Swedish meatballs are one of the most popular dishes in Swedish cuisine, and it’s easy to see why!
They’re flavorful and very tender, but unfortunately, Swedish meatballs tend to be on the heavy side when served alone, so you’ll want to know what to serve with them to help them go down easier.
These dishes are perfect companions to delicious Swedish meatballs.
And they work well together as a complete meal without being overly filling or difficult to digest.
Serve them with these sides, or find your favorites! If you are looking for what to serve with Swedish meatballs, here are the lists.
Danish Cucumber Salad
This is what to serve with Swedish meatballs. Cucumber salad is an excellent refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with Swedish meatballs’ rich and savory flavors.
It’s easy to make, too – mix diced cucumbers, red onion, dill, white vinegar, and a little sugar.
Season to taste with salt and pepper, then refrigerate for an hour or so before serving. Enjoy!
Braised Red Cabbage
If you’re looking for a flavorful but not-too-heavy side dish to accompany your Swedish meatballs, look no further than braised red cabbage.
This dish is simple to make and requires only a few ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
Jansson’s Temptation
Jansson’s temptation is a great choice if you are looking for what to serve with Swedish meatballs.
Jansson’s Temptation is a traditional dish from Sweden that combines potatoes, cream, and anchovies into one comforting casserole.
This dish is the perfect way to round out your meal and ensure everyone leaves the table satisfied.
Mashed Potatoes
There’s something about the creaminess of mashed potatoes that makes them the perfect pairing for savory meatballs.
And since Swedish meatballs are usually served with a rich gravy, you can amp up the mashed potatoes’ flavor by adding some extra seasoning.
Garlic Butter Noodles
These garlic butter noodles are the perfect complement to rich and flavorful Swedish meatballs. Buttery and garlicky, they’re also straightforward to make.
Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then toss them in butter, garlic, and parsley.
You can also add a little Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Serve the noodles alongside the meatballs, and enjoy!
Greek Lemon Rice
If you’re looking for a classic side dish to serve with your Swedish meatballs, look no further than Greek lemon rice.
This dish is perfect for serving with Swedish meatballs. It is simple to make and requires only a few ingredients, but it’s flavorful.
Plus, the lemon acidity pairs perfectly with the richness of the meatballs.
To make this dish:
- Cook rice in chicken broth until tender.
- Stir freshly squeezed lemon juice, grated lemon zest, and chopped parsley.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper, then serve alongside your meatballs.
Green Bean Almondine
This classic French side dish is the perfect complement to Swedish meatballs. Green beans are blanched and sautéed with butter, garlic, and almonds.
The result is a flavorful and elegant dish that will impress your guests.
Smoked Sausage Skillet
Swedish meatballs are a classic dish that can be enjoyed anytime.
They are typically served with smoked sausage skillet and many other delicious side dishes that can be paired with them.
Spicy Bourbon-glazed Carrots
Start by peeling and slicing your carrots into thin pieces. Then, combine the carrots with a few other ingredients and toss to coat.
Next, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven.
While the carrots are baking, prepare the glaze by combining the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Once the glaze bubbles, please remove it from the heat and set it aside.
Also, when the carrots are finished cooking, remove them from the oven and brush them with the glaze.
Spicy bourbon-glazed carrots are a great option if you want something to serve with Swedish meatballs.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
This soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s creamy, filling, and has just the right flavor. Plus, it goes excellent with Swedish meatballs.
Simmer some mushrooms in chicken broth until soft, then add cream and flour to thicken.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve alongside your meatballs.
Stuffed Peppers
Try stuffing them into peppers for a fun and unique twist on the classic Swedish meatball!
This dish is easy to make and can be tailored to your liking. Stuff cooked meatballs into bell peppers, top with your favorite sauce, and bake.
Cauliflower-parsnip Puree
This creamy cauliflower-parsnip puree is an excellent option for serving with Swedish meatballs.
The rich and earthy flavors of the cauliflower and parsnips perfectly match the rich, savory flavors of the meatballs. Plus, this dish is sure to please vegans and meat-eaters alike.
Dinner Rolls
Swedish meatballs are usually served with some bread on the side. Dinner rolls are soft and fluffy inside and have a nice crust on the outside.
They’re the perfect vessel for sopping up all that delicious gravy. If you’re looking for something to serve with Swedish meatballs, dinner rolls are a great option.
Fresh Kimchi
When it comes to kimchi, the fresher, the better; that’s why this Korean-style cabbage dish perfectly accompanies Swedish meatballs.
The fermented flavors of the kimchi will cut through the richness of the meatballs, and its crunch will add a nice contrast in texture. Plus, the color will brighten up your plate.
Prosciutto-wrapped Asparagus
Suppose you’re looking for a vegetable side that’s a little more special than your average green beans or steamed broccoli. Try prosciutto-wrapped asparagus.
The saltiness of the prosciutto pairs perfectly with the slightly sweet taste of Swedish meatballs, and the bacon fat gives the vegetables a rich flavor. Plus, they look beautiful on the plate!
Smashed Potatoes
Potatoes are a must with Swedish meatballs. They can be boiled, smashed, or roasted. You can use Yukon gold potatoes because they have a buttery flavor that goes well with the rich cream sauce.
Also, for this dish, you can boil the potatoes and smash them before adding them to the pan with the meatballs.
What to serve with Swedish meatballs? Smashed potatoes are a great choice.
Lemon Orzo Salad
What to serve with Swedish meatballs? Zesty orzo salad is the perfect side dish to complement rich and savory Swedish meatballs.
The bright lemon flavor helps cut through the meatballs’ richness, while the fresh herbs add a touch of brightness.
Meanwhile, you can make this salad ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge for an hour or so before serving.
This will allow the flavors to meld together. If you’re short on time, you can mix everything and serve immediately.
Honey Glazed Ribs
These honey-glazed ribs are the perfect addition to any meal. They’re sticky, sweet, and full of flavor. Plus, they’re easy to make.
Just throw them in the oven and let them cook. You’ll have a tasty side dish for your meatballs without much effort.
Shepherd’s pie: This classic is hard to go wrong with! The rich beef filling and mashed potatoes will fill you up without making you feel heavy or sluggish.
Balsamic Roasted Veggies
These balsamic roasted veggies are the perfect side dish to any meal, but they are what to serve with Swedish meatballs. They’re easy to make, healthy, and delicious.
The secret is roasting them low and slow so that they get a caramelized flavor on the outside while maintaining a nice crunch on the inside.
For this recipe, you’ll need one head of cauliflower cut into florets, two cups of cherry tomatoes (halved), three tablespoons of olive oil, one tablespoon of honey or agave nectar, one teaspoon salt (sea salt is best), freshly ground black pepper, one teaspoon dried thyme leaves.
Creamed Kale
This healthy side dish is the perfect way to balance out a hearty meal of Swedish meatballs.
Kale is packed with nutrients, and it’s simply irresistible when cooked in a creamy sauce. Trust it, and your guests will love this dish!
Cauliflower Steak
Cauliflower steak is an excellent alternative to meat for those looking for a lighter option.
This recipe is simple yet flavorful and pairs perfectly with the richness of Swedish meatballs.
Looking for what to serve with Swedish meatballs? Cauliflower is a great option. To make, slice a head of cauliflower into 1-inch thick steaks.
Season with salt, pepper, and favorite herbs, then roast in a hot oven until browned and tender.
Serve with a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes and a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, many delicious dishes make an excellent option for what to serve with Swedish meatballs.
Choose between the options available: they are given above to hasten your selections.
Use tomato sauce and mushrooms as the topping. If you want to keep it simple, use roasted vegetables like onions and carrots as the topping.