What To Serve With Goulash: 16 Best Side Dishes

Goulash is a delicious, hearty stew originating from Hungary. Made with tender meat, vegetables, and seasoned with paprika, it's perfect for those chilly days.

However, it can be challenging to decide what side dishes to serve with it.

Especially for you, here are 16 delicious side dishes that complement goulash and make your meal complete and satisfying.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with goulash are egg noodles, brown rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, quinoa, crusty bread, spaetzle, cucumber salad, jasmine rice, zucchini noodles and polenta.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Polenta

Creamy polenta, made from cornmeal, is a delicious side dish option that complements goulash well. Its smooth, velvety texture contrasts with the chunky stew, and its mild flavor allows the goulash to shine.

2. Jasmine Rice

Simple steamed rice is another versatile side dish for goulash. The rice absorbs the flavors of the stew and adds a filling component to the meal. For extra flavor, try cooking the rice in chicken or vegetable broth.

3. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food and pair wonderfully with goulash. The creamy, buttery taste balances the bold flavors of the stew and adds a touch of homey warmth to your meal. It's an excellent choice for a cozy dinner.

4. Steamed Vegetables

Adding steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots to your goulash meal provides a lighter, healthier option. The natural sweetness of the vegetables complements the savory flavors of the stew, and they bring a pop of color to your plate.

5. Cauliflower Rice

For a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to rice, try cauliflower rice. It's made by grating or processing cauliflower into rice-sized pieces, then lightly sautéing it. The mild flavor and fluffy texture make it a great side dish for goulash, without the extra carbs.

6. Crusty Bread

A loaf of warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the flavorful goulash sauce. Freshly baked and slightly chewy, it adds a satisfying crunch to your meal. Choose a baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough for the best results.

7. Zucchini Noodles

For a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to egg noodles, try zucchini noodles or "zoodles." They're made by spiralizing zucchini into noodle-like strands and can be served raw or lightly cooked. Zoodles add a fresh, light touch to your goulash dinner.

8. Spaetzle

This traditional German side dish of small, soft dumplings is a popular choice to serve with goulash. Its unique texture and slight chewiness work well with the rich sauce, making it a delicious and authentic pairing.

9. Cucumber Salad

A refreshing cucumber salad adds a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, hearty goulash. Tossed with vinegar, dill, and a hint of sugar, this simple salad is a tasty and light side dish that balances out the meal.

10. Egg Noodles

Egg noodles are an ideal side dish for goulash. Their smooth texture and mild flavor soak up the rich sauce, making them a delightful addition to the hearty stew. Plus, they're easy to prepare and can be cooked in minutes.

11. Gluten-Free Bread

For those with gluten sensitivities or preferences, gluten-free bread is an excellent alternative to traditional crusty bread. Choose a high-quality loaf with a chewy texture and warm it up before serving, so you can still enjoy dipping and soaking up the goulash sauce.

12. Brown Rice

Brown rice is a nutritious and fiber-rich alternative to white rice. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture pair well with goulash, adding a wholesome touch to your meal. It's a great option for those seeking a healthier side dish.

13. Israeli Couscous

Also known as pearl couscous, Israeli couscous has a larger, chewier texture compared to regular couscous. Its unique consistency works well with goulash, as it soaks up the sauce and adds a pleasant mouthfeel to the meal.

14. Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasted root vegetables, like carrots, parsnips, and turnips, are a flavorful and nutritious addition to your goulash meal. The natural sweetness of the vegetables is enhanced by roasting, and their earthy flavors complement the rich stew.

15. Quinoa

Quinoa is a protein-packed, gluten-free grain that makes an excellent side dish for goulash. Its nutty flavor and slightly crunchy texture work well with the stew, and it provides a filling, nutritious option for your meal.

16. Green Salad

A simple green salad, featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, is an easy and refreshing side dish to serve with goulash. A light vinaigrette dressing com

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