So you’ve achieved the holy grail of cozy dinners: the perfect pot roast. High five!
But what comes next? Don’t you worry, because I am completely obsessed with finding the most delicious partners for this superstar meal.
Whether you’re in the mood for something decadent and creamy or need a lighter, zesty side to cut through the richness, I’ve got you covered. These pairings are about to become your new go-tos.
1. Egg Noodles
Making a pot roast can sometimes feel like a major kitchen adventure, especially if it’s your first time. So, pairing it with a side that’s ridiculously easy is the smartest move you can make.
And let me tell you, a gorgeous bowl of buttery egg noodles with Parmesan is the answer! They are so satisfying and delicious, and making them is an absolute breeze.
Just cook up your noodles, then toss them with some parmesan, butter, and parsley. A little salt and pepper, and that’s it. You’re done!
2. Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire pudding is another fantastic partner for pot roast. The word ‘pudding’ might make you think of dessert, but don’t let it fool you, this dish isn’t sweet at all.
It’s made with a savory batter, so you end up with a wonderfully creamy and buttery bread that is just perfect for soaking up all that glorious gravy!
3. Applesauce
What’s the ultimate flavor to go with savory? Sweet, of course!
If you’re looking for a side that creates a perfect balance with the saltiness of your pot roast, a simple homemade applesauce is absolutely the way to go. This refreshing puree is so smooth and provides a truly wonderful contrast to the rich main dish.
4. Salad
Pot roast brings such huge flavor to the table, and sometimes you just want to keep the sides simple. When you’re serving a main dish that’s this decadent, a simple salad is a move that never fails.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a vibrant chopped salad, a classic cucumber and tomato mix, a zesty coleslaw, or a sweet fruit salad. Any of them will beautifully complement the richness of your pot roast.
5. Roasted Veggies
A pot roast is such a hearty and decadent meal. So even though it’s super tempting to serve it with other indulgent sides, it makes total sense to want something on the lighter side.
A plate of nutritious and tasty veggies is just the ticket. Carrots, green beans, and asparagus all taste incredible with pot roast. And the absolute best way to cook them?
Roasting! It’s a game-changer. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies by caramelizing them perfectly.
6. Bread Rolls
When you have a meal that’s drenched in amazing gravy, you absolutely need something to soak up every last bit of that savory sauce. And bread rolls are the ultimate choice!
These soft, pillowy, buttery little gems are more than just hearty and delicious; they are the perfect vehicle for absorbing all the fantastic flavors from the pot roast.
7. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Pot roast is already a wonderfully sinful dish, so you might not want to pair it with something equally heavy. While a big, bubbly bowl of mac and cheese sounds tempting, you could always go for a lighter spin.
Say hello to cauliflower mac and cheese! It’s so creamy and decadent, but with fewer calories. It’s a total win-win!
8. Mushrooms
A truly great pot roast always comes with an incredible gravy. And you know what tastes amazing with gravy? Some earthy mushrooms!
You can give those delicious shrooms an even deeper, bolder flavor by seasoning them up with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, white wine, and garlic. So good!
9. Succotash
Speaking of veggies, here is another dish that will totally satisfy your craving.
The mix of squash, carrots, corn, green beans, bell peppers, lima beans, and zucchini is a timeless favorite, and it’s easy to see why. It’s nutritious, super delicious, and just right with pot roast.
10. Extra Special Mashed Potatoes
Regular mashed potatoes are already a superstar side for any main dish, but this version is on another level. It is out-of-this-world amazing.
These potatoes are so rich, buttery, and creamy, and they’re loaded with two secret ingredients that make all the difference: cream cheese and garlic.
Just try this recipe once, and you’ll never look back at the old way again. It is truly that good!
11. Sweet Potato Fries
While we’re on the topic of sweet sides, here’s one more that will make your taste buds so happy. Baked sweet potato fries are just crazy delicious.
That natural sweetness is the perfect counterpoint to the savory flavors of the pot roast, creating a beautiful flavor harmony.
Plus, they couldn’t be easier to make! Just slice them up, toss them with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and pop them in the oven to bake.
A little pro-tip: make a huge batch, because these things are seriously addicting!
12. Dessert
Like they always say, there’s always room for dessert. It doesn’t matter how hearty and filling your meal is, giving it a sweet finish is a must.
End your decadent meal with a bang by serving a dessert that’s just as amazing.
How about a sinful slice of red velvet cake? Or a rich, dark chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream?
No matter what you choose, your guests will be so thrilled with such a fantastic feast.
13. Rice
Whether you’re having pork chops, steamed fish, baked chicken, or pot roast, rice is always an amazing choice with any protein.
It truly doesn’t matter if you use brown or white, long or medium grain, or if it’s fried or steamed. Rice is that perfect starch that just makes any meal feel so much more complete and satisfying.
14. Spinach
Just spinach? You might be thinking that sounds a little boring.
No way! Yes, it’s low in carbs and calories, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t delicious! The secret is all in how you prepare it.
Try pairing spinach with some parsnips and cooking them in milk and butter. What do you get? A creamy and delicious vegetable dish that is fantastic with pot roast. So go on, give spinach a shot!