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Sides for Shepherd’s Pie (What to Serve with Shepherd’s Pie)

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

January 30, 2025

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4.67 from 3 votes

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Wondering what the best sides for Shepherd’s Pie, or Cottage Pie, are? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide. Whether your version is made with ground beef, ground lamb, or ground turkey, these sides will pair perfectly.

collage of side dishes for prime rib with text overlay.

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Shepherd’s Pie + Amazing Side Dish = PERFECTION!

When serving traditional Shepherd’s Pie for dinner, some really stellar side dishes can really help complete the meal.

PS – Wondering about the differences between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie? Read all about that here.

Shepherd's pie in white casserole dish.

From sauteed spinach, to green beans, brussels sprouts, and more! There are so many options that pair with this meaty dish.

So, let’s dig in!

Keep reading to discover 25+ of great options to serve with Shepherd’s Pie.

Best Side Dishes for Shepherd’s Pie

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Minted Peas
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Minted Peas
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The BEST Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a salty, crispy, savory, and slightly sweet side dish you can pair with almost anything! Lightly spiced and so simple, this easy recipe is a total crowd pleaser and a must-have for weeknight dinners.
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Simple Arugula Salad Dressing
This Arugula Salad recipe with red wine vinaigrette is my go-to green salad. The arugula has a peppery bite to it which pairs wonderfully with the acid in the vinaigrette. It’s the perfect salad for pairing with rich dishes.
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Din Tai Fung Green Beans
These copycat Din Tai Fung Green Beans are deliciously crispy and coated with lots of savory garlic and a spicy chili crisp. It’s the best umami-forward side dish to pair with all of your takeout-inspired favorites!
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Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction
These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction & Cranberries make a simple and elegant side dish that both kids and adults love!
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Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
This Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Mustard and Parmesan is tossed in a light red wine vinaigrette and makes a delicious, crunchy side dish.
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Snap Pea Salad
This Snap Pea Salad is the best warm-weather side dish. Crunchy and sweet snap peas, fresh basil, and almonds are tossed in a tangy lemon and Dijon dressing, giving you a simple meal that’s incredibly refreshing and flavorful!
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Savory Roasted Delicata Squash
Savory Delicata Squash is a winter side dish that’s really easy to prepare. There’s no peeling required and the maple flavors and warm spices taste divine!
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Garlic Bread
Toasty, buttery, herby, covered in a dusting of salty parmesan cheese, piping hot and fresh out of the oven—our homemade garlic bread recipe is everything you’re craving right now, and then some.
Garlic Bread
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Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons
This Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons is the perfect side dish. Sweet tomatoes combine with a tangy vinaigrette and delicious roasted lemons. 
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Sauteed Spinach with Garlic Recipe
Add a healthy boost of nutrients to your dinner with this easy Sauteed Spinach. Baby spinach is added to a skillet along with garlic and olive oil, then sauteed gently to create a simple side dish that pairs with any meal!
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Italian Radicchio Salad
This delicious Italian Radicchio Salad is dressed in a creamy lemon-vinaigrette and tossed with buttery calvestrano olives, tasty breadcrumbs and nutty parmesan cheese. And, a special tip ensures that your radicchio won't be bitter!
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Fennel and Chickpea Salad
This Fennel and Chickpea Salad is tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette & topped with parmesan. It’s the perfect make-ahead salad for potlucks or lunches.
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Vegetarian Kale Caesar Salad
This Kale Caesar Salad is topped with crispy homemade croutons and parmesan cheese. Massaging the creamy garlic dressing into the kale makes it extra tender and delicious.
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Mediterranean Tomato Cucumber Salad
This Tomato Cucumber Salad features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed in a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette, every bite is bursting with refreshing Mediterranean flavors!
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Crostini are easy to make at home using just 3-ingredients – bread, olive oil and salt. This simple crostini recipe is the perfect appetizer for parties. You can make them ahead of time and serve them with a variety of toppings.
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Grilled Broccolini with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This grilled broccolini is topped with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette and marcona almonds for a delicious crunch. It’s a perfect side dish for autumnal menus or Thanksgiving. 
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Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic cook up crispy and delicious with minimal oil with the help of your air fryer! Dressed simply with balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of salt. You'll love these!
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Simple Roasted Sunchokes
Sunchokes are a knobby root vegetable that can be prepared in more ways than you can imagine! In this recipe, you’ll learn how to roast them with olive oil, garlic, and thyme. It’s an easy side dish you can pair with anything.
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Shaved Fennel Salad
This Fennel Celery Salad comes together quickly and has such a delicious light lemon-parmesan vinaigrette and wonderful crunch. It's the perfect side salad for rich and hearty dishes like pasta or braised short ribs.  
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How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these Shepherd’s Pie side dish recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead. 

More Side Dish Recipes:

  • Sides for Burgers
  • Sides for Chicken
  • Sides for BBQ
  • Sides for Pasta
  • Sides for Brisket
  • Sides for Salmon
  • Sides for Steak
  • Sides for Ribs

Did you Make Any of These Shepherd’s Pie Side Dishes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of sides for shepherd’s pie. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? For more great Platings & Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

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Shaved brussels sprouts salad in large bowl with serving spoon.

Full Recipe

25+ BEST Sides for Shepherd’s Pie

Wondering what the best sides for Shepherd's Pie, or Cottage Pie, are? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide. This Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad tossed in a light red wine vinaigrette, makes a delicious, crunchy side dish for a meat pie!
4.67 from 3 votes
Print Pin
Serves 4 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 30 minutes mins
Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound brussels sprouts
  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, mustard, sugar and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Holding the stem of the Brussels sprouts, thinly slice each one until you get to within ½ inch of the stem. Discard the stems and place the sliced Brussels sprouts in a large bowl, breaking them up with your hands and discarding any tough pieces.
  • Toss the sliced sprouts with the dressing until coated. Let sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to allow the sprouts to soften and the flavors to combine.
  • Before serving, toss in the grated parmesan and taste again for seasonings, adding more salt and pepper, if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 112kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 171mg | Potassium: 441mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 905IU | Vitamin C: 96.4mg | Calcium: 122mg | Iron: 1.7mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
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4.67 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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One response

  1. Mini Maltipoo
    November 18, 2024

    4 stars
    I absolutely loved this post! The recipe for sides to pair with Shepherd’s Pie is such a great idea. I’ve never thought about these combinations before, but they sound delicious and perfect for any hearty meal. Your tips and variety of options are fantastic — I can’t wait to try them out. Keep up the amazing work!

    Reply

Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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