What to Serve with Cinnamon Rolls? 10 Best Side Dishes

As Thanksgiving and Halloween season is here, you know there’s one treat sure to make an appearance: cinnamon rolls.

While these delectable pastries are undeniably delicious on their own, they’re even better when served with the right side dish.

So, if you’re looking to take your cinnamon roll game up a notch (or two), check out our list of what to serve with cinnamon rolls.

Don’t worry; our list goes beyond the obvious whipped cream and ice cream toppings.

We’ve gathered some savory and sweet dishes that are sure to complement your cinnamon rolls perfectly.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Cinnamon Rolls?

Few can say no to a piping hot cinnamon roll oozing with butter and sugar.

But as good as they are, everyone is not a fan.

So, if you’re hosting a brunch or breakfast and want to accommodate everyone’s taste, consider serving some savory and sweet side dishes with your cinnamon rolls.

This way, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Another great reason to serve side dishes with cinnamon rolls is to cut down on the sweetness.

Sure, they’re part of the appeal but let’s be honest, they can be a bit too sweet for some.

So, pairing them with savory dishes helps to take the edge off the sweetness and makes for a more well-rounded meal.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Rolls? 10 Best Side Dishes

1. Hot Milk, Tea, Coffee

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Yes, we know. Beverages are not considered “dishes” per se.

But we had to start with the most obvious and possibly the best choice.

Cinnamon rolls are the perfect breakfast pastry.

They’re rich, aromatic, filling, and oh-so-delicious.

So, washing them down with a hot cup of milk, tea, or coffee is the best way to start your day.

The warm beverage will help cut the richness of the cinnamon roll and wake you up at the same time.

2. Green Bean Casserole

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This dish is sure to take you back to your childhood Thanksgiving dinners.

It’s creamy and savory and has the perfect crunch from the fried onions on top.

Pairing it with cinnamon rolls might seem odd at first, but trust us- it works.

The rich flavor of the green bean casserole helps to cut the sweetness of the cinnamon roll and makes for a delicious contrast.

Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies.

3. Broccoli Casserole

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Not a fan of beans? No problem.

Broccoli casserole is another excellent side dish to serve with cinnamon rolls.

With the cold, wintry nights coming right up, a combination of casserole dish and cinnamon rolls is the perfect way to warm up.

Again, we do understand not everyone is a fan of broccoli.

So, you can substitute with another veggie like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or even cauliflower – anything you like.

The goal is to have a savory dish to balance out the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.

4. Assortment of Fruits

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Whether you’re looking for a light brunch or a healthy breakfast meal, an assortment of fruits is always a good idea.

Fruits are the perfect side dish for cinnamon rolls because they’re both sweet and refreshing.

Plus, they add a nice pop of color to your plate.

Some of our favorite fruits to pair with cinnamon rolls are:

• Strawberries.
• Blueberries.
• Raspberries.
• Pears.
• Apples.
• Grapes.

You can also mix and match different fruits to create your own unique flavor combination.

Just be sure to avoid fruits that are too acidic, like oranges or pineapples.

These can make the cinnamon rolls taste funny.

5. Cheesecake

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Pair a sweet treat with another sweet treat? Yes, please.

If you’re setting the dessert table on a holiday or occasion, consider adding a cheesecake to the spread along with cinnamon rolls.

It’s the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.

Plus, it gives your guests another option if they’re not too fond of cinnamon rolls.

The rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake complements the sugary sweetness of the cinnamon rolls perfectly.

Just make sure to serve a variety of flavors to accommodate everyone’s taste.

Here are some inspirations:

• Strawberry Cheesecake.
• Lemon cheesecake.
• Tiramisu.
• Chocolate cheesecake.
• Pumpkin Spice (for Thanksgiving).

6. Brownie

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Want more than just cheesecakes and cinnamon rolls on the dessert table? Go for the classic brownie.

This chocolatey dessert is the perfect addition to any holiday or birthday celebration.

It’s rich, fudgy, and oh-so-delicious.

Pairing it with cinnamon rolls might seem like overkill, but we promise it’s worth it.

The two desserts complement each other perfectly and will leave your guests wanting more.

Just take care of one thing, if you’re serving brownies with your cinnamon rolls, avoid adding other chocolate-flavored desserts to the mix.

This will create a chocolate overload that might not be pleasant for some people.

7. Bacon

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Enough with the desserts; it’s time for the real deal – meat.

This English breakfast staple is the perfect savory side dish for cinnamon rolls.

The salty, smoky flavor of bacon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.

Plus, it adds a nice crunch, taking your meal experience to the next level.

If you’re feeling fancy, add some maple syrup to the bacon to give it a sweet, sticky glaze.

Trust us; your guests will be impressed.

You can make the bacon any way you like – grilled, baked, or even fried.

But if you were to ask us, we think the best way to enjoy bacon is by grilling it.

Grilling gives it a nice crispy texture and adds a smoky flavor.

Of course, if you’re serving bacon with cinnamon rolls, make sure to have some eggs on the side too.

These two breakfast staples go together like peanut butter and jelly.

8. Fried Rice with Veggies

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Fried rice might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of cinnamon rolls, but trust us – these two items surprisingly go well.

Of course, you’ll have to forgo the traditional sweet filling for savory ingredients, but we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Moreover, fried rice is a great food to make on days when you’re super hungry or when you’re feeling down.

After all, it’s one of the most comforting and hearty meals there is.

9. Bowl of Chili

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Who says you can’t have cinnamon rolls for dinner? If you’re feeling adventurous, ditch the usual side dish and go for a bowl of chili instead.

For most Americans, cornbread or cracker is the ideal item to serve on the side of a bowl of chili.

But in several Midwest states, cinnamon rolls have become the go-to pairing.

In fact, this combination is considered a cold weather comfort food in Midwestern areas.

If you’re not familiar with the concept, pairing chili with cinnamon rolls might sound odd.

However, the sweetness of the rolls helps to cut through the spiciness of the chili, and the rich flavor of the rolls complements the heartiness of the chili perfectly.

10. Apple Pie

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If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner at home, be sure to serve some apple pie along with cinnamon rolls.

Not only will these two items fill your house with the most amazing aromas, but they’ll also satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

The best part about apple pie (apart from its taste) is that you can prepare it in advance.

Hence, you’ll have more time to enjoy your guests’ company and less time spent in the kitchen.

Just make sure to reheat it before serving it on the table, as apple pie is best enjoyed warm.

Conclusion

To end, we just want to say one thing – there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to food pairing.

It’s a very personal choice.

Whether you want to take the classic route and pair your cinnamon rolls with apple pie or go down the less traveled path and serve them with chili, it’s entirely up to you.

All that matters is that you enjoy what you eat.

So, never hesitate to experiment and have fun with it.