30 Perfect Sides to Complement Your Meatloaf
Picking the right sides for meatloaf can turn this classic comfort food into a hearty meal.
Creamy mashed potatoes, vibrant green beans, and tangy coleslaw complement the rich flavors of meatloaf, enhancing each bite.
These sides range from rustic to refined, ensuring your meatloaf dinner is satisfying and complete.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes bring warmth and comfort to any meal.
The creamy texture, combined with a hint of butter and a sprinkle of salt, creates an inviting dish that feels like home.
You can personalize them with garlic or herbs for an extra layer of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Pair these fluffy delights with savory gravies or serve them alongside roasted meats; they complement almost anything on your plate.
Each scoop invites you to savor the moment, making every gathering feel special and memorable.
Creamed Peas with Pearl Onions
Creamed peas with pearl onions is a dish that warms the heart and pleases the palate.
This combination features tender green peas enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, complemented by sweet little pearl onions that add an extra layer of flavor.
The simplicity of this recipe allows each ingredient to shine through, making it an inviting side for any meal.
You can almost taste the freshness as you savor every spoonful; it's like a cozy hug on your plate.
Perfectly suited for family dinners or special occasions, this dish brings comfort and satisfaction to your table with ease.
Creamed Corn
Creamed corn brings a warm, comforting feel to any meal.
Sweet kernels blend beautifully with rich cream, creating a dish that feels like a hug on your plate.
You can savor its smooth texture and buttery flavor, which makes it an inviting side for gatherings or cozy dinners at home.
This dish often carries memories of family meals and summer barbecues, reminding you of those cherished moments spent around the table.
With just the right amount of seasoning and perhaps a sprinkle of cheese on top, creamed corn can easily become your new favorite comfort food.
Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine offers a combination of crispness and nuttiness that elevates any meal.
Fresh green beans shine in this dish, their vibrant color inviting you to take a bite.
Sliced almonds add a satisfying crunch, bringing warmth and richness with every mouthful.
A hint of lemon brightens the flavors, creating an irresistible balance that dances on your palate.
Serving this dish not only complements your main course but also brings an elegant touch to your dining experience, making it feel special every time you enjoy it.
Latkes
Latkes bring warmth and comfort to any table, especially during festive gatherings.
These crispy potato pancakes, often served with applesauce or sour cream, offer a crunch that contrasts beautifully with their tender interior.
The aroma of frying latkes fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to come closer and share in the experience.
Enjoying latkes is not just about taste; it’s about connecting with loved ones over cherished recipes passed down through generations.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mexican street corn salad bursts with flavor and color, making it a feast for the senses.
Fresh corn kernels mingle with creamy dressing, zesty lime juice, and a sprinkle of chili powder to create an irresistible combination.
The addition of crumbled cheese adds richness while fresh cilantro brings a refreshing touch that ties everything together beautifully.
This dish captures the essence of summer gatherings or cozy nights in, inviting you to savor every bite.
Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Caprese stuffed portobello mushrooms bring a twist to your table.
Juicy, meaty mushrooms cradle a mixture of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil.
This dish bursts with flavors that dance on your palate, creating an experience you won't forget.
The combination of textures, from the tender mushroom to the creamy cheese, adds excitement to every forkful.
Easy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Baked sweet potato fries offer a delicious twist on a classic snack.
With their natural sweetness and crispy texture, these fries can easily become your new favorite treat.
Tossing them in olive oil and seasoning gives them an irresistible flavor that will have you reaching for more.
The vibrant orange color brightens up any plate, making meals feel special without extra effort.
Perfect as a side dish or enjoyed on their own, these fries are sure to satisfy cravings while keeping things wholesome and fun.
Cucumber Avocado Tomato Salad with Pesto
Freshness bursts from every corner of this cucumber avocado tomato salad with pesto.
Juicy tomatoes mingle with crisp cucumbers, while creamy avocado adds a rich texture that feels luxurious on the palate.
A drizzle of vibrant pesto ties everything together, infusing each bite with an herbaceous kick that dances across your taste buds.
This salad is not just about flavors; it’s also a feast for the eyes, showcasing bright greens and reds that invite you to dig in.
Perfect as a light lunch or as an accompaniment to any meal, this dish brings together wholesome ingredients in a way that's both satisfying and energizing.
Dirty Rice
Dirty rice brings a hearty, comforting feel to any meal.
This dish, rich in flavor and history, is often associated with Creole and Cajun cuisines from Louisiana.
Ground meat adds depth while the spices create a warm embrace that wraps around each grain of rice.
Vegetables like bell peppers and onions bring freshness to the mix, making every bite satisfying.
Rainbow Pasta Salad
Rainbow pasta salad bursts with color and flavor, inviting you to dive into a bowl of joy.
Imagine twirling your fork through vibrant spirals of pasta mixed with crisp vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach.
A drizzle of zesty dressing adds a refreshing kick that dances on your taste buds.
This dish is not just visually appealing; it brings together wholesome ingredients that make every bite feel nourishing.
Corn Casserole
Corn casserole brings warmth and comfort to any gathering.
Its creamy texture combined with a hint of sweetness creates an amazing experience that everyone can enjoy.
This dish often features golden corn kernels mixed with rich cream, eggs, and just the right amount of seasoning for that homey flavor you crave.
Served warm from the oven, it fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma that beckons loved ones to the table.
Each spoonful offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures, making it hard not to go back for seconds or even thirds!
Squash Casserole
Squash casserole brings warmth and comfort to any meal.
This dish combines tender squash with a creamy blend of cheese, eggs, and spices that create a rich flavor profile.
The golden top layer adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling underneath.
You might find yourself savoring every bite as it fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma while baking.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts with bacon bring a twist to your dinner table.
The crispy, salty bacon complements the earthy flavor of the sprouts perfectly, creating a dish that feels both hearty and satisfying.
Roasting them together allows those rich flavors to meld beautifully while achieving a lovely caramelization on the outside.
This combination not only enhances your meal but also adds an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth.
Succotash
Succotash brings together a colorful mix of fresh ingredients that can brighten any meal.
This dish often features sweet corn and tender lima beans, creating a contrast in texture and flavor.
You might find it sprinkled with herbs or spices, adding an aromatic touch that makes each bite more exciting.
Many enjoy succotash as a side dish during summer barbecues or family gatherings, where its vibrant hues attract attention on the table.
A bowl of this hearty blend invites you to savor the tastes of seasonal produce while enjoying good company and warm memories.
Arroz con Gandules
Arroz con gandules is a beloved dish that captures the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine.
The combination of fluffy rice and tender pigeon peas creates a comforting meal, rich in flavor and tradition.
A medley of spices like sofrito brings warmth to every bite, while hints of smoky ham or pork add depth that keeps you coming back for more.
This dish often graces family gatherings and celebrations, serving as a reminder of shared moments around the table.
Each spoonful tells a story steeped in culture, inviting you to savor not just food but also the connections it fosters among loved ones.
Mushroom Stroganoff
Mushroom stroganoff invites you into a world of creamy, savory goodness that warms the soul.
Rich, earthy mushrooms blend seamlessly with a velvety sauce that dances on your taste buds.
This dish is perfect for cozy evenings when comfort food is a must.
You can serve it over pasta or rice, allowing each forkful to soak up the nice flavors.
With every bite, you'll appreciate how simple ingredients come together to create something truly satisfying and heartwarming.
Chili Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans
Chili maple glazed sweet potatoes with pecans offer a mix of flavors that dance on your palate.
The natural sweetness of the potatoes harmonizes beautifully with the spicy kick from chili, creating a dish that excites your taste buds.
Crunchy pecans add texture and depth, making every bite an adventure in flavor and crunchiness.
This dish shines at any gathering or cozy dinner, bringing warmth and comfort to the table.
You’ll find it’s not just food; it’s an experience you’ll want to savor again and again.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Mediterranean quinoa salad bursts with fresh flavors and vibrant colors that can brighten any meal.
This dish combines fluffy quinoa with crisp vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers, creating a crunch in every bite.
A drizzle of olive oil and a splash of lemon juice adds just the right zing to elevate the taste experience.
Tossed together with fragrant herbs such as parsley and mint, this salad offers a refreshing twist that leaves you feeling energized.
Gigi Hadid Pasta
Gigi Hadid pasta has taken the culinary world by storm, inviting everyone to whip up a creamy, spicy delight right in their kitchens.
This dish features a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic and red pepper flakes, creating an irresistible warmth that dances on your taste buds.
You can personalize it with your favorite pasta shape and perhaps add some fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
Friends will be impressed when you serve this comforting meal at dinner gatherings or cozy nights in.
Green Rice Casserole
Green rice casserole brings a burst of color and flavor to your table.
This dish combines fluffy rice with vibrant green vegetables, creating a harmony that excites the palate.
The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the crunch of fresh herbs, making every forkful satisfying and comforting.
Imagine serving this at your next gathering; it’s sure to catch everyone’s eye and spark curiosity about its ingredients.
With its simple preparation, you can easily whip up this casserole for any occasion while enjoying compliments from guests who appreciate both taste and presentation.
Moroccan Couscous
Moroccan couscous brings a burst of flavors and textures to your table.
Tiny grains of semolina, fluffy and light, serve as the perfect base for an array of vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices.
You can feel the warmth from cinnamon, cumin, and coriander dancing together in each mouthful.
Adding chickpeas or tender pieces of meat creates a hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on chilly evenings.
Maque Choux
Maque choux brings a taste of Louisiana right to your plate.
This dish combines sweet corn, bell peppers, and onions in a savory mix that dances with flavor.
You can enjoy it as a side or let it shine as the main attraction; its versatility is impressive.
A hint of spice adds warmth, while fresh herbs brighten each mouthful.
Cooking maque choux feels like sharing a piece of Southern culture that invites everyone to gather around the table and savor life together.
Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Creamy broccoli mac and cheese offers a twist on a classic favorite.
Rich, velvety cheese envelops tender pasta and fresh broccoli, creating a comforting dish that warms the heart.
This combination not only satisfies your cravings but also sneaks in some nutritious greens without compromising on flavor.
It also bursts with cheesy goodness, making it hard to resist going back for more.
Bloomin Onion Garlic Bread
A bloomin onion garlic bread takes a beloved classic and adds an exciting twist that’s hard to resist.
Imagine fluffy, warm bread infused with rich garlic butter, then cut into a beautiful flower shape that invites you to dig in.
Each piece pulls apart easily, revealing layers of flavor that dance on your taste buds.
This dish not only satisfies cravings but also brings people together around the table for fun and laughter.
It promises an experience filled with warmth and deliciousness you won’t forget anytime soon.
Cauliflower Rice with Garlic and Parmesan
Cauliflower rice with garlic and parmesan brings a fresh twist to your meal.
The subtle crunch of the cauliflower pairs beautifully with the rich, savory notes of garlic.
Each forkful delivers a satisfying taste that feels both comforting and light at the same time.
A sprinkle of parmesan adds a creamy texture that elevates this dish, making it feel indulgent without being heavy.
This simple side can easily become your go-to favorite, complementing everything from grilled chicken to roasted vegetables in harmony.
Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Orzo
Creamy mushroom and spinach orzo brings comfort to your table with its rich flavors and textures.
This dish combines tender orzo pasta with earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce that feels indulgent yet satisfying.
You can easily whip it up on a busy weeknight, making it a go-to meal for those who crave something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Pair this creamy delight with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce; it's an experience you won't want to miss!
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Chives
Cheesy mashed potatoes with bacon and chives offer a comforting dish that warms the heart.
Creamy, rich flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor every spoonful.
Crispy bits of bacon add a crunch, while fresh chives sprinkle in a burst of color and taste.
This dish shines at gatherings or cozy dinners at home, making it an instant favorite among loved ones.
You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds as this indulgent treat becomes the star on your table.
Tomato Feta Baked Spaghetti Squash
Tomato feta baked spaghetti squash brings a fresh twist to your dinner table.
This dish combines the sweetness of roasted squash with the tangy richness of feta cheese, creating a harmony.
Roasting enhances the natural flavors, while fresh tomatoes add brightness and color that will catch your eye.
Enjoying this meal feels like indulging in comfort food without any guilt!
Simple French-Style Potato Salad
A simple French-style potato salad brings a refreshing twist to your table.
With tender potatoes tossed in a light vinaigrette, every forkful bursts with flavor.
Fresh herbs like parsley and chives add a delightful touch, making it feel bright and inviting.
The addition of Dijon mustard gives it that classic French flair, creating an experience that feels both rustic and elegant at once.
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can stand alone as a satisfying lunch option on warm days.
Truc Tran (Kris)
Expertise
Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Asian Food Content Creator, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert
Education
Program: Diploma of Hospitality (Commercial Cookery)
Focus: The culinary program included a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management, and a Diploma of Hospitality Management. This education provided a comprehensive blend of theoretical and practical training in finance, sustainability, diversity, and human resources management.
Program: Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
Focus: Explored global cuisines, and developed entrepreneurial abilities to manage a successful food business, along with acquiring essential language, math, computer, and communication skills for success.
Program: Certificate of Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef
Focus: Master traditional and modern Vietnamese cooking techniques.
Truc Tran, or Kris, is an accomplished food editor with extensive training in hospitality and culinary arts, including a deep focus on Vietnamese cuisine from various prestigious institutions. She possesses over nine years of experience, developing her expertise in global cuisines and blending traditional Vietnamese cooking with contemporary trends to create engaging and educational content.
She also has a rich educational background, including a Diploma of Hospitality from TasTAFE and a Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts from Kendall College’s Sydney branch. It enables her to offer unique insights into meal planning, recipe development, and food culture, making her articles and cooking videos both informative and appealing.