What to Serve with Cottage Pie (27+ BEST Side Dishes)

Wondering what to serve with Cottage Pie? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide of the best side dishes. Whether your version is made with ground beef, ground lamb, or ground turkey, these sides will pair perfectly.

Cottage Pie + Amazing Side Dish = PERFECTION!

When serving traditional Cottage Pie for dinner, some yummy sides can really help complete the meal.

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

Shepherd's pie in white casserole dish.

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

So, let’s dig in!

Keep reading to discover 27+ great side dishes to serve with Cottage Pie.

Best Side Dishes for Cottage Pie

Platter of grilled broccolini
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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Learn how to make the most delicious oven roasted green beans with 6 ingredients in 20 minutes. Baked green beans are an easy, healthy vegetable side dish perfect for the holidays or a weeknight meal.
Get the RECPE from Joy Food Sunshine
Arugula Salad ready to be served.
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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Yorkshire Pudding Recipe. A savory side dish very similar to a popover, but a different shape.
Get the RECIPE from Culinary Ginger
Shaved brussels sprouts salad in large bowl with serving spoon.
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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A simple, herby, orange-dressed Moroccan beet salad that can be made up to five days ahead of time!
Get the RECIPE from The Modern Proper
Mushy Peas. Learn how to make this traditional side dish for a meat pie. Homemade mushy peas are delicious, healthy, and vegetarian!
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Irish Soda Bread is a delicious side dish served with Cottage Pie.
Get the RECIPE from Sally’s Baking Addiction
CLOSE UP OF ROASTED SWEET POTATOES ON SERVING TRAY WITH SPOON.
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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Roasted brussel sprouts in bowl drizzled with balsamic glaze and sprinkled with cranberries.
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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This ultra-creamy garlic Parsnip Puree is one of my very favorite vegetable side dishes. It’s made in just 20 minutes, packed with flavor, loaded with nutrients, and it’s also paleo and gluten-free!
Get the RECIPE from Joyful Healthy Eats
Close up of roasted delicata squash on baking sheet.
Roasted 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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Arugula Salad ready to be served.
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.
Get the RECIPE
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.
Get the RECIPE from The Modern Proper
Overhead close up of bowl of kale caesar salad in white bowl with serving spoon.
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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Overhead shot of cherry tomato salad in grey bowl.
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 in white bowl.
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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Prepared radicchio salad in grey bowl with serving utensils.
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 salad with chickpeas in white bowl.
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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Ears of corn on the cob in a grey serving dish with a pat of butter and sprinkling of parsley.
Learn how to make the BEST Instant Pot Corn on the Cob. This pressure cooker corn on the cob recipe uses a simple, secret ingredient to guarantee that your corn is sweet, tender and delicious! 
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We are finally in the home stretch of Super Bowl food sharing. So from now until Friday, I have some recipes that you can throw together in a matter of
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Serving spoon in bowl of 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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Baked crostini on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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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Over head shot of cooked brussels sprouts in grey bowl with spoon.
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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Spears of asparagus cooked sous vide topped with parmesan shavings.
How to cook perfect asparagus sous vide. Bright green, perfectly cooked spears. With three options for flavoring – garlic, parmesan or lemon.
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Overhead shot of cooked sunchokes in bowl.
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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Overhead shot of shaved fennel salad in green serving bowl on pink table.
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 Cottage 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:

Did you Make Any of These Cottage Pie Side Dishes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of what to serve with cottage 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.

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27+ BEST Sides for Cottage Pie

Wondering what to serve with Cottage Pie? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide of the 27+ of the best side dishes. Try it with this Grilled Broccolini with Cider Vinaigrette.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Turn on the grill and allow to preheat.
  • Whisk together cider, vinegar, shallot, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper in a medium bowl, then add 3 tablespoons of the oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking to form an emulsified vinaigrette.
  • Rinse the broccolini, dry it thoroughly and place in a large mixing bowl. Toss it with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil until evenly coated. Place on the grill grate and cook 4-5 minutes.
  • Transfer to a platter. Drizzle the cider vinaigrette on the broccoli rabe. Toss gently to coat and sprinkle on almonds. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

The broccolini can be grilled 2-3 hours before serving and served at room temperature. Toss with dressing and almonds just before serving. 
If you don’t have a grill, you can also roast this broccolini in the oven, though it won’t have the same smoky flavor and bright green color. Roast it in a 400-degree oven for 10-15 minutes. 
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Nutrition

Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 364mg | Potassium: 9mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2670IU | Vitamin C: 138.8mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 1.4mg

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