Looking for the perfect side dish to pair with shepherd’s pie? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the best comforting and delicious side dishes to complete your meal.
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food. It is packed with rich, meaty filling and topped with fluffy mashed potatoes.
I make my shepherd’s pie recipe simply, with ground lamb (it is cottage pie with ground beef. Because shepherds keep lambs) onions, carrots, peas, tomato puree and stock, seasoned with salt and pepper and mixed herbs or thyme and topped with mash and cheese before being baked in the oven.
It’s tasty, comforting and the perfect family dinner.
Because a shepherd’s pie contains meat, vegetables, and potatoes, you don’t need sides. It’s a complete meal straight from the cooking dish.
But, A great side dish can balance the hearty flavours of shepherd’s pie and add colour, texture and nutrition to the meal.
This guide covers a range of options, from vegetables and bread to salads and casseroles, to help complete your dinner.
Classic Potato-Based Sides
Shepherd’s pie is already topped with mashed potatoes so you might not want more (I wouldn’t), but if you go for a double potato dinner, these variations bring extra flavour and texture.
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
I mean, it’s an option, sure. But if you fancy cauliflower, steam it (or better, cook it in cheese sauce) and serve it on the side. If you want a potato, eat a potato. Cauliflower isn’t potatoes. It’s not rice either. Nor is it a pizza base. Just let it be a cauliflower.
Sweet Potato Casserole
I feel like sweet potato casserole is American. It’s not a thing in the UK. Here I’d stick to sweet potato mash, which can also be used to top your pie if you fancy a change.
Roast Potatoes
If I were going to double up on potatoes (and I absolutely do on a Sunday lunch) it would be with roast potatoes. Crisp and golden on the outside, and fluffy in the middle, they are perfect and I would eat them with everything.
Mashed Potatoes
With mash on top, this would be too much for me. But if you’ve got leftovers from your topping, why not?
Herby Baby Potatoes
Baby potatoes, fried and tossed in butter with garlic or mixed herbs add a tasty light touch that’s refreshingly different to mash.
Chips
Always an option! Frozen chips get a lot of stick, but they’re great as a quick and easy side.
Vegetable Sides To Serve With Shepherd’s Pie
Adding vegetables to the meal brings freshness and balance, and while I pack my shepherd’s pie filling with veggies, more is rarely a bad thing.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Crispy, caramelised Brussels sprouts cooked with smoky bacon are a nice touch if you want something more impressive.
Fry off some bacon bits, add to a bowl with prepared sprouts (I halve or even quarter) drizzle with olive oil and roast until golden and cooked through.
I don’t parboil mine, but if you prefer them soft, you can.
Green Beans with Garlic Butter
A simple and flavourful side, lightly sautéed in butter and garlic, green beans add some crunch and colour to your plate.
Steamed Broccoli
A healthy and quick option that pairs well with shepherd’s pie.
Served with a squeeze of lemon juice or melted butter for my flavour, or gravy for a more traditional vibe.
Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
Slow-roasted with a honey glaze for a sweet and earthy flavour. I actually just roast mine with olive oil and salt and pepper.
Corn on the Cob
A simple, buttery side that complements the rich filling, corn also adds a sweet touch to a yummy dinner.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is comforting and tasty, but, for me, perhaps a little heavy.
Bread
Warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich flavours of shepherd’s pie. Honestly, I’d probably serve bread with everything if I wasn’t more concerned with the size of my hips.
Irish Soda Bread
A traditional choice that pairs well with hearty dishes, soda bread is easy to make and delcious with saucy shepherd’s pie.
Garlic Bread
Buttery and crisp, ideal for mopping up gravy and filling, I prefer garlic bread with rich pasta sauces, but there’s no reason you can’t have it with garlic bread.
Cornbread
A slightly sweet and crumbly option that adds texture to the meal. I find cornbread a bit weird, but you do you.
Dinner Rolls
Soft and fluffy, great for a classic side dish, simple homemade or store-bought dinner rolls served warm with butter are perfect.
Bread and Butter
My favourite easy side dish for almost anything, bread and butter is one of the best things ever!
Salads To Pair With Shepherd’s Pie
A fresh salad can lighten up the meal and provide contrast to the rich flavours. Personally, I’m not a fan of this combination, but salad is never a bad option.
Green Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Crisp greens with a tangy balsamic dressing balance the flavours and can easily be served at the table from a salad bowl, so everyone can help themselves.
Creamy Coleslaw
A crunchy, creamy side that adds texture and freshness, I love coleslaw. Rainbow slaw is a great option if you are looking for something lighter.
Garden Salad with Lemon Dressing
A simple salad with lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes, drizzled with lemon juice.
Other Comforting Sides
If you’re looking for something extra, these dishes add more depth to the meal.
Mac and Cheese
A creamy, cheesy side dish that works well with shepherd’s pie. It’d be too heavy for me, but I love both individually.
Baked Beans
Adds a smoky and slightly sweet contrast to the dish. My kids love this one. Baked beans with everything!
Mushy Peas
A traditional British side that pairs well with hearty meals like shepherd’s pie.
Roasted Vegetables
A mix of seasonal vegetables, lightly roasted in olive oil.
Biscuits (Savoury Scones)
A buttery, flaky option that’s perfect for serving alongside shepherd’s pie, particularly with lashings of gravy.
Sauces and Condiments
Red Wine Reduction Sauce
A rich and savoury sauce that enhances the flavours of the meal, definitely one for the grown-ups.
Gravy
Its a saucy dish, but with a thick layer of mash, sometimes you need more!
Worcestershire Sauce
Always on our table tbh.
Ketchup
Not for me, but I know a lot of people love ketchup with their shepherd’s pie!
FAQ Section
What can you serve with shepherd’s pie?
Great options include roasted vegetables, garlic bread, green salads, or classic comfort foods like mac and cheese or baked beans.
What vegetables should I serve with shepherd’s pie?
Green beans, roasted carrots, brussels sprouts, and steamed broccoli are all great choices.
What bread goes well with shepherd’s pie?
Irish soda bread, garlic bread, cornbread, or dinner rolls are all good options.
What is traditionally served with shepherd’s pie?
In many households, mushy peas, roasted vegetables, and Irish soda bread are popular accompaniments.
What can I serve with shepherd’s pie for a complete meal?
A mix of a vegetable side, bread, and a fresh salad can round out the meal nicely.
What dessert goes well with shepherd’s pie?
Fruit crumbles, sticky toffee pudding, or a simple vanilla ice cream are great dessert choices.
Final Thoughts
Shepherd’s pie is a hearty and comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether you prefer roasted vegetables, fresh salads, warm bread, or indulgent mac and cheese, these options will help you create a satisfying meal.
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