Roast dinners are a cornerstone of comfort food, a culinary hug that warms you from the inside out. The centerpiece roast, whether it’s beef, chicken, lamb, or pork, is undoubtedly the star of the show. But no star shines alone. The right side dishes are what transform a good roast into a truly unforgettable feast. Choosing the perfect accompaniments can seem daunting, but this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create a balanced, delicious, and memorable roast dinner experience.
The Foundation: Classic Roast Dinner Sides
Certain side dishes are virtually synonymous with a roast dinner. These are the stalwarts, the tried-and-true options that consistently deliver satisfaction. Let’s explore some of these classics and why they work so well.
Roasted Vegetables: A Symphony of Flavors
Roasted vegetables are an absolute must-have for any roast dinner. The high heat of the oven caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetables, resulting in a sweet, savory, and intensely flavorful side. The beauty of roasted vegetables lies in their versatility. You can roast just about any vegetable, and combinations are endless.
Root Vegetables: Potatoes are arguably the most popular choice, absorbing the flavorful drippings from the roast and becoming wonderfully crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Carrots offer sweetness and a vibrant pop of color. Parsnips, with their earthy sweetness, add another layer of depth. Turnips and swedes, while less common, can bring a unique and slightly peppery note to the table.
Other Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, often unfairly maligned, become surprisingly delicious when roasted, their bitterness mellowing into a nutty sweetness. Broccoli and cauliflower roast beautifully, their florets becoming tender and slightly charred. Red onions, when roasted alongside other vegetables, impart a subtle sweetness and aroma.
Consider tossing your chosen vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs before roasting. Rosemary, thyme, and garlic are all excellent choices.
Gravy: The Liquid Gold
Gravy is the glue that binds the entire roast dinner together. It’s the rich, savory sauce that elevates every element on the plate. Ideally, your gravy should be made from the pan drippings of the roast, capturing all the delicious flavors that have rendered during cooking.
Making gravy from scratch can seem intimidating, but it’s surprisingly simple. Deglaze the roasting pan with stock or wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Thicken the mixture with a roux (a mixture of flour and butter) or cornstarch slurry. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
If you’re short on time or the roast didn’t produce enough drippings, you can use a store-bought gravy mix or granules as a base, enhancing it with a splash of wine or stock for extra flavor.
Yorkshire Puddings: Airy Perfection
Yorkshire puddings, those light and airy creations, are a quintessential part of a British roast dinner, especially when served with roast beef. They’re made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, and milk, and baked in hot oil until they puff up and become golden brown.
The key to perfect Yorkshire puddings is a hot oven and hot oil. Make sure the oil in your muffin tin is sizzling before pouring in the batter. Serve them immediately, while they’re still crisp and airy. They’re perfect for soaking up the gravy, adding another layer of texture and flavor to the meal.
Beyond the Basics: Expanding Your Side Dish Repertoire
While the classic sides are always a welcome addition, there are countless other options to explore. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find new favorites.
Salads: A Refreshing Counterpoint
A fresh salad can provide a welcome contrast to the richness of the roast. Choose a salad with vibrant colors and textures to complement the other dishes.
Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, and a light vinaigrette can be a refreshing palate cleanser.
Roasted Vegetable Salad: Use some of the roasted vegetables you’re already preparing for the main roast and toss them with a vinaigrette and some crumbled cheese for a heartier salad.
Fruit Salad: A salad with fruit like apples, pears, or grapes can add a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the savory flavors of the roast.
Vegetable Sides: Exploring Different Flavors and Textures
There are many ways to prepare vegetables beyond roasting. Steaming, sautéing, and grilling are all great options.
Steamed Green Beans: Simple steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of toasted almonds can be a light and healthy side dish.
Sautéed Spinach: Sautéed spinach with garlic and a touch of olive oil is a quick and easy way to add some greens to your meal.
Creamed Spinach: For a more decadent option, try creamed spinach. It’s rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying.
Stuffing: A Flavorful Addition
Stuffing, or dressing as it’s sometimes called, is a classic side dish that’s often served with roast chicken or turkey, but it can also be a delicious addition to other roasts.
Bread Stuffing: Bread stuffing is typically made with stale bread, vegetables, herbs, and broth. It can be baked in a separate dish or stuffed inside the roast.
Sausage Stuffing: Adding sausage to your stuffing will give it a richer flavor.
Mushroom Stuffing: For a vegetarian option, try stuffing made with mushrooms and herbs.
Potatoes: Beyond Roasting
While roasted potatoes are a classic, there are many other ways to prepare potatoes as a side dish.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser. You can add flavor with garlic, herbs, or cheese.
Scalloped Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce are a comforting and decadent side dish.
Potato Salad: Potato salad can be a refreshing addition to a roast dinner, especially in the warmer months.
Choosing Sides Based on the Roast
The type of roast you’re preparing will influence the best side dish choices. Different meats pair well with different flavors and textures.
Roast Beef
Roast beef is often served with classic sides like roasted potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and gravy. Hearty vegetables like carrots and parsnips also pair well with beef. A horseradish sauce provides a tangy complement to the richness of the beef.
Roast Chicken
Roast chicken is a versatile roast that pairs well with a wide variety of side dishes. Roasted vegetables, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans are all great options. A lemon herb sauce or gravy is a classic accompaniment.
Roast Lamb
Roast lamb has a distinctive flavor that pairs well with earthy and herbaceous flavors. Roasted root vegetables, especially potatoes and carrots, are a classic choice. Mint sauce or a rosemary-garlic gravy complements the flavor of the lamb beautifully.
Roast Pork
Roast pork often benefits from sweet and savory side dishes. Applesauce, roasted apples, and cranberry sauce provide a sweet counterpoint to the richness of the pork. Roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts also pair well.
Seasonality and Availability: Choosing Sides That Are Fresh and Flavorful
Consider the season when planning your roast dinner. Seasonal vegetables will be at their peak flavor and are often more affordable.
Spring: Asparagus, peas, and new potatoes are all great choices for a spring roast dinner.
Summer: Corn on the cob, tomatoes, and zucchini are delicious summer sides.
Autumn: Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are perfect for a fall roast.
Winter: Brussels sprouts, kale, and squash are hearty winter vegetables.
Tips for Success: Planning and Preparation
Planning and preparation are key to a successful roast dinner. Make a list of the dishes you want to prepare and create a timeline for cooking everything.
Prepare Ahead: Many side dishes can be prepared ahead of time. You can chop vegetables, make stuffing, and even prepare gravy in advance.
Delegate: If you’re hosting a large gathering, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Assign guests to bring side dishes or desserts.
Keep it Simple: Don’t try to make too many dishes. A few well-prepared side dishes are better than a dozen mediocre ones.
Dietary Considerations: Adapting Your Sides for Everyone
Consider any dietary restrictions or preferences when planning your menu.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Offer plenty of vegetarian and vegan side dishes. Roasted vegetables, salads, and stuffing made without meat are all great options.
Gluten-Free: If you have guests who are gluten-free, make sure to offer gluten-free alternatives. Use gluten-free flour for gravy and stuffing.
Allergies: Be aware of any allergies your guests may have and avoid using those ingredients in your dishes.
Choosing the right side dishes is essential for creating a truly memorable roast dinner experience. By considering the type of roast, the season, and any dietary restrictions, you can create a balanced and delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. The most important thing is to have fun and create a meal that you and your guests will love.
Enjoy your perfect roast dinner!
What makes a good roast dinner side?
A good roast dinner side complements the main roast and provides a variety of textures and flavors. It should balance richness with freshness, offer contrasting elements like crispy and soft, and generally enhance the overall dining experience. Think about how the side dish interacts with the gravy and roast itself – does it soak up the gravy well, or does it provide a refreshing palate cleanser?
Consider the seasonality of ingredients and aim for sides that are easy to prepare, allowing you to focus on the roast itself. The best sides are not only delicious on their own but also elevate the flavors of the entire meal, creating a harmonious and satisfying feast. Remember to cater to dietary requirements and preferences within your group as well for a truly inclusive experience.
How do I get crispy roast potatoes?
Achieving perfectly crispy roast potatoes starts with selecting the right variety, such as Maris Piper or King Edward. Peeling and roughing up the surface creates more edges for crisping. Parboiling the potatoes until almost cooked through is crucial for a fluffy interior.
The real secret lies in using hot fat – goose fat, duck fat, or even a good quality vegetable oil heated in the oven until sizzling. Turning the potatoes regularly ensures even browning and crisping on all sides. Finally, a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper right at the end enhances the flavour.
What’s the best way to prepare carrots for a roast dinner?
Roast carrots offer a delightful sweetness and caramelized flavour that complements the savory roast. A simple preparation of peeling, chopping into batons, and tossing with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary works wonders. Roasting alongside the potatoes in the last 30-40 minutes allows them to cook in the rendered fat.
For a more sophisticated touch, consider glazing the carrots with honey or maple syrup during the final 15 minutes of roasting. This adds a beautiful sheen and intensified sweetness. Alternatively, steamed or boiled carrots, tossed with butter and herbs, provide a softer and more delicate side.
How can I improve my Yorkshire puddings?
To create Yorkshire puddings that rise perfectly and are crispy on the outside with a soft interior, ensure your oven and the fat are extremely hot. The batter should be rested for at least 30 minutes, ideally longer, to allow the gluten to relax and the mixture to thicken slightly.
Using a well-seasoned cast iron pan or muffin tin is also key. Pour the batter into the hot fat-filled compartments and resist the urge to open the oven door while they are cooking. This will prevent them from deflating. Achieving that perfect golden-brown colour signifies they’re ready to be served immediately.
What greens go best with a roast dinner?
A variety of green vegetables complement a roast dinner beautifully, providing freshness and essential nutrients. Brussels sprouts, often roasted with bacon or chestnuts, add a nutty and slightly bitter note that cuts through the richness of the meat. Green beans, lightly steamed or sauteed with garlic and lemon, offer a delicate and refreshing element.
Alternatively, spring greens, such as cabbage or kale, wilted with butter and seasoned with nutmeg, provide a comforting and earthy flavor. The choice depends on your personal preference and the overall flavor profile of the roast, but incorporating some form of green vegetable is essential for a balanced and complete meal.
How do I make perfect gravy?
The key to perfect gravy lies in using the pan drippings from your roast as a base. Skim off any excess fat, leaving behind the flavourful meat juices. Add a spoonful of flour to the pan and cook over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux, which will thicken the gravy.
Gradually whisk in stock (beef, chicken, or vegetable depending on your roast), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer until the gravy reaches your desired consistency, then season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or flavorings like Worcestershire sauce. For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or port.
Can I prepare roast dinner sides in advance?
Many roast dinner sides can be partially or fully prepared in advance to save time on the day of the roast. Potatoes can be parboiled ahead of time and kept in the fridge overnight, ready to be roasted. Similarly, carrots can be peeled and chopped, then stored in water.
Yorkshire pudding batter can be made several hours in advance and rested in the fridge. Gravy can also be made ahead of time and reheated. However, remember to leave some tasks for the day of, such as roasting the potatoes to ensure maximum crispness and wilting greens for freshness, ensuring everything is served at its peak.