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It’s not Ikea, but I’ve still got your back with a full recipe breakdown of what to serve with Swedish meatballs.
Swedish meatballs are ideal for a cozy night in or an informal dinner party, but knowing what to serve with them can be challenging.
This is why I’ve created this handy guide!
I’ll give you everything from sides that pair well with meatballs, like mashed potatoes and rice, to sauces that will significantly complement the flavor of your meatballs.
When you’re thinking about what to eat with Swedish meatballs, I’m hoping you find your new favorite here (but I recommend and love the Cranberry Compote below).
If you’ve ever been fortunate enough to be invited to a big dinner at my house, you know there’s nothing better than my mashed potatoes.
(-polishes nails on shirt- that’s right, I said it.)
Instead of pasta, these rich, creamy cheesy mashed potatoes are just the ticket to soak up the light brown gravy of mashed potatoes.
You can even double up on that luscious sour cream flavor and try our sour cream mashed potatoes recipe instead.
When your guests finally arrive, serve these fluffy spuds in individual bowls alongside turkey and stuffing.
Your guests will love these as one of the best Swedish meatballs sides.
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I know you’ve been there.
You’re making dinner, and you’re all set to make the perfect rice on the stove.
But then… then something happens.
The water is boiling over, or it’s boiling too slowly, or it’s just plain boiling wrong.
Or maybe your rice just doesn’t turn out right—it’s too mushy or undercooked or too dry and crunchy.
Here’s the good news: I’ve got the foolproof recipe for making perfect rice on the stove!
This recipe has been tested by some of the most experienced cooks (and people who have never cooked before), so I know it works every time.
These Buttered Egg Noodles are the perfect solution when you’re tired, busy, and not in the mood to cook.
They’re easy to make, and even pickier eaters won’t have a thing to complain about.
They’re a dump-and-stir dish; just boil water, dump some noodles, add a few other ingredients, stir it up, and serve.
I recommend adding garlic powder, parmesan cheese, and butter for an extra kick of flavor.
Except for those who dislike corn, everyone enjoys the summertime staple Corn On The Cob.
It’s the perfect side dish for nearly any dish, but it’s a nice mild flavor to accompany Swedish meatballs, especially grilled and taken off the cob and piled into a dish next to the gravy.
These crispy and golden-green beans are tender inside but have a crunchy exterior.
They’re roasted with a rich mixture of parmesan cheese and minced garlic, making them irresistible.
And they’re ready in 30 minutes or less—so you can enjoy your family more instead of slaving over the stove.
The mild, grassy flavor of asparagus pairs well with the bold taste of meatballs, which can overpower more delicate flavors.
Asparagus also provides a bright green color contrast that makes the meal visually appealing.
Adding asparagus to your meatball meal would be a simple but effective way to spice things up.
Look no further if you’ve ever wondered how to make broccoli taste like your favorite restaurant dish.
This recipe will have you craving more than just broccoli.
The secret?
A combination of roasted spices gives the broccoli a crispy edge and perfectly tender center.
Then, it’s topped off with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up all those savory notes.
It’s a must-try recipe that everyone will be asking for again and again!
Cranberries are my favorite berry, it’s true.
So this recipe is close to my heart, and I change up this recipe often.
The rosemary comes and goes, and I may make it sweeter if I’m serving it with pork.
But it ALWAYS has ginger, and sometimes cloves, cardamom, allspice, nutmeg and/or cinnamon.
A tangy stand-in for the lingonberry jam that Ikea customers spoon up with their Swedish meatballs, this compote has a wonderful color and fragrance, and just a touch of sweetness.
This calls for maple syrup but if you desire more sweetness you’ll want to add a half-cup of table sugar to bring it up to jam-level.
Cucumbers are a great summertime snack, but they’re even better when they’re combined with sour cream, red onions, and garlic.
It’s the ideal salad for a hot summer night, and it’s simple to prepare ahead of time.
Glazed Carrots
For a quick weeknight side dish, this recipe works great. This recipe provides the glaze after cooking, so they will not get too “sticky” from a dry heat like they might in the oven or stovetop.
Cheesy Creamed Spinach
If you are looking for a creamy and delicious spinach side dish, this is the perfect recipe for you. Now we love cheese in this household so we really amped up the cheese in this recipe.
Sautéed Mushrooms
There is no wrong way to saute mushrooms. So feel free to get creative with your flavors.
Quick Pickled Cucumbers
Pickling cucumbers are a quick and easy way to transform the flavor into something unique and delicious. It is also nice that pickling cucumbers only takes a few minutes and is really easy to do.
Red Cabbage Slaw
This red cabbage slaw recipe is easy to make. It’s a crunchy side dish that’s satisfying to eat and it’s good for you and your family at the same time.
No-Knead Rustic Dutch Oven Bread
I stumbled upon no knead bread during a particularly lazy Sunday when I craved homemade bread but couldn’t muster the energy for traditional kneading. My sister helped me tweak this recipe, but it’s only got four ingredients, so it’s pretty simple.
The bottom line
So there you have it!
There are plenty of fresh sides for Swedish meatballs to choose from.
From potatoes to pasta salads and more, these recipes are sure to please the whole family.
