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.
And don’t forget about #19—it’s so inventive!
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.
You know how you’re always looking for the easiest, most delicious recipes?
Well, look no further!
These oven-roasted red potatoes are the answer to all of your side dish prayers.
They come out tender in the middle and crispy on the outside every time.
They’re seasoned with garlic and tossed at the end with a bit of white wine vinegar, so they have an irresistible flavor.
You can’t go wrong in serving these as a side dish to almost any dinner—or as an appetizer on their own with various dips!
Everybody will love them!
3. Perfect Rice
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.
If you’re looking for a side dish that’ll be sure to please, look no further than this recipe for Zesty Italian Potatoes.
The potatoes are so flavorful and tender that you can serve them as a main course if you want—but they do come alongside any kind of meatball nicely.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try topping them with some balsamic vinegar for an extra kick!
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.
7. Ratatouille
This ratatouille recipe is a real crowd-pleaser, and a classic at that.
The key is making sure you slice your veggies thin.
If you cut them too thick, they’ll turn out too crisp instead of soft and tender as they should be.
I recommend slicing them on an angle with a mandolin slicer or using a sharp knife and taking your time—it will be worth the effort!
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!
A classic pea salad with a twist!
This recipe promises the best of both worlds: a creamy and crunchy pea salad with all the flavors you could want.
I recommend pairing it with fish, meatballs, or steak.
But it works just as fine as a snack all on its own.
Broccoli Apple Salad is the perfect dish for those who love the crunch of fresh broccoli but want to lighten up their dinner routine.
This salad is easy to make and can be eaten for days after you first mix it up.
It’s also great for those who love broccoli but don’t have time to make an elaborate dish every night.
These Honey Cinnamon Crockpot Carrots are the best method to ensure that your visitors are happy.
These carrots will be sweet and buttery and have an addictive texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Make this side dish for any special event, especially if you need to clear up space in the oven for other items.
Today, you’ll learn how to make the signature Nando’s Portuguese Spicy Rice!
If you love this well-known food chain, you’re going to fall head over heels for this dish.
It’s straightforward, so if you’re looking for a quick meal that doesn’t take too long, this is it.
This cabbage-and-noodles recipe is an old Polish one that has been around for generations.
It’s simple to make, requires only a few ingredients, and makes a great side dish for any occasion.
But I think this will make something a little different when you think about what to have with Swedish meatballs.
16. Peperonata
This family recipe for Peperonata is a traditional Italian meal where peppers and onions are cooked together to produce a delightful bell pepper side dish.
Serve this as an appetizer, a salad, a pasta sauce, a pizza topper, or a sandwich filling.
Peperonata is a versatile dish that will satisfy even picky eaters.
The best part is that it’s super easy to make and requires only three ingredients!
One of the best parts about peanut butter is that it has a million and one uses.
Peanut butter is a star when used as a spread, a dip, or even as a sauce.
But what if you want to try something new?
What if you want to use peanut butter in an entirely different way?
I’ve got the perfect recipe for you: the mild flavor of Peanut Butter Noodles!
It pairs up with the sour cream tang of Swedish meatballs perfectly.
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.
These Chinese Garlic Green Beans are fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor—the perfect complement to your meatballs’ rich, savory flavors.
They’re also effortless to make!
Just toss your green beans with garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and some other ingredients you probably already have on hand.
I love a good one-pot meal!
This Garlic Lemon Broccoli Pasta is the perfect easy-to-make dish to serve up on a busy weeknight or after a long run.
It’s simple, gluten-free, and vegan, so you can enjoy it guilt-free and indulge in all your favorite flavors.
The best creamy chicken pasta is made with penne (pronounced pah-nay), but feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand.
I used penne because it’s my favorite!
I love this recipe because it’s so versatile—you can make it with any type of shredded meat or veggies, and it will still taste great.
Just use your favorite combination.
Here’s my list of even more chicken pasta recipes.
I know you love mashed potatoes, but I also know how much you love to change things up.
So here’s a new take on your favorite side dish for Swedish meatballs: root vegetable mash!
It’s all the creamy fluffiness of mashed potatoes but made with your favorite root veggies, including potatoes.
Who knew that parsnips could be so fun?
You’ll love this Copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice because it’s so simple and flavorful.
As soon as you take a mouthful, you’ll notice the lake air and feel the sun on your back.
Or maybe that’s just me—I’m always dreaming of summer.
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.
Imagine a delicious, hearty potato dish that’s as German as, well… Germany.
When it comes to food, Germans have a reputation for being pretty serious about what they eat.
They’re not just going to gobble down anything—they want quality and authenticity in their meals.
So when you’re serving up this recipe in hopes you’ve picked what goes good with Swedish meatballs, you can be sure that it will be met with approval by even the most discerning of palates.
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.
What To Serve With Swedish Meatballs
It’s not Ikea, but I've still got your back with a full recipe breakdown of what to serve with Swedish meatballs.
Ingredients
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- Red Roasted Potatoes
- Perfect Rice
- Buttered Egg Noodles
- Zesty Italian Potatoes
- Corn On The Cob
- Ratatouille
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
- Oven-Baked Asparagus
- Roasted Blackened Broccoli
- Classic Pea Salad Recipe
- Broccoli Apple Salad
- Crockpot Honey Cinnamon Carrots
- Nando's Portuguese Spicy Rice
- Haluski (Cabbage & Noodles)
- Peperonata
- Peanut Butter Noodles
- Cranberry Sauce With Ginger & Rosemary
- Chinese Garlic Green Beans
- Garlic Lemon Broccoli Pasta
- Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Root Vegetable Mash
- Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
- German Cucumber Salad
- Authentic German Potato Salad
Instructions
- Have a look at our list of What To Serve With Swedish Meatballs.
- Choose the dish you want to recreate.
- Start cooking your newly found recipe!
- Share your insights on our Facebook page!