What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs? 10 BEST Side Dishes

Swedish meatballs are a staple in comfort food. We all agree, they’re amazing on their own. Yet, how do we elevate this meal to legendary status? It’s all about the sides.

Our kitchens have seen it all. From disastrous pairings to those magical combos that make our dinner guests ask for seconds (and thirds!). We’ve narrowed down the list to the 10 best side dishes that complement the savory goodness of Swedish meatballs. These aren’t just any sides.

We’re talking about plates that will make your meal memorable. And yes, we’ve had those nights, standing in front of an open fridge, wondering what on Earth to serve. It’s a common dilemma.

Now, we’re sharing our top picks with you. Get ready to transform your meal with these knockout sides.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Swedish Meatballs?

Nutritionally, one serving of Swedish meatballs has 106 calories, 217mg potassium, 238mg Sodium, 8g protein, and 12g carbs.

It also has small quantities of fats, dietary fiber, sugars, and cholesterol.

Side dishes are important to make a meal balanced.

They also help balance the main course’s flavors and cleanse the palate between bites.

Since Swedish meatballs are entirely meat-based, you might want some carbohydrates and greens with refreshing flavors to keep the meal exciting.

We have some great side dish recommendations for you if you’re looking for innovative side dishes to serve with Swedish meatballs.

What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs? 10 BEST Side Dishes

1 – Rice Pilaf with Pine Nuts

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Meatballs taste best with carbs, making Rice pilaf with pine nuts an ideal dish to accompany your Swedish Meatballs.

This delicious side dish, which only takes about half an hour to make, contains aromatic rosemary, carrots, onion, celery, and garlic that elevates its flavors.

Rice pilaf with pine nuts calls for beef broth, but you can use vegetable stock instead.

The pine nuts add a nice crunch.

Sprinkle some parsley on top to give the pilaf more flavor.

This side dish is sure to become a new family favorite.

You also won’t have to worry about your guests leaving with a half-full stomach as the rice will do a good job.

2 – Nordic Red Cabbage, Beets, and Carrots Slaw

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This vibrant, zesty slow is unlike any ordinary coleslaw that you eat.

It contains red cabbage, beets, carrots tossed with dill, chopped onion, and a simple vinaigrette.

It is crunchy and refreshing and pairs perfectly with Swedish meatballs’ rich and savory flavors.

If you want to add colors to your table and impress your guests, this side dish is something you shouldn’t miss out on, even when you have others.

Use Greek yogurt and apple cider vinegar dressing to add tanginess.

With such healthy ingredients on your side dish, you can fully indulge in your meal without guilt.

3 – Mushroom Gratin

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Mushroom Gratin is the perfect side dish for your next Swedish meatballs dinner.

It’s packed with flavor and is so easy to make.

Simply sauté your mushrooms and onions, then mix them with cream and cheese.

Spread the mixture into a baking dish, and bake until golden and bubbly.

This side dish brings warmth and comfort to any meal on a cold day.

It is great for family dinners and special occasions with friends and colleagues.

Use white, button, or cremini mushrooms for the best taste.

You might also want to add thyme and a little heavy cream to get a flavorful and velvety sauce.

4 – Grilled Shrimp Skewers

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Grilled shrimp skewers are an easy meal to make.

You can serve them with fresh vegetables, crusty bread, and your favorite dipping sauce to make a great side dish for Swedish meatballs,.

You can prepare this side dish in as little as 20 minutes.

It contains all of the right ingredients for times when you need quick and easy side dishes.

Another great thing about this dish is that it’s perfect for those watching their calorie intake but still crave a meaty taste.

Lastly, adding fresh herbs can enhance the flavor of your side dish.

5 – Green Beans Almondine

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If you’re looking for a simple but elegant side dish to serve with your next meal, look no further than Green Beans Almondine.

It is made with just a few ingredients but packs a lot of flavors.

Green Beans Almondine is a delicious side dish that goes great with Swedish meatballs.

The beans are cooked in a creamy sauce and then topped with toasted almonds for a bit of crunch.

You’ll undoubtedly please everyone at the table with this side dish.

6 – Swedish Limpa Bread

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Swedish Limpa bread is an excellent side dish for Swedish meatballs.

It is hearty and filling, yet light enough not to overwhelm the delicate flavors of the meatballs.

The slightly sweet, caraway-infused bread pairs perfectly with the savory gravy and rich, flavorful meatballs.

Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time and freezes well.

So, you can always have a delicious, homemade meal in hand.

Swedish Limpa bread is a perfect choice- whether you are serving Swedish meatballs for a special occasion or just want to treat your family to a delicious, home-cooked meal.

Give it a try today and see for yourself how delicious it is.

7 – Amish Egg Noodles

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There are many ways to enjoy Swedish meatballs.

But one of our favorites is a side of Amish egg noodles.

These hearty egg noodles are the perfect complement to the rich and savory flavors of the meatballs- they make a great meal when served alongside some steamed vegetables or a simple salad.

Plus, they’re easy to make and can be easily found at most grocery stores.

So if you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to enjoy Swedish meatballs, be sure to give Amish egg noodles a try.

8 – Swedish Pickled Cucumbers

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Picked cucumbers are a must-have for Nordic cuisine lovers- Scandinavians excel at pickling vegetables during the growing season to enjoy them during the winter months.

Even if you’re not interested in canning vegetables right now, making Swedish pickled cucumbers is incredibly quick and easy.

This side dish adds a lot of crunch and refreshing flavors to any meal that needs a palate cleanser.

You’ll need: peppercorns, English cucumbers, dill, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and water.

They taste best after 5-7 days of pickling; however, you can enjoy them even after a day.

9 – Creamy Mashed Potatoes

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A creamy, mashed potato side dish can elevate any meal you serve it with.

You can create a delicious sauce for this side dish by adding butter, cream, or milk.

Additionally, garlic and herbs like rosemary give the potatoes an even better flavor if you don’t want your side dish to be too bland.

Top it with your favorite cheese to create a fancy side dish using only one or two main ingredients.

The starchy potatoes make a great combination for Swedish meatballs and make the meal more substantial without overpowering the main course.

10 – Easy Cranberry Sauce

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Who doesn’t love bold flavors?

When you have a side dish that complements the main course, it makes for a memorable meal.

The spices in Swedish meatballs generally lend themselves to warm flavors, so we prefer adding a little zest.

Since the meatball sauce is very creamy, it calls for some acidity.

And to balance the savoriness, we can’t say no to some citrus flavors.

Now, these are the qualities you find in a cranberry sauce.

So, why not pair it with Swedish meatballs? Try it this time; you might love it.

Conclusion

Swedish meatballs are undeniably delicious even when eaten as is.

But the intense flavors can make them overwhelming.

Side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes, mushroom gratin, and rice pilaf with pine nuts complement the meatballs and elevate their taste without overpowering them.

We’ve listed our ten best side dishes so you won’t have to wonder what to serve with Swedish meatballs.

Try a different one each time you make Swedish meatballs to keep your meals exciting.