Discover what to serve with Swedish meatballs, a savory main dish consisting of juicy meatballs simmered in creamy gravy. Whether you’re looking for traditional options or comfort-food favorites, there are plenty of side dishes to pair with Swedish meatballs.
What are Swedish Meatballs?
Swedish meatballs, which are a popular dish across Europe, have an interesting origin story. They actually originated in Turkey and were enjoyed by King Charles XII during one of his travels. He was so fond of them that he decided to bring the recipe back with him to Sweden. Eventually, the dish became a household staple and a traditional part of holiday feasts.
Start with a Recipe for Swedish Meatballs
IKEA Swedish meatballs combine hand-mixed meatballs and a creamy béchamel sauce flavored with beef broth, fresh parsley, dried dill, and Worcestershire.
What to Serve with Swedish Meaballs
Swedish meatballs are a classic comfort meal. With tender, juicy meatballs and a rich, flavorful sauce, the meal is the epitome of cozy, comfort food, but what goes with Swedish meatballs?
- 1. Lingonberry Jam
- 2. Pressgurka
- 3. Mashed Potatoes
- 4. Roasted Green Beans
- 5. Mashed Cauliflower
- 6. Swedish Potatoes
- 7. Baguette
- 8. Fig Jam
- 9. Swedish Potato Salad
- 10. Sourdough Garlic Bread
- 11. Sweet Potato Mash
- 12. Butternut Squash
- 13. Zucchini Noodles
- 14. Roasted Root Vegetables
- 15. Broccoletti
- 16. Roasted Potatoes
- 17. Braised Red Cabbage
- 18. Arugula Quinoa Salad
- 19. Brussels Sprouts
- 20. Home Fries
- 21. Yorkshire Puddings
Traditional Sides
1. Lingonberry Jam
Lingonberry jam is similar to cranberry sauce but made with a Nordic berry, and it’s a classic side dish to pair with Swedish Meatballs.
Photo Credit: A Full Living
2. Pressgurka
Pressgurka is a quick pickled salad that is a perfect combination of sweet and sour. Pair the cucumbers with savory dishes like lamb roast, short ribs, and meatballs.
More Sides to Serve with Swedish Meatballs
3. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a creamy side dish that is simple to make and ready in less than 30 minutes. And the potatoes are the perfect way to scoop up the extra gravy from the meatballs.
Photo Credit: Whole Food Soul Food Kitchen
4. Roasted Green Beans
Roasted green beans feature fresh green beans coated in herb butter and roasted until tender and lightly browned. It’s a super easy side and an excellent way to enjoy green beans!
Photo Credit: Dinner at the Zoo
5. Mashed Cauliflower
Mashed cauliflower is easy to make and a perfect low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes to serve with Swedish meatballs.
6. Swedish Potatoes
Enjoy an old-fashioned recipe passed down over generations – the creamy potatoes bake with a buttery breadcrumb topping to make Swedish potatoes.
Photo Credit: Simply Stacie
7. Baguette
This easy baguette recipe has a perfect texture and flavor. The crusty bread is chewy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Eat the bread with meals like Instant Pot beef stew and delicious meatballs.
Photo Credit: Simply Scrumptious
8. Fig Jam
Make a simple, three-ingredient homemade fig jam as a replacement for lingonberry jam if you can’t find any.
9. Swedish Potato Salad
You will love this easy recipe for Swedish potato salad made with a tasty dressing consisting of creme fraiche, mayonnaise, and freshly chopped dill.
Photo Credit: Daisy & Me
10. Sourdough Garlic Bread
What dinner is complete without zesty garlic bread?
Photo Credit: Strength and Sunshine
If you enjoy the side dishes, pair them with more meatball recipes!
11. Sweet Potato Mash
Celeriac and sweet potato mash is a cozy comfort dish. It’s easy to make and packed with rosemary and garlic flavor.
Photo Credit: Through the Fibro Fog
12. Butternut Squash
13. Zucchini Noodles
Photo Credit: Eating on a Dime
14. Roasted Root Vegetables
We’ve found the best combination of winter roasted root vegetables to prepare an easy, festive, and yummy side dish to serve with your favorite meals. All you need is fresh rosemary, garlic, olive oil, and salt.
Photo Credit: Six Hungry Feet
15. Broccoletti
For a light side dish, saute long-stemmed broccoletti in olive oil with minced garlic, lemon zest, and simple spices.
16. Roasted Potatoes
Make perfectly seasoned and irresistibly crispy roasted potatoes in the oven, and since they’re so versatile you can pair them with anything.
17. Braised Red Cabbage
Spiced, braised red cabbage is perfect for winter and pairs well with warm, savory meals like Swedish meatballs.
Photo Credit: Jack Slobodian
18. Arugula Quinoa Salad
Arugula quinoa salad combines peppery arugula and crispy quinoa with Italian seasoning with simple toppings to make a deliciously easy salad you’ll want to pair with everything.
19. Brussels Sprouts
Air fryer brussels sprouts are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, and you can serve them in less than an hour!
If you want to try another variation, you will love my air fryer smashed brussel sprouts.
20. Home Fries
Air fryer home fries are ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish! They are the perfect quick side dish with meatballs and thick gravy.
21. Yorkshire Puddings
Keto Yorkshire puddings are my take on a classic staple served fresh and topped with warm gravy – and they’re only three net carbs! Plus – they are gluten-free and perfect for sopping up all that gravy from the meatballs.