What is prime rib? What are some of the best roasted vegetables to serve with a holiday meal? Even the most magnificent prime rib needs its supporting cast! For years, I struggled to find side dishes worthy of accompanying that beautiful roast. What are some of the best roasted veggies? What are some of the best prime rib side dishes? Years of holiday meals and family requests. Think of these pairings as the perfect harmonies to your prime rib’s lead vocal – each elevates the sound. I know Chocolate Chip Cookies are great, but I like chocolate chips with a sprinkle. What is a chef’s kiss? What do you want to achieve here?
What are the best side effects of prime rib?
Alright, let’s get this straight – finding the best sides for prime rib isn’t just about throwing some random dishes on the table. It’s about crafting a symphony of flavors and textures that complement and enhance the richness of the meat. Think of it like this: prime rib is the star, and the Side Dishes are the supporting actors, each playing a crucial role in making the whole production unforgettable. It’s essentially about creating a balance – something bright and acidic to cut through the richness, something creamy and comforting, and maybe even something a little unexpected to keep things interesting. We are talking about the side dishes that you can impress any friends and family with on thanksgiving.
Why do you like these recipes?
Okay, buckle up, because I’m about to tell you why you’ll absolutely adore these recipes. What I love most is how they all come together to create a truly memorable meal, but let’s break it down:
* **Flavor Explosion:** Each recipe brings something unique to the table, from the tangy sweetness of the roasted carrots to the creamy decadence of the scalloped potatoes. It’s a journey for your taste buds! The Creamed Spinach, with its hint of nutmeg, is like a warm hug on a plate.
* **Surprisingly Simple:** Don’t let the fancy descriptions fool you – these recipes are all surprisingly easy to make. I’m a busy mom, so I don’t have time for complicated dishes. These prime rib side dishes are designed to be stress-free, so you can actually enjoy your time with family and friends.
* **Budget-Friendly (Sort Of):** Okay, prime rib itself isn’t exactly cheap, but these side dishes are made with relatively affordable ingredients. You won’t have to break the bank to create a truly special meal. I always try to shop for seasonal produce, which helps keep costs down.
* **Versatility is Key:** These prime rib side dishes aren’t just for prime rib! They’re also fantastic with roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a hearty vegetarian main course. I often make the scalloped potatoes as a side for grilled sausages in the summer. I have used them as a side for many christmas dinners, everyone loves them.
Honestly, this collection of recipes is a game-changer. They’re the perfect blend of comfort food and elevated flavors, and they’re guaranteed to impress your guests without causing you any unnecessary stress. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never go back to boring old mashed potatoes again!
How do I make Prime Rib Side Dishes?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to make prime rib side dishes? Start with the dishes that take the longest to cook, like the Scalloped Potatoes or roasted potatoes. While baking, you can focus on the quicker side, like the creamed spinach or salad. Don’t be afraid to prep ingredients ahead of time – chopping vegetables and making sauces the day before. Can you save time on the day of your feast? What’s the key to relax, enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and textures? How do I make my own seasonings?
Ingredients
For the Creamy Scalloped Potatoes:
3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced.
1 large onion, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced. 1 clove of
4 tbsp butter
What is all-purpose flour? 4 tb
4 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream. 1 tsp.
1 12 cups shredded Gruyere cheese. 1 tsp
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish.
What is the recipe for honey-glazed carrots?
Is it safe to cut carrots into 1-inch pieces?
2 tbsp olive oil. 1
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp dried thyme.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
For the Creamed Spinach with Nutmeg:
2 lbs fresh spinach, washed and chopped.
4 tbsp butter
What is all-purpose flour?
2 cups milk
12 cup heavy cream is enough for 1 cup
14 tsp ground nutme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How do I follow the
Step 1: Creamy Scalloped Potatoes – Preheat & Prep . Step 2: Potato Past
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Why are potatoes sticking to the bottom? I always use a little bit of butter and then dust it with flour for extra insurance.
Step 2: Sauté Onion & Garlic
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t rush this step – the softened onion and garlic add so much flavor to the dish!
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup Gruyere cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. How do you make the sauce thick before you add it to the pan?
Step 4: Layer Potatoes & Sauce
Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly. Top with onion mixture and pour some of the cream sauce over the potatoes. Repeat layers until all potatoes and sauce are used. Sprinkle with remaining 12 cup Gruyere cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Potatoes
Cover a baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is browned. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. I always check my potatoes with a fork to make sure they’re cooked through – nobody wants crunchy.
Step 6: Honey-Glazed Roasted Carrots – Prep the Cartons. Step 7:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss carrots with olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Make sure the carrots are evenly coated – this will ensure they roast evenly and get that beautiful golden brown color.
Step 7: Roast the Carrots
Spread the carrots in a single layer on baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them – you want them to be tender, but not burnt!
Step 8: Creamed Spinach with Nutmeg – Sauté spinach.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. How do you drain excess liquid? I always squeeze the spinach with my hands to get rid of as much liquid as possible – this will make it hard to eat. I don’t like to have a big mess. How do I prevent creamed spinach from being watery?
Step 9: Make the Cream Sauce
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. What is the best way to serve nutmeg with chicken?
Step 10: Combine Spinach & Sauce
Add the spinach to the cream sauce and stir to combine. Serve immediately. What’s the best way to serve this in a slow cooker?
What to Serve It With
These prime rib side dishes are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
For a Classic Holiday Feast: Serve the prime rib with the creamy scalloped potatoes, honey-glazed roasted carrots, and creamed spinach. Add a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing for a touch of freshness.
For a Cozy Sunday Supper: Pair the prime rib with the scalloped potatoes and a side of roasted asparagus. Finish the meal with a decadent chocolate cake.
For a Special Occasion Dinner: Serve the prime rib with all three side dishes, plus a crusty baguette and a bottle of your favorite red wine. Don’t forget the candles!
My Family Tradition: We always serve these side dishes with Yorkshire pudding. It’s the perfect way to soak up all those delicious prime rib juices!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Prime Rib Side Dishes
Here are some expert tips to help you perfect these recipes:
Scalloped Potatoes:
Potato Prep: Use a mandoline to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly. This will ensure they cook evenly and have a creamy texture.
Cheese Choice: Gruyere cheese adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor to the scalloped potatoes. You can substitute with other cheeses like Fontina or Parmesan.
Preventing Burning: If the top of the potatoes starts to brown too quickly, cover the baking dish with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
Roasted Carrots:
Carrot Size: Cut the carrots into uniform sizes to ensure they roast evenly.
Honey Substitute: If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar.
Adding Spice: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the carrots before roasting.
Creamed Spinach:
Spinach Prep: Make sure to wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
Nutmeg Alternative: If you don’t like nutmeg, you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of cinnamon.
Adding Texture: For added texture, stir in some toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon bits before serving.
Ingredient Swaps:
Dairy-Free Options: You can make the scalloped potatoes and creamed spinach dairy-free by using almond milk and vegan cheese substitutes. I’ve tested this myself, and the results are surprisingly delicious!
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the roasted carrots and creamed spinach. Rosemary, thyme, and sage all work well.
My biggest lesson learned? Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings as you go. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your dishes and adjust the cooking time as needed. And most importantly, have fun!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to properly store and reheat these prime rib side dishes:
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They tend to dry out a bit, so add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze scalloped potatoes, but the texture may change slightly. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat scalloped potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave in short intervals.
Honey-Glazed Roasted Carrots:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’re great cold, too – perfect for adding to salads!
Reheating: Reheat roasted carrots in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little bit of butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Creamed Spinach with Nutmeg:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It tends to separate a bit, so stir well before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat creamed spinach in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or cream if it seems too thick.
My golden rule? Always let the dishes cool completely before storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. This will prevent condensation from forming and keep your leftovers fresh for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my family’s all-time favorite prime rib side dishes! These recipes are tried and true, and they’re guaranteed to make your next prime rib feast unforgettable. What makes them special? It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, the simplicity of the recipes, and the fact that they’re made with love. If you enjoyed these recipes, be sure to check out my other holiday favorites, like my famous cranberry sauce and my decadent chocolate pecan pie. I am sure these sides will impress all your friends and family!
Prime Rib Side Dishes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes
- 1 cup Butter
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 bunch Asparagus
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
- In a large bowl, toss potatoes with butter, salt, and pepper.
- Spread potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.
- While potatoes are roasting, wash and trim asparagus. Steam or roast asparagus for 8-10 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
