Are you trying to bring a classic prime rib dinner to the table but don’t know what side dishes are best to serve?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
With this comprehensive guide, you’ll have all of your guests drooling over each and every side dish that is paired with that perfectly cooked juicy prime rib.
Whether its simple sautéed vegetables or a fresh garden salad, you’ll find everything from vegetarian and vegan options to classic dishes like mashed potatoes and Yorkshire pudding in this list of 15 tasty sides guaranteed to skyrocket any roast beef dinner into heavenly status.
Get ready for your next dinner party because these recipes will help build an impressive menu worthy of the star ingredient – prime Rib!
What To Serve with Prime Rib? 15 Tasty Side Dish Ideas
1. Arugula Salad with Beets, Goat Cheese, and Pistachios
This arugula salad is a great way to get your daily dose of greens, while also enjoying the sweetness of beets and the creaminess of goat cheese.
The pistachios add a nice crunch, and the balsamic dressing ties everything together.
As far as taste goes, the arugula is slightly bitter, the beets are sweet, and the goat cheese is creamy.
The textures are varied, with the arugula being crispy, the beets being soft, and the goat cheese being smooth.
Overall, this salad is a great mix of flavors and textures.
There are a few things you can do to elevate this dish.
First, you could roast the beets instead of boiling them.
This will give them a deeper flavor.
Second, you could use a different kind of cheese, such as feta or blue cheese.
And finally, you could add some chopped-up bacon or pancetta for extra flavor.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans
There’s nothing quite like the taste of roasted Brussels sprouts.
The savory flavor of the bacon, the sweetness of the pecans, and the slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts themselves come together to create a dish that is simply irresistible.
The key to making this dish even better is to get the perfect balance of flavors.
The bacon should be crispy but not burnt.
The pecans should be lightly roasted so that they add a nice crunch to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
And finally, the Brussels sprouts should be cooked just enough so that they are soft but still have a bit of bite to them.
If you’re looking for a way to elevate this dish even further, try adding a touch of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice before serving.
These simple additions will brighten up the flavors and make this dish even more delicious.
3. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Pesto
This roasted butternut squash soup with pesto is the perfect Fall dish.
The soup is creamy and flavorful, and the pesto adds a nice touch of acidity and freshness.
The soup can be made in advance and reheated, or it can be served immediately after it’s made.
When choosing a butternut squash for this soup, look for one that is heavy for its size and has firm, shiny skin.
Avoid any squash that has dull skin or is soft to the touch.
Butternut squash is typically in season from October through December, so this is the perfect time of year to make this soup.
To roast the squash, simply cut it in half length-wise, scoop out the seeds, and place it face-down on a baking sheet.
Roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-45 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender.
Let the squash cool slightly before scooping out the flesh and adding it to a blender or food processor.
Add chicken or vegetable stock, garlic, salt, and pepper to the blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
If the soup is too thick, thin it out with additional stock until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve in individual bowls and top with pesto (store-bought or homemade) and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Kale Salad With Cranberries, Almonds, and Goat Cheese
This Kale Salad with Cranberries, Almonds, and Goat Cheese is the perfect side dish for your next holiday meal.
The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the almonds and the creaminess of the goat cheese.
This salad is also packed with nutrients and antioxidants, making it a healthy option for your guests.
The key to this salad is in the balance of flavors.
The bitterness of the kale is offset by the sweetness of the cranberries and almonds, while the goat cheese provides a creamy contrast.
To make sure all the flavors shine through, be sure to use fresh ingredients and give each element a good chop before adding it to the bowl.
If you’re looking to elevate this dish even further, consider roasting the almonds before adding them to the salad.
This will give them a deeper flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
You can also add a few slices of avocado to each serving for an extra dose of healthy fats.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These roasted sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish to any meal, but especially a prime rib.
They are so simple to make and only require a few ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
Plus, they can be easily elevated to fit any occasion.
The key to making these sweet potatoes amazing is in the roasting.
You want to make sure that they are cooked until they are soft and slightly caramelized on the outside.
This gives them an incredible flavor and texture that is simply irresistible.
To take these sweet potatoes up a notch, there are a few things you can do.
First, try adding some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before you roast them.
This will give the potatoes an extra depth of flavor.
Another great way to elevate this dish is by topping it with crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese after it has been roasted.
The salty cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the potatoes.
6. Honey Roasted Carrots
These honey-roasted carrots are the perfect side dish for any meal.
They are sweet and savory, with a slight crunch from the roasted exterior.
The best part is that they are so easy to make – all you need is a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes.
To start, you’ll want to choose the right carrots.
Look for carrots that are bright in color and firm to the touch.
Avoid any carrots that are wilted or have blemishes.
Once you’ve selected your carrots, give them a good wash, and then dry them off completely.
Next, you’ll want to prepare your roasting pan by lining it with foil or parchment paper.
This will help to prevent the carrots from sticking and make for easy cleanup later.
Then, simply toss the carrots with some olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
Be sure to coat them evenly so that they roast evenly in the oven.
Roast the carrots in a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized around the edges, then serve immediately while hot.
7. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
This garlic Parmesan roasted cauliflower is a delicious and easy side dish that pairs well with prime rib.
The taste is savory and rich, with a hint of sweetness from the roasted garlic.
The texture is slightly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
To elevate this dish, consider roasting the cauliflower in chicken or beef broth instead of water.
This will add more flavor to the dish.
You could also top the cauliflower with shredded Parmesan cheese before serving.
8. Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries
These zucchini fries are crispy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.
They make the perfect side dish or appetizer and are so easy to make.
The key to getting them nice and crispy is to coat them in Parmesan cheese and bake them in a hot oven.
I like to serve them with a dipping sauce, but you can also just eat them plain.
The taste and texture of these zucchini fries are amazing.
The outside is crispy, and the inside is soft and cheesy.
The Parmesan cheese gives them a nice flavor without being too overpowering.
There are a few things you can do to elevate this dish.
One is to add some herbs to the Parmesan cheese before coating the zucchini.
This will give the fries a little more flavor.
Another thing you can do is dip them in a sauce of your choice before eating.
I like to use a garlic aioli or ranch dressing but you can really use any sauce you like.
9. Tomato Basil Mozzarella Skewers
These Tomato Basil Mozzarella Skewers are the perfect summertime appetizer.
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They are light and fresh, with the sweetness of the tomatoes, the creaminess of the mozzarella, and the zing of the basil.
I love to serve these skewers with a simple balsamic glaze for dipping.
The key to making these skewers taste amazing is to use fresh ingredients.
The tomatoes should be ripe but still firm, and the mozzarella should be fresh (not the pre-packaged kind).
If you can find mini mozzarella balls, they work great for this recipe.
The basil leaves should be fresh and unblemished.
To elevate this dish, you could try using heirloom tomatoes or a mix of different colored cherry tomatoes.
You could also experiment with different kinds of cheese, such as buffalo mozzarella or goat cheese.
And for an extra special touch, you could grill the skewers before serving them.
10. Grilled Summer Squash with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
Grilled summer squash is a delicious and healthy side dish that goes great with prime rib.
The lemon herb vinaigrette adds a bright and fresh flavor to the dish, while the grilled squash itself has a nice smoky flavor.
Summer squash is a great option for grilling because it doesn’t fall apart like some other vegetables.
This makes it easy to cook evenly on the grill and get beautiful grill marks.
For this recipe, I recommend using yellow summer squash or zucchini.
They have a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the lemon vinaigrette.
To make this dish even more special, try charring the lemon slices before adding them to the vinaigrette.
This will give them a nice smoky flavor that compliments the grilled squash perfectly.
You can also use fresh herbs from your garden in the vinaigrette – basil or oregano would be lovely.
11. Horseradish Sauce
Horseradish sauce is a perfect accompaniment to prime rib.
Its sharp and tangy flavor pairs well with the rich, fatty meat.
The sauce is also pretty easy to make- all you need is some horseradish, mayonnaise, and vinegar.
The taste of horseradish can be pretty intense, so it’s important to start with a small amount and then add more to taste.
The same goes for the vinegar- you don’t want the sauce to be too sour.
Start with just a couple of tablespoons and then add more if needed.
To give the sauce some extra flavor, try adding in some freshly minced garlic or shallots.
You could also stir in some chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
For a bit of sweetness, add a tablespoon or two of honey.
12. Gordon Ramsay’s Mushroom Risotto
If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty dish to serve as a side or main course, look no further than Gordon Ramsay’s Mushroom Risotto.
This dish is packed with flavor and texture and can be easily elevated with a few simple ingredients.
The key to a great risotto is in the rice.
You’ll want to use short-grain rice like Arborio, which has a high starch content.
This will give the risotto its signature creamy texture.
Be sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking, as this will help to remove any excess starch.
Once the rice is cooked, it’s time to add the mushrooms.
I recommend using a variety of mushrooms for the best flavor.
Button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms are all great choices.
If you can’t find fresh mushrooms, you can also use dried mushrooms.
Simply soak them in hot water for about 20 minutes before adding them to the risotto.
To finish off the dish, add some Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.
The cheese will add a nice depth of flavor, while the parsley will brighten things up with its freshness.
Give the risotto a final stir and serve immediately.
13. Au Gratin Potatoes with Diced Ham
Au gratin potatoes are a staple dish in many households because they are easy to make and can be tailored to fit any dietary restrictions.
This dish is usually made with diced ham, but can also be made with bacon or sausage.
The potatoes are thinly sliced and then layered in a casserole dish with the meat of choice.
Once everything is layered, a cheese sauce is poured over the top, and the dish is baked until bubbly and golden brown.
One of the best things about au gratin potatoes is that they can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed.
This dish is also very versatile, as it can be served as a side or main course.
For a heartier meal, add some green beans or corn to the mix.
For a lighter option, serve the potatoes au gratin with a side salad.
14. Traditional Yorkshire Puddings
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make side dish to serve with your prime rib, look no further than traditional Yorkshire puddings.
These little puffs of dough are light and airy, with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
They’re the perfect accompaniment to a hearty roast dinner.
Yorkshire puddings are made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, milk, and salt.
The key to getting them just right is to make sure the batter is smooth and lump-free and to cook them in a very hot oven so that they puff up nicely.
- Use good quality ingredients. This is especially important for the flour – use good quality plain flour for best results.
- Make sure the batter is smooth and lump-free. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add a little more flour.
- Cook the Yorkshire puddings in a very hot oven (around 200 degrees Celsius) so that they puff up nicely.
- Serve them immediately while they’re still hot and fluffy.
15. Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler
There’s nothing quite like a classic peach cobbler.
This dish is the perfect mix of sweet and tart, with a crispy top and a soft, succulent filling.
And while it’s delicious on its own, there are a few simple ways to elevate this old-fashioned dish.
First, let’s talk about taste.
The key to a great peach cobbler is to use fresh, ripe peaches.
If you can get your hands on some local fruit, even better.
The fresher the peaches, the more flavor they’ll have.
You can also play around with the sugar content to suit your taste.
If you like things on the sweeter side, add a little extra sugar to the filling.
Or, if you prefer things tart, cut back on the sugar and add a splash of lemon juice.
The texture is also important in a cobbler.
The filling should be thick and bubbly, while the topping should be crisp and flaky.
One way to achieve this is to use self-rising flour in your biscuit dough.
This will help the biscuits puff up and become nice and flaky.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings.
A classic peach cobbler is always delicious, but you can really take things to the next level by adding a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
You could even top it with whipped cream or a crumble of streusel for an extra bit of sweetness.
So whatever your preference, there’s sure to be a way to make your peach cobbler even more delicious.
Conclusion
I have outlined 15 delicious side dish ideas to serve with prime rib.
From roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes, there is something for everyone.
I hope this blog post has been helpful in deciding what to serve with your next prime rib dinner.
Be sure to try out some of these recipes, and let us know which one was your favorite.
What To Serve with Prime Rib? 15 Tasty Side Dish Ideas
Ingredients
- 1. Arugula Salad with Beets Goat Cheese, and Pistachios
- 2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans
- 3. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Pesto
- 4. Kale Salad With Cranberries Almonds, and Goat Cheese
- 5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 6. Honey Roasted Carrots
- 7. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
- 8. Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries
- 9. Tomato Basil Mozzarella Skewers
- 10. Grilled Summer Squash with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
- 11. Horseradish Sauce
- 12. Gordon Ramsay’s Mushroom Risotto
- 13. Au Gratin Potatoes with Diced Ham
- 14. Traditional Yorkshire Puddings
- 15. Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!