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27 Prime Rib Sides That Will Make Your Main Dish Shine

Prime sides for some prime rib.

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bowl of creamy mashed potatoes topped with feta crumbles
PHOTO: DOAA ELKADY; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

As they say, like goes with like. So for a dish as impressive as prime rib, the side dishes need to be primetime-level good. So we really outdid ourselves with these incredible side dish recipes perfect for pairing with your holiday roast. Whether you want classics like garlic butter mushrooms and a garlic herb wedge salad, or Christmas-ready sides like holiday roasted vegetables and dauphinoise potatoes, one (or all!) of these 27 side dishes will be just the thing for your prime rib roast.

Speaking of potatoes (which we're always kind of doing), there are so many amazing ways to prep them that make them ideal for serving alongside a juicy prime rib. Choose from any of our amazing potato side dishes, like garlic feta mashed potatoes, twice-baked potatoes, or colcannon, and you'll be on your way to a stunner of a meal. And if you add a few fluffy potato rolls on the side? No one will be complaining.

While prime rib is a fancier cut of meat, that also means there's little you need to add to it to make it wildly delicious. We've got a handy guide on how to cook prime rib that will make your guests think you labored for hours, but it'll be your little secret that it was no sweat and really your oven did all the work.😉

If you're lucky enough to end up with extra, leftover prime rib is never ever a bad thing—mix it up in Instant Pot pho, in steak & egg hash, or in creamy steak fettuccine. And then invite us all over!

1

Cranberry Bacon Green Beans

roasted green beans with bacon, shallots, and pieces of feta
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

It takes just a little effort to take eating your vegetables from a “have to” to a “want to,” and this green beans recipe is a perfect example. Some crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and creamy goat cheese enhance super-nutritious green beans into a special occasion side dish that your family will be cheering for.

Get the Cranberry Bacon Green Beans recipe.

2

Perfect Baked Sweet Potato

perfect baked sweet potato
Erik bernstein

Baking sweet potatoes is an easy and delicious side when you're trying to eat healthy—the vegetable is a total superfood, packed with vitamin C and fiber. Don't forget the butter, though! It's called balance, after all.

Get the Perfect Baked Sweet Potato recipe.

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3

Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts

parmesan crusted brussels sprouts
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Whether you’re a die-hard Brussels sprouts lover or a hater, it’s hard not to see the appeal of these irresistible crispy, cheesy bites. We coat them in a cheesy, garlicky mixture before baking on a high heat, giving them an ultra-crispy crust perfect for dunking in homemade Caesar dressing.

Get the Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts recipe.

4

Garlic & Feta Mashed Potatoes

bowl of creamy mashed potatoes topped with feta crumbles
PHOTO: DOAA ELKADY; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Mashed potatoes are the perfect blank canvas that can really be taken in any flavor direction. For this recipe, we decided to go with feta but kept the other add-ins fairly standard so the tanginess of the feta could really shine through.

Get the Garlic & Feta Mashed Potatoes recipe.

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5

Garlicky Broccoli Rabe

broccoli rabe
ANDREW BUI

The strong flavor of broccoli rabe is a perfect complement to the sweet, tenderness of prime rib and the richness of potatoes (which are also a must).

Get the Garlicky Broccoli Rabe recipe.

6

Kabocha Squash

kabocha squash

Sure, people love apples, pumpkin, and butternut squash, but kabocha has a more complex flavor than its gourd cousins. This makes it a perfect match for the caramelized umami-sweet flavor of this maple-soy brown butter. And, despite how fancy it sounds, it's incredibly easy to make, perfect for serving with prime rib.

Get the Kabocha Squash recipe.

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7

Brussels Sprout Salad

shaved brussels sprouts with pomegranates, shaved parmesan, and chopped toasted almonds in a white bowl
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

We understand: This popular vegetable can be divisive. But when we want to incorporate Brussels sprouts into our special dinner plans, we turn to this fresh, seasonal salad. With toasted almonds, shaved Parmesan, and pomegranate seeds, this is the holiday side that will convert even the biggest Brussels sprout haters.

Get the Brussels Sprout Salad recipe.

8

Creamy Parmesan Polenta

creamy parmesan polenta
erik bernstein

Creamy, sweet polenta is one of our favorite accompaniments for richer meats like prime rib or saucy vegetable dishes like ratatouille. If you're looking for more ways to spruce up your polenta, try topping with pesto or roasted butternut squash.

Get the Creamy Parmesan Polenta recipe.

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9

Dauphinoise Potatoes

dauphinoise potatoes
Erik bernstein

Dauphinoise potatoes hail from 18th-century France—when you taste this utterly creamy delight, you'll see why they've stuck around so long. The preparation is simple: You simmer sliced potatoes in a garlic-infused cream and milk mixture until just barely tender, then layer them with Gruyùre cheese in a casserole dish to bake into cheesy, melty heaven.

Get the Dauphinoise Potatoes recipe.

10

Creamy Orzo "Risotto"

orzo pasta with arugula
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE

Serve as a side or all on its own on a bed of salad greens, this creamy orzo "risotto" is a more herbalicious version of cacio e pepe. The best part of this recipe: It all takes place in just one pot, which means more flavor and fewer dishes to wash.

Get the Creamy Orzo "Risotto" recipe.

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11

Creamed Spinach

creamed spinach
Emily Hlavac Green

Creamed spinach is a simple side dish that is also the perfect way to use up an abundance of dying spinach. The creaminess pairs perfectly with prime rib and will make you (and your vegetarian guests) forget you're eating greens!

Get the Creamed Spinach recipe.

12

Roasted Parsnips

roasted parsnips
Parker Feierbach

Parsnips don't get nearly the attention they deserve, but that ends now. Roasting them makes them slightly sweet and perfectly tender for a quick side dish you might just love more than the main event.

Get the Roasted Parsnips recipe.

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13

Garlic Herb Wedge Salad

garlic herb wedge salad
Andrew Bui

We attribute this salad's greatness to three things: 1) a homemade garlic confit and blue cheese dressing that will knock your socks off, 2) fresh herbs both in the dressing and as garnish, and 3) thick-cut bacon.

Get the Garlic Herb Wedge Salad recipe.

14

Homemade Biscuits

homemade flaky biscuits
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Biscuits can take on very different meanings in different parts of the world. In North America, they're meant to be a flaky and soft leavened quick bread. Ideally they should have tender flaky layers and an extra-buttery taste. An easier alternative to dinner rolls and equally good at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Get the Homemade Biscuits recipe.

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15

Polenta with Wild Mushroom RagĂș

polenta with wild mushroom ragĂș
Emily hlavac green

Make this showstopper with a custom blend of your favorite funghi! If wild mushrooms aren't accessible, creminis or button mushrooms also work perfectly. If serving for a dinner party or event, the ragĂș can be made up to three days in advance; just reheat gently on the stovetop while you make the polenta.

Get the Polenta with Wild Mushroom RagĂș recipe.

16

Roasted Baby Carrots

balsamic roasted baby carrots
PARKER FEIERBACH

Sweet baby carrots are the perfect match for this tangy balsamic glaze. Fancy enough for a holiday meal but easy enough for a weeknight, this recipe is endlessly riffable and guaranteed to deliver crisp-tender carrots every time.

Get the Roasted Baby Carrots recipe.

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17

Fluffy Potato Rolls

fluffy potato rolls
Andrew bui

Have a leftover baked potato? The only logical thing to do is to mash the insides and make dinner rolls. These are truly the fluffiest. Dinner. Rolls. Ever. Fresh out of the oven, each roll has a crispy bottom, buttery top, and unbelievably soft center.

Get the Fluffy Potato Rolls recipe.

18

Holiday Roasted Vegetables

roasted vegetable medley
Parker Feierbach

The dried cranberries and balsamic vinegar add some sweetness and tartness, while the pecans add a crunch to these holiday-worthy vegetables. We use Brussels sprouts and carrots, but feel free to add extra vegetables or swap in some of your favorites.

Get the Holiday Roasted Vegetables recipe.

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19

Garlic-Parsnip Puree

garlic parsnip puree
Parker feierbach

Parsnips are sweet like carrots and creamy like potatoes. Instead of mashed potatoes, give parsnips a try. They're just as easy to make, and with some roasted garlic, they're even more delicious!

Get the Garlic-Parsnip Puree recipe.

20

Garlic Butter Mushrooms

garlic butter mushrooms
Parker Feierbach

These are INSANELY easy and addictive—all you need is butter, garlic, thyme, and a touch of balsamic vinegar to turn humble mushrooms into a delicious side dish that goes with everything.

Get the Garlic Butter Mushrooms recipe.

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