A good side for pot pie can transform your meal from simply satisfying to downright unforgettable. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty chicken pot pie, a flaky turkey version, or a comforting vegetarian pie, the right side dish can balance flavors, add texture, and make your dining experience complete. From roasted vegetables to starchy favorites, this guide will help you discover the best sides for pot pie to elevate your next meal.
Why You Need the Right Side for Pot Pie
Pot pies are known for their rich, creamy, and indulgent nature. With a buttery, flaky crust encasing a savory filling of meat, vegetables, and velvety gravy, pot pies provide a hearty, satisfying meal. However, this richness can sometimes overwhelm the palate, making it essential to pair pot pie with the right side dish to create a harmonious dining experience. The right side dish helps balance flavors, add variety, and introduce contrasting textures that elevate the meal as a whole.
Balance the Richness
The creamy and buttery qualities of pot pie can feel heavy on their own. Adding a side that introduces freshness or acidity helps cut through this richness, creating a well-rounded meal. For instance, a light salad with crisp greens, citrus fruits, or a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. This balance prevents the meal from feeling too rich or monotonous, keeping your taste buds engaged and satisfied.
Examples of balanced sides include:
- A mixed greens salad with a citrus dressing to add brightness.
- Apple walnut salad, where the crisp apples and tangy vinaigrette provide a refreshing bite.
- Pickled vegetables, offering acidity to cleanse the palate.
Introduce Contrasting Textures
Texture plays a significant role in the dining experience. Pot pies are typically smooth and creamy on the inside, with a soft, flaky crust. Adding a side dish with a contrasting texture can enhance the meal’s appeal and prevent it from becoming one-dimensional. Think about sides that offer crunch, crispiness, or chewiness to offset the soft textures of the pie.
Examples of textural contrasts include:
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans, which offer a satisfying crunch.
- Buttermilk biscuits or crusty French bread for a chewy, flaky bite.
- Garlic parmesan roasted potatoes with crispy edges that contrast the creamy pie filling.
Complement or Contrast the Flavors
Pot pies are savory and rich, often featuring ingredients like chicken, turkey, beef, or a medley of vegetables. Choosing a side that either complements these flavors or contrasts with them can make the meal more dynamic. For example, sweet, tangy, or even slightly bitter sides can enhance the depth of the pot pie’s flavors.
Complementary flavors:
- Mashed potatoes or rice pilaf provide a comforting, savory note that matches the heartiness of the pie.
- Creamy mushroom soup complements a chicken pot pie with its earthy depth.
Contrasting flavors:
- Honey-glazed carrots offer sweetness to balance the savory richness.
- Spinach and strawberry salad introduces a sweet and tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the pie’s creamy filling.
Why Variety Matters
Serving pot pie with a thoughtful side dish doesn’t just balance the meal—it also adds excitement and variety. A visually appealing plate with different colors, flavors, and textures makes the meal feel more complete and satisfying. For example, pairing a golden-brown pot pie with a vibrant green salad or colorful roasted vegetables makes the meal not only taste better but look more inviting.
When choosing a good side for pot pie, consider the following principles:
- Balance: Opt for lighter, fresher sides to offset the rich, heavy nature of pot pie.
- Texture: Introduce crunch, crispiness, or chewiness to contrast with the pie’s creamy filling.
- Flavor: Choose sides that either complement or contrast with the savory pie for a dynamic meal.
By keeping these principles in mind, you can create a satisfying, well-rounded meal that highlights the comforting nature of pot pie while adding variety and excitement.
Classic Vegetable Options: A Good Side for Pot Pie
Vegetable sides are a classic choice to serve alongside pot pie. They add color, nutrients, and freshness to your plate, enhancing the overall meal without overpowering the main dish.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
If you’re looking for a touch of sweetness to complement the savory pot pie, honey-glazed carrots are an excellent choice. The natural sweetness of the carrots, enhanced with a honey glaze, provides a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the pie.
Quick Recipe:
- Peel and slice 1 pound of carrots.
- Boil for 5 minutes until just tender.
- In a pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add 2 tablespoons of honey.
- Add the drained carrots and sauté for 5–7 minutes until glazed.
- Season with a pinch of salt and fresh parsley.
Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic
For a quick and simple side, sautéed green beans with garlic offer freshness and a satisfying crunch. The garlicky flavor pairs well with the creamy interior of the pot pie, adding a savory note to your meal.
Quick Recipe:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add 1 pound of trimmed green beans and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Starchy Sides: Finding a Good Side for Pot Pie
Starchy sides are a comforting addition to pot pie, offering satisfying textures and flavors to balance the creamy filling and flaky crust. Here are some delicious options:
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A Classic Good Side for Pot Pie
Velvety creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that soaks up pot pie gravy perfectly.
Quick Recipe:
- Boil 2 pounds of cubed potatoes for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash with 4 tablespoons of butter, ½ cup of warm milk, salt, and pepper.
- Whip until smooth; add herbs or roasted garlic for extra flavor.
Buttermilk Biscuits
Flaky, buttery buttermilk biscuits are ideal for dipping into the pot pie’s filling.
Quick Recipe:
- Mix 2 cups of flour, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt.
- Cut in 6 tbsp cold butter; stir in ¾ cup buttermilk.
- Roll, cut, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes.
Sweet Cornbread
Slightly sweet cornbread provides a tasty contrast to savory pot pie.
Quick Recipe:
- Combine 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup flour, ⅓ cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt.
- Mix in 1 egg, 1 cup milk, and ¼ cup melted butter.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Herbed Rice Pilaf
Light and aromatic herbed rice pilaf complements rich pot pie.
Quick Recipe:
- Sauté 1 chopped onion and 1 garlic clove in 2 tbsp butter.
- Add 1 cup rice, 2 cups broth, and herbs.
- Simmer until tender.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
For a crispy option, garlic parmesan roasted potatoes are perfect.
Quick Recipe:
- Toss 2 pounds cubed potatoes with 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, ½ cup parmesan, salt, and parsley.
- Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes.
Fresh Salads: A Light and Good Side for Pot Pie
A fresh and crisp salad makes an excellent side for pot pie, offering light textures and bright flavors to balance the dish’s richness. Here are some refreshing options:
Classic Caesar Salad
The classic Caesar salad pairs crunchy romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, croutons, and parmesan for a delightful contrast to pot pie.
Quick Recipe:
- Chop romaine lettuce and toss with Caesar dressing.
- Add grated parmesan and croutons.
- Finish with black pepper and lemon juice.
Pro Tip: Add anchovies or grilled chicken for extra flavor.
Apple Walnut Salad: A Fresh Good Side for Pot Pie
Apple walnut salad offers sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and zesty dressing for a refreshing side.
Quick Recipe:
- Slice 2 apples and toss with mixed greens, walnuts, and feta.
- Drizzle with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
Pro Tip: Add dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
Arugula and Pear Salad
An arugula and pear salad combines peppery arugula, sweet pears, and parmesan for a sophisticated side.
Quick Recipe:
- Combine arugula, sliced pear, parmesan, and pecans.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
Serving Tip: Serve immediately for freshness.
Spinach and Strawberry Salad
A spinach and strawberry salad offers sweet and tangy flavors, enhancing the richness of pot pie.
Quick Recipe:
- Mix spinach, strawberries, feta, and almonds.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
Pro Tip: Add poppy seeds for texture.
Mixed Greens with Citrus Dressing
This mixed greens salad with a citrus dressing brings brightness to your meal.
Quick Recipe:
- Toss mixed greens with orange slices and red onions.
- Dress with olive oil, orange juice, and lemon juice.
Pro Tip: Add pomegranate seeds for color.
Kale and Cranberry Salad
Kale and cranberry salad combines nutrient-dense kale, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pumpkin seeds.
Quick Recipe:
- Massage kale with olive oil.
- Add cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and goat cheese.
- Drizzle with lemon-tahini dressing.
Serving Tip: Let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
Comforting Soups: The Perfect Good Side for Pot Pie
Warm, hearty soups are a perfect complement to pot pie. They add comforting textures and flavors that enhance the meal. Here are some delicious soups to try:
Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato basil soup offers a tangy, slightly sweet contrast to pot pie’s savory filling.
Quick Recipe:
- Sauté 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves in olive oil.
- Add 2 cans of crushed tomatoes, 2 cups broth, and 1 tsp sugar.
- Simmer, add ½ cup cream and fresh basil, then blend smooth.
Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh basil and a swirl of cream.
Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is velvety, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying.
Quick Recipe:
- Sauté onion and garlic in butter.
- Add cubed squash and broth; simmer until tender.
- Blend smooth, add ½ cup cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Pro Tip: Top with toasted pumpkin seeds.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Classic chicken noodle soup offers cozy comfort alongside chicken pot pie.
Quick Recipe:
- Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in butter.
- Add chicken broth, shredded chicken, and egg noodles.
- Simmer until noodles are tender.
Serving Tip: Serve with crusty bread.
Creamy Mushroom Soup
Rich and earthy, creamy mushroom soup adds depth to a pot pie meal.
Quick Recipe:
- Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms in butter.
- Add broth, simmer, then stir in 1 cup cream.
- Blend smooth and season with thyme.
Serving Tip: Top with sautéed mushrooms.
French Onion Soup
Savory French onion soup features caramelized onions and melted cheese.
Quick Recipe:
- Caramelize 4 onions in butter.
- Add beef broth, thyme, and white wine; simmer.
- Top with toasted bread and melted Gruyère.
Serving Tip: Serve hot and bubbly.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Creamy and flavorful, broccoli cheddar soup pairs perfectly with pot pie.
Quick Recipe:
- Sauté onion, add broccoli and broth; simmer.
- Stir in cream and shredded cheddar; blend or leave chunky.
Pro Tip: Add cayenne for a kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a good side for chicken pot pie?
A good side for chicken pot pie can range from fresh salads like a classic Caesar salad to comforting options like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. These sides balance the rich, creamy filling of the pot pie.
2. Can I serve soup with pot pie?
Yes, serving soup with pot pie is a great idea! Options like tomato basil soup, butternut squash soup, or chicken noodle soup add warmth and complement the flavors of the pot pie.
3. What are some healthy sides for pot pie?
Healthy sides for pot pie include fresh salads like apple walnut salad, arugula and pear salad, or steamed vegetables like green beans and Brussels sprouts. These sides add nutrition and balance the heaviness of the pot pie.
4. Are there any bread options that pair well with pot pie?
Absolutely! Buttermilk biscuits, garlic bread, or crusty French bread are perfect for dipping into the pot pie’s gravy and add a satisfying texture to the meal.
5. What starchy sides go well with pot pie?
Starchy sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or sweet cornbread are great options. They add comfort and complement the creamy filling of the pot pie.
6. Can I serve a cold side with pot pie?
Yes, a cold side like a fresh salad works well to balance the hot and rich flavors of pot pie. Options like spinach and strawberry salad or mixed greens with citrus dressing are refreshing choices.
Conclusion: The Perfect Side Completes the Meal
Choosing a good side for pot pie can transform your meal from simple to extraordinary. Whether you prefer classic vegetable sides, hearty starchy dishes, fresh salads, comforting soups, or warm bread, the right side dish will enhance the flavors, textures, and overall dining experience. From the crispness of a Caesar salad to the warmth of creamy mashed potatoes, there are endless possibilities to elevate your pot pie meal. Experiment with these sides to find your perfect pairing and make your pot pie dinner a memorable one!