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35+ Sides to Serve with Prime Rib

35+ Sides to Serve with Prime Rib

Updated October 16, 2019

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Antonis Achilles; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay Clark

You wouldn't serve a special occasion turkey or ham with lackluster sides, so naturally, you want to show the same level of side side dish care for prime rib. Special occasions like holiday feasts and dinner parties warrant rolling out the best recipes, and you need sides that will allow your prime rib, also known as the star of the table, to shine even brighter. We've rounded up the best holiday casserole, potato, and vegetable recipes that'll make perfect company for your prime rib.

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Ranch Mashed Potatoes

Credit: Jen Causey; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Ranch Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Not to brag, but this is the best version of homemade ranch mashed potatoes around. The fresh herbs really add some zing to this side and beautifully complement sour cream and buttermilk’s tang. For the fluffiest mashed potatoes, place the potatoes back in the pot after draining them and put them on low heat—this will remove any extra and unwanted moisture. This recipe will also work with russet potatoes instead of Yukons or plain yogurt instead of sour cream. Thin out leftover mashed potatoes with a splash of milk or water.

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Creamed Kale

Credit: Greg Dupree

Creamed Kale Recipe

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Butternut Mash

Credit: Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Butternut Mash Recipe

Roasted winter squash adds bright color to your holiday table.

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Caramelized Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts

Credit: Peter Frank Edwards; Styling: Rachael Burrow, Linda Hirst

Caramelized Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

The only thing better than sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts is when they're served together and caramelized to perfection. The perfect holiday side!

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Cranberry-Goat Cheese White Bean and Kale Salad

Credit: Linda Pugliese; Styling: Kaitlyn Du Ross Walker

Cranberry-Goat Cheese White Bean and Kale Salad Recipe

Pack in the protein with white bean and kale to make a heart-healthy salad. Top it off with seasonal cranberries and crumbled goat cheese.

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Homemade Dinner Rolls

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall and Kady Wohlfarth; Prop Styling: Kay Clarke

Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe

Soft, tender, pillowy, and buttery. What's not to love? Once you go homemade, it's hard to go back to store-bought dinner rolls.

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Blue Cheese Mac-And-Cheese

Credit: Meredith Food Studios

Blue Cheese Mac-And-Cheese Recipe

This incredibly rich baked mac and (blue) cheese might be the one dish that even the most staunch blue cheese hater will embrace with open arms. If a side dish better suited to accompany your next steak dinner exists, we sure don’t know what it could be.

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Green Beans with Mustard-Tarragon Sauce

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Green Beans with Mustard-Tarragon Sauce Recipe

Substitute fresh thyme or dill for the tarragon, if you prefer. To blanch haricots verts, cook them in boiling water 2 minutes, and immediately transfer to an ice bath to cool.

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Two-Toned Scalloped Potatoes

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christina Daley; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Two-Toned Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Using both sweet potatoes and Yukon gold potatoes gives classic, comforting scalloped potatoes a delicious upgrade. Perfect for family gatherings and holiday dinners at any point in the year, this impressive potato side dish delivers creamy richness, robust savory flavor, and a delightful crunch with a herby panko-pecan topping. You can assemble the dish (minus the topping) ahead of time and refrigerate up to 12 hours before you’re ready to bake.

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Hasselback Beets with Tangy Dill Sauce and Caraway

Credit: Aaron Kirk; Prop Styling: Christina Daley; Food Styling: Robin Bashinsky

Hasselback Beets with Tangy Dill Sauce and Caraway Recipe

Elevate sweet, earthy beets into a show-stopping side dish with a bold but balanced Eastern European flavor profile and a little hasselback magic. A handy trick for hasselbacking is to place your beets between the handles of two wooden spoons or two chopsticks in order to cut the slices well into each beet, but not all the way through to the cutting board.

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Cauliflower-Goat Cheese Casserole

Credit: Antonis Achilles; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay Clark

Cauliflower-Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe

This simple but hearty casserole has a good balance of sweet-vegetal cauliflower, deeply sweet shallots, and tangy goat cheese, while pine nuts provide some tastiness and textural contrast. Parcooking the cauliflower keeps it from mushing out in the casserole, and using a shortcut like pre-floreted cauliflower helps get this done super fast. Go for a goat cheese log instead of crumbles—it melts much more easily. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but is tasty and comforting enough for a special occasion.

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Broccolini with Pecans and Cane Syrup Vinaigrette

Credit: Alison Miksch; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Broccolini with Pecans and Cane Syrup Vinaigrette Recipe

Easy, in-a-pinch substitutions: Use molasses for cane syrup and broccoli florets in place of fresh Broccolini. Pomegranate seeds add a festive touch.

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Keto Cornbread Stuffing

Credit: Jen Causey; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Keto Cornbread Stuffing Recipe

Who says you can’t celebrate Thanksgiving on the keto diet? This kets-friendly stuffing is loaded with the traditional flavor you love, plus hearty, salty pops from the bits of uncured bacon. Make sure to let the dressing sit at room temperature before being baked so the cornbread has some time to absorb the chicken broth mixture. If you need to get a head start on Thanksgiving prep, you can assemble this the day before and store it in the fridge—just remove it from the fridge and let it sit for at least an hour before baking.

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Garlic-Herb Shoestring Fries

Credit: Greg DuPree

Garlic-Herb Shoestring Fries Recipe

These irresistible oven fries are inspired by April Bloomfield's iconic version at The Spotted Pig restaurant in New York City.

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Farro Salad With Cherries, Corn, and Basil

Credit: Jen Causey; Food Styling: Margaret Dickey; Prop Styling Kay Clarke

Farro Salad With Cherries, Corn, and Basil Recipe

Meal preppers, meet your new favorite salad. It’s bright and juicy thanks to the cherries, while the farro base keeps things feeling nice and hearty. The almonds bring in a crunch and nuttiness that helps bring everything together. Since it’s super versatile, you could make a batch on Sunday and serve it with arugula and baked chicken for a healthy lunch all week long.

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Instant Pot Melting Potatoes

Credit: Jen Causey; Prop Styling: Kashara Johnson; Food Styling: Marianne Williams

Instant Pot Melting Potatoes Recipe

You’ve seen the Internet-famous “melting potatoes;” now here’s how to do them in your Instant Pot—i.e. without cranking your oven up to 500°. Buttery, creamy, perfectly salty Instant Pot Melting Potatoes make for a divinely decadent celebration of potato—no cream or cheese necessary. If you want to double the recipe, you’ll need to brown your potatoes in batches, but can steam them all together. Feel free to garnish with a sprinkling of whatever herbs you desire; parsley, sage, or rosemary are all great options.

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Creamy Parmesan Grits

Credit: Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Creamy Parmesan Grits Recipe

Look for Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, which adds nutty flavor and an earthy depth to the grits.

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Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables Recipe

A mix of colorful root vegetables may be your star side. Peeled, prechopped butternut squash saves time, but pieces tend to be irregular and small--we prefer peeling and cubing it yourself.

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Sweet Potato and Chard Salad

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Sweet Potato and Chard Salad Recipe

Be sure to dice the sweet potato into relatively similar-size small pieces to ensure quick, even cooking. This one-pot cooking method shows how easy it is to cook potatoes and greens to the perfect doneness in the same pot—just start the potatoes a few minutes ahead, then add the chard. While the potatoes and chard cook, warm precooked farro in the microwave, or make a batch of quick-cooking farro on the stovetop. For the best flavor, use tarragon vinegar, which is infused with fresh tarragon flavor. In a pinch, use white wine vinegar.

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Creamed Winter Greens

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Catherine Crowell Steele; Prop Styling: Thom Driver

Creamed Winter Greens Recipe

Two beloved dark leafy greens, spinach and lacinato kale, combine to bring deep, earthy flavor to this updated take on classic creamed spinach.

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Skillet Green Bean Casserole

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Skillet Green Bean Casserole Recipe

We've shortened (and lightened) this holiday classic by bringing everything together in one pan and using the stovetop and broiler rather than baking. To save yourself even more time, you can substitute panko in place of homemade breadcrumbs.

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Rotel Potatoes Aligots

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Katelyn Hardwick; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen

Rotel Potatoes Aligots Recipe

This is a marriage of two of the greatest comfort foods of our time: Rotel dip and mashed potatoes. We’re talking very satisfying and suuuuuuper-rich. This would be great served with a protein like pork chops, but you can also add a little milk to turn this into a dip. This method of mashing potatoes essentially emulsifies whole butter into hot potatoes, and it’s important that you work quickly and don’t let the potatoes get too cool. The potatoes will continue to break down as you add the butter, so don’t overmash them.

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Spinach and Mushroom Strata

Credit: Con Poulos; Styling: Paige Hicks

Spinach and Mushroom Strata Recipe

This cheesy, meatless casserole is best served straight out of the oven, golden and bubbly.

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Sweet Potato Casserole with Rosemary and Goat Cheese

Credit: Jen Causey; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Sweet Potato Casserole with Rosemary and Goat Cheese Recipe

This savory take on sweet potato casserole has a lovely nuttiness and aromatic nature. The tang of the goat cheese plays nicely with the sweetness of the potatoes, while the crunchy pecans and crispy rosemary give a great texture and incredible looks. It’s like the traditional sweet potato casserole aesthetic, but with a little more personality, plus cheese. Be sure to brown the butter with the fresh rosemary—not only does it infuse the butter with flavor, but it also crisps the rosemary leaves and provides a nice crunch.

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Easy Butternut Squash Casserole

Credit: Alison Miksch; Food Styling: Mary Clair Britton and Kady Wohlfarth; Prop Styling: Prissy Lee

Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe

This delightful twist on sweet potato casserole is sweet, warm, and comforting. If you're short on time, use Whole Foods' canned butternut squash purée instead of roasting your own. Marshmallows are optional, but recommended.

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Roasted Carrots with Pecans and Sorghum

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke, Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Roasted Carrots with Pecans and Sorghum Recipe

A sweet and tangy vinaigrette made with apple cider vinegar and sorghum syrup makes these carrots incredibly flavorful. If you can’t find sorghum syrup, use an equal amount of honey or maple syrup. And be sure to choose small carrots. They will roast and caramelize more evenly and have more natural sweetness than larger ones.

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Ultimate Crispy Ranch Smashed Potatoes

Credit: Meredith Food Studios

Ultimate Crispy Ranch Smashed Potatoes Recipe

This practical (and much tastier) alternative to loaded potato skins is both fun and filling. The savory potatoes are crisp and salty on the exterior, and soft and creamy inside.

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Sweet Potato Soufflé

Credit: Alison Miksch; Food Styling: Mary Clair Britton and Kady Wohlfarth; Prop Styling: Prissy Lee

Sweet Potato Soufflé Recipe

Sweet and comforting, this soufflé is the perfect holiday dish. The topping provides the perfect contrast in texture to support the soft and creamy soufflé.

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Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole

Credit: Jen Causey; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole Recipe

This take on green bean casserole removes the add-ins you’d encounter with canned soup and frees up the stove and oven for all the other Thanksgiving dishes. Browning the onions adds so much flavor to the gravy while maintaining a Thanksgiving side that’s still somewhat light—there’s just enough sauce, but plenty of flavor. This casserole is also great reheated, or even chopped up and mixed in to a stir-fry.

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Best Roasted Veggies

Credit: Meredith Food Studios

Best Roasted Veggies Recipe

Parents of picky eaters, rejoice - the kids will actually want to eat these vegetables! It only takes a few pantry staples to transform roasted vegetables into a side everyone will enjoy. These are so savory and delightful, it's hard not to love them.

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Smoky Brussels Sprouts

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Smoky Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Since there’s a touch of sugar in this recipe, stir the Brussels sprouts often to prevent burning. If you’re feeling extra decadent, top this side with a little grated Manchego cheese.

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Creamed Spinach With Hazelnuts

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Creamed Spinach With Hazelnuts Recipe

Unlike some versions of creamed spinach, here you actually taste the greens. They’re enhanced by—but not overwhelmed by—the creamy sauce.

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Cheesy Semolina

Credit: Stacey Ballis

Cheesy Semolina Recipe

Cheesy semolina is like a warm hug from a cherished aunt. It’s terrific on its own but can go anywhere mashed potatoes or polenta would go, and it is unique enough to be a fun addition to a dinner party. Whether you are eating it right out of the pot in your lap in your pajamas, or serving it in your best china to guests, this is a perfect dish to have in your arsenal. The choice of cheese is up to you: Want your semolina extra creamy and smooth? Go for a soft cheese like cream cheese, chevre, or even Boursin. A little more texture? Try a grated melting cheese with some backbone, fontina, gruyere, cheddar. Looking for deeper umami? Hit the parmigiano or pecorino.

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Roasted Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Credit: Romulo Yanes; Styling: Claire Spollen

Roasted Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Tired of plain mashed potatoes? Cauliflower, milk, and butter are added here to create a rich, creamy side. Serve with gravy and a succulent cut of roast beef.

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35+ Sides to Serve with Prime Rib

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Ranch Mashed Potatoes

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Creamed Kale

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Butternut Mash

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Caramelized Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts

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Cranberry-Goat Cheese White Bean and Kale Salad

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Homemade Dinner Rolls

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Blue Cheese Mac-And-Cheese

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Green Beans with Mustard-Tarragon Sauce

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Two-Toned Scalloped Potatoes

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Hasselback Beets with Tangy Dill Sauce and Caraway

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Cauliflower-Goat Cheese Casserole

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Broccolini with Pecans and Cane Syrup Vinaigrette

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Keto Cornbread Stuffing

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Garlic-Herb Shoestring Fries

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Farro Salad With Cherries, Corn, and Basil

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Instant Pot Melting Potatoes

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Creamy Parmesan Grits

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Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables

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Sweet Potato and Chard Salad

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Creamed Winter Greens

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Skillet Green Bean Casserole

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Rotel Potatoes Aligots

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Spinach and Mushroom Strata

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Sweet Potato Casserole with Rosemary and Goat Cheese

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Easy Butternut Squash Casserole

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Roasted Carrots with Pecans and Sorghum

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