Cottage pie, a hearty and comforting dish, is a favorite for many. Its rich, meaty filling and creamy mashed potato topping make it a complete meal.

But what can you add to take it to the next level? Here are 18 amazing side dishes that perfectly complement cottage pie, offering a range of flavors and textures to enhance your meal.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with cottage pie are green beans, honey glazed carrots, Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese, creamed spinach, arugula salad, butternut squash, roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed mushrooms, blooming onion, avocado fries, Caesar salad, corn on the cob, and steamed broccoli.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Green Beans

Green beans are a simple yet wonderful addition to cottage pie. They bring a fresh, crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy potatoes and rich meat. You can sauté them in a bit of butter with garlic for a flavorful touch, or just steam them for a lighter option. This green side not only adds color to your plate but also balances the heaviness of the pie with its lightness.

2. Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey glazed carrots are a sweet and savory treat that pairs beautifully with cottage pie. The natural sweetness of carrots glazed with honey and a touch of butter complements the savory flavors of the pie. This dish is easy to prepare and adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of sweetness to your meal, making it a crowd-pleaser.

3. Yorkshire Pudding

Yorkshire pudding, a classic British side, is a fantastic choice for cottage pie. Its light and airy texture provides a nice contrast to the denseness of the pie. You can serve it on the side or use it to scoop up the delicious filling. Yorkshire puddings are surprisingly easy to make and add a traditional touch to your meal.

4. Cauliflower Cheese

Cauliflower cheese is a creamy and cheesy side that goes wonderfully with cottage pie. The soft texture of the cauliflower covered in a rich cheese sauce is a comforting addition. It's a great way to incorporate some veggies into your meal while keeping everything indulgent and satisfying.

15. Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli is a healthy and easy side dish that pairs well with the richness of cottage pie. Its mild flavor and crunchy texture provide a nice balance. You can season it simply with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon, or add a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor. This green veggie adds both color and nutrition to your plate.

6. Arugula Salad

An arugula salad is a fresh and peppery side that adds a nice lightness to the meal. You can toss it with a simple vinaigrette, some cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan for a delightful salad that cuts through the richness of the cottage pie. This salad is not only tasty but also quick to put together.

7. Butternut Squash

Roasted butternut squash, with its sweet and nutty flavor, is a wonderful addition to cottage pie. Roasting the squash caramelizes its natural sugars, bringing out its best flavors. It adds a lovely sweetness and a soft, comforting texture that pairs well with the savory pie.

8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a fantastic match for cottage pie. Their crispy edges and tender centers offer a delightful texture contrast. Toss them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and maybe a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor kick. These little veggies bring a touch of bitterness that complements the rich flavors of the pie.

9. Sautéed Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms are a simple yet elegant side that pairs well with the savory notes of cottage pie. Cook them in butter or olive oil with a bit of garlic, and they turn into a flavorful, earthy addition to your meal. Their juicy and tender texture makes them an ideal companion for the meaty filling of the pie.

10. Blooming Onion

A blooming onion is a fun and tasty side dish that adds a wow factor to your cottage pie meal. This deep-fried onion is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a delightful crunch. Serve it with a tangy dipping sauce to add another layer of flavor to your meal.

11. Avocado Fries

Avocado fries are a unique and delicious side dish. They're crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and full of healthy fats. They bring a modern twist to your meal and go surprisingly well with the traditional flavors of cottage pie. Serve them with a spicy mayo or your favorite dip.

12. Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad is a classic side that adds a fresh and tangy element to your meal. The crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons provide a nice contrast to the warm, hearty pie. It's a light and refreshing option that balances the richness of the main dish.

13. Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a sweet and buttery side that's always a hit. Its juicy kernels offer a burst of sweetness with each bite, complementing the savory flavors of the cottage pie. It's also a fun, hands-on side that adds a bit of playfulness to your meal.

14. Canned Asparagus

Canned asparagus is a convenient and tasty side dish. It's soft and has a mild flavor that doesn't overpower the main dish. You can quickly heat it up and season it with some butter, salt, and pepper, or even toss it with a bit of lemon juice for a zesty touch.

15. Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is another great side for cottage pie. It's rich and creamy, adding a luxurious texture to the meal. The spinach brings a nice, earthy flavor that complements the meaty filling of the pie. It's a simple side dish that adds both color and a creamy element to your plate.

16. Garden Salad

A garden salad is a light and refreshing choice. It's a mix of fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of other veggies, dressed with a simple vinaigrette. This salad brings a crisp and clean flavor that contrasts nicely with the hearty cottage pie, making your meal feel more balanced.

17. Biscuits and Gravy

Biscuits and gravy add a Southern twist to your meal. Soft, fluffy biscuits smothered in rich, creamy gravy make for a comforting addition. This side dish complements the savory flavors of the cottage pie and adds an extra layer of indulgence to your meal.

18. Zucchini Boats

Zucchini boats are a fun and healthy side. Hollowed-out zucchinis filled with a mix of toppings like cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then baked until tender. They're a creative way to serve veggies and offer a delightful texture contrast to the creamy potato topping of the pie.

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