What to Serve with Sweet and Sour Meatballs - 7 Amazing Sides

When it comes to a perfect meal, nothing beats sweet and sour meatballs. This dish is not only incredibly tasty, but it’s also relatively easy to make. And what’s even better is that a variety of side dishes pair perfectly with sweet and sour meatballs.

Sadly, finding what to serve with sweet and sour meatballs can be quite a challenge. Do you go for something classic like mashed potatoes? Or do you try mixing it up with a new, exciting side dish?

I’ve had just that dilemma many times. This is why I’ve decided to put together a list of side dishes that are guaranteed to elevate your sweet and sour meatballs experience.

What Goes with Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Potato Salad
Spicy Rice Pilaf
Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream
Mashed Cauliflower
Steamed Rice with Black Beans
Roasted Vegetables
French Fries

Potato Salad

Now, y’all know I love me some meatballs. But sometimes, even I get a hankerin’ for something a little lighter. That’s where potato salad comes in! It’s the perfect side dish for my sweet and sour meatballs because it cuts through the richness of the dish and gives your mouth a little break from all that flavor.

As for preparation, it’s pretty straightforward. Start by boiling some potatoes, I like Yukon golds, but use whatever kind you like best. Once they’re cooked through, peel them and chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Then, in a large bowl, mix the potatoes, some chopped green onions, and enough potato salad dressing to coat everything evenly. Give it all a good stir, then taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. And that’s it! Easy peasy.

Spicy Rice Pilaf

Some like it hot, and some like it really hot! If you’re in the latter camp, then this recipe is definitely for you. Spicy Rice Pilaf is the perfect side dish to Sweet and Sour Meatballs, and it’s also great on its own as a main course.

Rice is simmered in a spicy broth until tender, then mixed with sautéed onions, garlic, and red peppers. A little bit of cayenne pepper gives this dish an extra kick, so beware if you’re sensitive to spice.

But if you can handle the heat, then you’re in for a treat. Also, for an extra bit of sweetness, you can add a tablespoon of honey. This flavorful rice pilaf is guaranteed to turn up the heat at your next dinner party.

So go ahead and bring the heat, and your guests will thank you for it!

Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream

Next up is Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream. Let’s face it there’s nothing quite like a heaping plate of mashed potatoes smothered in rich, creamy sour cream.

And when you pair them with my famous sweet and sour meatballs, you’ve got a match made in heaven!

The savory flavors of the meatballs are complemented perfectly by the slight tang of the sour cream, making for a delicious and well-rounded meal. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, simply cook up some mashed potatoes according to your favorite recipe, then stir in some sour cream. For an extra touch of luxury, top with a dollop of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of chives.

This versatile side dish can also be enjoyed with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.

Mashed Cauliflower

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, then mashed cauliflower is a great option. It’s just as creamy and satisfying, but with fewer calories.

Besides, cauliflower is also packed with nutrients like vitamins C and K, so it’s a healthy choice for a side dish. And if I may say so, it pairs perfectly with sweet and sour meatballs.

To make mashed cauliflower, simply cook the cauliflower in boiling water until tender. Then, mash with a potato masher or an immersion blender. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and butter.

You can also add shredded cheese, green onions, or other herbs for extra flavor. Plus, this versatile side dish can be used as a replacement for rice or pasta in many recipes.

Steamed Rice with Black Beans

Another delicious and healthy side dish option is steamed rice with black beans. This hearty dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it a filling and satisfying choice. The rice is fluffy and flavorful, and the black beans add a delicious depth of flavor that will complement the sweet and sour meatballs perfectly.

And what’s more, it’s so easy to make! Simply cook the rice according to the package directions, then stir in a can of black beans. You can also add sautéed onions, garlic, and green peppers for extra flavor.

This side dish is also great with sweet and sour chicken or stir-fried beef and peppers or you can enjoy it on its own as a main course if you prefer.

Roasted Vegetables

Up next, is roasted vegetables which always make a delicious and healthy option for a side dish. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, and they pair perfectly with the savory flavors of sweet and sour meatballs.

Plus, preparation is foolproof! Simply toss your favorite veggies with some olive oil and seasonings, then roast in a preheated oven until tender.

Some of my favorite veggies to roast are Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets. But you can use any vegetables you like. Just make sure to cut them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.

Moreover, roasted veggies go great with other dishes such as roast chicken, grilled steak, or fish.

French Fries

Last but not least, we have French fries. I know what you’re thinking, “fries are not a side dish!” But hear me out. These fries are incredibly crunchy on the exterior and fluffy within and they go so well with sweet and sour meatballs.

Now, I’m not talking about those wimpy frozen fries that come in a paper bag (unless that’s what you want). I’m talking about fresh-cut, well-seasoned, deliciousness. And trust me, when you put them next to these sweet and sour meatballs, you’re in for a real treat.

The savory flavor of the meatballs is perfectly complemented by the crispy, salty fries. Additionally, the contrast in textures makes this an incredibly satisfying meal.

To make these fries, start by cutting the potatoes into uniform wedges. Then, toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings. I like to use a blend of garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder. But you can really use any spices you like.

Next, bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and crispy. Serve with ketchup, ranch dressing, or any other dipping sauce you like.

FAQ

What is a good side dish for BBQ meatballs?

There are a few options for good side dishes for BBQ meatballs. You could go with something simple like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Or, you could try something a little more adventurous like sweet potato fries or black bean rice. Ultimately, it depends on what you’re in the mood for.

What is a good side dish for meatballs and spaghetti?

There are a few good side dishes for meatballs and spaghetti. You could try a simple salad or some garlic bread. Or, you could go for something a little more filling like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Do you put sauce on top of meatballs?

It depends on what kind of sauce you’re using. If you’re using a tomato-based sauce, then you’ll likely want to put it on top of the meatballs. If you’re using a cream-based sauce, then you may want to put it on the side. Ultimately, it’s up to you.

Conclusion

Here’s the deal, there are a lot of great side dishes out there that go perfectly with sweet and sour meatballs. But, these side dishes listed are my absolute favorites.

They’re easy to make, they taste great, and they pair perfectly with the savory flavors of the meatballs.

So, now that you know what to serve with sweet and sour meatballs, what’s stopping you from heading to the kitchen right now? Have fun cooking!