Are you ready to make Swedish meatballs for your next dinner party?
If so, congrats! This classic dish will definitely be a hit.
But if you’re like most people, you may be wondering what side dishes should accompany your newly-created masterpiece.
Well, have no fear—we’ve done our due diligence and rounded up 14 side dishes that pair perfectly with the savory flavors of Sweden’s favorite entrée.
From veggie and starch sides to scrumptious salads and soups that add depth to this traditional dish, we cover it all in this blog post.
So don your apron, grab some utensils (and maybe even invite some friends over), and get ready for the ultimate Swedish Meatball feast!
What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs? Try These 14 Side Dishes
1. Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are a classic side dish that goes great with Swedish meatballs.
They are relatively inexpensive and easy to find at most grocery stores.
Egg noodles have a neutral taste and a firm, chewy texture.
To elevate this dish, consider adding some sauteed mushrooms or onions.
You could also toss the egg noodles with some fresh herbs before serving.
If you want a richer dish, you could add a bit of cream or butter to the noodles.
Overall, egg noodles are a versatile and affordable option that goes well with many different main dishes.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish to accompany your Swedish meatballs.
They are creamy and smooth, with a slight hint of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the meatballs.
When it comes to mashed potatoes, the texture is key.
You want them to be light and fluffy, not dense or gummy.
The best way to achieve this is to use Yukon Gold potatoes.
They have a natural butteriness that helps create a smooth texture when mashed.
To elevate your mashed potatoes, try adding some shredded cheese or chopped herbs before serving.
This will give them an extra boost of flavor that will take your dish to the next level.
3. Roasted Potatoes
These roasted potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal.
They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and they can be easily customized to fit your taste.
The key to making these potatoes perfect is in the roasting.
You’ll want to roast them at a high temperature so that they get nice and crispy on the outside.
But you also don’t want to overcook them, or they’ll dry out.
So keep an eye on them while they’re in the oven, and take them out when they’re just done.
If you’re looking for ways to elevate this dish, here are a few ideas:
- Add some herbs: Rosemary or thyme would be great choices.
- Use different kinds of potatoes: Yukon Golds or Russets would be good options.
- Change up the seasoning: Try using garlic powder or onion powder instead of salt.
4. Steamed Broccoli
Swedish meatballs are a classic dish that is often served with steamed broccoli.
The taste and texture of the broccoli pair well with the richness of the meatballs, and the green color of the vegetable provides a nice contrast on the plate.
There are a few things you can do to elevate this simple side dish and make it more special.
First, try roasting the broccoli instead of steaming it.
Roasted broccoli has a deeper flavor and a slightly crispy texture that is delicious with meatballs.
You can also add some other vegetables to the mix, such as roasted red peppers or sauteed mushrooms.
For a bit of extra flavor, try sprinkling some Parmesan cheese over the top of the broccoli before serving.
5. Green Beans Amandine
Green beans amandine is a classic French dish that is simple yet elegant.
It is made with green beans, butter, and almonds.
The dish can be served as a side or a main course.
The taste of green beans and amandine is nutty and earthy.
The texture is crunchy, and the almond slivers add a nice contrast.
The dish is also very versatile and can be easily elevated by adding other ingredients such as garlic, shallots, or even bacon.
- Use fresh green beans for the best flavor and texture. Frozen green beans can also be used, but they will not be as crisp.
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for two minutes before adding them to the pan. This will help them retain their color and prevent them from getting mushy.
- Add the butter to the pan first and let it melt before adding the green beans. This will help prevent the green beans from sticking to the pan.
- Be generous with the almonds. They add so much flavor and crunch to the dish.
- Serve immediately after cooking for the best results.
6. Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots are a dish that can be enjoyed by young and old alike.
They are sweet and savory, with a soft texture that is easy to chew.
The best part about this dish is that it can be made in less than 30 minutes.
The key to making this dish irresistible is to choose the right carrots.
We recommend using baby carrots or cutting regular carrots into thin slices.
This will help them cook evenly and absorb the glaze better.
Another tip is to blanch the carrots before you glaze them.
This will help them retain their bright color and prevent them from overcooking.
7. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a holiday staple, but it doesn’t have to be boring.
This dish can actually be quite versatile and elevate your holiday meal.
Here are some tips:
First, consider the taste and texture of your cranberry sauce.
Do you want it to be sweet or savory? Chunky or smooth? You can adjust the recipe to suit your preferences.
For example, if you want a sweeter sauce, add more sugar or honey.
If you prefer a savory flavor, add some chopped onions or garlic.
Next, think about how you can elevate the dish.
Cranberry sauce is often served as-is, straight from the can.
But there are ways to make it more special.
Try adding some fresh thyme or rosemary for a festive touch.
Or stir in some diced apples or pears for sweetness and crunch.
You could even try serving it warm instead of cold – just heat it up on the stove before serving.
8. Beef Gravy
Gravy is one of those things that can make or break a dish.
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It can be the perfect addition to a hearty meal, or it can be a disaster if it’s not to your taste.
When it comes to beef gravy, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, the taste should be rich and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the beef.
The texture should be smooth and velvety, with no lumps or graininess.
To elevate the dish, consider adding some minced shallots or garlic for flavor, or using beef stock instead of water for a more intense flavor.
9. Mushroom Gravy
Mushroom gravy is a delicious and savory addition to any meal.
It’s packed with umami flavor and has a rich, silky texture that is sure to please.
The best mushroom gravies are made with a variety of different mushrooms, which helps to create depth of flavor.
Here are some tips on how to make the best mushroom gravy:
- Use a variety of different mushrooms. This will help to create depth of flavor.
- Sauté the mushrooms in butter before adding them to the gravy. This will help to bring out their natural flavors.
- Use beef or chicken stock for the gravy base. This will give the gravy a richer flavor.
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Lingonberry Jam
Lingonberry jam is a classic accompaniment to Swedish meatballs, and for a good reason – it’s tart yet sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the meatballs.
The jam is also incredibly easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.
The taste of lingonberry jam is tart and sweet, with a distinct berry flavor.
The texture is thick and sticky, making it perfect for spreading on toast or crackers.
There are a few ways to elevate your dish when serving lingonberry jam with Swedish meatballs.
One way is to add a dollop of whipped cream or sour cream to the jam, which will balance out the sweetness.
Another way is to serve the jam on top of a piece of grilled or smoked salmon – the rich flavors of the salmon will complement the tartness of the lingonberry jam perfectly.
11. Pickled Cucumbers
Pickled cucumbers are a classic side dish that can be found at most Swedish restaurants.
They are sour, crunchy, and slightly sweet – the perfect complement to a rich and savory main course.
There are a few things you can do to elevate this dish.
First, try using different types of cucumbers – such as English or Persian cucumbers.
These varieties are thinner and have a more delicate flavor than traditional cucumbers.
Second, add some fresh herbs to the pickling mixture.
This will give the cucumbers an extra zing of flavor.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with the spice level.
A little heat can go a long way in making this dish even more delicious.
12. Rye Bread
Rye bread is a type of bread that is made with rye flour.
It can be either light or dark in color, and it has a chewy texture with a slightly sour taste.
Rye bread is often eaten as sandwich bread or toast, but it can also be used in other dishes such as croutons, stuffing, or even pudding.
If you’re looking for a way to elevate your dish, try using rye bread instead of regular bread.
The flavor of rye bread will add an extra dimension to your dish, and the chewy texture will add some interest as well.
Just be sure to slice the bread thinly so that it doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors in your dish.
13. Pumpernickel Bread
Pumpernickel bread is a type of dense, dark rye bread that originates from Germany.
This hearty bread is made with coarsely ground rye flour, which gives it a unique flavor and texture.
Pumpernickel bread has a slightly sweet taste and a chewy, moist texture.
This type of bread pairs well with strong flavors, such as sharp cheeses or pâtés.
Pumpernickel can also be used as a base for canapés or croutons.
If you’re looking to elevate your dish, try pairing pumpernickel bread with smoked salmon or caviar.
14. Dill Sour Cream
Looking for a delicious and easy way to elevate your Swedish meatballs? Serve them with sour dill cream.
This simple dish is packed with flavor and only takes a few minutes to prepare.
The sour cream adds a lovely tanginess to the dish, while the dill provides a subtle yet refreshing flavor.
The combination of these two ingredients makes for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
And, because it’s so quick and easy to make, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
To really elevate your Swedish meatballs, try serving them with sour dill cream.
It’s an incredibly flavorful and easy way to take your dish to the next level.
Plus, it only takes a few minutes to prepare.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a variety of great side dishes that go well with Swedish Meatballs.
Each dish brings a unique flavor and compliments the dish as a whole.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and that it was helpful in deciding what to serve with your next batch of Swedish Meatballs.
What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs? Try These 14 Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1. Egg Noodles
- 2. Mashed Potatoes
- 3. Roasted Potatoes
- 4. Steamed Broccoli
- 5. Green Beans Amandine
- 6. Glazed Carrots
- 7. Cranberry Sauce
- 8. Beef Gravy
- 9. Mushroom Gravy
- 10. Lingonberry Jam
- 11. Pickled Cucumbers
- 12. Rye Bread
- 13. Pumpernickel Bread
- 14. Dill Sour Cream
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!