Stew is a seasonal staple in many homes, and for a good reason. It’s inexpensive, satisfying, and easy to make using simple ingredients we are all familiar with. Whether you serve it on its own, with some crusty bread, over classic mashed potatoes, or rice pilaf, it's a meal that brings back good memories of a warm home and a hot meal. Do you have any side dish ideas for stews that make a delicious combination?
You can never have too many ideas for side dishes to serve with stews and soups. And we are here to offer you some more - 21 ideas for sides, including some of the best recipes for each of those ideas. And if you need some Classic Beef Stew recipes, we got you covered as well.
So if you'd like to take your love of stews to the next level, try serving it with one of these recipes we have carefully put together just for you. You will find everything from classic starchy foods like rice and potatoes to yummy healthy options like green salads and roasted vegetables.
Stirring flavors and aromas into your food is what cooking is all about. A rice dish is perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about serving alongside a hearty stew. These three rice recipes are perfect for beef, chicken, or seafood stews.
What's better than comfort food? How about comfort food that's also healthy? Cauliflower rice pilaf is a fantastic side dish option for any stew.
While the baguette is one of the most popular types of bread worldwide, it originated in France. Baguettes have a crisp exterior and soft interior. If you want to elevate your stew to new heights, go for a homemade baguette, they are not difficult to make. And nothing beats freshly made crispy, crusty bread.
Why garlic bread? Because it tastes oh so good. If you have a nice piece of freshly baked bread slathered with fresh garlic and butter, you have captured the essence of a simple pleasure. Garlic bread and stew is a delicious combination made in heaven.
One more comfort food that pairs with all kinds of stews perfectly. Especially served with a dollop of sour cream.
Cornbread is a much-underrated side dish for stews. If you have never tried the cheesy crumbly goodness that cornbread is, don't miss out this time and make one of these for your next family dinner.
Dinner rolls were initially created to make use of leftovers; they are just perfect for dipping. Dinner rolls are easy to make, and you can make them in advance.
Something of a crossover between cornbread and biscuits, these savory muffins are guaranteed to be a hit at your next stew dinner.
The best side dishes to serve with stews are ones that complement and enhance the flavors. So keep in mind that the side dishes should not be too complicated. Classic mashed potatoes or a slightly fancier pomme pure always do the trick.
Cauliflower is one versatile vegetable, giving us healthified options for both rice and mash side dishes. You can also roast it with garlic or even mash it up with some other veggies, too - the possibilities are endless!
Yes, some of the best dishes you can serve with a stew are some of the most simple side dishes. If you're looking for a healthy crunchy side dish - look no further. While no one wants to be bored with a simple side salad, these green salads are anything but boring.
Spaghetti squash is one of our favorite vegetables. It's rich in vitamins, nutrients, and fiber and is absolutely delicious. It pairs well with various flavors and sauces, making it an excellent choice for serving alongside a hearty stew.
When you're looking for something to make your stew even more satisfying, what better side dish to serve with it than pasta?
Looking for something exotic, healthy, and low-calorie? Try couscous—it's all of the above and easy to make.
An overwhelming combination of robust flavor and rich creaminess - creamy polenta or cheesy polenta grits are excellent with stews.
Tomato salad is a delicious side dish served with many meals. It's light, healthy, and flavorful.
Risotto is a dish of sauteed rice, cheese, and vegetables. You can have risotto as a main, but it is a great side dish for stews and soups as well. Just go for non-complex flavors, and you will love this pairing.
Quinoa is a great side dish for any type of stew. It can be served on its own or integrated into other dishes. It has a great texture and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Potatoes in all their form seem to dominate our side dish collection, but not without reason.
You can never go wrong with a well-prepared sauteed or grilled vegetable dish.
Hope we have given you enough side dish ideas for your next stew dinner. And if you'd like to become a true seasonal stew pro, check out our Everything About How to Cook the Best Stews, Soups, and Chillies article, and get cooking!
