From smoky cauliflower and creamy mac and cheese to buttery homemade bread, these pot roast sides are the perfect accompaniment to the main attraction.
1/37
Shredded Gingered Brussels Sprouts
From the Recipe Creator:
Even people who normally don't care for Brussels sprouts will ask for a second helping of these. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 56 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
2/37
Sour Cream Fan Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this recipe from an email pen pal in Canada. The dough is so easy to work with, and it makes the lightest yeast rolls. I haven't used another white bread recipe since I started making this one.
-Carrie Ormsby, West Jordan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 182 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
3/37
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 422 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 750mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 12g fiber), 20g protein.
4/37
Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Cream cheese is the secret ingredient in these comforting spuds. Simply mash, mix and let them warm in the slow cooker. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 341 calories, 24g fat (15g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
5/37
Oven-Roasted Asparagus
From the Recipe Creator:
Asparagus never tasted so good! Simply seasoned with butter and green onions, they taste fresh and keep their bright green color, too. They're so good, you might want to make extra. This is how to cook asparagus in the oven. —Jody Fisher, Stewartstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 87 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
6/37
Homemade Breadsticks
From the Recipe Creator:
Present these delicious breadsticks alongside an Italian favorite like lasagna or spaghetti. They're an attractive and edible addition to the table setting! —Carol Wolfer, Lebanon, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 breadstick: 69 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
7/37
Brussels Sprouts & Kale Saute
From the Recipe Creator:
In an effort to add more greens to our meals, I created this dish—and my kids eat it up. The crispy salami is the "hook." —Jennifer Mcnabb, Brentwood, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 126 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 341mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
8/37
Smoky Cauliflower
From the Recipe Creator:
The smoked Spanish paprika gives a simple side of roasted cauliflower extra depth. This is definitely a favorite. —Juliette Mulholland, Corvallis, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 58 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 254mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
9/37
Roasted Okra
From the Recipe Creator:
If you have picky eaters who worry about texture, roasted okra is marvelous. It's OK to crowd the pan. Okra shrinks as it cooks. —Anna Katsoulis, Greenville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 115 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 302mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
10/37
Potluck Pan Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
The appealing homemade yeast-bread flavor of these golden rolls is unbeatable. Soft and light, they're great alongside any entree. Folks are disappointed if I don't bring them to potluck dinners. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 141 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
11/37
Southwest Corn
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law came up with this corn skillet dish one night for dinner. Everyone who tries it absolutely loves it! —Chandy Ward, Aumsville, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 104 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
12/37
Lemon Garlic Mushrooms
From the Recipe Creator:
I baste whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce to prepare this simple side dish. Using skewers or a basket makes it easy to turn them as they grill to perfection. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 94 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
13/37
Roasted Vegetable Medley
From the Recipe Creator:
Roasting vegetables such as broccoli, green beans and Brussels sprouts is a fantastic way to serve them, and almost any veggie combo works. — Suzan Crouch, Grand Prairie, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 109 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
14/37
Chive Pinwheel Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
These light, pleasant-tasting rolls complement almost any entree. With the chive filling swirled through the golden bread, they're attractive enough for special occasions. —Ann Niemela, Ely, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 214 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 258mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
15/37
Truffle Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
We love the mellow earthiness truffle adds to this baked mac and cheese, which is equally great for a cozy weeknight meal or fancy dinner party! Green onion adds a little freshness and color on top of the crunchy panko-and-Parmesan crust. —Amber Gaines, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 483 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 741mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
16/37
Quinoa with Vegetables
From the Recipe Creator:
Grab all your garden-fresh produce for quinoa with roasted vegetables. The tangy dressing and fresh herbs really make the flavors shine in this wholesome side dish. —Sonali Ruder, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 222 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 388mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
17/37
Potato Wedges with Sweet & Spicy Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a small-business owner, so most of my recipes are a result of not having time to run to the store, and doing with what's on hand. Here's a perfect example. Dip these wedges in anything. —Dana Alexander, Lebanon, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3 wedges with 2 tablespoons sauce: 218 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 449mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
18/37
Garlic Asiago Cauliflower Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
The garlic seasoning and Asiago really pack a punch, making this five-ingredient low-carb side dish a real weeknight winner. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 112 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
19/37
Minty Sugar Snap Peas
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh mint adds a lively touch to cooked sugar snap peas. It's also nice on green beans or carrots. —Alice Kaldahl, Ray, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 102 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
20/37
Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
People go wild over this golden, garlicky loaf whenever I serve it. There’s intense flavor in every bite. —Carol Shields, Summerville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 104 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
21/37
Loaded Smashed Taters
From the Recipe Creator:
You can make an entire pot of smashed taters in the time it takes to bake a single potato! I like to use baby Yukon Golds because the skins are very thin and easy to mash. Make this to your taste—sometimes I add in garlic and chives or sub shallots for the green onions. My husband loves these potatoes with steak, and even my 20-month-old daughter enjoys them! —Andrea Quiroz, Chicago, Illinois
22/37
Blue-Ribbon Herb Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
These rolls have been a favorite of ours for nearly 25 years. I even baked them in an old wood stove when we lived on a farm. I developed the recipe using several techniques I learned while studying the art of bread making. The recipe won a blue ribbon at our county fair. —Mary Ann Evans, Tarpon Springs, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 94 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
23/37
Orzo with Spinach
From the Recipe Creator:
This side dish brings instant comfort. I first made it without spinach so my husband and daughter would like it. The next time, I added spinach for the extra health benefits. They still devoured it, so in my book that's a win-win. —Dawn Moore, Warren, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 271 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
24/37
Scalloped Taters
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy, comforting slow-cooked side tastes marvelous with almost any main dish and is a snap to assemble with frozen hash browns. It's a good way to make potatoes when your oven is busy with other dishes. —Lucinda Wolker, Somerset, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 234 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
25/37
Creamed Green Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
A family favorite for years, this special green bean recipe is a cinch to double and can be assembled ahead of time. When my nephews are coming for dinner, it’s an absolute must! —Betty Shaw, Weirton, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 13g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
26/37
Lemon-Butter Brussels Sprouts
From the Recipe Creator:
Kick up these stovetop lemon Brussels sprouts with fresh lemon zest. Even my toddler will eat this up! — Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 207 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
27/37
Veggie Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese definitely doesn't come from a box! Fresh veggies add crunch and color and will leave everyone asking for seconds. —Marsha Morril, Harrisburg, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 200 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 391mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
28/37
Rich & Creamy Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
For special occasions (like my husband’s birthday dinners), I mash potatoes with cream cheese, sour cream and Parmesan. It's divine comfort food. —Jo Ann Burrington, Osceola, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 199 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 612mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
These would go great with this Mississippi pot roast.
29/37
Fresh Sugar Snap Pea Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
We found fresh sugar snap peas at our town's farmers market. They make a cheerful salad with a tangy dressing. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 86 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 201mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
30/37
Creamy Polenta with Balsamic Glaze
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious, easy side dish goes incredibly well with braised meat. It makes any meal feel a little more elevated. —Sarah Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup polenta with 1 tablespoon glaze: 415 calories, 25g fat (16g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 494mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
31/37
Spoon Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a traditional Kentucky recipe. It’s a popular side dish served all year long. If you’ve never tried spoon bread before, I think you’ll find it’s tasty and comforting. —Caroline Brown, Lexington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 192 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 433mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
32/37
Grilled Cabbage
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how good it was! We served it with grilled burgers and our dinner was complete. I never thought I’d skip dessert because I was full from too much cabbage! —Elizabeth Wheeler, Thornville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 98 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
33/37
Collard Greens with Bacon
From the Recipe Creator:
Collard greens are a staple vegetable of southern cuisine. This side dish is often made with smoked or salt-cured meats, such as ham hocks, pork or fatback. —Marsha Ankeney, Niceville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 157 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
34/37
Cheesy Spinach
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter often serves this cheese and spinach blend at church suppers. Even people who don't usually eat spinach like this flavorful dish once they try it. There are never any leftovers. —Frances Moore, Decatur, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 230 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 855mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
35/37
French Onion Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
With garlic, thyme and caramelized onions, this smooth and creamy mac and cheese has everything you love about French onion soup. It's baked to perfection with Gruyere, Parmesan and Swiss cheeses. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 273 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 419mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
36/37
Whipped Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an excellent way to serve one of the season's most delicious vegetables—butternut squash. Its rich flavor and golden harvest color really come through in this smooth vegetable side dish.
—Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
0.700 cup: 86 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
37/37
Rosemary Beets
From the Recipe Creator:
For a simple side dish, I use a slow cooker and let the beets mellow with rosemary and thyme. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 200 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 511mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat.
Pot Roast Sides FAQ
What vegetables go best with pot roast?
Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, turnips and parsnips pair especially well with pot roast because their mildly sweet or earthy flavor offsets the deep, rich and fatty flavor of the meat. For a lighter pairing, try steamed broccoli, green beans or a raw, shredded Brussels sprouts salad. These green vegetables add a freshness that keeps the meal from becoming too heavy.
Can pot roast sides be made ahead of time?
Yes, many pot roast sides, such as mashed potatoes or homemade rolls, can be made ahead and reheated without losing flavor or texture. Pour a thin layer of milk over the mashed potatoes in the pot to keep them from drying out, and then stir it in when reheating to loosen the texture. Transfer the cooled rolls to a food storage bag to keep them soft and serve warm or at room temperature. You can also prepare a roasted vegetable medley in advance with vegetables like bell peppers, butternut squash and sweet potatoes. Before serving, briefly roast in the oven to bring back the crisped edges.
What are good low-carb sides for pot roast?
Great low-carb sides for pot roast focus on non-starchy vegetables, both cooked and raw, like cauliflower rice, roasted broccoli or a fresh green salad with leafy greens and herbs. Choose one vegetable or combine a few for a colorful side, like mushrooms and zucchini or bell peppers and onions. These sides add variety and pair well with rich pot roast.
Lucy Wang
Lucy is a first-generation Asian American mom and influencer who loves creating fun, approachable recipes.
