35 Perfect Ideas to Serve with Swedish Meatballs

Wondering what to serve with Swedish Meatballs? I've got you covered! I've compiled a list of 35+ of the best side dishes to serve with homemade Swedish meatballs that pair perfectly with this comfort food classic. From sauces and breads to salads and more, I've got plenty of ideas for you!

A lot of people (myself included..) might be familiar with Swedish Meatballs thanks to Ikea. Made of a combination of pork and beef, the origins of these meatballs are actually up for debate (and may have originated in Turkey?).

But regardless of that, I'll say for certain that they are savoury, hearty and delicious!

Here is my Swedish Meatballs Recipe which is packed full of flavour and features a delicious creamy gravy. This recipe is gluten free by using oats in place of bread crumbs and uses turkey as the ground meat.

And the best thing about it is that you won't even taste the swaps!

For a more traditional option, try this Classic Recipe instead.

Or for the easiest option, you could buy the frozen meatballs from Ikea and enjoy them alongside some of the ideas in this post!

When ordering these at Ikea, the typical sides are mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, Lingonberry Jam and their delicious Swedish cream sauce.

But there are so many great side dishes that complement the flavour of these tender meatballs.

I hope this list gives you plenty of inspiration!

Sauces and Toppings

The most obvious thing to serve with your meatballs is the creamy gravy sauce. Is it even optional?! If you need a sauce recipe, I recommend the one that I use in my Meatballs recipe.

Some classic, tart lingonberry jam (which can be found at Ikea) is another typical option to complement your savoury meatballs.

Or you can opt to use homemade cranberry sauce instead, which is a close substitute!

And if you want, you can also add some garnish with savoury herbs such as parsley or chives and a bit of freshly cracked pepper.

Starches and Alternatives

And now on to some ideas of what to serve your meatballs and sauce on top of! Classic mashed potatoes, egg noodles, gnocchi, rice pilaf or a bed of rice. There are so many delicious options.

Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes and Swedish meatballs are a match made in heaven- especially if you're serving them with a creamy gravy! This recipe includes optional cream cheese which you can keep for an extra rich meal or leave out for a lighter mashed potato to soak up your creamy sauce.

Photo Credit: The Healthy Epicurean

Get the Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Crispy Oven Baked Fries

Swap out your mashed potatoes for some crispy baked fries. Delicious dipped in your extra creamy gravy.

Photo Credit: The Nessy Kitchen

Get the Crispy Baked Fries Recipe

Mashed Cauliflower

For a low carb alternative to mashed potatoes, use some mouthwatering creamy mashed cauliflower instead.

Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon

Get the Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

Potato Cauliflower Mash

Or for a hybrid, this recipe uses both potatoes and cauliflower for a lighter mash that is still so creamy and delicious.

Photo Credit: Through the Fibro Fog

Get the Potato Cauliflower Mash Recipe

Creamy Parsnip Puree

You can also change it up with Parsnip Puree. A creamy, sweet, and nutty side dish that is similar to mashed potatoes, but with an extra, sophisticated flavor kick.

Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen

Get the Parsnip Puree Recipe

Roasted Turnip And Garlic Mash

Rich in flavor and creamy, mashed turnips are an excellent low carb option and alternative to mashed cauliflower. An unexpected yet excellent accompaniment to Swedish Meatballs.

Photo Credit: Like Hot Keto

Get the Roasted Turnip Mash Recipe

Perfect Zucchini Noodles

And if you love the idea of serving your meatballs with noodles, keep it light by serving it over zucchini noodles. Check out this post that is full of tips which will help you avoid watery zucchini noodles.

Photo Credit: I Heart Vegetables

Get the Zoodles Recipe

Honey Oat Bread

Nothing beats fresh, homemade bread! Made with whole wheat flour and just 6 other basic ingredients, this is a great recipe for yeast beginners.

Photo Credit: The Nessy Kitchen

Get the Honey Oat Bread Recipe

Focaccia Bread

Easy to make and delicious, focaccia bread is another tasty option to serve with your meatballs.

Photo Credit: Clan Kitchen

Get the Foccacia Bread Recipe

No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread

For an artisan style bread that is perfect for dipping in your extra sauce, try this no-knead recipe. If you are new to baking bread, this is the perfect place to start!

Photo Credit: Maplewood Road

Get the No-Knead Bread Recipe

Salads

Add some greens to your plate to complement your hearty main dish! Light and flavourful, the whole family will love these different salads.

Berry Spinach

Fresh, crunchy, creamy and a touch sweet- it is salad perfection! A great side to lighten up your creamy meatballs.

Photo Credit: The Nessy Kitchen

Get the Berry Spinach Salad Recipe

Roasted Vegetable Salad

Oven roasted vegetables are mixed with greens and topped with a balsamic reduction for a nutritious and delicious salad to complement your meatballs.

Photo Credit: Trendgredient

Get the Roasted Vegetables Salad Recipe

Acorn Squash Salad

Roasted acorn squash salad is a must for a cozy, cold weather meal, especially drizzled with creamy maple dressing!

Photo Credit: The Oregan Dietitian

Get the Acorn Squash Salad Recipe

Tossed Green Salad

Keep your salad simple with this tossed green salad that goes so well with any meal!

Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen

Get the Tossed Green Salad Recipe

Vegetables

Up the nutrition of your Swedish Meatballs meal by serving it with a side of veges. Brussels Sprouts, Peas or Broccoli are all great options. Or check our one of these delicious ideas!

Easy Oven Roasted Carrots

These perfect roasted carrots are sweet with a touch of savory from herbs & spices!

Photo Credit: Strength and Sunshine

Get the Roasted Carrots Recipe

Roasted Green Beans and Carrots

Roasted to perfection and finished with garlic brown butter, there is nothing boring about these vegetables!

Photo Credit: Bites With Bri

Get the Green Beans and Carrots Recipe

Sautéed Broccoletti

Simple and delicious, sautéed broccoletti is the perfect way to add some greens along side your saucy meatballs.

Photo Credit: My Vegan Minimalist

Get the Broccoletti Recipe

Sautéed Asparagus and Mushrooms

This Sautéed Asparagus and Mushrooms is a delicious and incredibly easy side dish. An extra delicious vegetable option to serve in place of the Ikea mixed vegetables.

Photo Credit: Delightful Plate

Get the Sautéed Asparagus and Mushrooms Recipe

Cast Iron Skillet Green Beans

Keep your vegetable side dish simple with these easy and flavourful green beans.

Photo Credit: Two Pink Peonies

Get the Green Beans Recipe

Desserts

Is any main course truly complete without some sweet flavours to finish it off? You can't go wrong by ending your meal with any of these easy desserts.

Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes

Good news, this dessert is much easier to make than it looks and only requires 3 ingredients! A rich way to complete your comforting meal.

Photo Credit: The Nessy Kitchen

Get the Lava Cakes Recipe

Cranberry Crisp

If you opted to serve your meatballs without Lingonberry Jam or Cranberry Sauce, you can treat your tastebuds to those flavours in your dessert instead! Topped with a buttery oat and brown sugar streusel, this crisp is simply delicious.

Photo Credit: The Nessy Kitchen

Get the Cranberry Crisp Recipe

Apple Crisp

Plenty of maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon makes this the best apple crisp! Made with oat flour, it is gluten free and tastes extra cozy and comforting.

Photo Credit: The Nessy Kitchen

Get the Apple Crisp Recipe

Hopefully you have found plenty of inspiration for what to serve with Swedish Meatballs in this post! If you're looking for a Swedish Meatballs recipe, I'm sure you'll love my Gluten Free Turkey Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce. Or try this Classic Recipe!

Most Popular Recipes