30 Savory Side Dishes for Meatloaf — Are you looking for the perfect side dish to complement your hearty meatloaf? Look no further! In this curated list, we’ve compiled 30 savory side dishes that will elevate your meatloaf dinner to a new level. From classic comfort foods to fresh and flavorful options, you’ll find side dishes to suit every taste and occasion.
Whether serving a traditional meatloaf or experimenting with unique flavors, these sides will complete your meal. Let’s dive into the world of delicious side dishes for meatloaf!
What To Serve With Meatloaf
When enjoying a delicious meatloaf, the suitable side dishes can truly enhance the dining experience. With its savory flavors and hearty texture, Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments that balance its richness and add complementary flavors to your plate. Whether you’re preparing a classic meatloaf, a turkey meatloaf, or a veggie-based alternative, the following list of 30 savory side dishes has something for everyone.
From timeless favorites like mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables to more adventurous options like quinoa salad and garlic butter mushrooms, these side dishes are carefully selected to provide a well-rounded and satisfying meal. So, whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or simply craving comfort food, explore these side dishes to find the perfect pairing for your meatloaf creation. Get ready to elevate your meatloaf game and delight your taste buds with these mouthwatering options.
Best Meatloaf Recipes For Meatloaf Night
While the show’s star might be the side dishes, there is nothing better than a favorite meatloaf recipe; here are my favorites.
Served with a delicious side dish, they make for a great dinner.
- Air Fryer Meatloaf
- Air Fryer Italian Homemade Meatloaf
- Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
- Air Fryer Copycat Boston Market Meatloaf
- Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf
- Easy Air Fryer Meatloaf With Bourbon Glaze
How To Choose An Easy Side Dish Recipe To Serve At Your Dinner Table With Meatloaf
Choosing an easy side dish to serve with meatloaf can enhance your meal and provide a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some tips to help you choose the classic side dish to serve alongside your rich meatloaf.
- Complement Flavors: Consider the flavors in your meatloaf. If your meatloaf has a savory or smoky profile, you might want a side dish with a hint of sweetness, like glazed baby carrots or Brussels sprouts. Opt for a cooling side like coleslaw or healthy salads for a spicier meatloaf.
- Contrast Textures: Think about texture contrasts. If your meatloaf is tender and moist, balance it with a crispy or crunchy side dish, such as roasted potatoes or garlic bread.
- Balance Nutrition: Ensure a balanced meal by choosing sides that provide essential nutrients. Vegetables like green beans or broccoli add vitamins and fiber, while grains like rice or quinoa offer carbohydrates.
- Colorful Presentation: Aim for a visually appealing plate. Brightly colored sides like roasted red peppers or a mixed green salad can make your meal more inviting.
- Prep Time: Consider your available time and cooking skills. Choose a side dish that matches your schedule. If you’re short on time, opt for something quick and straightforward, like steamed vegetables. You can prepare baked macaroni and cheese or scalloped potatoes for more elaborate meals.
- Dietary Preferences: Be mindful of dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests. Offer vegetarian or gluten-free sides if needed.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Utilize seasonal produce to create fresh and flavorful dishes. For example, in the summer, you might serve grilled corn on the cob, while roasted butternut squash could be a great choice in the fall.
- Family Favorites: Consider the preferences of your family or guests. If there’s a side dish that everyone loves, it’s a safe bet.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different side dishes. Trying new recipes can be fun discovering flavors that pair perfectly with meatloaf.
Remember, choosing a side dish is personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Ultimately, the best side dish complements your meatloaf while satisfying your taste buds and dietary needs.
30 Sides To Serve With Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food; finding the perfect side dish to accompany it can take your meal to the next level. From traditional mashed potatoes to innovative salads, there are countless options to consider when choosing what to serve with meatloaf. In this collection of 30 savory sides, you’ll discover a variety of dishes that perfectly complement the rich, savory flavors of meatloaf. Whether you’re a fan of classic pairings or looking to try something new, these side dishes have you covered.
Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are the quintessential meatloaf side dish. Creamy, buttery, and perfectly seasoned, they provide a comforting contrast to the hearty meatloaf. You can get creative with toppings like chives, cheese, or gravy.
Air Fryer Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Roasted broccoli is nutritious and flavorful. Tossed with garlic and olive oil, it offers a slightly crispy texture and a hint of smokiness that pairs beautifully with meatloaf.
Air Fryer Grilled Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, grated parmesan cheese, and tangy Caesar dressing is a refreshing choice. The combination of textures and flavors provides a satisfying contrast to the meatloaf’s richness.
Air Fryer Creamed Spinach: Creamed spinach is a luxurious side dish that adds elegance to your meatloaf dinner. The creamy sauce and tender spinach leaves create a delectable pairing.
Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes: Scalloped potatoes are a decadent choice for meatloaf. Thinly sliced potatoes layered with creamy sauce and baked until golden brown make for a comforting and indulgent side.
Air Fryer Green Beans Almondine: Green beans almondine is a simple yet elegant side dish. Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds and a hint of lemon zest provide a light and zesty complement to meatloaf.
Copycat Chick-fil-A Coleslaw: Coleslaw offers a refreshing and crunchy side that balances meatloaf flavors. The creamy dressing and vibrant vegetables create a delightful contrast.
Air Fryer Cornbread: Cornbread is a Southern classic that pairs wonderfully with meatloaf. Its sweet and savory notes make it a perfect companion to the savory meat dish.
Air Fryer Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts, caramelized and slightly crispy, bring a unique earthy flavor and a touch of sweetness that enhances your meatloaf experience.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Swap regular fries for sweet potato fries to add a sweet and savory twist. These crispy delights are a crowd-pleaser alongside meatloaf.
Air Fryer Baked Beans: Baked beans offer a rich, smoky flavor that complements meatloaf’s hearty taste. They’re a classic choice for a barbecue-inspired meal.
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Mushrooms: Garlic butter mushrooms are a luxurious side dish. Sautéed until golden and tender, they provide a savory, umami-packed contrast to meatloaf.
Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese: Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Its creamy, cheesy goodness pairs exceptionally well with meatloaf. Nothing is better than a creamy mac and cheese pasta dish that the whole family will love.
Instant Pot Quinoa Salad: Try a quinoa salad with fresh vegetables and a zesty vinaigrette for a healthier option. It’s a light and refreshing choice that complements the meatloaf’s richness; drizzle with lemon juice right before serving.
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots: Glazed carrots offer a sweet and savory combination that enhances meatloaf flavors. The tender-crisp texture and shiny glaze make them an attractive side dish—one of the best easy vegetable side dishes that will be perfect for your meatloaf meal.
Air Fryer Caprese Garlic Bread: Caprese bread, with its layers of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze, adds freshness to your meatloaf dinner.
Air Fryer Roasted Asparagus: With its slightly nutty flavor and crisp texture, roasted asparagus provides a healthy and elegant side that pairs beautifully with meat loaf.
Instant Pot Wild Rice Pilaf: Wild rice pilaf, with its unique nutty flavor and chewy texture, is a delightful side dish that complements meatloaf’s heartiness. You can also make Instant Pot Brown Rice.
Ninja Foodi Roasted Red Potatoes: Roasted red potatoes, seasoned and cooked until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, are a classic choice that never disappoints.
Air Fryer Corn Pudding: Whether serving a tasty side dish or you love the cream texture to your meatloaf dinner. An American classic and perfect for a savory meatloaf.
Air Fryer Tomato Basil Bruschetta: Tomato basil bruschetta is a light and flavorful appetizer that doubles as a delightful side dish. The combination of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil perfectly matches meatloaf.
Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Rice: Broccoli cheddar rice casserole combines creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli florets, and fluffy rice for a comforting side dish that pairs well with meatloaf.
Homemade Greek Salad: A salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a fresh and Mediterranean-inspired contrast to meatloaf.
Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower: Roasted cauliflower, seasoned and caramelized in the oven, is a simple and nutritious side dish that complements meatloaf’s flavors.
Instant Pot Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A Mediterranean quinoa salad with chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon herb dressing adds a healthy and vibrant touch to your meatloaf dinner.
Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash: With its sweet and nutty flavor, roasted butternut squash provides a seasonal and hearty side that pairs well with meatloaf.
Air Fryer Garlic Bread: Garlic bread, with its crispy exterior and buttery, garlicky goodness, is a classic choice for sopping up the delicious meatloaf juices—Serve with a dipping sauce, tomato sauce, or pesto sauce.
Air Fryer Roasted Bell Peppers: charred and tender bell peppers offer a smoky sweetness that complements meatloaf’s savory profile.
Easy Cucumber Salad: A cucumber salad with thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, and a tangy dill dressing is a refreshing and light option that balances meatloaf’s richness. Or serve with green peas.
Air Fryer Kale: Sautéed kale, with its earthy flavor and hearty texture, is a nutritious side dish that pairs well with meatloaf and adds a touch of green to your plate.
With these 30 savory side dishes, you can create the perfect accompaniment to your meatloaf, whether you’re craving comfort food classics or exploring new flavors and textures. Enjoy your meatloaf dinner with these delectable sides that will satisfy every palate.
How To Store Leftover Meatloaf
To store leftover meatloaf properly, follow these steps:
- Cool It Down: Allow the meatloaf to cool to room temperature on the countertop for 1-2 hours after cooking.
- Wrap it: Wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can place it in an airtight container.
- Refrigeration: Store the wrapped or containerized meatloaf in the refrigerator. It must be kept at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or lower to prevent bacterial growth. Meatloaf can typically be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freezing (optional): If you don’t plan to consume the leftover meatloaf within a few days, consider freezing it for longer storage. Double-wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Properly stored, meatloaf can be frozen for 2-3 months.
- Label and Date: If you’re storing the meatloaf in the freezer, label the packaging with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- Thawing and Reheating: When ready to enjoy your leftover meatloaf, thaw it in the refrigerator if frozen. To reheat, you can use a microwave, oven, or air fryer until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Remember to use safe food handling practices when storing, reheating, and consuming leftovers to maintain quality and safety.
How To Reheat Meatloaf
You have several options to reheat meatloaf, depending on your preference and available kitchen equipment. Here’s how to reheat meatloaf:
Reheating Meatloaf With Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the meatloaf in an oven-safe dish or on a baking sheet.
- Cover the meatloaf with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Reheat in the oven for about 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of reheating to allow the top to crisp up if desired.
How To Reheat Meatloaf Microwave Method
- Place a slice of meatloaf on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the meatloaf with a microwave-safe cover or microwave-safe paper towel.
- Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, checking for doneness after each interval. Typically, it takes 1-2 minutes to reheat a slice of meatloaf thoroughly.
- Be cautious not to overcook, as the microwave can dry out the meatloaf.
Reheating Meatloaf In Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the meatloaf slices or portions in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the meatloaf is heated through and has a slightly crispy exterior.
Reheating Meatloaf In Skillet
- Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat.
- Add a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Place the meatloaf slices in the pan and cover with a lid.
- Heat for 2-4 minutes on each side or until heated through.
Regardless of the method you choose, use a food thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the meatloaf slices and the method used, so monitor closely to prevent overcooking.
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