This article was updated on the 24th of August 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your meat pie, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 15 of the most popular side dishes for meat pie.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best side dishes to serve with meat pie are brown gravy, Southern baked beans, honey roasted carrots, and minted mushy peas. Try pickled red cabbage, green garlic beans with parmesan, and blue cheese chopped salad for healthier options. You can also serve carrot and parsnip mash and sweet potato fries.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Comfort Food
Meat pie is the ultimate comfort food, but why not amp up its hearty goodness by pairing it with other comfort dishes? Be warned though — you’ll need a nap after this meal.
Horseradish Mashed Potatoes
5.0 ⭐️ (5 ratings) | 40 mins
Spice up your meat pie with some horseradish mash. This jazzed-up mash is deliciously creamy and has an added fiery kick that works really well with your meat pie’s filling. And if that’s not enough, the caramelized onions also help add a bit of sweetness.
Psst… don’t like horseradish? You can get a similar effect with mustard (or wasabi if you’re feeling brave). You’ll never want plain mashed potatoes again!
What readers are saying…
“Was looking for something to WOW my inlaws for our Thanksgiving dinner this, horseradish mashed potatoes dish, DID It !!!. So quick and simple.”
“My family loves this. Of course more horseradish. It’s become the most asked-for dish and so easy.”
“Definitely the best potatoes I’ve ever had Mashed or otherwise!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌿 Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes
🌱 Dairy-free Mashed Potatoes
😇 Mashed Cauliflower
Southern Baked Beans
4.9 ⭐️ (60 ratings) | 1 hr 30 mins
Baked beans are a meat pie’s best friend.
They’re hearty and flavorful, plus the sauce is so good you’ll be mopping the plate clean with the pastry. These baked beans, in particular, are sweet from the molasses, smokey from the bacon, and a little tangy from the vinegar.
Your friends will be begging for seconds -and thirds – and fourths!
What readers are saying…
“I am known for “my” baked beans due to this recipe. Any time I bring these, people rave about them. Absolutely delicious!”
“Best Southern Baked Beans, always get the request to make these when the boys are smokin’ up some ribs. Everyone loves them!!”
“Took them to a church pitch-in dinner last year and taking them again this year. They were a big hit.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥘 BBQ Vegan Baked Beans
🇬🇧 British Baked Beans
🥗 Three-Bean Salad
Roasted Garlic Butter Potatoes
4.9 ⭐️ (14 ratings) | 35 mins
We’ve had mash, now it’s time for roast potatoes to take center stage.
The crunchy texture of these roast potatoes will add some much-needed bite to the plate, and the garlic butter keeps the insides fluffy. The addition of parmesan cheese also adds an extra layer of flavor and crispiness, making these oh-so-addictive.
And to finish these roast spuds off, the recipe calls for a melted butter and parsley mixture. Delish!
What readers are saying…
“These potatoes are absolute perfection. At first I thought it was too over-seasoned, but I was wrong. Followed the directions exactly and they turned out so good!”
“These are amazing…. I added some chopped onions when I mixed and I didn’t need the bacon….soooooo delicious.”
“Made these for the family, they absolutely raved about them! Will definitely put this on the make-again list! So flavorful!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
💨 Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
🔥 Crispy Skillet Fried Potatoes
🧈 Buttery Parsley Potatoes
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
4.4 ⭐️ (86 ratings) | 25 mins
Sweet potato fries will take your meat pie to the next level. They’re delicious, crunchy, and a healthier alternative to regular potato fries.
Another bonus: anyone can enjoy them. Kids especially will love the savory-sweet combo.
This recipe uses a blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper for flavor. But I prefer using a premade Italian seasoning blend and parmesan cheese.
What readers are saying…
“This is now my GO-TO-DISH perfect for a lazy night or just snacking!!”
“I made these last night, following your recipe down to each precise detail (weighing, measuring, timing etc.) and the results were totally delicious!”
“These are the best crispiest sweet potato fries ever! I’m addicted.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Vegetables
Meat pie is mostly carbs and protein, so you’ll need some veggies on the side to complete the meal. And with a dish as elaborate as meat pie, you don’t need to get fancy. Mushy peas are a classic option, but you can also try sauteed greens or roasted green beans.
Minted Mushy Peas
4.7 ⭐️ (26 ratings) | 10 mins
Mushy peas are a traditional side for meat pie and you can take them up a notch by adding mint. This herb has a cooling effect, making this an excellent palate cleanser.
This recipe uses frozen peas, which require no prep and are typically cheaper. They also cook quicker than dried marrowfat peas, making this side dish great for busy weeknights.
What readers are saying…
“I love peas with mint. They go together so well. This was a great recipe!”
“These, on the other hand, look totally delicious 🙂 Love the addition of mint and creme fraîche. Yum!”
“I’ve never had peas quite like this before. I love the combination of the peas and mint. It sounds delicious.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍄 Buttery Peas and Mushrooms
🧀 Cheesy Peas
💨 Sauteed Green Peas
Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan
4.9 ⭐️ (45 ratings) | 20 mins
Garlic green beans with parmesan are a simple side dish that pairs perfectly with a meat pie.
They couldn’t be easier to make, and they’re great for anyone who’s left things to the last minute. The combination of lemon, parmesan cheese, and garlic infuses the green beans with a vibrant, savory flavor that makes them irresistible.
Psst… if you don’t have green beans, you can adapt the recipe for any green vegetable like asparagus, spinach, or even peas.
What readers are saying…
“Wow this was amazing, even my father-in-law said so, he couldn’t stop eating it, he was lucky enough to take leftovers home…”
“Best green beans I ever had. The garlic, lemon, and parmesan make them not taste like green beans. That’s why they’re so good!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍋 Lemony Steamed Green Beans
🇫🇷 Green Beans Almondine
🌽 Summer Corn + Green Beans with Herb Butter
Mashed Carrots and Parsnips
4.9 ⭐️ (23 ratings) | 30 mins
Are you looking for a healthy side dish that can still soak up gravy? This carrot and parsnip mash fits the bill. It’s lighter than your usual mashed potatoes because it has zero dairy but it still has that creamy, velvety texture we all love.
The catch with this side dish is you can’t achieve its silky consistency by hand because parsnips and carrots are more fibrous than potatoes. Recipe creator Katie recommends blitzing them in the food processor instead.
What readers are saying…
“I have made this combination at many Thanksgiving dinners but with butter. Looking forward to adding the orange and oil.”
“I love the color of the dish you have been able to achieve. It is worth trying for my kids as it really looks so inviting.”
So beautiful, and the orange really made it sing!! Yum!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
⏲ Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
🧘♀️ Rutabaga and Carrot Puree
Lemon Herb Steamed Cauliflower
5.0 ⭐️ (1 rating) | 10 mins
Steamed cauliflower with a side of buttery lemon sauce will make a delightful side for your meat pie.
It’s a cinch to prepare, and you’re guaranteed to have people raving about it. Most importantly, the lemon’s citrusy flavor provides the perfect contrast to the deeper flavors of the meat pie.
But aside from lemon and fresh herbs, I also like tossing a handful of slivered almonds for added crunch.
What readers are saying…
“Just lovely. A keeper!”
“Made this a few weeks ago and forgot to comment! It was lovely and fresh.”
“Made this tonight and is all gone and the other half doesn’t usually eat cauliflower!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥓 Sauteed Cauliflower with Bacon
🍄 Garlic Mushrooms Cauliflower Skillet
Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
4.9 ⭐️ (27 ratings) | 25 mins
Veggie sides are a must-have with a meat pie.
They’re non-negotiable, but they don’t have to be boring and bland. Like with these roasted carrots, a little bit of honey, garlic, and butter goes a long way.
I love how the butter and honey melt into the carrots, so you can taste it in every bite. And the garlic adds a savory kick that rounds up this side dish’s flavor profile.
What readers are saying…
“Who knew carrots could be so good. Every time I make this recipe there are no leftovers.”
“These were delicious! Everybody gobbled them up.”
“Made this with the other day and all of the family came back for seconds! Great recipe super simple and so tasty!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🧀 Crispy Parmesan Carrots
🏃♀️ Air Fryer Roasted Carrots
🥗 French Carrot Salad
Salads
Fresh, crunchy veggies tossed in a bright, tangy dressing are an excellent contrast to robust dishes like a meat pie. A crisp slaw is perfect especially during the summer, but you can also put together a winter-inspired salad for colder months.
Apple and Blue Cheese Salad
4.0 ⭐️ (2 ratings) | 15 mins
Looking for something fresh, light, and unique? It’s time to get your salad on. I’m not talking about any old salad, though — I mean blue cheese chopped salad.
It’s the perfect winter salad, loaded with crunchy vegetables and tangy, salty notes with a bit of creaminess.
The blue cheese crumbles won’t be for everyone, but their tangy, funky notes pair nicely with your meat pie’s saucy beef filling. I also like using feta cheese, but I use less than the amount required because it’s saltier.
What the chef says…
“One of the best parts of this cabbage salad recipe unlike salads with delicate leafy greens is that you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. If you are planning to do that, try not to douse the whole thing in vinaigrette.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Arugula and Snap Peas Salad
4.0 ⭐️ (1 rating) | 10 mins
Try this arugula and snap peas salad when you want something refreshing to balance out your heavy meat pie (but don’t like blue cheese).
The snap peas give every bite a sweet crunch, while the bitter arugula and the lemony kick from the dressing help to offset the rich taste of the meat’s gravy.
Psst… I also like adding fresh parsley to the mix for extra flavor.
What the chef says…
“You can chop the sugar snap peas, slice the radishes, and combine them with the feta and arugula up to 8 hours in advance. You can also make the dressing up to 3 days ahead of time. Store the assembled salad in a covered container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌷 Snap Pea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
🍐 Arugula and Pear Salad
⏲ Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas
Cucumber Radish Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (48 ratings) | 15 mins
This cucumber and radish salad is another excellent side dish for your meat pie if you’re looking to add a fresh bite.
It’s light and refreshing, which is exactly what you need. Plus, the cucumbers and radish add a crunchy contrast to the pie’s tender meat filling.
And just like with the previous salad, this is best consumed right away. Make sure to only dress the veggies when you’re ready to serve.
What readers are saying…
“This is such a refreshing and delicious salad! We served it alongside veggie sandwiches for a light summer dinner!”
“The recipe was incredibly simple to follow, and the vibrant colors of the salad added a beautiful touch to the table.”
“I love how refreshing this salad is, and loaded with nice crisp ingredients! The dressing adds the perfect amount of flavor, just a little bit tangy. Perfect for the summer!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Condiments and Sauces
If you don’t want to commit to a whole other dish, condiments or sauces are a great addition to a meat pie!
Brown Gravy
4.6 ⭐️ (10 ratings) | 9 mins
Your meat pie might already have some gravy inside, but I find it’s never enough. I like my pastry to be DRIPPING in gravy, so I always make sure to have extra on hand.
This homemade gravy is especially superb because it doesn’t require any drippings to make but is still super tasty. Instead, it uses beef broth and bouillon to achieve a deep, savory flavor. I also like adding sauteed mushrooms into the mix for a quick umami boost, but you can also go with cooked onions.
Psst… if you’re making the sweet potato fries above, they go great with this gravy too.
What readers are saying…
“This is a great, easy gravy recipe when you don’t have pan drippings.”
“Kid tested. Mommy approved lol <3 Absolutely delicious… My 17-year-old daughter could not get enough and I started looking at the gravy packets strange…”
“This is a terrific recipe! I had no idea making a great gravy could be so easy!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Quick Pickled Red Cabbage
4.9 ⭐️ (64 ratings) | 1 hr 15mins
What’s better than a meat pie? A meat pie with pickled cabbage on the side, of course!
This vibrant condiment adds a brilliant pop of color to the dish. Plus, it has a sour, tart flavor that helps cut through the richness of your meat pie.
The only catch? You’ll have to make this ahead of time because cabbage needs to sit in the pickling solution for about a day for maximum flavor. But the wait is worth it, I promise.
What readers are saying…
“This pickled red cabbage makes for a great condiment and it is something I could see going well with a variety of different recipes.”
“I love pickled cabbage and this one is so delicious and easy to make. I will make this for everyone!”
“Never realized how easy it was to pickle cabbage! Love how much flavor it adds!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍽 Bavarian Sauerkraut
🇩🇪 German Red Cabbage
🌶 Quick Pickled Jalapenos
Tomato Chutney
4.8 ⭐️ (36 ratings) | 45 mins
This tomato chutney is another fabulous option for jazzing up your meat pie.
The recipe uses a blend of garam masala and chili powder to give the sweet-acidic tomatoes a fiery kick that also helps offset the meat pie’s robust flavors. It does get hot, so feel free to adjust the quantities of both spices if you prefer a milder heat level.
What readers are saying…
“I don’t normally comment on recipes, but EVERYONE needs to make this recipe. I made it on the weekend as I had heaps of tomatoes. And I have told EVERYONE about it since!”
“Gorgeous mix of sweet and spice.”
“I tried this recipe today, omg It’s delicious. The sweet and chili together are a real taste sensation, very easy to make too.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
😎 Slow Cooker Tomato Chutney
🍎 Apple Chutney
🥓 Onion Bacon Jam
What To Serve With Meat Pie – 15 Best Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 portion horseradish mash
- 1 portion lemon herb steamed cauliflower
- 1 portion arugula and snap peas salad
- 1 portion minted mushy peas
- 1 portion southern baked beans
- 1 portion garlic green beans with parmesan … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your meat pie according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: beef broth gravy, horseradish mash, southern baked beans, minted mushy peas, roasted garlic butter potatoes, pickled red cabbage, sweet potato fries, garlic green beans with parmesan, apple and blue cheese salad, arugula and snap peas salad, carrot and parsnip mash, lemon herb steamed cauliflower, and butter pepper carrots.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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