Pot roast is a classic comfort food that warms hearts and fills stomachs. While the main dish is often the star, picking the right sides can take your meal to the next level.

The best pot roast sides complement the rich flavors of the meat and gravy while adding variety to your plate.

From veggies to starches, there are many tasty options to choose from. This guide will help you find the perfect sides to round out your pot roast dinner.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with pot roast. The creamy texture and rich garlic flavor complement the hearty meat beautifully.

To make this dish, boil peeled potatoes until tender. Mash them with butter, milk, and roasted garlic cloves for extra flavor. Add salt and pepper to taste.

For a smoother texture, use a potato ricer or food mill. You can also leave some chunks for a more rustic feel. Adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste preferences.

Garlic mashed potatoes not only taste great but also provide nutrients. They’re a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Serve them hot alongside your pot roast for a comforting meal.

2. Glazed Carrots

Glazed carrots are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with pot roast. They add a touch of sweetness to balance the savory meat.

To make glazed carrots, you’ll need carrots, butter, and honey or brown sugar. Cook the carrots until tender, then add the glaze ingredients.

You can use baby carrots or slice larger ones into rounds or sticks. For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange juice to the glaze.

This colorful side dish takes just 15 minutes to prepare. It’s an easy way to add vitamins and visual appeal to your pot roast dinner.

3. Buttered Green Beans

Green beans make a great side for pot roast. They add color and crunch to your plate.

To make buttered green beans, start with fresh or frozen beans. Boil the beans until tender-crisp. Drain them well.

Melt some butter in a pan. Add the beans and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For extra flavor, try adding minced garlic or slivered almonds. You can also sprinkle on some lemon juice or Parmesan cheese.

Buttered green beans are quick and easy to make. This simple side dish goes well with the rich flavors of pot roast. It’s a light option that balances out the hearty meat.

4. Yorkshire Pudding

Yorkshire pudding is a tasty side dish for pot roast. It’s a savory pastry made from eggs, flour, and milk. The batter rises in hot oil to form a crispy outside and soft inside.

You can make Yorkshire pudding in a large pan or individual muffin tins. It soaks up gravy well, adding flavor to each bite. The light, airy texture contrasts nicely with the hearty pot roast.

For best results, serve Yorkshire pudding hot and fresh from the oven. It’s a classic British side that goes great with roasted meats.

Try it with your next pot roast for a delicious meal.

5. Cranberry Walnut Salad

Cranberry walnut salad adds a fresh, tangy twist to your pot roast meal. This colorful side dish balances the richness of the main course.

To make it, mix chopped lettuce with sliced red onions. Add dried cranberries and toasted walnuts for sweetness and crunch. For extra flavor, toss in some crumbled feta cheese.

Dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of Dijon mustard.

This light and zesty combo perfectly complements your hearty pot roast.

6. Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a perfect side for pot roast. These cheesy, garlicky biscuits add a tasty contrast to the hearty meat dish.

You can make them at home or buy them ready-made. Their soft texture and rich flavor pair well with the tender pot roast.

Try spreading some horseradish mayo on the biscuits for extra kick. You can even use them to make mini pot roast sliders.

The biscuits also soak up gravy nicely. This makes them great for mopping up any leftover juices from your pot roast.

7. Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a tasty side dish for pot roast. It has a smooth, velvety texture that goes well with the meat.

To make it, cook fresh spinach with garlic. Then mix in cream and cheese. This creates a rich, comforting flavor.

Creamed spinach adds color to your plate. It also gives you iron and vitamins. This green veggie balances out the hearty pot roast.

You can easily make this side at home. It’s perfect for special dinners or everyday meals with pot roast.

8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts make a delicious side dish for pot roast. To make them, preheat your oven to 425°F.

Trim the ends off the sprouts and cut them in half. Place the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread them out evenly, cut side down.

Roast the sprouts for about 20-25 minutes. They should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

For extra flavor, you can add garlic powder or grated Parmesan cheese before roasting.

9. Cornbread Stuffing

Cornbread stuffing is a tasty side dish that pairs well with pot roast. Its sweet and savory flavors complement the rich meat nicely.

You can make cornbread stuffing from scratch or use a packaged mix. Adding herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary gives it extra flavor.

For a twist, try serving the pot roast on top of the stuffing. The juices from the meat will soak into the stuffing, making it even more delicious.

Cornbread stuffing also goes great with gravy. Pour some pot roast gravy over the stuffing for a hearty and satisfying bite.

10. Garlic Herb Mushrooms

Garlic herb mushrooms make a tasty side for pot roast. They’re quick and easy to prepare.

Start by cleaning and slicing your mushrooms. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute.

Toss in the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture. Sprinkle in some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for a few more minutes until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown.

11. Asparagus with Hollandaise

Asparagus with hollandaise sauce is a classic side dish that pairs well with pot roast.

You can easily roast asparagus in the oven at 450°F for 8-10 minutes.

Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus and sprinkle with salt before roasting.

While it cooks, make a quick hollandaise sauce using egg yolks, melted butter, and lemon juice.

Pour the rich, creamy hollandaise over the tender roasted asparagus spears just before serving.

This elegant side adds a touch of luxury to your pot roast meal.

12. Honey Butter Peas

Honey butter peas are a sweet and savory side dish that pairs well with pot roast.

To make them, start by cooking fresh or frozen peas until tender.

Mix melted butter with a touch of honey to create a simple glaze. Pour this over the cooked peas and toss gently to coat.

The honey adds a subtle sweetness that complements the natural flavor of the peas. The butter gives them a rich, silky texture.

This easy side dish takes just minutes to prepare. It adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to your plate alongside hearty pot roast.

13. Parmesan Polenta

Parmesan polenta makes a tasty side for pot roast. This creamy Italian dish is made from coarsely ground cornmeal. You cook it slowly with water or broth until thick and smooth.

To make it extra flavorful, stir in grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese adds a rich, salty taste that goes well with beef. Butter and milk help make the polenta extra creamy.

Serve a scoop of hot polenta next to your pot roast. The soft texture soaks up the meat juices nicely.

For added flair, top the polenta with herbs like thyme or rosemary.

14. Roasted Garlic Cauliflower

Roasted garlic cauliflower is a tasty side dish that pairs well with pot roast. To make it, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

Cut a head of cauliflower into florets and peel some garlic cloves. Toss the cauliflower and garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.

Roast for about 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The cauliflower should be tender and golden brown when done.

For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the cauliflower during the last few minutes of roasting. This creates a crispy, cheesy crust.

The roasted garlic adds a mellow, savory taste that complements the cauliflower and your pot roast perfectly.

15. Balsamic Glazed Onions

Balsamic glazed onions make a tasty side dish for pot roast. You can cook them alongside the roast in a slow cooker for convenience.

Slice onions and place them around the roast. Pour balsamic vinegar over the top. The onions will absorb the vinegar’s tangy flavor as they cook.

After 6-8 hours on low heat, the onions become soft and caramelized. Their sweet and sour taste complements the savory meat perfectly.

You can also make these onions separately on the stovetop. Sauté sliced onions in a pan, then add balsamic vinegar and simmer until glazed.

16. Herb Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

Herb roasted fingerling potatoes make a tasty side dish for pot roast. These small, elongated potatoes have a buttery texture and crispy skin when roasted.

To prepare them, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley.

Spread the potatoes cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast them in a hot oven until golden brown and tender, flipping once halfway through.

The result is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside potatoes. Their herb and garlic flavors pair wonderfully with pot roast. You can easily customize the seasonings to your liking.

17. Maple Glazed Acorn Squash

Maple glazed acorn squash is a tasty side dish for pot roast. You can make it easily with just a few ingredients.

Cut an acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Brush the cut sides with melted butter and maple syrup. Sprinkle with salt and cinnamon if you like.

Place the squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Roast them in a 400°F oven for about 35-45 minutes. They’re done when you can easily pierce them with a fork.

The maple syrup will caramelize as it cooks, giving the squash a sweet flavor. This side dish adds a nice contrast to savory pot roast.

18. 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 tasty combination.

You can make buttermilk biscuits from scratch or use a mix for convenience. They’re light, tender, and extra-buttery when baked atop melted butter.

Serve these warm biscuits alongside your pot roast for a comforting meal. They’re also great for making sandwiches with leftover roast the next day.

Understanding Pot Roast Pairings

Pot roast goes well with many side dishes. The best pairings balance flavors and textures. This creates a complete meal that’s satisfying and delicious.

Balancing Flavors

Pot roast has a rich, savory taste. You can pair it with sides that complement or contrast this flavor.

Vegetables like carrots and onions add sweetness. Mashed potatoes soak up the gravy. Green beans or Brussels sprouts give a fresh taste.

For a zesty kick, try horseradish sauce or pickled vegetables. Roasted garlic adds depth. A light salad with vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness. Red wine brings out the beef’s flavor.

You can also add herbs to your sides. Rosemary, thyme, and parsley work well with pot roast. These herbs enhance the meal without overpowering the main dish.

Considering Textures

Texture is key for a good pot roast meal. The meat is usually tender and soft.

You’ll want some crunch to balance it out. Try roasted vegetables like carrots or parsnips.

They get crispy edges in the oven. A crusty bread is great for soaking up gravy.

It also adds a nice crunch.

Creamy sides like mashed potatoes or polenta contrast with the meat’s texture. They’re smooth and comforting.

For something different, try crispy potato wedges or roasted sweet potatoes.

Cooked greens like spinach or kale add a soft yet slightly chewy element. A crisp green salad gives freshness and crunch.

These lighter sides help balance the hearty pot roast.

Nutritional Aspects of Side Dishes

Side dishes can greatly impact the nutritional value of your pot roast meal. The right choices add important nutrients while balancing the overall meal.

Macronutrient Considerations

Carbohydrates from side dishes give you energy. Whole grains and starchy vegetables offer fiber and complex carbs.

These keep you full longer. Protein-rich sides like beans or quinoa boost the meal’s protein content.

Fats in sides affect calories. Use healthy fats like olive oil in moderation.

This adds flavor without too many extra calories. Choose sides that balance the macronutrients in your pot roast.

Add more veggies if your roast is very fatty. Pick whole grains if it’s lean to round out the meal.

Vitamins and Minerals

Colorful veggie sides pack in vitamins and minerals.

Dark leafy greens give you iron and calcium.

Orange veggies like carrots have vitamin A for eye health.

Roasted vegetables keep more nutrients than boiled ones.

Steaming is another good cooking method.

Whole grains add B vitamins and minerals like magnesium.

Legumes offer folate and zinc.

Mix up your sides for a range of nutrients.

This helps you meet your daily needs.

Aim for at least 2-3 different veggie sides with your pot roast for the most benefits.