7 what to have with shepherd's pie

 Shepherd’s Pie is a beloved comfort food that combines tender ground meat, usually lamb (or beef for cottage pie), savory vegetables, and a fluffy mashed potato topping. It’s a dish that has stood the test of time, providing warmth and satisfaction on chilly days or as a hearty family meal. However, while Shepherd’s Pie is already a complete and filling meal on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate the experience and create a more balanced, flavorful spread. In this article, we’ll explore seven delicious side dishes that complement the rich, savory taste of Shepherd's Pie perfectly.

1. Crisp and Refreshing Garden Salad

A crisp and refreshing garden salad is one of the simplest and most effective side dishes to serve with Shepherd’s Pie. The fresh, raw vegetables provide a light contrast to the rich, meaty filling of the Shepherd’s Pie. You can create a basic garden salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes. The key is to keep the flavors bright and fresh, offering a crunchy texture that complements the smoothness of the mashed potatoes.

To add a bit of flair to your salad, consider including a variety of greens such as arugula, spinach, or mixed salad leaves. You can also add some sliced red onions, carrots, and bell peppers for extra color and flavor. Dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to keep things light. This will help balance the heaviness of the Shepherd’s Pie without overpowering its flavors.

A side salad is not only a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal but also adds an element of brightness and freshness that will enhance the overall dining experience. It’s an easy side dish that doesn’t require much preparation and can be made in a few minutes.

2. Buttery Garlic Bread

When it comes to pairing bread with Shepherd’s Pie, a warm, buttery garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser. Garlic bread is an indulgent side dish that offers a satisfying crunch, buttery richness, and a bold garlic flavor that harmonizes well with the hearty filling of the Shepherd’s Pie. The crispy exterior of the bread contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy mashed potatoes, providing an ideal texture combination.

To make your garlic bread, you can use a baguette or a loaf of crusty Italian bread. Slice the bread into thick pieces, then spread a mixture of softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt onto each slice. Toast the bread in the oven until it’s golden and crispy, allowing the garlic aroma to fill your kitchen. Serve it warm alongside your Shepherd’s Pie, and you’ll have a winning combination of flavors.

This side dish is also highly customizable. You can add some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a cheesy twist or drizzle the bread with a little olive oil for an added layer of richness. Garlic bread is a comforting and flavorful side that pairs perfectly with the savory, meaty goodness of Shepherd’s Pie.

3. Steamed Green Beans with Almonds

For a more refined yet simple side dish, consider serving steamed green beans with toasted almonds. The green beans provide a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory meat filling of Shepherd’s Pie. Additionally, the almonds add a crunchy texture and a nutty richness that enhances the overall dish.

To prepare this side dish, blanch or steam fresh green beans until they are tender but still crisp. Then, toast sliced almonds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Combine the green beans and almonds in a serving bowl and toss them together with a little butter, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of sea salt and pepper. The lemon juice provides a hint of acidity, brightening up the dish and balancing the richness of the Shepherd’s Pie.

Steamed green beans with almonds are a great side for those who want to keep the meal light while still offering a flavorful, nutritious option. This dish pairs well with the creamy mashed potatoes and savory meat of the Shepherd’s Pie, adding an extra layer of texture and freshness.

4. Creamy Mashed Swede (Rutabaga)

For those looking to put a twist on the traditional mashed potatoes, mashed swede (also known as rutabaga) is a wonderful alternative. Swede is a root vegetable with a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and a creamy texture when mashed. It complements the savory flavors of Shepherd’s Pie without being as heavy as potatoes. This side dish is especially popular in British cuisine and adds a rustic, comforting touch to the meal.

To make mashed swede, peel and cube the swede before boiling it in salted water until it’s soft and tender. Once cooked, drain the swede and mash it with butter, cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper. For a bit of extra flavor, you can also add a touch of nutmeg or garlic. The creamy swede serves as a great accompaniment to Shepherd’s Pie, providing a slightly sweet contrast to the savory meat and vegetables.

Mashed swede is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, and its unique flavor will add a new dimension to your Shepherd’s Pie meal.

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon is a flavorful, savory side dish that pairs wonderfully with Shepherd’s Pie. Brussels sprouts are often underappreciated, but when roasted, they become tender on the inside while developing a crispy, caramelized exterior. Adding crispy bacon elevates the flavor profile, bringing a salty, smoky richness that enhances the hearty taste of the Shepherd’s Pie.

To make this side dish, trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven at a high temperature until they’re golden and crispy. While the sprouts roast, cook some bacon until it’s crisp, then crumble it over the Brussels sprouts once they’re done. The smoky bacon and caramelized Brussels sprouts create a perfect pairing for the rich and savory Shepherd’s Pie.

This dish adds a touch of sophistication to your meal while still being hearty and comforting. The salty bacon balances the sweetness of the Brussels sprouts, making it a flavorful side that complements the Shepherd’s Pie perfectly.

6. Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasted root vegetables are a hearty and flavorful side that pairs wonderfully with Shepherd’s Pie. The natural sweetness of root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets is brought out through roasting, making them a great complement to the savory and rich meat filling of the Shepherd’s Pie.

To make roasted root vegetables, simply peel and chop your chosen vegetables into even pieces. Toss them with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper, then spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast at a high temperature, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are golden and tender. The result is a colorful and delicious side that adds both flavor and visual appeal to the table.

Roasted root vegetables are versatile and can be customized based on your preferences. You can add other seasonings like garlic or a touch of honey for sweetness, depending on the flavor profile you’re looking for. This side dish adds a natural sweetness and earthiness that perfectly balances the richness of Shepherd’s Pie.

7. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic and Lemon

If you’re looking for a light and nutritious side dish, sautéed spinach with garlic and lemon is a great option to serve alongside Shepherd’s Pie. Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green that provides a mild, slightly bitter flavor, which contrasts nicely with the savory filling of the Shepherd’s Pie. The garlic adds aromatic depth, and the lemon juice brings a touch of acidity to brighten up the dish.

To prepare sautéed spinach, heat olive oil in a pan and cook minced garlic until fragrant. Then, add fresh spinach leaves and sauté until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to taste. This dish is quick to prepare and adds a burst of color and flavor to your plate.

Sautéed spinach with garlic and lemon is a healthy side that adds a fresh, slightly tangy flavor to balance the richness of the Shepherd’s Pie. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a great way to add some greens to your meal.

Conclusion

While Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and complete meal on its own, serving it with the right side dishes can elevate the experience and provide a more balanced meal. From fresh garden salads to roasted root vegetables, each of these side dishes offers unique flavors and textures that complement the savory goodness of the Shepherd’s Pie. Whether you prefer something light and refreshing like a garden salad or something rich and indulgent like garlic bread, there’s a perfect side dish to enhance your Shepherd’s Pie experience. Enjoy experimenting with these side dishes and find your favorite pairing for this timeless classic.