While some people might turn their noses up at the thought of liver and onions, there are actually a lot of ways to make this dish more palatable—and even enjoyable!
This comforting dish can be served as either an entrée or a side, but no matter how you eat Liver and onions, you will want to pair it with complementary dishes.
Here are 31 incredible sides that are sure to take your meal to the next level. So, get set ready to enjoy all these beautiful sides with your favorite people.
A Quick solution for What to serve with liver and onions – Mashed Potatoes, Greens, Bread, Roasted Potatoes, Steamed Vegetables, Salad, Roasted vegetables, Baked beans, Cornbread, Rice, Soup, Macaroni and cheese, Fried okra, Biscuits, Potato salad, Slaw, Pasta salad, Fruit salad, Fried Rice with Scallions and Onions, Onion Soup, Caramelized Onions, Baked Stuffed Onions, Onion Rings, Grilled Onions, Spanish Tortilla With Onions & Peppers, Onion Tartlets, Fried Onion Pakoras, Green Beans with Shallots and Pancetta, Spiced Garlic Dill Pickles, Broccoli Rabe with White Beans, Scalloped Potatoes.
Best side dishes to serve with liver and onions
1. Mashed Potatoes
I always try Mashed potatoes which are a perfect accompaniment for liver and onions. The creamy texture of the potatoes helps to balance out the richness of the liver, making the dish more enjoyable.
Additionally, potatoes help to keep your appetite satisfied for longer, so you don’t feel hungry after eating just liver and onions.
2. Greens
Green vegetables such as broccoli, sprouts, green beans, Brussels spinach, or kale all make excellent sides when paired with liver and onions.
They provide an extra boost of nutrition in addition to helping to cut through some of the richness of the liver.
For an even more flavorful side dish, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme or even a pinch of garlic powder before cooking your greens.
3. Bread
Bread is always a great way to round out any meal, and Bread also pairs very well with liver and onions.
Whether you choose rolls, biscuits, or sliced bread like French bread or sourdough, they will all work perfectly with this hearty entrée.
Plus, if there are any leftovers from your meal, they make great sandwiches the next day!
4. Roasted Potatoes
Potatoes are a staple in many traditional meals, and Roasted potatoes pair perfectly with liver and onions.
For a simple side dish, peel and dice potatoes into 1-inch cubes and toss in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (optional), and rosemary (optional).
Spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil and bake at 400°F until golden brown.
5. Steamed Vegetables
You can try Steamed vegetables because it is an easy way to get your daily serving of vegetables while adding flavor to your plate.
You can steam any combination of vegetables you like; broccoli, asparagus, carrots, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower—the options are endless!
Try steaming the vegetables with a bit of butter or olive oil for added flavor.
6. Salad
A simple mixed green salad makes the perfect light accompaniment to liver and onions.
Start with romaine lettuce (or another variety of lettuce), then add in some tomatoes, cucumber slices, or diced red peppers for crunch.
Top everything off with some grated cheese or croutons for extra texture. Drizzle the salad with your favorite dressing before serving.
7. Roasted vegetables
Roasted veggies are a great way to add some color and nutrition to your meal.
Simply toss your favorite veggies (we recommend carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes) with some olive oil and seasonings, then roast in a 400-degree oven until tender.
Add them to your plate alongside your liver and onions for a well-rounded meal.
8. Baked beans
Another classic side dish that goes great with liver and onions is baked beans. This hearty dish will help fill you up without weighing you down.
Plus, the sweet and savory flavors complement the rich flavor of the liver beautifully.
9. Rice
Rice is a versatile dish that goes with anything and can be dressed up or down depending on your preferences.
For a simple yet tasty option, cook rice according to package directions, then stir in some sautéed onions before serving.
Or, for something heartier, try making Spanish rice by adding diced tomatoes, garlic, and cumin to the mix.
10. Cornbread
Cornbread is the perfect way to round out a southern-style meal like liver and onions. Serve it warm out of the oven with a pat of butter for an extra special treat.
11. Soup
Soup makes an excellent starter or side dish for liver and onions. Try pairing it with a creamy potato soup or a hearty chili for added flavor and texture contrast.
12. Macaroni and cheese
Macaroni and cheese is always a hit, no matter what else it’s served with!
This classic comfort food pairs especially well with liver and onions because it helps offset the dish’s richness.
13. Fried okra
If you want to stick with traditional southern sides, fried okra is definitely the way to go.
This crispy snack is delicious on its own or served alongside other fried foods like french fries or hush puppies.
14. Biscuits
No southern meal is complete without biscuits! Serve them plain or topped with butter, honey, or gravy—either way, they’ll taste great alongside your liver and onions.
15. Potato salad
Potato salad is another classic side dish that can be enjoyed with liver and onions. The creamy dressing helps to balance out the strong flavors of the liver.
16. Slaw
Slaw is a crunchy and refreshing side dish that is perfect for summertime meals. Shredded cabbage, carrots, and apples all work well in a slaw.
17. Pasta salad
Pasta salad is a filling side dish that can be made ahead of time and served cold or at room temperature.
Add in some chopped vegetables or shredded cheese for extra flavor and nutrition.
18. Fruit salad
Fruit salad is a light and healthy way to end your meal on a sweet note. Fresh fruits such as strawberries, grapes, or melon all work well in a fruit salad.
19. Fried Rice with Scallions and Onions
A classic Chinese dish, this simple yet flavorful combination of scallions and onions is the perfect way to enjoy a hearty meal.
The savory flavor of the onions, combined with the crunchy texture of the scallions, makes it an ideal choice for a quick and easy dinner. (Recipe)
To make it even better, add some protein, such as eggs or chicken, for an additional layer of flavor and nutrition.
Read More- What to serve with Stir Fry Instead of Rice- 28 Best Pairs
20. Onion Soup
This classic French soup is warm, comforting, and loaded with flavor from onions.
Start by sautéing a large onion in butter until it is softened and golden brown before adding garlic, celery, carrots, beef broth, herbs, and seasonings of your choice.
Simmer until all the vegetables are tender before serving with crusty baguette slices or croutons for added texture.
21. Caramelized Onions
Sweet caramelized onions are a delicious addition to sandwiches, salads, pasta, tacos—you name it!
Getting that deep caramelization on the onions requires patience and low heat; start by slicing them thin before slowly cooking them over medium-low heat in oil or butter until they become soft and lightly browned.
22. Baked Stuffed Onions
A great side dish or main course option, baked stuffed onions are sure to please any crowd!
Start by hollowing out large sweet onions, then fill them with your favorite stuffing mix (such as ground beef or pork sausage mixed with bread crumbs).
Bake until golden brown, then serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite sauce for extra flavor!
More Food Pairing- 27 Quick Sides to Serve With Spinach Stuffed Chicken
23. Onion Rings
Crunchy fried onion rings are always a crowd-pleaser! Coat thick slices of onion in an egg wash before dipping them into seasoned flour, then deep-fry until golden brown and crispy.
Serve Onion Rings as tasty treats alongside burgers or sandwiches for an extra special treat!
24. Grilled Onions
For grill masters looking to add some intense smoky flavors to their meals, try grilled onions – simply slice onions into rounds or wedges, then toss them onto the grill grates over indirect heat alongside your favorite meats and veggies!
25. Spanish Tortilla With Onions & Peppers
This traditional Spanish omelet is filling enough to be served as a main course but can also be served as an appetizer or side dish as well!
Start by sautéing diced potatoes along with chopped bell peppers and onions before pouring whisked eggs over the top, then baking in the oven until puffy and cooked through—serve hot out of the oven for optimal enjoyment!
26. Onion Tartlets
These mini tartlets are great for entertaining.
Start by pressing puff pastry dough into small tartlet molds before filling each one with caramelized sweet onions that have been cooked in butter along with some shredded cheese such as Gruyere for added richness.
Next, bake until golden brown, then serve warm! (Recipe)
27. Fried Onion Pakoras
This Indian snack is both delicious AND nutritious – it’s made using thinly sliced onion slices coated in chickpea flour batter and then deep-fried until crisp on the outside while still being tender on the inside.
Serve these savory fritters alongside tamarind chutney or yogurt raita for extra flavor!
28. Green Beans with Shallots and Pancetta
This classic Italian dish of Green Beans with Shallots and Pancetta brings simplicity to the table.
With ingredients such as fresh thin green beans, fragrant shallots, salty pancetta, and a sprinkle of nutty Parmesan cheese, this colorful dish will tantalize your taste buds.
For an added kick of flavor, top it off with a few slices of fresh onion, and you won’t be disappointed!
The amazing combination of flavors will create an eye-catching presentation that is sure to impress friends and family. Serve this dish for a memorable meal that won’t soon be forgotten.
29. Spiced Garlic Dill Pickles
Eat with a truly tantalizing side dish with live onion and green beans, cooked with spiced garlic dill pickles.
The combination of sweet, savory, and salty flavors will blend together perfectly and create an unforgettable taste experience.
Soak the pickles in some extra spices to make them even more flavorful.
With just a few minutes of prep work and a simple ingredients list, you’ll have a dish that guests will love without any fuss or hassle in the kitchen.
Pair pickle alongside your favorite grilled meats or fish, and enjoy rich garlic flavor and crunchiness in every bite!
30. Broccoli Rabe with White Beans
If you’re looking to prepare an impressive yet simple side dish that’s sure to wow family and friends, look no further than a combination of green beans with broccoli rabe, white beans, and live onion.
The marriage of flavors is perfect; the sweet saltiness of the onion combines with the earthy funk of the broccoli rabe, while a hint of creaminess is provided by the white beans.
Preparing this recipe is easy; simply sauté the onion over medium heat until it is lightly browned, then add all three ingredients and cook until everything is warm and tender. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor!
31. Scalloped Potatoes
Everyone loves a dinner of Green Beans with Scalloped Potatoes, but it can be easily taken up a notch with the delicate flavor of live onion.
Not only does this simple addition add unexpected flavor to the dish, but it also looks amazing when you serve it in its vibrant colors and smells just as inviting.
An all-time classic to any dinner table, adding serve live onion will make your rendition of Green Beans with Scalloped Potatoes stand out from the rest and impress your dinner guests.
What are the best flavors to go with Liver and Onions?
When it comes to pairing the classic Liver and Onions dish, there are a few flavors that stand out among the rest.
Some of the best include bacon, sage, garlic, onions, thyme, mushrooms, and a hint of nutmeg. Not only do these complementary flavors bring out the best in this classic dish, but they also add an earthy depth to the meal.
Bacon is an excellent choice when it comes to bringing flavor to the Liver and Onions. The smoky notes from bacon create a contrast with the sweet caramelized onions and create an incredibly savory flavor profile.
Similarly, sage creates a deep umami flavor that enhances the richness of the liver while still allowing for subtle sweetness from the onions.
Garlic adds a hint of spiciness which further balances out this combination.
Onion is essential as it helps cut through some of the gameyness of the liver while still offering sweetness as it caramelizes during cooking.
Thyme offers herbal undertones that help contrast with the savory elements found in liver dishes.
Lastly, mushrooms add soothing earthiness that takes things up a notch in terms of complexity and depth.
A hint of nutmeg can be added just before serving for an extra layer of warmth that further elevates this classic dish.
Overall, combining bacon, sage, garlic, onions, thyme, mushrooms, and nutmeg creates an unforgettable experience when paired with Liver and Onions.
All these ingredients work in harmony to bring out much more than any single component could on its own, resulting in a delicious dish perfect for any occasion!
How do you jazz up liver and onion?
To jazz up liver and onion, start by melting butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Then add finely chopped onions and cook until they are caramelized.
Add thinly sliced liver to the pan and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite flavorings.
Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the edges of the liver have browned, stirring occasionally. Serve hot with steamed vegetables or cooked rice.
FAQs on what to eat with liver and onions
Q1. How long does the liver need to cook?
The cooking time for the liver varies depending on the size of the liver and the method of preparation. For example, if you are pan-frying small pieces of liver, it can take as little as two to three minutes per side.
If you are baking or roasting larger pieces of liver, it can take 20 to 30 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 °F (177 °C). Ensure to check for doneness by inserting a thermometer into the thicker part; when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), your liver is done.
Let it rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Always check with a food thermometer to ensure that your meat is cooked properly and safely!
Q2. Do u Wash the liver before cooking?
Yes, it is recommended to wash the liver before cooking. This is because the liver can carry harmful bacteria, which can be dangerous to consume. It’s important to clean the liver thoroughly in order to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
Start by rinsing the liver under cold running water and then soaking it in a mixture of cold water and white vinegar for at least 10 minutes. This will help remove any dirt or impurities that may be present on the surface of the liver.
After this, you’ll want to carefully scrub the liver with a soft brush or cloth to remove any excess fat or other contaminants that may still be present. Once you’ve carefully cleaned and washed the liver, pat it dry with paper towels before cooking and serving. Doing this step will also help prevent unpleasant odors from developing when you cook it.