These are the greatest healthy sides for meatloaf, such as roasted vegetables, creamy gratins, and low-carb cauliflower mash, so your meatloaf dish can become a satisfying and healthy one. There’s something for everyone.
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We eat meatloaf quite a bit! Just about every week, we have meatloaf on our meal plan. It’s quick and easy, healthy, and super tasty.
Now, I wasn’t always a fan of this American classic. Nope, I used to dread meatloaf night when I was younger. However, I developed healthy meatloaf recipes and meatloaf sides over the years, and now we’re all raving fans.
This Italian Meatloaf is the one I make most often; it tastes like a giant meatball. Cheeseburger meatloaf comes in as a close second; the flavors are outstanding.
Ah, turkey meatloaf. A hearty classic ideal for a festive holiday get-together or a cosy weeknight supper But what to serve with this adaptable main course? Don’t worry, foodies—I’ve put together a list of over 30 delicious side dishes that go well with turkey meatloaf.
1. Mashed Potatoes:
This classic comfort food is a perfect match for the tender turkey meatloaf. Load up on the butter, cream, and cheese for ultimate indulgence.
2. Roasted Green Beans:
The smokiness of the turkey and the caramelized flavors of the roasted green beans blend together wonderfully. The addition of garlic and parmesan adds a layer of savory complexity.
3 Garlic Bread:
This Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread is a quick and easy 10-minute side dish that will instantly win you over to the delicious combination of cheese and carbohydrates.
4. Roasted Vegetables:
Roasted vegetables are the perfect sides for any meal. Simply toss your prepared veggies in olive oil, salt and pepper and place into a hot oven to roast. Roasted vegetables will become your new favorite side dish!
5. Macaroni and Cheese:
Mac & Cheese is a classic side dish that pretty much goes with everything! Get this simple, classic, cheesy recipe for Macaroni and Cheese featuring three kinds of cheese and a crispy, salty topping.
6. Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
The beautiful thing about these mashed sweet potatoes is you can customize it to be more savory or more sweet. Adjust the flavor to your liking to make your perfect side!
7. Cornbread:
Fluffy, buttery, moist and easy, this homemade Cornbread Recipe is the perfect addition to your family dinner table.
8. Cranberry Sauce:
The flavors of turkey and cranberries are a match made in heaven. My cranberry sauce recipe is easier to make from scratch than you think and tastes so much better than store bought!
9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts:
Roasted with a crunch is the best way to have your brussels sprouts. And this super easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe is a delicious vegetable side dish. You could also sprinkle some parmesan cheese over to give it a little extra flavor!
10. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries:
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are a quick and easy way to get some real tasty fries! Cook them to perfection and then dip into your favorite sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for some cheesy goodness!
11. Funeral Potatoes:
Everyone has a recipe for this popular casserole! Here is our family-favorite recipe for funeral potatoes that we’ve been making for years. Creamy, cheesy and onion-y. Perfect Turkey Meatloaf side.
12. Wild Rice Pilaf:
Mix wild rice with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and herbs for a flavorful and hearty side.
13. Roasted Root Vegetables:
This colorful medley of roasted carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes adds a touch of sweetness and earthiness to your meal.
14. Green Bean Casserole:
This classic casserole is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy fried onions, creamy mushroom sauce, and tender green beans is sure to satisfy your guests.
15. Corn Casserole:
This slightly sweet and savory side dish is a 1-bowl, quick, fix it and forget it wonder that is perfect to serve with Turkey Meatloaf.
16. Oven Roasted Asparagus:
Simple and quick this Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe is the perfect vegetable side dish! Easily prepared while your main dish is cooking.
17. Scalloped Potatoes:
This easy recipe for Scalloped Potatoes is one you will make again and again. It’s a potato dish that’s extremely creamy and is cheesy potato perfection!
18. Butternut Squash Pasta:
This pasta is cheesy, easy and tasty. Made with simple ingredients but it will impress everyone at the dinner table!
19. Parmesan Garlic Linguine Pasta:
Parmesan Garlic Linguine Pasta is a super easy recipe that is fast and SO flavorful!
20. Butter Rice:
My Famous Butter Rice is seriously the best! Add a few simple ingredients to make the most buttery, delicious rice you’ve ever had!
21. Vegetable Risotto:
A light and comforting meal that you can have ready in no time! Vegetable Risotto is perfect for those warmer spring evenings!
22. Parmesan Bread Bites:
If you’ve had Parmesan Bread Bites from Domino’s or other pizza place, you’ll know how addicting they are…but these are better! Pillow-y soft on the inside and buttery, golden brown on the outside and topped with parmesan cheese and parsley…these won’t last long once you make them.
23. Dinner Rolls:
My Mom’s potato rolls are fluffy, soft, slightly sweet, and nearly perfect in every way! Plus, if you have leftover mashed potatoes, this is a great way to get rid of them!
24. Texas Toast:
Thick-sliced bread, garlic, and cheese, this is Texas Toast! A homemade, easy {and super tasty} recipe perfect for any occasion!
25. Cheddar Bay Biscuits:
You really can’t go wrong with these Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuits!
26. Sausage and Peppers Stuffed Zucchini Boats:
Sausage and Peppers Stuffed Zucchini Boats are baked tender soft zucchini stuffed with a hearty sausage, onion and bell peppers and marinara sauce then topped with melty mozzarella cheese. Stuff your zucchini, throw them on a baking sheet in the oven and you have yourself a tasty side!
27. Cornbread Stuffing:
Made with my homemade cornbread and fresh sage, this will be your star side dish this year. Prefer it with meat added? Try my Cornbread Sausage Dressing, but this is a classic Southern cornbread dressing.
28. Macaroni Salad:
This simple Macaroni Salad Recipe is the perfect combination of creamy and crunchy, and totally adaptable to your own liking.
29. Cucumber Tomato Salad:
A classic and delicious salad, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is light, refreshing and so so easy to make! Made with sweet english cucumbers, red onions, cherry tomatoes and a simple homemade dressing, you will want add this into your regular meal rotation, regardless of the time of year.
30. Maple Glazed Carrots:
Maple Glazed Carrots are the perfect, easiest side dish for any holiday or Sunday supper. Delicious on their own, or fabulous with ham or turkey, these maple syrup glazed carrots won’t be forgotten anytime soon. Only one pan required!
31. Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad:
Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad has an amazing depth of flavor from all of the roasted veggies and great texture from the quinoa. This is a great way to get a bunch of veggies in your meal!
32. Homemade Turkey Gravy:
Learn how to make Homemade Turkey Gravy with or without drippings to complete your Thanksgiving meal. This is the BEST turkey gravy recipe because it is silky smooth, and a super flavorful gravy that compliments all things Thanksgiving. Tastes amazing drizzled over Turkey Meatloaf.
33. Classic Stuffing:
This holiday favorite brings a comforting and savory element to your meal. Choose from a variety of stuffing recipes to find the perfect one for your taste.
34. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Brown Sugar:
The combination of Brussels sprouts and smoky bacon is a match made in side dish heaven. The addition of brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness and caramelization.
35. Collard Greens:
These hearty and nutritious greens are the ultimate comfort food. Simmered in a savory broth, they offer a rich and flavorful accompaniment to the turkey meatloaf.
36. Sweet Potato Casserole:
This creamy and sweet casserole brings a delightful sweetness to your meal. The combination of sweet potatoes, marshmallows, and pecans is a classic holiday favorite.
37. Green Bean Almondine:
Lightly sautéed green beans with toasted almonds bring a crisp and nutty element to the plate. This simple yet elegant side dish is sure to impress your guests.
38. Creamed Spinach:
This decadent side dish adds richness and a pop of vibrant green color to your plate. The creamy spinach pairs beautifully with the savory turkey meatloaf.
39. Roasted Sweet Potatoes:
The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the smoky flavors of the turkey meatloaf. This versatile side dish can be enjoyed plain or topped with your favorite toppings.
40. Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables:
This healthy and flavorful salad combines the nutty goodness of quinoa with the smoky goodness of roasted vegetables. Choose your favorite veggies for a customized and delicious side dish.
41. Cornbread Stuffing:
This southern-inspired side dish is a perfect combination of sweet and savory. The crumbled cornbread adds a delightful crunch and a burst of extra flavor to your meal.
With these 41 delicious side dishes, you’re sure to find the perfect complement to your turkey meatloaf. So get cooking and enjoy a memorable meal with your loved ones!
Reasons to Eat More Meatloaf
- Super easy to make. To prepare, just mix the ingredients together, form the mixture into a loaf, and bake it.
- Healthy. I use ground turkey in all of my meatloaf recipes. This creates a low fat, low calorie, and high-protein recipe. It fills you up without feeling full and bloated.
- Flavorful and versatile. Since then, meatloaf has come a long way from the days of the classic ketchup and bread crumb combination. It can absorb all the flavors you add. You can use anything you can imagine to make a healthy meatloaf recipe.
- Meal prep champion. Because meatloaf reheats beautifully, it’s a great idea to prepare it on Sunday to have for meals throughout the week. You can also combine the ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few days to prepare dinner during the week. In addition, meatloaf can be frozen in both its cooked and raw forms, making it convenient to reheat for meals later.
Of course, choosing meatloaf sides is just as important as the recipe itself. A good side dish can transform boring meatloaf into an unforgettable meal.
Chef Millie Peartree Makes Her Famous Southern Turkey Meatloaf | Delish
FAQ
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