7 Perfect Side Dishes to Serve With Shepherd’s Pie for a Complete Meal
Complement your shepherd’s pie with a range of sides like Irish soda bread, glazed carrots, and fruit salad for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed by families for generations. This hearty casserole is made with tender minced meat, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping.
Although shepherd’s pie can be a meal in itself, serving it with complementary side dishes can elevate your dining experience and create a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
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1. Bread Options
While shepherd’s pie already contains plenty of carbohydrates from the mashed potatoes, there’s nothing quite like a warm, fresh slice of bread to complete the meal. Here are some delicious bread options to serve alongside your shepherd’s pie:
Irish Soda Bread
Irish soda bread is a traditional accompaniment to shepherd’s pie, as both dishes hail from the same culinary heritage. This quick and easy bread is made without yeast, relying on the reaction between baking soda and buttermilk to achieve its rise. The result is a dense, slightly tangy loaf that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of shepherd’s pie. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make and requires only a few staple ingredients!
Condensed Milk Bread
For a sweeter take on bread, try serving condensed milk bread with your shepherd’s pie. This soft, pillowy bread is made with sweetened condensed milk, giving it a subtle sweetness and a moist, tender crumb. The slight sweetness of the bread contrasts nicely with the savory flavors of the shepherd’s pie, creating a delightful balance in your meal.
Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire pudding is another traditional British side dish that pairs well with shepherd’s pie. These savory puddings are made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, and milk, which is poured into hot oil and baked until puffed and golden. The light, airy texture of Yorkshire pudding provides a nice contrast to the dense, hearty nature of shepherd’s pie.
Vegetable Sides
Adding a vegetable side dish to your shepherd’s pie meal not only boosts the nutritional value but also provides a burst of color and freshness to your plate. Here are some delicious vegetable sides to consider:
Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots are a simple yet flavorful side dish that complements the rich flavors of shepherd’s pie beautifully. To make this dish, simply toss baby carrots in a mixture of honey, butter, and seasonings, then roast until tender and caramelized. The natural sweetness of the carrots works wonderfully with the savory elements of the shepherd’s pie, creating a harmonious balance on your plate.
Sweet Potatoes and Butternut Squash
Roasted sweet potatoes and butternut squash are a colorful, comforting addition to your shepherd’s pie meal. Simply dice the vegetables, toss in olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and roast until tender and slightly caramelized. The sweet and earthy flavors of these vegetables complement the savory meat and potatoes in the shepherd’s pie, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic comfort food that pairs well with shepherd’s pie. The rich, hearty flavors of the beans echo those found in the shepherd’s pie, while the tomato-based sauce adds a tangy contrast. You can make your own homemade baked beans or use your favorite store-bought variety for a quick and easy side dish.
Balsamic Roasted Green Beans and Brussels Sprouts
For a more sophisticated vegetable side, try balsamic roasted green beans and Brussels sprouts. Simply toss the vegetables in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and seasonings, then roast until tender and slightly charred. The tangy balsamic glaze provides a nice contrast to the rich flavors of shepherd’s pie, while the caramelized vegetables add depth and complexity to the meal.
Salads
A fresh, crisp salad can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty flavors of shepherd’s pie. Here are some salad ideas to round out your meal:
Greens
A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette is an easy and versatile option that goes well with just about any main dish, including shepherd’s pie. You can customize the salad to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables, cheese, nuts, or dried fruit.
Garden Salad
A classic garden salad, complete with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and croutons, pairs nicely with the savory flavors of shepherd’s pie. Add a light, tangy dressing like Italian or Greek vinaigrette to keep the salad from becoming too heavy.
Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
If you’re looking for a warm salad option, try honey balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts. Toss halved sprouts in a mixture of honey, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil, then roast until caramelized and tender. Serve warm over a bed of mixed greens for a delicious, hearty salad that complements the flavors of shepherd’s pie.
Mint Apple Walnut Salad
For a more unique and refreshing salad, try a mint apple walnut salad. Combine thinly sliced apples, chopped walnuts, fresh mint leaves, and mixed greens, then drizzle with a light lemon vinaigrette. The bright, crisp flavors in this salad provide a welcome contrast to the rich, savory elements of shepherd’s pie.
Sauces and Condiments
No shepherd’s pie meal is complete without a few sauces and condiments on the table. Here are some options to consider:
Gravy
A rich, savory gravy is a classic accompaniment to shepherd’s pie. Whether you make your own from scratch or use a store-bought variety, be sure to have plenty on hand for drizzling over both the pie and any side dishes.
Cranberry Apple Compote
For a fruity, tangy contrast to the meaty flavors of shepherd’s pie, try serving a cranberry apple compote on the side. This simple sauce is made by simmering fresh cranberries, diced apples, sugar, and water until thick and jam-like.
The tart, sweet flavors of the compote pair nicely with the savory elements of the shepherd’s pie, providing an interesting and delicious contrast.
Mustard
Although not a traditional pairing, a dollop of whole-grain mustard can add a sharp, tangy element to your shepherd’s pie meal. Try spreading a little mustard on your bread, or even mixing it into your baked beans for extra flavor.
Other Side Dish Ideas
If you’re looking for even more side dish inspiration, consider these additional options to round out your shepherd’s pie meal:
Fresh Green Beans
Steamed or sautéed fresh green beans make a simple, healthy side dish that complements the flavors of shepherd’s pie. Season with a little salt, pepper, and garlic for added flavor.
Sautéed Zucchini
Sautéed zucchini is another quick and easy vegetable side that pairs well with shepherd’s pie. Slice the zucchini into thin rounds, then sauté in olive oil with garlic, salt, and pepper until tender and slightly golden.
Fruit Salad
A light, refreshing fruit salad can provide a nice contrast to the heavy flavors of shepherd’s pie. Combine your favorite seasonal fruits, such as berries, melon, and grapes, then toss in a simple honey-lime dressing for added sweetness and tang.
Mashed Potatoes
While shepherd’s pie already contains mashed potatoes in its topping, some diners may appreciate having extra on the side. Whip up a batch of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes to serve alongside your pie for those who simply can’t get enough of this classic comfort food staple.
What can I serve with shepherd’s pie?
You can serve shepherd’s pie with a variety of sides, such as a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.
What side dishes go with meat pie?
Side dishes that go well with meat pie include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and coleslaw.
What are typical side dishes?
Typical side dishes include salads, roasted or steamed vegetables, rice, pasta, and bread.
What are common sides?
Common sides encompass items like French fries, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, and dinner rolls.
