Mississippi Pot Roast is a flavorful and hearty dish that’s known for its tender beef and rich, savory sauce. It’s typically served with sides that complement the roast’s rich, savory flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, pairing Mississippi Pot Roast with the right sides can elevate the entire meal. In this guide, we’ll explore the best sides to serve with Mississippi Pot Roast to create a complete and satisfying meal.
1. Mashed Potatoes
Why It Works: Mashed potatoes are a classic and versatile side that pairs wonderfully with Mississippi Pot Roast. The creamy, buttery potatoes soak up the flavorful gravy from the pot roast, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
How to Serve: Serve a generous scoop of mashed potatoes alongside the roast, and spoon some of the flavorful gravy over the top. You can also make garlic mashed potatoes for added flavor or keep them simple with butter and cream.
2. Roasted Vegetables
Why It Works: Roasted vegetables are a great way to add some color and nutrition to your meal. The sweetness of roasted carrots, parsnips, and other root vegetables balances the savory richness of the Mississippi Pot Roast.
How to Serve: Toss your vegetables (like carrots, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips) with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until tender and caramelized. Serve them alongside the pot roast for a balanced meal.
3. Coleslaw
Why It Works: The cool, crunchy texture of coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the tender, juicy pot roast. The tangy flavor of coleslaw complements the richness of the beef and adds a crisp, light side dish to the meal.
How to Serve: Serve a generous scoop of creamy coleslaw on the side. You can make a classic coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, and a mayonnaise-based dressing, or go for a vinegar-based coleslaw for a lighter, tangier option.
4. Buttered Corn on the Cob
Why It Works: Corn on the cob is a simple and flavorful side that pairs well with the meaty Mississippi Pot Roast. The sweetness of the corn balances the savory and slightly spicy flavors of the roast, creating a delightful combination.
How to Serve: Boil or grill corn on the cob until tender. Brush with butter and sprinkle with salt, pepper, or even some chili powder for an extra kick. Serve it alongside your pot roast for a classic, comforting meal.
5. Garlic Bread
Why It Works: Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and a great side for dipping into the delicious gravy from your Mississippi Pot Roast. The crispy, buttery garlic bread soaks up the gravy, adding extra flavor to every bite.
How to Serve: Bake a loaf of garlic bread or use pre-made bread and top it with garlic butter. Serve it warm alongside your Mississippi Pot Roast for the perfect combination of flavors.
6. Rice Pilaf
Why It Works: Rice pilaf is a great side to serve with Mississippi Pot Roast, as it has a light, fluffy texture that complements the richness of the roast. The grains of rice absorb the savory juices from the pot roast, making each bite delicious.
How to Serve: Prepare rice pilaf by cooking rice with onions, garlic, and broth for extra flavor. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh, aromatic touch.
7. Green Beans Almondine
Why It Works: Green beans almondine is a classic, elegant side that adds a nice crunch and fresh flavor to balance the richness of the Mississippi Pot Roast. The nutty flavor of the toasted almonds enhances the taste of the beans, making them a perfect pairing.
How to Serve: Sauté fresh green beans in butter with sliced almonds and a sprinkle of lemon juice. Serve this dish alongside your pot roast for a light yet flavorful vegetable option.
8. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Why It Works: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes complements the savory and tangy flavors of the Mississippi Pot Roast. The soft, tender texture of the sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with the rich, shredded beef.
How to Serve: Bake sweet potatoes until tender and serve them with a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon or brown sugar. You can also serve them with a bit of sour cream or cheese for a savory twist.
9. Cauliflower Mash
Why It Works: If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash is a great option. It has a similar texture and can be flavored just like mashed potatoes, but with fewer calories.
How to Serve: Steam cauliflower florets until soft, then mash them with butter, garlic, and cream. Season with salt and pepper, and serve it alongside your Mississippi Pot Roast for a healthier option.
10. Fried Okra
Why It Works: Fried okra adds a crunchy, flavorful element to your Mississippi Pot Roast meal. It’s a Southern classic that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the pot roast, providing a nice contrast in texture.
How to Serve: Coat fresh okra in flour, cornmeal, and seasoning, then fry until golden and crispy. Serve it hot alongside the roast for a delicious and traditional Southern side.
11. Biscuits
Why It Works: Fluffy, buttery biscuits are perfect for mopping up the rich, flavorful gravy from the Mississippi Pot Roast. They add a comforting and slightly indulgent element to your meal.
How to Serve: Bake a batch of homemade or store-bought biscuits and serve them warm with your Mississippi Pot Roast. You can even drizzle some of the pot roast gravy over the biscuits for extra flavor.
12. Crispy Potato Wedges
Why It Works: Crispy potato wedges are another great side for Mississippi Pot Roast, offering a hearty and satisfying addition to your meal. The crispy exterior and soft interior of the potato wedges complement the tender roast.
How to Serve: Cut potatoes into wedges, season with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper, then bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until crispy and golden brown. Serve them alongside your pot roast for a comforting, crispy side.
Final Thoughts
When serving Mississippi Pot Roast, it’s all about balancing the rich, savory flavor of the roast with sides that provide freshness, texture, and a touch of sweetness. Whether you opt for classic sides like mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, or something a little more adventurous like fried okra or green beans almondine, each of these sides will enhance the meal and make your Mississippi Pot Roast dinner even more satisfying.
No matter which side you choose, the key is to complement the pot roast’s flavors and provide variety in texture and taste. So, feel free to experiment with different sides to find your perfect combination!