What’s the secret to making a standing rib roast even better? The perfect side dishes, of course! You’ll want to pair it with dishes that match its rich, savory taste. Think classic potato dishes, crunchy veggies, and refreshing salads for a memorable holiday feast.
Wondering what to serve with your standing rib roast? We’ve got a delicious list of side dish ideas to make your dinner unforgettable. Impress your guests with a spread that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Key Takeaways
- Standing rib roast is an extra special centerpiece for a holiday meal, deserving of equally impressive side dishes.
- There are many delicious options to pair with rib roast, from classic potato dishes to crunchy veggies and refreshing salads.
- The right side dishes can complement the rich, savory flavors of the prime rib and create a memorable dining experience.
- Explore a variety of textures and flavors to balance the richness of the roast, from creamy and velvety to crispy and flavorful.
- Discover the perfect side dish recipes to elevate your rib roast dinner and impress your guests.
Creamy and Comforting Companions
Looking for the perfect side dish for a standing rib roast? Creamed spinach is a top choice. It’s a favorite at steakhouses and even vegetarians will love it. The creamy sauce and tender beef create a perfect flavor mix.
Creamed Spinach: A Steakhouse Classic
The key to great creamy spinach is its simple ingredients. Fresh spinach, onions, garlic, and nutmeg make a rich sauce. Add black pepper and Parmesan cheese for an extra boost.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh spinach | 1 lb |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tbsp |
| Onion, diced | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt and black pepper | to taste |
Make this creamed spinach ahead of time. Reheat it before serving. It’s a smooth and tasty side dish for your standing rib roast.
Crunchy and Crispy Contrasts
Pairing sides with prime rib roast is easy with a crunchy, flavorful dish. Bacon-wrapped green beans are a winner that will impress your guests.
Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans: A Flavor Explosion
Green beans are amazing with bacon. This recipe wraps them in crispy, salty bacon for a tasty side. The sweet and savory mix is perfect with the rich prime rib.
The bacon’s crunch and the green beans’ freshness balance each other. This dish is simple to make. Just wrap the beans in bacon, season, and bake until crispy.
For more flavor, toss the beans in olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes before wrapping. The garlic and spice enhance the bacon’s taste.
These bacon-wrapped green beans are perfect for any prime rib meal. Their crunchy texture and bold flavor will have everyone asking for more.
Potatoes: A Classic Pairing
Potatoes are a timeless choice for the perfect accompaniment to prime rib roast. From creamy mashed potatoes to crispy roasted spuds, they soak up all the flavorful au jus.
Try making Garlic & Feta Mashed Potatoes for a decadent side. The rich, tangy cheese and tender, garlicky mashed potatoes are a perfect pair. Or, for a stunning presentation, make Dauphinoise Potatoes. These are thinly sliced spuds baked in a lush cream and cheese sauce, a classic from 18th-century France.
If you want a bit of crunch, Roasted Potatoes with herbs and olive oil are fantastic. For an indulgent treat, Gratin Potatoes are the way to go. They’re layers of potatoes smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked to golden perfection.
| Potato Side Dish | Flavor Profile | Preparation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic & Feta Mashed Potatoes | Rich, tangy, and garlicky | Creamy mashed potatoes with feta cheese and roasted garlic |
| Dauphinoise Potatoes | Creamy, cheesy, and indulgent | Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a cream and cheese sauce |
| Roasted Potatoes | Crispy, herbal, and flavorful | Oven-roasted potatoes with herbs and olive oil |
| Gratin Potatoes | Creamy, cheesy, and decadent | Layered potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce |
No matter which potato side dish you pick, juicy prime rib and comforting potatoes are a hit. Enjoy the perfect potato side dish for your prime rib feast.
Vegetable Variety
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan: A Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you love or hate Brussels sprouts, these Parmesan Crusted ones are hard to resist. They’re coated in a cheesy, garlicky mix and baked until crispy. This makes them perfect for dipping in Caesar dressing.
This crowd-pleasing side dish pairs well with prime rib. It’s a favorite for holiday meals and prime rib gatherings.
To make these sprouts, toss them in olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Roast until golden, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. This creates a crispy, cheesy crust.
The result is a side that’s both crispy and tender. It’s full of savory, nutty flavors.
“These Parmesan brussels sprouts are truly a crowd-pleaser. They’re the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and irresistible – a must-try for any roasted brussels sprouts fan!”
Looking to impress your guests with a showstopping side? Try these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan. They’ll be talking about them for days.
What to Serve with Standing Rib Roast
Choosing the right side dishes for your standing rib roast is a fun task. You can pick from classic potatoes, fresh salads, or savory vegetable medleys. The goal is to find a balance that complements the rich, tender roast.
Consider creamy sides like creamed spinach for a velvety contrast. Bacon-wrapped green beans add a crunchy, flavorful twist.
Potatoes are a timeless choice for rib roast. Try roasted new potatoes or potatoes au gratin for a hearty base.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan: A Crowd-Pleaser
- Caesar Salad: A Classic Steakhouse Companion
- Baked Mac and Cheese: A Decadent Delight
Whether you choose a simple vegetable medley or a rich mac and cheese, the right sides will make your roast stand out. Explore different flavors and textures to create a memorable dining experience for your guests.
Bread Basket Delights
No prime rib dinner is complete without the perfect bread basket. Classic dinner rolls, flaky homemade biscuits, or even a savory herb focaccia are great choices. They’re perfect for soaking up the prime rib’s au jus. For a special touch, try Fluffy Potato Rolls, which are light and airy thanks to mashed potatoes in the dough.
When it comes to bread pairings for prime rib, the choices are endless. High-end steakhouses in New York City, like The Beatrice Inn and 4 Charles Prime Rib, offer a wide range of freshly baked breads. They know the bread basket is key to enjoying the prime rib, letting guests relish every bite of the tender meat.
The history of Sunday roast dinners in the 1930s often included a bountiful bread basket. These dinners featured standing rib roasts, which were presented with great fanfare. The perfect pairing? Warm, crusty dinner rolls or flaky homemade biscuits to soak up the rich au jus.
Whether you choose classic dinner rolls, savory herb focaccia, or indulgent Fluffy Potato Rolls, the bread basket is crucial for any prime rib feast. So, when planning your next standing rib roast dinner, make sure to include a variety of delicious breads. This will make your meal truly unforgettable.
Salad Refreshers
A crisp, refreshing salad is perfect with a rich prime rib dinner. The Caesar salad is a classic choice. It pairs well with prime rib, offering a creamy, garlicky dressing and crunchy lettuce.
Caesar Salad: A Classic Steakhouse Companion
Make your own Caesar salad to elevate the dish. Avoid bottled dressing and make a creamy version. The secret is in the garlic, adding depth to the dressing.
Top crisp romaine lettuce with Parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons, and black pepper. This salad celebrates the steakhouse experience.
A Caesar salad is great for any dinner, formal or cozy. It’s a classic steakhouse flavor that complements the prime rib dinner. It makes for a satisfying meal.
“A Caesar salad is the ultimate classic steakhouse salad, and it’s the perfect way to start off a prime rib dinner. The creamy dressing and crunchy romaine lettuce provide a delightful contrast to the rich, tender prime rib.”
Root Vegetable Medley
Elevate your holiday meal with a vibrant and flavorful roasted root vegetable medley. This seasonal side dish showcases the best of winter’s bounty. It features a colorful array of carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and more. The sweet, earthy, and slightly bitter flavors complement the richness of a standing rib roast.
To create this festive side, simply toss the roasted carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts in a tantalizing balsamic glaze. Add dried cranberries and crunchy pecans for a delightful textural contrast and holiday cheer. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, this holiday roasted vegetables dish is easy to make.
“The root vegetable medley was the talk of the table – everyone raved about the perfect balance of flavors and textures.”
To maximize flavor and crispiness, roast the vegetables at 450°F. Make sure they’re evenly spread on the baking sheet. This allows them to caramelize and develop a delightful crunch. Serve this vibrant side dish alongside your standing rib roast for a meal that will impress your guests and leave them craving more.
For a truly show-stopping presentation, consider adding other root vegetables like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or celeriac to the mix. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a vegetable side for prime rib that is both visually stunning and bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking to elevate your everyday dinner, this roasted root vegetable medley is a surefire way to impress. Savor the seasonal flavors and enjoy the vibrant hues that will make your meal truly memorable.
Creamy Risotto or Polenta
Make your standing rib roast feast even better with a creamy risotto or polenta side dish. These grain dishes are perfect with the prime rib’s strong flavor. They offer a rich contrast that will impress your guests.
Try a Butternut Squash Risotto for a fall twist. The sweet squash and creamy arborio rice make a luxurious side. Or, go for Creamy Parmesan Polenta for a cheesy, indulgent option.
Choosing either risotto or polenta will make your holiday side dishes stand out. Your standing rib roast feast will be unforgettable.
“A creamy risotto or polenta can impress your guests just as much as the prime rib itself.”
Mac and Cheese Indulgence
Pairing a standing rib roast with mac and cheese might seem unusual. Yet, this creamy, cheesy pasta is a great choice for a prime rib feast. The Baked Mac and Cheese recipe in the resource elevates this classic dish to new heights.
Baked Mac and Cheese: A Decadent Delight
This baked mac and cheese has a rich, creamy cheese sauce that wraps around the pasta. The crunchy breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunch, making it a truly indulgent side. It’s perfect for those looking for a cheese side dish or an indulgent side for prime rib.
“This baked mac and cheese is the ultimate indulgence. The combination of the creamy, cheesy sauce and the crispy breadcrumb topping is absolutely divine.”
The mac and cheese recipe in the resource is a must-try for prime rib lovers. Its decadent flavors and satisfying texture make it a standout side dish for your standing rib roast.
Conclusion
Choosing what to serve with your standing rib roast is a fun task. You can go for creamy dishes like Creamed Spinach or crispy Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans. The goal is to mix the rich taste of the prime rib with different flavors and textures.
Classic potato dishes, fresh salads, warm bread, and even mac and cheese can make your meal special. These options can turn your rib roast dinner into a memorable event. Whether it’s for a big celebration or a cozy family dinner, the right sides can make a big difference.
Exploring different prime rib side dishes can lead to amazing meals. With a bit of creativity, you can create a rib roast dinner that impresses everyone. So, don’t hesitate to try new things and find the perfect sides for your taste.
FAQ
What are some classic side dish options to serve with standing rib roast?
Classic sides for standing rib roast include creamy mashed potatoes and roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts. Fresh salads like Caesar and creamy spinach are also great. Don’t forget indulgent choices like mac and cheese or risotto.
How can I balance the richness of the prime rib with my side dish choices?
To balance the prime rib’s richness, choose sides with different flavors and textures. Try crunchy veggies like green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts. Lighter salads or creamy sides like mashed potatoes also work well.
What are some festive or holiday-appropriate side dish ideas for a standing rib roast dinner?
For a holiday prime rib dinner, think about seasonal sides. A roasted root vegetable medley with Brussels sprouts and dried cranberries is perfect. Add fluffy potato rolls or a decadent butternut squash risotto for extra flair.
Is there a go-to bread pairing that completes a prime rib dinner?
A classic bread basket with homemade dinner rolls, flaky biscuits, or savory herb focaccia is key. These breads are great for soaking up the prime rib’s au jus.
Can you suggest a salad that would pair well with standing rib roast?
A Caesar salad is a top choice for standing rib roast. Its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons complement the prime rib’s richness well.
What are some unexpected side dish ideas that would work well with prime rib?
While classic potato dishes and roasted veggies are great, try something new. Baked mac and cheese or creamy risotto can also pair well with prime rib roast.