What to Serve with Cottage Pie

Cottage pie is a classic British dish that’s the ultimate comfort food. It’s often served with vegetables, but it can be great to switch things up a little and try a few other side dishes. I have you covered with a variety of options for what to serve with cottage pie, using seasonal ingredients and delightful flavour combinations.

I’ve given you a mixture of traditional and contemporary side dishes that complement the savoury flavours of cottage pie. From colourful vegetables to warm, freshly baked bread, these sides can satisfy various tastes and preferences, ensuring that your meal is both well-rounded and enjoyable.

So, as you prepare to serve that scrumptious cottage pie, let’s dive into the world of perfect accompaniments to help you create a delicious meal for the whole family.

Classic Sides for Cottage Pie

When enjoying a delicious cottage pie, you might want to consider some classic side dishes to complement the flavours of your main course. These tried-and-tested sides will enhance your meal and make it memorable.

Firstly, you can’t go wrong with some good old-fashioned roasted potatoes. Tossed in garlic and Parmesan, this delightful combination will add a crispy and savoury element to your meal. Plus, the British love their roast potatoes, so it’s a natural pairing.

Garlic bread – Adding garlic bread as a side dish introduces a delectable, soft and crusty texture to your meal. It’s the perfect companion for scooping up any remaining gravy.
Yorkshire pudding – This classic British treat made from batter complements the rich flavours of a cottage pie, giving you a delightful contrast of textures.
Warm crusty bread – This is so simple yet works so well. I usually have some part-baked baguettes in the house and just warm these up for ten minutes to accompany meals like this.

Vegetable Options

Since cottage pie can be quite rich, balancing it out with some fresh and colourful vegetable sides is a great idea. Greens like green beans, broccoli, and peas serve as a welcome, vibrant addition. You can easily sauté them with some garlic or steam them to maintain their fresh and crunchy nature.

You might also want to consider some options that provide a bit of tang to cut through the pie’s richness. A simple mixed salad with butter lettuce, watercress, and a light dressing can do just the trick. Or perhaps, try a French carrot salad for something slightly more unexpected.

Steamed Vegetables

Steamed vegetables are an excellent choice to accompany your cottage pie. You can mix and match your favourite seasonal veggies, such as tenderstem broccoli, carrots, peas, and green beans. Steaming is a cooking method that helps retain nutrients, ensuring your meal remains nutritious and delicious.

Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is probably my absolute favourite vegetable and I’d happily serve it alongside cottage pie. I love to cook my corn on the cob in the air fryer, it comes out slightly crispy on the outside and lovely and juicy on the inside.

Glazed Carrots

For a touch of sweetness, you could serve glazed carrots with your cottage pie. To prepare this side, simply cook sliced carrots in a mixture of butter, sugar and a pinch of salt until they are tender-crisp. Feel free to add a dash of herbs or seasoning for an extra flavour boost. Simply delicious.

Beans

Butter beans make for a delicious and satisfying side dish to pair with your cottage pie. Or you could go for fresh green beans or runner beans, depending on your preference. To prepare, trim the ends, blanch the beans in boiling water for a few minutes, and then drain. Toss them in a pan with some melted butter and season to taste with salt and pepper. For an extra layer of flavour, you may also add a sprinkle of toasted almonds or breadcrumbs just before serving.

Salads and Greens

Adding a fresh, leafy element to your cottage pie meal might not be the first thing you think of, but it can actually work really well.

Green Salad

A simple and versatile choice, a green salad can be tailored to your preferences. Opt for a mix of lettuces, such as romaine, butterhead, and rocket. Then, add other veggies like diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. For some crunch, toss in croutons or toasted nuts. Finally, drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy dressing to suit your taste. The combination of textures and flavours complements the rich, savoury flavour of cottage pie beautifully.

Wilted Spinach

For a warm and comforting side dish that takes mere minutes to prepare, try wilted spinach. Simply heat a splash of olive oil in a large pan, add garlic and chilli flakes (if desired), and then toss in some fresh spinach leaves. Sauté until just wilted, which should only take a minute or so. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately. The slight bitterness of spinach marries well with the earthy flavours found in your cottage pie.

Coleslaw

Another way to introduce fresh flavours to your meal is by serving a side of coleslaw with your cottage pie. The combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions mixed with a creamy dressing provides a delightful contrast to the warm, tender elements of the pie. Plus, the crunchy texture adds a satisfying variation to the meal.

Classic coleslaw: Combine shredded veggies with mayonnaise, a bit of vinegar, and seasoning to taste. Feel free to adjust the creaminess and tanginess to your liking.
Light coleslaw: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider swapping mayonnaise with Greek yoghurt, which will still give your coleslaw a creamy, tangy twist.

So, whether you prefer a light, crisp salad or something heartier like coleslaw, adding a green side dish to your cottage pie dinner is an excellent choice.

Bread Accompaniments

Bread goes with pretty much any meal, but it works really well when there’s a sauce to mop up and that’s why it works so well with Cottage Pie. Here are some popular options to consider.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic choice to accompany your cottage pie. The rich, buttery flavour with a hint of garlic pairs beautifully with the savoury meat and vegetables in the pie. You can either buy premade garlic bread or make your own by spreading garlic butter on a sliced baguette and baking it in the oven for a few minutes until crispy.

Crusty Loaf

A crusty loaf of bread, such as a French baguette or a sourdough boule, provides a fantastic contrast to the tender filling of cottage pie. The crispy crust and soft interior are perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy. Be sure to serve your crusty bread warm, and provide butter or olive oil for dipping if desired.

Ciabatta

Ciabatta is delicious and I love the combination of the crusty outer layer and the soft, doughy middle. It tastes delicious served warm with melted butter.

Alternative Side Dishes

Looking for some different options to serve alongside your cottage pie? Here are a few tasty, easy-to-make side dishes that will complement the heartiness of the cottage pie and bring delightful flavours to the table.

Roasted Root Vegetables

A great option to accompany a cottage pie is roasted root vegetables. These earthy, colourful vegetables will enhance the meal with their rich flavours and textures. To prepare this dish, simply follow these steps:

Peel and chop your choice of root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beetroot into similar-sized pieces.
Drizzle some olive oil over the vegetables, season with salt, and pepper, and toss the vegetables to coat them evenly.
Spread the vegetables evenly on a baking tray and roast at 200°C for 35-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and slightly caramelised.
Before serving, garnish with some fresh chopped parsley for a touch of colour and extra flavour.

Cauliflower Cheese

Cauliflower cheese is another delicious alternative side dish that pairs well with a comforting, savoury cottage pie. Here’s how you can prepare this dish:

Preheat your oven to 200°C.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and briefly blanch the cauliflower florets for 3-4 minutes. Drain well, then set aside.
In a saucepan, melt some butter, whisk in an equal amount of plain flour to make a roux, and gradually add milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth béchamel sauce.
Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in grated strong cheddar cheese until melted.
Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, sprinkle with some extra cheese for added flavour, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Mushy Peas

For a traditional British side, why not try serving mushy peas with your cottage pie? Here’s a simple method to prepare them:

Soak dried marrowfat peas in water overnight, then drain and rinse them well.
Bring the peas to a boil in a saucepan, then reduce the heat and simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until tender.
Drain any remaining water, add a knob of butter, and season with salt and pepper.
Mash the peas with a fork or potato masher to your desired consistency.
You may also want to add a splash of cream or milk for a smoother texture.

Or course, you could just use a tin of mushy peas for a super easy side.

Sauces and Condiments

When it comes to elevating your cottage pie experience, sauces and condiments play a crucial role. In this section, we will explore a few popular options to drizzle over or serve alongside your cottage pie.

Gravy

Your cottage pie can be further enhanced with a rich, flavourful gravy. A simple onion gravy or a beef gravy can complement the savoury taste of your pie. To prepare a delicious onion gravy, simply sauté onions with butter, add flour to create a roux, and then gradually whisk in beef stock with a touch of Worcestershire sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken, and you’ll have a perfect accompaniment for your cottage pie.

Red Wine Jus

For a touch of sophistication, consider serving your cottage pie with a red wine jus. The slightly tangy and fruity notes from the red wine work beautifully with the hearty flavours of the pie. To make a red wine jus, start by reducing red wine and beef stock in a saucepan until it reaches a syrupy consistency. Then, whisk in a tablespoon of butter to give it a glossy and velvety finish. You can also add sprigs of thyme, rosemary, or other complementary herbs during the reduction process to infuse further flavour into the jus.

What to serve with Cottage Pie – Final Thoughts

Cottage Pie is definitely a staple meal for many British families. It’s hearty, nutritious and delicious making it a favourite choice for weekly meal plans. Switching it up a bit by trying different side dishes gives it a lovely twist and makes a simple meal a delight for all the family.

Classic Sides for Cottage Pie