What To Serve With Cottage Pie (20+ Side Dishes)

Cottage pie, also known as shepherd’s pie, is the ultimate comfort food dish. This hearty and savory dish is made with ground beef or ground lamb and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and roasted until golden brown.

But a cottage pie dinner is even better when you pair it with the perfect side dishes.

That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the best sides to serve with cottage pie. From green bean and arugula salads to balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts and cheesy garlic bread, these tasty sides will complete your meal.

Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free option or a delicious side dish to pair with your new favorite instant pot or air fryer cottage pie recipe, I’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive into these irresistible side dish ideas to create your perfect dinner!

1. Green bean salad

Green bean salad is a perfect side dish for cottage pie, adding a burst of freshness and nutrition to the comforting dish.

The tender green beans, tossed in a simple vinaigrette with olive oil and a splash of red wine, provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty cottage pie.

This easy side salad is also a great way to add color and texture to your meal. Top it off with some parmesan cheese for added flavor. Or for a heartier meal, opt for roasted green beans.

We love: French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad (by Pardon Your French)

2. Arugula salad

Arugula salad is a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with cottage pie. The peppery and slightly bitter flavor of arugula helps to balance out the richness of the pie, making it a refreshing addition to the meal.

To make this salad even more refreshing, add a zesty citrus dressing.

It’s a great way to incorporate more fruit and vegetables into your meal with hardly any effort!

We love: Citrus-Arugula Salad (by EatingWell)

3. Irish soda bread

Irish soda bread is a delicious side dish to serve with cottage pie. This simple and hearty bread pairs well with the rich flavors of the pie and adds a delicious crunch to the meal.

The bread recipe is also super easy to make, with just a few basic ingredients. It’s a great option for a last-minute side dish to pair with your main dish.

For a complete meal, add some roasted vegetables like eggplant, carrots, or asparagus to your plate. The combination of cottage pie, Irish soda bread, and roasted vegetables creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

We love: Traditional Irish Soda Bread (by Let’s Dish Recipes)

4. Homemade dinner rolls

Homemade dinner rolls are the perfect side dish to serve with cottage pie. The soft and fluffy texture of the rolls pairs well with the rich and savory flavors of the pie.

Plus, making your own dinner rolls allows you to customize them to your liking. Add some herbs or cheese for an extra kick of flavor.

These rolls also make for a great side dish for other meat pies. Add a side of green salad or roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, for a well-rounded meal.

We love: Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe (by Natasha’s Kitchen)

5. Roasted root vegetables

Cottage pie, or shepherd’s pie, is a hearty and satisfying dish with a rich gravy and a potato topping. To balance out the flavors and add some healthy side dish options, serve it with some roasted root vegetables.

Roasted carrots, beetroot, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes are all great options for a roasted root veggie side dish. And it’s easy to prepare with some olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

The sweetness of the carrots and the earthiness of the sweet potato pair well with the rich meat filling of the cottage pie.

We love: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables (by This Healthy Table)

6. Balsamic glazed brussels sprouts

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts are a perfect side dish to pair with cottage pie. The tangy and slightly sweet glaze goes well with the rich and savory flavors of the pie, creating a balanced and delicious dining experience.

Not to mention, this side dish is super easy to make. Simply roast the Brussels sprouts tossed in a sweet balsamic vinegar dressing. The result is perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts with a crispy exterior and a tender center.

Serve the roasted Brussels sprouts with an arugula salad alongside the piping hot cottage pie for a complete meal.

We love: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts (by Taste And See)

7. Maple-glazed carrots

When it comes to side dish recipes to complete a hearty and comforting meal like cottage pie, you want something that’s both flavorful and easy to make. That’s where maple-glazed carrots come in.

These sweet and savory carrots are an easy side dish that pairs perfectly with the traditional shepherd’s pie. The sweetness of the maple syrup complements the rich flavors of the cottage pie, making for a well-rounded and delicious meal.

And with just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick roasting time, maple-glazed carrots are a great choice for a busy weeknight dinner. So why not add them to your next cottage pie meal for a flavorful and satisfying dish?

We love: Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots (by Diethood®)

8. Sugar snap peas

Looking for a simple side dish to help complete your cottage pie dining experience? Try some sugar snap peas!

The slightly sweet flavor and refreshing crisp texture of sugar snap peas make them a great accompaniment to the rich and hearty cottage pie. They also add a pop of color to the plate, making the meal more visually appealing.

For an easy side dish, simply blanch the sugar snap peas and serve them at room temperature. Or, mix them into a salad with a lemon vinaigrette, feta cheese, and some red onion for a refreshing and flavorful addition to your comfort food meal. They are also delicious when oven-roasted!

We love: Roasted Sugar Snap Peas (by Clean Green Simple)

9. Mushy peas

Mushy peas are a great side dish to serve with cottage pie. This traditional British dish is a perfect complement to the hearty and savory flavors of cottage pie.

The creamy and tender texture of the mushy peas comes together with only five simple ingredients. And a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy kick to the dish.

Not only is mushy peas a great way to add some green to your plate, but it is also a simple side that can’t go wrong. For a complete meal, pair it with more classic British dishes like Yorkshire puddings and baked beans.

We love: Proper Mushy Peas: Chip Shop Style (by Little Sugar Snaps)

10. Red cabbage slaw

No cottage pie is complete without a side of cabbage slaw. This traditional side dish adds a tangy and crunchy element to the hearty and rich flavors of the pie.

Not only is this red cabbage slaw a delicious recipe on its own, but it also compliments the flavors of the cottage pie perfectly.

Plus, this slaw is a great option for those looking for a lighter and more balanced meal. So, don’t hesitate to add this side dish to your dining experience for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

We love: Healthy Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe (by Little Sunny Kitchen)

11. Corn salad

Corn salad is another great side dish to serve with cottage pie. This savory side perfectly complements the rich and hearty flavors of the traditional shepherd’s pie.

The bright and fresh flavors of the corn salad provide a nice contrast to the rich and savory cottage pie. Plus, the light and crunchy texture of the salad adds a nice balance to the creamy mashed potato topping.

With its simple and easy recipe, corn salad is a great option for those looking for a healthy and delicious side dish to accompany this classic comfort food.

We love: Mexican Street Corn Salad (by Eatwell101)

12. Goat cheese salad

Goat cheese salad is a refreshing side salad to serve with cottage pie. The creamy and tangy flavors of the goat cheese provide a delicious contrast to the savory flavors of the pie.

This salad recipe is really easy to put together, making it a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Simply toss any fresh greens you have in the fridge with a zesty dressing—sugar snap peas work well—and crumble over some goat cheese.

Serve the salad alongside warm, crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s the perfect side salad to complement the hearty and creamy potatoes in your cottage pie.

We love: Cranberry Goat Cheese Salad with Walnuts (by The Frozen Biscuit)

13. Honey-glazed carrots

Cottage pie is a hearty and meaty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. One such delicious side is honey-glazed carrots.

The sweetness of the honey balances out the savory flavors of the cottage pie, making every bite a tasty experience. Round out the meal with a green side dish like roasted asparagus or a simple green salad.

We love: Brown Butter Honey-Glazed Carrots Recipe (by Little Spice Jar)

14. Swiss chard gratin

Swiss chard gratin is a delicious and hearty side dish that pairs perfectly with cottage pie in the cold winter months. This creamy and flavorful gratin is a great way to add some greens to your meal without sacrificing flavor.

The combination of Swiss chard, crispy bacon, and crunchy, cheesy toppings make for a well-rounded and satisfying side dish.

With simple ingredients and a simple recipe, Swiss chard gratin is a great addition to your dinner party or cottage pie family meal.

We love: Swiss Chard Gratin Recipe (by Feed Me Phoebe)

15. Sweet potato fries

Cottage pie pairs perfectly with crunchy sweet potato fries.

With their crispy exterior and soft, sweet interior, these fries provide a nice texture contrast to the creamy and savory cottage pie. Plus, the natural sweetness of the fries complements the rich flavors of the dish.

Whether you’re making a classic cottage pie or trying out a new twist, sweet potato fries are a delicious and simple side dish that is sure to please.

We love: Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer (by The Hearty Life)

16. Tomato salad

If you’re looking for a light and refreshing side dish that will pair perfectly with cottage pie, look no further than tomato salad.

The bright and refreshing flavors of a tomato salad provide a nice contrast to the rich and hearty cottage pie. Plus, its light and fresh ingredients help to balance out the heavier main dish.

I adore a simple tomato salad with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

So, if you want to keep things light and delicious, a tomato salad is a great side dish to serve with cottage pie. And, with its easy preparation and customizable options, you can’t go wrong.

We love: Heirloom Tomato Salad (by Diethood®)

17. Butternut squash casserole

Cottage pie is a classic comfort food dish, and a great way to balance out the savory meat and potato topping is by serving it with a little sweet on the side. That’s where butternut squash casserole comes in.

The creamy and slightly sweet casserole pairs perfectly with the hearty and savory meat in the cottage pie. Plus, with a side dish like this, you can add some extra veggies to your meal for a more balanced and nutritious dinner.

We love: Butternut Squash Casserole (by The Cozy Apron)

18. Roasted cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower is a great cottage pie side dish when you want to bulk up your veggies a bit.

It offers a light and flavorful vegetable side that complements the warm spices and savory meat in the pie. Plus, it’s super easy to make and easy to customize with a variety of herbs and spices to add some extra flavor.

For a complete and balanced meal, pair your cottage pie with roasted cauliflower and a refreshing tomato or corn salad. This way, you can satisfy your cravings without feeling too weighed down by heavy sides. Trust us, your taste buds and your stomach will thank you!

We love: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower (by Dishing Out Health)

19. Cheesy garlic bread

Cheesy garlic bread is the ultimate side dish for any meal. Not only does it pair well with the savory meat and juicy gravy of the pie, but it also adds a touch of indulgence to the meal.

This easy side dish comes together quickly and the aroma of melted cheese and garlic will have your mouth watering in no time.

For a complete meal, serve the cottage pie with cheesy garlic bread and a simple green salad.

We love: Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread (by The Recipe Critic)

20. Yorkshire pudding

Yorkshire pudding is a classic and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with cottage pie. Made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, and milk, it bakes up into a crispy and delicious accompaniment to the rich and hearty cottage pie.

Not only is it a tasty addition to the meal, but it also adds a touch of sophistication to the dining experience. Serve it alongside mushy peas and a simple tomato salad for a British-inspired feast.

We love: The Perfect Yorkshire Pudding (by Kitchen Sanctuary)

Cottage pie is a hearty and filling main dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Whether you’re looking for healthy sides or indulgent options, there are plenty of delicious choices to accompany your cottage pie.

From refreshing tomato salad to indulgent cheesy garlic bread, there are endless options to choose from.

No matter which side dishes you choose, they are sure to enhance the flavors of your cottage pie and make for a satisfying meal. Bon appetit!