. Combined with a simple sauce of cream and dijon mustard, this dish has all the elements of a perfect meal: flavor, texture, and visual appeal. So next time you’re looking for a new side dish to try, consider pairing the meatballs and the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus together. You won’t be disappointed.
Creamed Kale
If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious side dish to go with your Swedish meatballs, look no further than creamed kale. This superfood is packed with nutrients like vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants and is also low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for those watching their waistline.
Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to prepare. Simply saute some chopped kale in a bit of olive oil or butter, then add some heavy cream and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve alongside your favorite Swedish meatballs and enjoy!
Green Bean Almondine
Green bean almondine is a simple yet elegant side dish that is the perfect accompaniment to Swedish meatballs. The dish is made by sauteing green beans in butter until they are tender, then adding toasted almonds and a sprinkle of lemon juice.
The result is a flavorful and healthy side dish that will leave your guests asking for seconds. It can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it an ideal option for busy weeknight dinners. Give green bean almondine a try – you won’t be disappointed.
Smoked Sausage Skillet
A smoked sausage skillet is the perfect side dish for Swedish meatballs. It contains flavorful smoked sausage, fresh veggies, and a savory cream sauce. The best part about this recipe is that it can be made in under 30 minutes, so you can enjoy your meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Also, this dish is sure to become a family favorite, so be sure to add it to your menu today.
Spicy Bourbon-Glazed Carrots
Spicy bourbon-glazed carrots are the perfect side dish to complement a savory main course like Swedish meatballs. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by the bourbon glaze, while the addition of cayenne pepper gives the dish a nice kick.
To prepare the carrots, simply peel and slice them into thin strips. Then, in a large skillet, combine the carrots with the bourbon, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper. Cook over medium heat until the carrots are tender and the glaze is bubbly and serve immediately. With their sweet and spicy flavor, these carrots are sure to add a touch of excitement to any meal.
Jansson’s Temptation
Jansson’s temptation is a traditional Swedish dish consisting of potato gratin topped with a creamy anchovy sauce. It is typically served as a side dish, but can also be enjoyed on its own.
The dish is named after its creator, August Jansson, who was a Swedish chef and restaurateur. It is believed to have first been served in the early 1900s and has since become a popular menu item in Swedish restaurants.
Today, it is often served with Swedish meatballs and boiled potatoes, but can also be enjoyed with other types of protein or vegetables. So when you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful side dish to add to your next meal, Jansson’s temptation is a delicious option to consider.
Other Options
- Dinner Rolls
- Mashed Potatoes
- Garlic Butter Noodles
- Greek Lemon Rice
- Danish Cucumber Salad
- Braised Red Cabbage
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for mashed potatoes?
If you’re looking for a mashed potato substitute, try cauliflower-parsnip puree.
What is a good salad to serve with Swedish meatballs?
A good salad to serve with Swedish meatballs is a lemon orzo salad.
Can I make Swedish meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can make Swedish meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. Simply thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Conclusion
So there you have it! A list of side dishes to serve with your Swedish meatballs. Whether you’re looking for a new twist on an old favorite or want to try something completely different, we hope you found something here that you’ll love. Thanks for reading!