Pot roast is a classic comfort food loved by many. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners and special occasions. But to make your meal complete, you need tasty side dishes to go with it.
Choosing the right sides can take your pot roast dinner to the next level. There are many options to pick from, ranging from classic vegetables to starchy favorites.
This article will show you 17 great sides that pair well with pot roast. These dishes will help you create a well-rounded and delicious meal for your family and friends.
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with pot roast. They offer a creamy texture and rich flavor that complements the hearty meat.
To make them, you’ll need potatoes, butter, milk, and garlic. Roast whole garlic cloves in the oven until soft and golden. This step brings out their sweet, mellow flavor.
Boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter and milk. Mix in the roasted garlic for a delicious taste. Add salt and pepper to your liking.
These potatoes are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. They soak up gravy well and add a comforting element to your meal.
2. Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey glazed carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with pot roast. To make them, you’ll need carrots, honey, butter, and some basic seasonings.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Peel and cut your carrots into diagonal pieces about 1.5 inches long.
Toss them in a bowl with honey, melted butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread the carrots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes cleanup much easier.
Roast the carrots for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
The result is tender carrots with a beautiful caramelized exterior. The honey glaze adds a touch of sweetness that complements the rich flavors of pot roast.
3. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a tasty side dish that goes well with pot roast. It’s made with fresh baby spinach, onions, garlic, and heavy cream.
To make it, start by cooking chopped onions and minced garlic in butter. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Then stir in cream and seasonings like salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
The result is a rich, velvety spinach that adds color and flavor to your plate. It balances nicely with the hearty pot roast.
You can prepare creamed spinach in about 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy side. It’s a good way to get some greens with your meal.
4. Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire pudding is a classic British side dish that pairs wonderfully with pot roast. It’s made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, and milk.
When baked, it puffs up into a light, crispy shell with a soft interior. The pudding’s neutral flavor complements the rich taste of pot roast perfectly.
You can make Yorkshire pudding at home with just a few ingredients. Pour the batter into hot oil in a muffin tin or baking dish. Then bake until golden and puffy.
Serve your Yorkshire puddings hot alongside your pot roast. They’re great for soaking up gravy and juices from the meat.
5. Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Brown sugar glazed carrots make a sweet and tasty side for your pot roast. You can easily prepare this dish in the oven or on the stovetop.
To make these carrots, you’ll need brown sugar, butter, and orange juice. Cut your carrots into bite-sized pieces. Melt the butter in a pan and add the carrots.
Cook the carrots for a few minutes until they start to brown. Then add the brown sugar and orange juice. Let the carrots simmer in this glaze until they’re tender.
The result is a colorful side dish with a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery flavor. These glazed carrots will complement your pot roast beautifully.
6. Buttermilk Biscuits
Buttermilk biscuits are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with pot roast. These soft, flaky biscuits soak up the savory juices from the roast, creating a delicious combination.
You can make buttermilk biscuits from scratch or use a mix for convenience. Either way, they’ll add a comforting touch to your meal.
Serve the biscuits warm, straight from the oven. You can split them open and spread a pat of butter inside for extra richness.
If you have leftovers, use them to make mini sandwiches with slices of pot roast the next day. It’s a tasty way to enjoy your meal again.
7. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts with bacon make a tasty side for pot roast. To make this dish, start by cooking bacon pieces until crispy. Set the bacon aside.
Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet.
Roast the sprouts in a hot oven (450°F) for about 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking. They’re done when tender and lightly browned.
Once out of the oven, toss the hot sprouts with minced garlic and lemon juice. Sprinkle the crispy bacon on top. The combination of flavors works great alongside pot roast.
8. Green Bean Almondine
Green Bean Almondine is a tasty side dish that pairs well with pot roast. It’s easy to make and adds a nice crunch to your meal.
To prepare it, cook fresh green beans until they’re crisp-tender. While they’re cooking, toast sliced almonds in a pan with butter until golden.
Mix the cooked beans with the toasted almonds. Add some minced garlic and lemon zest for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This dish looks fancy but takes little time to make. The almonds give a nutty taste that complements the beans perfectly. Your guests will love this simple yet elegant side dish with their pot roast.
9. Cauliflower Gratin
Cauliflower gratin is a tasty side dish that pairs well with pot roast. You can make it by roasting cauliflower florets until they’re lightly browned.
Next, prepare a creamy sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheese. Gruyere cheese adds a rich flavor, but cheddar works too.
Pour the sauce over the cauliflower in a baking dish. Top it with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
This dish offers a lighter alternative to potato-based sides. It’s still comforting and cheesy, making it a great match for your pot roast.
10. Classic Coleslaw
Classic coleslaw is a cool, crunchy side that pairs well with pot roast. You can make it easily with shredded cabbage and carrots. Mix them with a creamy dressing of mayo, vinegar, and sugar.
The tangy flavor of coleslaw cuts through the richness of pot roast. Its crisp texture adds contrast to the tender meat. You can prepare coleslaw ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge.
For extra taste, try adding diced apples or raisins to your coleslaw. You can also use a vinegar-based dressing instead of mayo for a lighter version. Coleslaw brings color and freshness to your plate alongside hearty pot roast.
11. Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables make a perfect side dish for pot roast. You can use carrots, parsnips, turnips, and rutabagas. Cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast the vegetables at 400°F for about 30-40 minutes. Stir them halfway through cooking. They’re done when they’re tender and lightly browned.
The roasted veggies will complement your pot roast nicely. Their natural sweetness and caramelized edges add depth to the meal.
12. Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese
A wedge salad with blue cheese is a refreshing side dish for pot roast. You’ll start with a crisp iceberg lettuce head cut into quarters.
Drizzle creamy blue cheese dressing over each wedge. The tangy flavor complements the rich pot roast nicely.
Top your salad with crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions. Add extra blue cheese crumbles for more intense flavor.
For the dressing, mix blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and vinegar. Add a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick.
This cool, crunchy salad provides a nice contrast to the warm, tender pot roast. It’s an easy way to add vegetables to your meal.
13. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a tasty side dish for pot roast. You can serve it cold or warm it up before eating.
Some people mix cranberry sauce into the pot roast while it cooks. This gives the meat a fruity flavor. You can also put it on the side of your plate.
Try adding orange zest or cinnamon to your cranberry sauce for extra taste. The bright color and tart flavor of cranberries go well with rich pot roast.
You can make homemade cranberry sauce or buy it ready-made at the store. Either way, it adds a nice touch to your pot roast meal.
14. Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a perfect match for pot roast. These savory treats are easy to make at home. You’ll need flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt for the base.
Mix in butter until the mixture is crumbly. Add milk and cheddar cheese to form the dough. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake at 400°F until golden.
For extra flavor, brush the biscuits with melted butter mixed with garlic powder after baking. The cheesy, garlicky taste complements the rich pot roast perfectly.
Serve these warm biscuits alongside your pot roast for a comforting meal. You can also use them to make mini pot roast sliders for a fun twist.
15. Parmesan Crusted Asparagus
Parmesan crusted asparagus is a tasty side dish for your pot roast. You can make it quickly and easily in the oven.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears.
Place the asparagus on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus.
Roast the asparagus for 10-12 minutes until tender but still crisp. The cheese will melt and form a delicious crust.
This side dish adds a pop of green and a crispy texture to complement your pot roast meal.
16. Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom risotto is a creamy, savory dish that pairs well with pot roast. You’ll love the rich flavors of Arborio rice cooked with mushrooms, broth, and Parmesan cheese.
To make it, sauté mushrooms and onions in butter. Add rice and cook until slightly toasted. Slowly add warm broth, stirring often until the rice is tender and creamy.
Finish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. The earthy mushrooms complement the hearty pot roast, while the creamy rice offers a nice contrast in texture.
Serve a small portion alongside your roast for a delicious and filling meal.
17. Sautéed Kale with Garlic
Sautéed kale with garlic is a tasty and healthy side dish for your pot roast. It’s quick to make and full of nutrients.
To prepare it, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about a minute until it smells good.
Next, add chopped kale to the pan. Cook it for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. The kale will turn bright green and become tender.
For extra flavor, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water with a dash of salt. This helps the kale steam and soften.
Your sautéed kale is ready when it’s wilted but still has a slight crunch. It pairs well with pot roast and adds a pop of color to your plate.
Historical Significance of Pot Roast
Pot roast has deep roots in European cooking traditions. It started in medieval times when cooks needed to make tough meat cuts tender and tasty.
The name “pot roast” comes from the large cast-iron pots used to cook it. These pots hung over open fires, allowing even heat distribution for slow cooking.
You can trace pot roast’s journey to America with European immigrants. It became a popular dish, especially in New England where it’s known as “Yankee pot roast.”
Pot roast gained importance during hard times. Its ability to turn cheap, tough cuts into tasty meals made it valuable during economic struggles.
The dish represents comfort food for many families. It’s often associated with Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings.
Pot roast has evolved over time. Different regions add their own twists. For example, Mississippi pot roast became famous in the early 2000s with its unique ingredients.
Today, pot roast remains a beloved classic. You can find many versions, from traditional recipes to modern slow cooker adaptations.
Pairing Pot Roast with Sides
Pot roast goes well with many side dishes. The right pairings bring out the best in this hearty meal.
Harmony of Flavors
Choose sides that complement pot roast’s rich taste. Roasted root veggies like carrots and parsnips add sweetness. Their earthy flavors match the meat well.
Mashed potatoes soak up gravy and beef juices. Add garlic or herbs to boost flavor. Creamy polenta is another tasty option.
Green veggies give a fresh contrast. Try steamed broccoli with lemon butter or crispy Brussels sprouts. These lighter sides balance the meal.
Balancing Textures
Mix up textures for an interesting plate. Soft sides like mashed sweet potatoes pair nicely with tender pot roast.
Add crunch with roasted potatoes or crispy cauliflower. Their golden exteriors provide a satisfying bite.
For something different, try zucchini noodles. They’re light and fun to eat with fork-tender meat.
Bread soaks up juices and adds chew. Serve rolls or crusty bread on the side.
Nutritional Considerations for Pot Roast Meals
Pot roast meals can be both tasty and nutritious when planned carefully. Making smart choices about sides and portions helps you get the most benefits from your meal.
Macronutrient Balance
Pot roast is high in protein, which is good for building muscle and keeping you full. To balance your meal, add carbs and veggies.
Pick whole grains like brown rice or quinoa for fiber and nutrients. Add colorful veggies to get vitamins and minerals.
Try these combos:
- Pot roast + roasted carrots + small baked potato
- Pot roast + steamed broccoli + 1/2 cup wild rice
Healthy fats are important too. Use olive oil to cook veggies or add a small amount of butter to your potato.
This helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the meal.
Serving Size Recommendations
Watching your portions is key to a balanced pot roast meal.
For the meat, aim for a 3-4 oz serving, about the size of a deck of cards.
Fill half your plate with veggies like green beans, Brussels sprouts, or a mixed salad.
For starches, stick to:
- 1/2 cup cooked grains
- 1 small potato
- 1 slice of bread
These amounts give you energy without overdoing calories.
Drink water with your meal to stay hydrated.
If you want dessert, go for fresh fruit to add nutrients and natural sweetness without too many extra calories.