What to Serve with Venison – 15+ Incredible Side Dishes

Figuring out what to serve with venison can be tricky. The wild game is notoriously difficult to cook, and its strong flavor can be off-putting to some. But with the right side dish, you can elevate your venison from a simple meal to a gourmet experience.

I know what you’re thinking, what could possibly go good with such strong-tasting meat? Trust me, there are plenty of options.

I’ve hacked the system. I’ve tried and failed with enough side dishes to know what works and what doesn’t.

Here are my top 15 suggestions for what to serve with venison:

Side Dishes For Venison

1. Roasted Carrots
2. Pan-fried Zucchini and Mushrooms
3. Asian Cucumber Salad
4. Creamed Spinach
5. Baked Beans
6. Mushroom Risotto
7. Southern Fried Corn
8. Mediterranean Orzo Salad
9. Broccoli Slaw
10. Cauliflower Cheese Casserole
11. Mac and Cheese
12. Baked Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
13. Italian Herb Dinner Rolls
14. Baked Sweet Potatoes

Roasted Carrots

Carrots are a classic side dish that goes well with just about anything. When roasted, they become sweet and tender, making them the perfect pairing for venison.

Initially, I would go with roasted vegetables, but I quickly learned that not all vegetables are created equal.

Roasting carrots brings out their natural sweetness, making them the perfect partner for venison. The key is to roast them until they’re tender but still have a bit of bite.

Pan-fried Zucchini and Mushrooms

This is one of my go-to side dishes when I’m not sure what to make. It’s simple, but the flavors go so well together.

The zucchini is cooked until it’s tender but still has a bit of crunch. The mushrooms are earthy and add a depth of flavor that compliments the venison perfectly.

Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this side dish is healthy and relatively low-calorie.

Asian Cucumber Salad

This salad is light and refreshing, making it the perfect contrast to rich venison. The cucumbers are crisp, and the dressing is flavorful but not overpowering.

I like to add a bit of rice vinegar to my dressing to really make the flavors pop.

Creamed Spinach

I know as much about creamed spinach as I do venison, which is why this is one of my best side dishes.

It’s easy to make, and you can usually find the ingredients in your pantry. Plus, it goes well with just about anything.

Baked Beans

There are a lot of different ways to make baked beans, but my favorite is with a bit of molasses and bacon.

The sweetness from the molasses pairs perfectly with the richness of the venison. The bacon adds a smoky flavor that takes this dish to the next level.

Mushroom Risotto

This is another one of my go-to comfort foods. It’s creamy and flavorful, but the mushrooms add a depth of flavor that compliments the venison perfectly.

The key to making a good mushroom risotto is to use a variety of mushrooms. I like to use a mix of white button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, and shiitake mushrooms.

Southern Fried Corn

When you think of southern food, fried corn is probably one of the first things that come to mind.

It’s a staple side dish that goes well with just about anything. The key is to use fresh corn and not overdo it on the batter.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

This salad is flavorful and filling, making it the perfect side dish for venison. The orzo is cooked until it’s tender but still has a bit of a bite.

The vegetables are fresh and crispy, and the dressing is light but flavorful. I like adding a bit of feta cheese to make the flavors pop.

Broccoli Slaw

This is a great side dish if you’re looking for something healthy and flavorful. The broccoli slaw is crunchy, and the dressing is light but flavorful.

I like to add a bit of apple cider vinegar to my dressing to really make the flavors pop.

Cauliflower Cheese Casserole

This is my go-to comfort food. It’s creamy and cheesy, but the cauliflower gives it a bit of a nutritional boost.

Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

Mac and Cheese

Everybody knows that mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy and cheesy, and it goes well with just about anything.

I like to use a mix of cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan.

You may not know it, but venison pairs perfectly with mac and cheese.

Baked Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

No matter what time of year it is, I always crave bacon-wrapped asparagus. The asparagus is wrapped in bacon and then baked until it’s tender.

The key is to not overcook the asparagus so that it retains its crunch. The bacon adds a salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the venison.

Italian Herb Dinner Rolls

I don’t know about you, but I love dinner rolls. They’re the perfect way to soak up all the deliciousness on your plate.

These Italian herb dinner rolls are my favorite. They’re soft and fluffy, and they have a great flavor.

Let me give you a tip for when you are making a good dinner roll; let the dough rise until it’s doubled in size. This gives the rolls a chance to develop their flavor.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

I waited until the last minute to add sweet potatoes to this list, but I’m so glad I did. They’re a great side dish for venison because they’re sweet and savory.

Plus, they’re packed with nutrients like fiber and vitamins.

The key to making a well-baked sweet potato is to prick the skin a few times with a fork. This allows the steam to escape and prevents the potato from exploding in the oven.

I like to add a bit of butter, salt, and pepper before I bake them. You can also add some honey or brown sugar if you want them to be extra sweet.

A List Of Other Options

Vegetable Side Dishes

• Roasted Carrots
• Caesar Salad
• Sauteed Broccolini
• Asian Cucumber Salad
• Creamed Spinach
• Mediterranean Orzo Salad
• Broccoli Slaw
• Fried Cabbage
• Celery Salad

Carbs and Starchy Side Dishes

• Italian Herb Dinner Rolls
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Jiffy Jalapeño Cornbread
• Southern Fried Corn
• Vermicelli Rice
• Potatoes O’Brien
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Miscellaneous Combinations

• Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
• Mac and Cheese
• Baked Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
• Pan-fried Zucchini and Mushrooms
• Cauliflower Cheese Casserole
• Baked Beans
• Mushroom Risotto
• Buttered Peas and Carrots
• Mushroom Soup
• Roasted Parmesan Asparagus
• Sauteed Carrot with Herbs and Garlic Butter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cook venison?

The best way to cook venison depends on what cut of meat you’re using.

For steaks, the best way to cook them is to sear them on a cast iron skillet. You want to get the outside nice and browned. Then, you can either finish cooking them in the oven or on the stovetop.

If you’re using a roast, the best way to cook it is to slow cook it in the oven. This allows the meat to become very tender and juicy.

What sauce can you serve with venison?

There are many sauces that you can serve with venison. Some of my favorites are balsamic glaze, horseradish cream sauce, and cranberry sauce.

You could also just use a simple pan sauce made with the drippings from the meat. Just add some stock, wine, and herbs, and you’re good to go.

Conclusion

Venison is a wild game that is popular in North America. The meat has a unique flavor, and it can be tough if it isn’t cooked properly.

It can also be a huge problem if they are not paired with the right sides.

In this article, I gave you a list of side dishes that I think are the perfect match for venison. I also explained why each dish works so well with the meat.

I hope that you found this article helpful and that you’ll be able to impress your guests the next time you make venison.