What to Serve with Pasties? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Ah, pasties. These hearty, hand-held pies are a comfort food favorite for many.

Stuffed with savory fillings and wrapped in flaky pastry, they’re a meal all on their own.

Yet, even the most perfect pasty can be elevated with the right side dish.

If you’re scratching your head thinking about what to serve with your next batch, you’ve landed in the right place.

From vibrant veggies to classic comfort sides, we’re here to guide you through seven of the best side dishes that will transform your pasty meal from good to unforgettable.

Ready to jazz up your meal? Keep reading.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Pasties?

The truth is you do not need a side dish for pasties.

Make sure you get pasties with your favorite filling, and you can have plenty of them until you are full.

With all these, pasties are still considered snacks.

Interested in having a real meal? Slight adjustments will do.

A side dish will make the difference between a snack and a meal.

Given the versatility of these snacks, you can have them for lunch or dinner – a bit of creativity will make them suitable for a hearty breakfast too.

What to Serve with Pasties? 7 BEST Side Dishes

There are quite a few good options out there – here are the best ones.

1 – Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes work with pretty much anything out there, and pasties make no exception either.

You can take those pasties through mashed potatoes and have a bite, but you can also put everything on a plate and have a real meal.

Starchy potatoes work well, but they may feel a bit dry.

This is when the butter kicks in. Feel free to exaggerate with the butter – or simply add some cream.

Grated cheese will also work. Make sure to garnish with chives for best results.

2 – Soft Mushy Peas

Soft mushy peas are basically turned into a paste. There are more variants for this recipe, though.

In the classic one, peas should be soaked overnight in a mix of baking soda and water.

They must be simmered the next day until they feel mushy and soft.

The easy version allows you to purchase mushy peas in a can.

Simply take everything out, warm the content in the microwave, and you have a tasty meal.

The combo works even better if you sprinkle a bit of malt vinegar on top.

3 – Soft Baked Beans

Baked beans represent a staple food in British cuisine, and not only – they are tasty, hearty, and work wonders with pasties, regardless of the filling.

You can make them yourself, but you can also buy them in cans.

However, the variety you normally find in commerce is mostly steamed and stewed rather than baked.

The taste? Not bad at all.

No matter which option you choose, soft and warm baked beans work well with pasties.

Get the beans on a plate, then garnish with a leaf or two.

Put the pasties on a side, and you have a wonderful and fulfilling meal for your family.

4 – Pickled Red Cabbage

Red cabbage makes an excellent side dish for pasties.

The combo is often overlooked because it does not seem fulfilling enough – give it a try, and you will be surprised.

It is light and will give you a good boost of energy rather than force you to sit down or take a nap.

All in all, make sure the red cabbage is pickled and not raw.

It is tasty and full of flavor, but it is also crunchy – ideal for the pasties.

Preparing the red cabbage yourself is straightforward – no experience required, but just a bit of imagination.

5 – Carrots and Petit Pois

Some pasties may feel a bit heavy – it depends on the filling.

For instance, the meaty option could be a bit problematic.

From this point of view, a side dish based on freshness will compensate and annihilate the nauseous effect.

Freshly steamed veggies will be perfect for this combo – plus, they can turn pasties into a full meal.

Get some baby peas and carrots. Steam them up and serve everything hot.

Not only do they complement the pasties, but they also bring in a splash of color on the plate.

Plus, your loved ones could always do with some minerals and vitamins.

6 – Crunchy Summer Salad

A crunchy summer salad has similar effects.

First, you have a serious boost of vitamins and minerals.

Second, you have the freshness and light profile, which compensates for how heavy those pasties are.

Finally, a mix of salad and pasties will look great on the plate.

Obviously, this meal will not be very heavy, but quite light.

It is more appropriate for a brunch or perhaps a late dinner.

This combo also works great on picnics with the family.

As for the salad, use anything you feel like.

7 – Cheesy French Fries

French fries work with anything – literally. There is no way you can go wrong.

However, they are a bit heavy.

Your whole meal will properly fill you up, so the combo may not be a good idea for a late dinner.

Now, apart from French fries, you can also use wedges or any type of potato shape – it works.

Once cooked, get a bit of grated cheese on top and let it melt for a couple of minutes.

It might be a good idea to use mozzarella because it is light.

Conclusion

As a short final conclusion, not knowing what to serve with pasties implies following your common sense.

Pasties work well by themselves, but they can be used for full meals when mixed with all sorts of sides.

On a different note, you should always follow your personal preferences.

Think about your family or guests, as well as what they like.

Any of the above-mentioned dishes will work well with pasties, but at the same time, you are also free to make slight adjustments – bring in your favorite spices, condiments, or leaves to garnish.