Are you looking for the perfect side dishes to serve with your roasted vegetables?
Preparing a meal can be intimidating—we want it to look good, taste delicious and yet provide healthful options.
To help navigate the waters of flavor, texture and nutrition when preparing a dinner side dish to compliment your roasted veggies, we have 12 must-try recipes that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
From mashed potatoes and quinoa salads to homemade macaroni and cheese dishes, these sides are sure to become showstoppers on any plate!
What to Serve with Roasted Vegetables? 12 Must-try Side Dishes
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar and Parmesan
Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar and Parmesan is a dish that is simple to make but packed with flavor.
The key to making this dish great is to get the roasted Brussels sprouts nice and crispy.
The balsamic vinegar and Parmesan add a delicious depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
The taste and texture of this dish are both amazing.
The Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
The balsamic vinegar adds a sweetness to the dish, while the Parmesan brings a salty, savory flavor.
This dish is also incredibly easy to make.
All you need to do is roast the Brussels sprouts in the oven until they are crispy, then toss them with the balsamic vinegar and Parmesan.
There are a few tips that will help you take this dish from good to great.
First, make sure that you roast the Brussels sprouts until they are nice and crispy.
This will ensure that they have plenty of flavors.
Second, be generous with the balsamic vinegar and Parmesan.
These two ingredients really elevate the dish and make it taste amazing.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with other seasonings.
Adding a bit of garlic or red pepper flakes can really change the flavor profile of this dish.
2. Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberry Sauce
This holiday season, ditch the traditional side dishes and try something new.
Roasted butternut squash with cranberry sauce is the perfect way to add a festive touch to your meal.
Butternut squash is roasted to perfection and then topped with a homemade cranberry sauce.
This dish is not only delicious, but it’s also healthy and gluten-free.
The taste and texture of roasted butternut squash pair perfectly with the tartness of cranberry sauce.
The sweetness of the squash is balanced by the acidity of the cranberries, making for a truly delicious combo.
If you want to elevate this dish, try adding a dollop of goat cheese or crumbled bacon on top.
You can also get creative with the cranberry sauce by adding orange zest or cinnamon.
Whether you’re looking for a new holiday tradition or just want to mix things up this year, give roasted butternut squash with cranberry sauce a try.
Your family and friends will be glad you did.
3. Roasted Carrots with Honey and Thyme
These roasted carrots are the perfect side dish for any meal.
They’re packed with flavor and have a great texture.
The honey and thyme really help to elevate the dish and make it something special.
The carrots are roasted until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
This gives them a great flavor and texture that goes well with just about anything.
The honey and thyme add a touch of sweetness and earthiness that makes the dish even more delicious.
If you want to really elevate this dish, try serving it with some grilled chicken or fish.
The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors is absolutely amazing.
Trust us; your guests will be begging for seconds.
4. Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic and Parmesan
This roasted cauliflower dish is a delicious and healthy side that goes great with almost any meal.
The cauliflower is roasted to perfection with garlic and Parmesan for a dish that is packed with flavor.
The best part about this dish is that it is so easy to make, and you can easily elevate it to make it even more special.
The key to making this dish great is to get the cauliflower nice and crispy.
You want to roast it in a hot oven so that the outside gets nice and browned while the inside remains soft.
The garlic and Parmesan add a ton of flavor, and you can also add other herbs or spices to suit your taste.
To make this extra dish special, you can top it with some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
You can also serve it with a dipping sauce on the side.
5. Roasted Eggplant with Basil Pesto
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to accompany your roasted vegetables, look no further than this recipe for roasted eggplant with basil pesto.
This dish is packed with flavor and has a wonderful texture that is sure to please everyone at the table.
The eggplant is first roasted until it is nice and tender.
Then, it is topped with homemade basil pesto.
The pesto is made with fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
This combination of ingredients gives the pesto a beautiful flavor that pairs perfectly with the eggplant.
To elevate this dish, you could serve it over some cooked quinoa or rice.
You could also top it with some grilled chicken or shrimp.
6. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of creamy mashed potatoes.
They’re comforting, homey, and always hit the spot.
But if you’re looking to take your mashed potatoes to the next level, try roasting the garlic first.
It sounds like a small change, but it makes a world of difference in taste and texture.
Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are rich and flavorful, with a beautiful golden color.
The roasted garlic adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that takes these mashed potatoes to new heights.
And since the garlic is roasted ahead of time, they come together quickly and easily.
Here are a few tips for making the best-roasted garlic mashed potatoes:
- Start with Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Be sure to roast the garlic ahead of time so that it’s nice and soft. You can do this in advance and store the roasted garlic in a sealed container in the fridge.
- When mashing the potatoes, use a potato masher or ricer for ultra-smooth and creamy results.
- For extra richness and creaminess, stir in some milk, cream, or half-and-half during the mashing process.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve your roasted garlic mashed potatoes alongside your favorite protein, or enjoy them as a hearty vegetarian main course.
They also make delicious side dishes for holiday meals and special occasions.
7. Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Parmesan
These roasted green beans are a delicious and easy side dish that can be made in under 30 minutes.
They are perfect for any meal, whether it be a weeknight dinner or holiday feast.
The green beans are roasted with garlic, almonds, and Parmesan cheese, which gives them a great flavor and texture.
The key to making this dish taste great is to roast the green beans until they are slightly browned and crispy.
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This will give them a nice flavor and keep them from being overcooked.
You also want to make sure that you use fresh green beans, as they will have a better flavor than frozen or canned ones.
8. Roasted Parmesan Zucchini
Roasted Parmesan zucchini is a delicious and healthy side dish that is easy to make.
The zucchini is first to cut into thin slices and then coated in a mixture of olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
The slices are then roasted in the oven until they are crispy and browned.
The result is a tasty dish with a slight crunch that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Additionally, roasted Parmesan zucchini is a healthy alternative to fried zucchini, as it is lower in calories and fat.
To make this dish even healthier, you can use light or fat-free cheese.
For a more flavorful dish, you can also add other herbs and spices to the Parmesan mixture.
When making roasted Parmesan zucchini, be sure to keep an eye on the slices, as they can burn quickly.
For perfectly roasted zucchini, remove them from the oven when they are tender but not mushy.
Serve immediately for best results.
9. Roasted Potato Salad with Bacon and Chives
This dish is the perfect side for a summer BBQ.
The roasted potatoes are full of flavor, and the bacon and chives add a nice savory touch.
The best part about this dish is that it can be easily elevated to fit any occasion.
The key to making a great roasted potato salad is to use Yukon Gold potatoes.
They have the perfect balance of starch and moisture, which helps them to roast up nicely.
Be sure to cut the potatoes into even pieces so that they all cook at the same rate.
I like to leave the skin on for extra flavor and texture, but you can certainly peel them if you prefer.
Once the potatoes are roasted, allow them to cool slightly before adding them to the rest of the ingredients.
I like to use a combination of mayonnaise and sour cream in my potato salad, but you can use all of one or the other if you prefer.
The bacon and chives add a nice savory touch but feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices.
For a little bit of sweetness, try adding some diced red onion or chopped celery.
This dish is best served cold or at room temperature.
If you need to make it ahead of time, simply store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.
Roasted potato salad is the perfect side for any summer gathering.
10. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Maple Syrup and Pecans
There’s nothing quite like roasted sweet potatoes.
The sweetness of the potato, combined with the maple syrup and pecans, makes for a dish that is absolutely delicious.
And, because it’s roasted, it’s also healthy.
The key to making this dish even more amazing is to make sure that the sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection.
You want them to be soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside.
This can be achieved by roasting them at a high temperature for a short period of time.
Another tip is to use fresh pecans.
Pecans that have been sitting around for a while will not taste as good as fresh ones.
You can either buy them fresh or roast them yourself.
Either way, they will add an incredible flavor to the dish.
11. Roasted Vegetable Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza? And who doesn’t love roasted vegetables? This dish is the best of both worlds.
Roasted vegetable pizza is not only delicious but it’s also packed with nutrients.
The veggies are roasted to perfection, and the pizza dough is crispy and chewy.
Roasted vegetable pizza is the perfect dish for a casual gathering or a night in.
The taste and texture of the roasted vegetables are amazing, and the pizza dough is the perfect vessel for all that flavor.
Here are some tips on how to make this dish even better:
- Use a thin crust pizza dough for an extra crispy crust.
- Preheat your baking sheet so that the crust gets nice and crispy.
- Load up on the veggies. We like to use mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives.
- Add some spice with red pepper flakes or crushed garlic.
- Use quality cheese like mozzarella or Parmesan.
- Don’t forget the sauce. We like a classic tomato sauce, but feel free to get creative.
12. Southwestern Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
This dish is the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
The roasted sweet potatoes are cooked to perfection, and the southwestern flavors give it a nice kick.
The salad also has a great texture, with the crispy corn and beans contrasting with the soft sweet potatoes.
There are a few things you can do to elevate this dish.
First, try roasting the sweet potatoes with some smoked paprika.
This will give them a nice smoky flavor that will complement the other ingredients in the salad.
You can also add some chopped fresh cilantro to the salad for a pop of color and freshness.
Finally, if you want a bit of heat, you can add some diced jalapeño peppers to the mix.
Conclusion
There are endless possibilities when it comes to what to serve with roasted vegetables.
In this blog post, we have highlighted 12 Must-try Side Dishes that are sure to complement your roasted vegetables perfectly.
From roasted potatoes to roasted cauliflower, there is a dish for everyone.
So next time you’re wondering what to serve with roasted vegetables, refer back to this blog post for some inspiration.
And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, try out one of the recipes for yourself.
What to Serve with Roasted Vegetables? 12 Must-try Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar and Parmesan
- 2. Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberry Sauce
- 3. Roasted Carrots with Honey and Thyme
- 4. Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic and Parmesan
- 5. Roasted Eggplant with Basil Pesto
- 6. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- 7. Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Parmesan
- 8. Roasted Parmesan Zucchini
- 9. Roasted Potato Salad with Bacon and Chives
- 10. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Maple Syrup and Pecans
- 11. Roasted Vegetable Pizza
- 12. Southwestern Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
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!