Meat pies are a classic comfort food that is perfect for any time of year. Meat pies are easy to make and are perfect for a quick and easy meal that the whole family is sure to enjoy. The filling can vary from traditional beef and gravy to chicken, vegetables, and fruit-filled pies.
But the question often arises – what to serve with meat pies? While meat pies are delicious on their own, the right-side dish can take your meal to the next level, making it more satisfying and indulgent.
Today, I’ll explore a range of creative and flavorful side dishes that are not only delicious but also complement the savory flavors of meat pies perfectly.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cozy family meal, or simply looking for some new recipe ideas, this guide has got you covered.
What are meat pies? What do meat pies taste like?
Meat pies are savory pastry dishes made with diced or minced meat and gravy, sometimes with other ingredients such as onions, mushrooms, or vegetables added. The filling is placed in a pie shell, which can be either shortcrust pastry or puff pastry. The pie is then baked in an oven until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is cooked through. Meat pies are usually served hot but can also be eaten cold.
The taste of meat pies varies depending on the type of meat used and what other ingredients it may include. Generally speaking, though, they have a savory flavor that combines the hearty taste of the meat with whatever spices or sauces it’s been seasoned with. Meat pies often have rich, salty flavors with a hint of sweetness from the pastry crust. They can be surprisingly succulent and filling as well. Overall, meat pies are an incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish that’s sure to please anyone looking for a delicious meal.
30 sides to serve with meat pies
1. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are the perfect complement to meat pies. Not only are they healthy, but they also add a nice crunch and freshness to your meal. Also, they are easy to prepare and can be customized to suit any taste preference.
You can roast any vegetable you like, such as carrots, broccoli, or sweet potatoes. Just drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper before roasting.
You can also season the vegetables with herbs, garlic, spices, or balsamic vinegar to add depth and flavor.
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with meat pies. The creamy and buttery texture of the mashed potatoes complements the tender and flavorful filling of the meat pie.
You can make mashed potatoes with butter, milk, and seasonings such as garlic, chives, or parsley.
You can also add some cheese, sour cream, or bacon bits for some extra flavor and richness. Serve the mashed potatoes hot and spoonful on top of the meat pie for a satisfying and comforting meal. They go perfectly with meat pies and will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
3. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a light and flavorful side dish that pairs well with meat pies.
Simply toss your asparagus in some olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling. You can also add a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing citrus taste.
4. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that adds some zest to your meal. It’s a great way to add some crunch and flavor to your plate without weighing you down.
You can make your coleslaw as simple or as elaborate as you like, but we recommend a classic slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing.
5. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a must-have side dish for any meal. It’s simple to make and adds a delicious garlicky flavor to your meal.
Just spread some butter and garlic on your bread and pop it in the oven until it’s toasted to perfection. It goes perfectly with meat pies and will leave you feeling warm and satisfied.
6. Fresh Salad
A hearty meat pie paired with a zesty and fresh salad is a classic combo that will satisfy any appetite.
A side salad can help to balance out the richness of the meat pie and add some crunch and freshness to the meal.
You can make a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. Or, you can get more creative and add some roasted nuts or dried fruit to your salad.
7. Steamed Greens
Steamed greens are a healthy and refreshing side dish that can balance the heavier flavors of meat pies. Examples include asparagus, green beans, broccolini, and kale.
Steaming the greens helps to retain their crisp texture and bright color while also making them easy to digest.
You can season the greens with butter, lemon, salt, pepper, or any other favorite herb or spice. They add a beautiful color and a refreshing flavor to the plate and make a great addition to any meat pie meal.
8. Puff Pastry Sticks
If you want a creative and fun side dish to serve with meat pies, try making puff pastry sticks. Puff pastry is the same pastry used to make the crust of the meat pie but baked separately into sticks.
You can cut the puff pastry into thin strips, brush them with egg wash, sprinkle them with some grated cheese or spices like paprika, garlic or rosemary, then serve them warm with the meat pie.
The flaky, crisp texture of the puff pastry sticks is a perfect complement to the pastry of the meat pie, and it’s a sauce-worthy, finger-friendly side dish.
9. Steak and Ale Pie
Steak and Ale Pie is excellent to serve with meat pies. Drenched in a savory gravy, this classic combination of steak, carrots, mushrooms, and onions can be served with creamy mashed potatoes for a true British-style feast.
10. Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie goes well with meat pies. It is a popular pub classic; this traditional dish is made with ground beef or lamb and topped with fluffy mashed potatoes.
It goes great with a side of roasted vegetables or green salad or you can also serve with dessert.
11. Cornish Pasty
Cornish Pasty eats well with meat pies. It is a handheld snack bursting with beef, potato, onion and swede fillings wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust.
Enjoy it with a dollop of brown sauce or mint sauce for extra flavor.
12. Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken Pot Pie goes excellent with meat pies. It is perfectly tender chicken pieces that are cooked together with vegetables like peas, carrots and mushrooms in this classic comfort food favorite.
Serve it up with some fresh biscuits or dinner rolls on the side for an ideal meal pairing.
13. Beef Bourguignon Pie
Beef Bourguignon Pie is french cuisine at its finest; it is one of the perfect companions to meat pies.
This rich stew made from beef braised in red wine comes complete with thick layers of puff pastry on top to add crunchiness to every bite. Enjoy alongside some boiled potatoes for maximum satisfaction!
14. Venison Pie
Venison is becoming more widely available and has become an increasingly popular choice among meat pie fans due to its gamey flavor and texture that pairs well with earthy vegetables like mushrooms and onions – all encased in a light golden pastry shell!
15. Cottage Pie
Cottage Pie goes excellent with meat pies. This hearty mix of minced beef layered beneath fluffy mashed potatoes makes this classic British dish an easy-to-make favorite enjoyed by generations around the world.
simply add some cheese on top before baking for an indulgent twist!
16. Sausage Roll
Meat pies don’t get much simpler than sausage rolls – flaky puff pastry wrapped around your favorite sausages makes for a delicious snack that’s easy to eat on the go or pop into a lunchbox as part of a picnic spread!
17. Tourtiere (Meat Pie):
Tourtiere is a classic companion to serve with meat pies. This Canadian specialty features flaky pastry filled with pork, veal or beef combined with fragrant spices like nutmeg, cloves and allspice – best enjoyed alongside cranberry sauce for an unbeatable taste combo!
18. Empanada de Carne (Beef Empanadas):
Empanada de Carne eats well with meat pies. This originates from Spain but is found elsewhere around the globe, too – these savory pastries stuffed full of spiced beef are great when paired up with tomato salsa or guacamole dip on the side!
19. Quiche Lorraine
Quiche Lorraine is just fancy enough to serve at dinner parties, especially with meat pies, yet simple enough to whip up midweek if you’re short on time – quiche lorraine features bacon, cream and cheese baked together in a buttery shortcrust base – perfect served warm alongside leafy greens such as baby spinach salad!
20. Spanakopita (Spinach Pie)
Spanakopita is excellent to serve with meat pies. Flaky filo dough filled up with succulent spinach mixed with feta cheese makes spanakopita a real crowd-pleasing treat that can be enjoyed hot out of the oven or cold as leftovers later – either way, it’s sure to delight!
21. Tourtiere du Lac St Jean (Canadian Meat Pie)
Tourtiere du Lac St-Jean eats well with meat pies. Combining two of Quebec’s most beloved dishes, tourtière du lac st jean brings together pork pie filling loaded with garlic plus tourtière spices finished off within layers upon layers of flaky, buttery pastry – just don’t forget the ketchup!
22.Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken Parmigiana is another Italian classic inspired by Italian immigrants that goes well with meat pies.
This golden crumbed chicken breast is baked until melted perfection, then topped off generously by plenty of melty cheese plus marinara sauce – enjoy alongside garlic bread slices to mop up all those irresistible flavors!
23. Chili Con Carne
What better meal than chili con carne when looking for something hearty yet spicy that goes with meat pies?
This Mexican dish uses high-quality ground beef simmered slowly in aromatic stock, then combined with beans plus tomatoes, making it one seriously tasty supper when served piping hot over rice or tortilla chips!
24. Samosas
Samosas eat well with meat pies. This has been originated in India but enjoyed around the world.
Samosas are made by folding triangle-shaped dough over savory spiced fillings such as potatoes, onions and peas, then deep fried until golden perfection – serve up hot with some chutney or yogurt dip on the side!
25. Goulash
This Hungarian stew has been around for centuries and is incredibly simple to make.
It combines beef cooked slowly until tender along with potatoes, carrots, plus paprika, then simmered in tomato puree – serve up bowlfuls over some thick crusty bread or creamy mashed potato!
26. Shepherd’s Pie With Lentils
For a vegetarian twist on this traditional British classic, why not try out this delicious version which uses lentils as an alternative to minced meat.
It is excellent to serve with meat pies – simply layer it with mash just like usual, then bake until golden brown perfection!
27. Flaky Fish Pie
Flaky Fish Pie eats well with meat pies. This childhood favorite is a delicious combination of flaky white fish cooked in creamy sauce alongside crunchy vegetables such as peas, sweet corn and carrots, all topped off with golden mashed potatoes – perfect when served with garden salad or buttered green beans.
28. Risotto
Risotto is an Italian staple that goes well with meat pies.
To prepare, simply cook Arborio rice together with butter plus stock, then add your choice of ingredients to customize it just the way you like. Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of flavor that’s sure to impress!
29. Tamales
Tamales are a popular Mexican dish; they are steamed masa (corn flour) dumplings stuffed full of fillings such as pork, chicken, or vegetables, then wrapped up inside a banana leaf – serve these up with salsa, sour cream or guacamole for an extra special treat! It is the perfect companion to meat pies.
You will also love the perfect combination of food with tamales.
30. Moussaka
Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish layers grilled eggplant slices together with beef mince plus creamy béchamel sauce before baking until golden brown perfection – perfect for enjoying on those cozy winter nights along with meat pies.
31. Fajitas
Everybody loves fajitas. It eats well with meat pies.
This Mexican classic combines marinated strips of beef (or chicken) cooked together with onions and peppers, then served in warm flour tortillas, topped off with your choice of salsa, guacamole, sour cream or cheese.
32. Macaroni & Cheese
Macaroni & Cheese is an all-time favorite, especially with meat pies. They are a great way to get the kids (or adults!) around the table.
Simply cook up some macaroni before adding a generous helping of cheese plus butter for extra indulgence, then bake until golden perfection – serve it up hot with garlic bread on the side!
33. Baked Gnocchi
Baked Gnocchi is perfect as a light lunch or dinner option, along with meat pies.
This Italian classic combines soft gnocchi pieces tossed through rich tomato sauce before baking until golden brown perfection – grated Parmesan cheese makes a delicious topping when served with a fresh garden salad on the side.
34. Thai Red Curry
Thai Red Curry is a spicy dish that is perfect for those who love their food with a bit of heat – it combines red curry paste cooked through coconut milk, aubergines, plus other vegetables then served over fragrant jasmine rice – perfect for adding a bit of excitement along with meat pies to your dinner table!
What are the best flavors to go with meat pies?
There are a variety of flavors that pair well with meat pies. Some classic options include a simple mushroom and onion filling, ground beef and cheese, or a classic shepherd’s pie with mashed potatoes and vegetables.
For something a little more unique, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the mix for an earthy flavor. If you’re looking for something spicy, opt for jalapeños, bell peppers, or chili powder to give your dish some kick. Finally, don’t forget the most important component – seasoning!
Be sure to add enough salt and pepper before baking your pie so all the flavors can shine through. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create delicious meat pies that will be sure to please you. Enjoy!
How do you jazz up meat pies?
One of the best ways to jazz up meat pies is by adding interesting, flavorful ingredients. For example, you can add herbs and spices such as rosemary or oregano for a herbal boost to your pie.
You can also consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or garlic for additional texture and flavor. Cheese is another great way to give your meat pies a delicious kick—try sprinkling some grated cheese on top before baking.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous approach, why not try mixing in some chorizo or bacon for added smokey depth? However, if you decide to jazz it up, be sure to experiment with different flavors until you find something that suits your taste. Enjoy!
How do you display meat pies on a platter?
When serving meat pies, it’s important to display them attractively and in an appetizing way. Start by selecting a platter or large plate that will accommodate all the pies. Arrange the pies in an aesthetically pleasing manner with some space between each one.
If you are using round tart-style pies, place them in concentric circles on the platter. You can also arrange rectangular pies in rows or in a decorative pattern.
For added presentation, sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary around the edges of the platter. Lastly, garnish with edible flowers to make your dish look beautiful and inviting! Enjoy!
Wrap UP
Meat pies are a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for any time of year. By adding the right-side dish, you can take your meal to the next level and make it more satisfying and indulgent.
Whether you prefer roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, by exploring different flavors and textures, you can create a meal that is not just satisfying but also a feast for the senses.
So the next time you make meat pies for dinner, consider adding one of these sides to your plate for a truly satisfying meal.
FAQs
How many meat pies per person?
When it comes to deciding how many meat pies you can per person, it really depends on the size of your pie. If you are using a large pie, then it is best to serve one pie per person.
However, if you are using smaller individual pies, then two or three per person might be more appropriate. In any case, it’s important to make sure that everyone gets enough food so that no one goes hungry. With a little planning and creativity, you can make sure that everyone enjoys their meal!
How do you eat a British meat pie?
The best way to enjoy a British meat pie is to cut it in half and eat it with your hands or with a fork. You can also use the crust of the pie as a scoop, using it to pick up the contents of the pie before eating them.
If you prefer, you can also add gravy or other condiments like ketchup or brown sauce to enhance the flavor. Depending on your choice of eating a British meat pie, just don’t forget to savor each bite! Bon appetite!
Is meat pie a snack or food?
This is a tough question to answer, as it really depends on the context and personal preference. In general, meat pies are often considered to be a type of snack food due to their convenience and portability.
They can easily be eaten in between meals or even taken with you on the go. On the other hand, since many versions of the pie contain proteins and vegetables, they could also be viewed as an actual meal that is consumed for lunch or dinner.
Ultimately, whether you consider meat pies a snack or food is up to your own personal interpretation!
