If you’re wondering what to serve with your Irish stew, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, I list 14 of the most popular side dishes for Irish stew.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best side dishes for Irish stew include Irish soda bread, easy rice pilaf, and pickled red cabbage. You can also serve dishes such as buttermilk biscuits, buttered egg noodles, and southern collard greens. For a healthy side, try serving the stew with a green bean salad or a lemon arugula salad.
Ready? Let’s jump right in.
Irish soda bread
A side of soda bread is a must-have when serving up Irish stew.
Soda bread is a traditional Irish bread made with buttermilk and (you guessed it) baking soda.
The buttermilk adds a tangy taste, while the baking soda gives the bread a light and airy texture.
Just the vehicle you need for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Recipetineats claims theirs is the world’s best no-yeast Irish soda bread.
Popovers
Popovers – what are they?
They’re the American version of the Yorkshire pudding. You could describe them as like a cross between a pancake and a muffin (but better than both).
And they’re perfect for your Irish stew.
Popovers are incredibly light and fluffy, and act like bread without being anywhere near as heavy or filling.
They’re also really easy to make. Sound good? Try these cheesy popovers, they’ll definitely be hit.
Green bean salad
Irish stew is a hearty dish perfect for cold winter days, but it can be heavy on the stomach.
This green bean salad will bring some freshness and crunch to your plate.
And it’s also robust enough not to be completely drowned out by the stew.
Cookie and kate recipe added toasted almonds and feta for an extra burst of flavor.
Buttered egg noodles
I’m all about comfort food.
And the combination of buttery noodles and a warm, saucy stew couldn’t be any more comforting.
The butter adds another layer of richness to the dish, and the sauce will coat the noodles to make every bite delicious.
Warning: you may need to take a nap after eating this!
The best part about this buttered egg noodles recipe? It takes less than 10 minutes to make.
Lemon arugula salad
If you want a side filled with fresh, crunchy veggies for your Irish stew, this is what you’re looking for.
The peppery arugula makes sure the salad can stand out against the stew, and the acidity from the lemon dressing cuts through the richness of the stew beautifully.
Try this lemon arugula salad to add some Mediterranean vibes to your dinner.
Pickled red cabbage
Pickled cabbage is a great palate cleanser.
Its tart flavor will contrast with the sweetness in your stew and keep it from getting too rich.
The deep purple cabbage will also bring a nice pop of color to your plate. Because let’s face it, Irish stew isn’t the prettiest dish!
Make this pickled red cabbage now and enjoy its crispy, sweet-and-sour goodness for weeks to come!
Buttermilk biscuits
One of the best ways to eat Irish stew is with a side of buttermilk biscuits. They’re easier to make than bread, but you get the same effect.
Buttermilk biscuits are soft and fluffy, with just the right amount of buttery goodness.
The biscuits have a flaky texture, so will fall apart in your mouth and blend in with the stew.
I like this recipe from divas can cook. You only need three ingredients.
Southern collard greens
Irish stew is a comforting, warming meal that has been enjoyed for centuries.
And adding a little bit of bacon fat and some vinegar from southern collard greens, takes it to another level!
The bacon fat adds a deep smokiness to the dish and the bitter greens add some bite.
Try this southern collard greens recipe from my sequined life. And as an added bonus, your kitchen will smell uh-mazing.
Garlic mashed turnips
Potatoes aren’t the only thing you can mash.
Since Irish stew already has potatoes in, you need to get a little more creative with the side dish.
Luckily, this mashed turnip fits the bill.
It’s sweet, nutty, creamy, and perfect for soaking up gravy.
So give this garlic mashed turnips recipe a try. It’s sure to kick your taste buds!
Bavarian sauerkraut
Bavarian sauerkraut is a delicious German dish made with fermented cabbage.
Sauerkraut is full of probiotics from the fermentation process, so it’s a really healthy side.
It’s also packed full of flavor and has a nice crunchy texture to contrast with the softer textures of Irish stew.
This quick recipe from where is my spoon will help you get the most out of your sauerkraut.
Oven-roasted asparagus
Roasted asparagus is a fantastic way to add freshness to your favorite Irish stew.
It’s quick and easy to make, containing only three ingredients.
Asparagus, olive oil, and salt.
The result is a crispy side dish that will remind you of springtime.
Give this oven-roasted asparagus a try with your next Irish stew.
Easy rice pilaf
If your Irish stew is nearly ready and you need a speedy, but tasty side dish you might have just found the answer.
Rice pilaf is 10 times better than plain rice, and isn’t that much harder to make.
All you need are some onions, garlic, chicken broth, and 10 spare minutes.
Let your stew shine with this eazy peazy rice pilaf.
Butter braised cabbage
Butter braised cabbage is an indulgent side dish that goes perfectly with Irish stew.
Its rich, savory flavor will be able to hold its own against the robust flavors of your stew.
And if you want to stick with the Irish theme, add some bacon into the pan.
Did I mention how cheap cabbage is?!
Here’s a butter braised cabbage recipe that will leave you wanting more.
Crusty bread
Not sure about Irish soda bread?
It’s fine to stick with what you know too. A side of crusty bread will be just as good.
The crust is important though because you want some texture. Otherwise the bread can feel a little soggy.
Serve this Italian-inspired crusty bread warm for the ultimate treat.
The best side dishes to serve with Irish stew
- Irish soda bread
- Popovers
- Green bean salad
- Buttered egg noodles
- Lemon arugula salad
- Pickled red cabbage
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Southern collard greens
- Garlic mashed turnips
- Bavarian sauerkraut
- Oven-roasted asparagus
- Easy rice pilaf
- Butter braised cabbage
- Crusty bread

What To Serve With Irish Stew
Ingredients
- 1 portion Irish stew
Instructions
- Prepare your Irish stew according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: Irish soda bread, popovers, green bean salad, buttered egg noodles, lemon arugula salad, pickled red cabbage, buttermilk biscuits, southern collard greens, garlic mashed turnips, bavarian sauerkraut, oven-roasted asparagus, easy rice pilaf, butter braised cabbage, and crusty bread.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!