Side Dishes For Braised Short Ribs

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Wondering what to serve with braised short ribs to make your dinner feel complete? From cozy potato dishes to fresh salads and warm, buttery breads, this roundup has all the perfect pairings. These are perfect when hosting a special meal or even just when you’re craving comfort food.

Red Wine Short Ribs


 

When deciding what to serve with braised short ribs, it helps to think about balance. Short ribs are rich, savory, and deeply flavorful, so pairing them with sides that complement—but don’t compete—is key. Creamy potatoes like Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes, Fondant Potatoes, or Twice Baked Potatoes are classic choices that soak up the sauce beautifully. If you want something lighter, bright salads such as a Wedge Salad, Caesar Salad, or Apple Pecan Salad add fresh contrast. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or root vegetables bring earthy flavor that matches the richness of the ribs. For a more indulgent touch, breads like Dinner Rolls, Homemade Garlic Bread, or Yorkshire Pudding are perfect for catching every last drop of braising liquid. Choose one hearty option and one fresh or veggie-focused side for a well-rounded meal.

Side Dishes For Braised Short Ribs (35 Tasty Ideas!)

1
bite taken out of sausage-stuffed-mushrooms on plate
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are filled with a delicious sausage, two kinds of cheese, panko and herb mixture and baked to golden bubbly perfection. Fancy enough for a dinner party, but will fly off your casual party table as well.
Check out this recipe
2
Close up of green bean casserole
Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
This creamy, crispy Green Bean Casserole is everything you need and more for a perfect Thanksgiving meal. It's simply the best recipe!
Check out this recipe
3
Corn casserole
Buttery Corn Casserole
Is there anything more comforting than a corn casserole? This slightly sweet and savory side dish is a 1-bowl, quick, fix it and forget it wonder that is perfect to serve at Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas or any weeknight.
Check out this recipe
4
baked cauliflower au gratin
Cauliflower Au Gratin Recipe
Creamy, flavorful Cauliflower Au Gratin uses only a few simple ingredients and is an easy side dish perfect for Thanksgiving or any other day!
Check out this recipe
5
Baked Asparagus
Roasted Asparagus
Simple and quick this Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe is the perfect vegetable side dish! Easily prepared while your main dish is cooking.
Check out this recipe
6
Roasted cauliflower
Roasted Cauliflower
This basic, Roasted Cauliflower Recipe is a tasty, low-carb, simple side dish to throw together any day of the week. All you need is olive oil, salt, pepper and a little oven time to get the maximum caramelized, brown, super flavorful cauliflower.
Check out this recipe
7
cooked roasted root vegetables on platter with spoon
Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted Root Vegetables are what I crave with the first hint of that crisp Autumn air. Move over salad…make room for earthy, hearty, caramelized deliciousness in the form of oven roasted root vegetables. Measurements do not have to be exact…this is more of a technique than an exact recipe.
Check out this recipe
8
roasted green beans on baking tray
Roasted Green Beans
Roasted Green Beans are a quick and easy side dish to make that is packed full of flavor and nutrients! I could make this every night!
Check out this recipe
9
oven roasted brussel sprouts on a parchment paper lined baking sheet
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
This super easy Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is a delicious vegetable side dish. Perfectly golden and tender in the middle.
Check out this recipe
10
roasted acorn squash in white baking dish
Roasted Acorn Squash
Cinnamon and nutmeg make this sweet Roasted Acorn Squash more of a seasonal dish while smoked paprika gives it a light smoky flavor.
Check out this recipe
11
mashed sweet potatoes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes are everything you love about mashed potatoes mixed with the flavors of sweet potatoes. Smooth, creamy and buttery!
Check out this recipe
12
A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with chopped chives, black pepper, and a pat of butter, with a spoon in the bowl.
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes are smooth, buttery, and extra rich thanks to a generous dose of cream cheese. This recipe gives you perfectly fluffy potatoes every time with just the right balance of salt, butter, and creaminess.
Check out this recipe
13
Funeral Potatoes
Best Funeral Potatoes
Funeral Potatoes… everyone has a recipe for this popular casserole! Here is my creamy and oniony version!
Check out this recipe
14
A skillet with crispy, golden-brown diced potatoes on a white surface, surrounded by whole potatoes and a green cloth.
Pan Fried Potatoes
Pan Fried Potatoes are simple, easy, crispy, golden bites of heaven! Seared in buttery goodness it’s one of the best potato side dishes.
Check out this recipe
15
twice baked potato
Twice Baked Potatoes
Move over baked potatoes, twice baked potatoes are here! The cheesier, creamier, fancier, cooler cousin. Filled with bacon, cheese, sour cream, cream cheese and chives, these are the perfect appetizer or side dish.
Check out this recipe
16
fondant-potatoes in pan
Fondant Potatoes
Fondant Potatoes are crispy, restaurant-style potatoes that turn out golden on the outside with a soft, buttery center that melts in your mouth. They’re also surprisingly easy to make at home, giving you a simple way to serve something that feels a little fancy without the effort.
Check out this recipe
17
Carrot Salad
Carrot Salad Recipe without Mayonnaise
Crunchy, sweet and zippy, this non-mayo Colorful Carrot Salad Recipe will be your new favorite Easter side dish and all year round!
Check out this recipe
18
iceberg wedge salad on plate
Wedge Salad
A Wedge Salad with low fat blue cheese dressing and copious toppings is the perfect side that goes with almost any dinner.
Check out this recipe
19
apple pecan salad in a bowl with large wooden spoon
Apple Pecan Salad
Apple Pecan Salad is made with crunchy, salty, and sweet ingredients all tossed together with a homemade balsamic dressing. Enjoy!
Check out this recipe
20
Caesar Salad
Caesar Salad Recipe
A classic Caesar Salad recipe topped parmesan, bacon, and croutons. Drizzle with my caesar salad dressing for the finished package!
Check out this recipe
21
dinner rolls in bowl
Dinner Rolls
These classic Dinner Rolls are sure to be the best sidekick to any holiday or family dinner. Soft, light and pillowy.
Check out this recipe
22
sliced garlic bread
Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
Did someone say garlic bread? This is the tastiest recipe for extra cheesy and extra garlicky homemade garlic bread! Jazz up store-bought French bread with my simple homemade garlic butter.
Check out this recipe
23
hand holding one crescent roll
Homemade Crescent Rolls (No Knead Recipe)
These Crescent Rolls are simple enough to make any weekday but fancy enough for any holiday. They are the easiest recipe and require ZERO KNEADING! It's a perfect, buttery roll that tastes simply amazing!
Check out this recipe
24
baked yorkshire puddings in muffin tin
Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire Puddings are crispy, puffy and delicious! Made with a simple batter that is whisked together and baked in hot beef drippings (or oil) in muffin tins.
Check out this recipe
25
Pressure Cooker Risotto
Instant Pot Risotto
Get this simple and basic recipe for Instant Pot Risotto. Tastes amazing on its own or add in some extras to make it special.
Check out this recipe
26
spoonful of savory risotto
Vegetable Risotto
A light and comforting meal that you can have ready in no time! Vegetable Risotto is perfect for those warmer spring evenings!
Check out this recipe

Choosing the perfect side dish for braised short ribs isn’t just about completing a meal; it’s about crafting an experience. The right accompaniment can elevate these succulent, slow-cooked ribs to an unforgettable dinner.

What flavors pair best with braised short ribs?

Short ribs match beautifully with earthy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. Roasted vegetables, caramelized root veggies, garlic, herbs, and creamy potato dishes all complement the deep, slow-braised taste of the meat.

What can I serve with braised short ribs for a holiday meal?

For holiday dinners, elevated sides like Cauliflower Au Gratin, Twice Baked Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, or Apple Pecan Salad are common pairings. These dishes feel festive and complement the luxurious texture of braised short ribs.

Are braised short ribs better with vegetables or potatoes?

Both are great options, and it depends on the meal you’re aiming for. Potatoes make the dish extra comforting and hearty, while roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower add balance and freshness.

If you make these recipes, I would really appreciate it if you would give them a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

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Hi, I'm Katie, a professional recipe developer who spends countless hours perfecting recipes so you can know with confidence that what you see is exactly what you’ll get.

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