12 Stunning side dishes to go with your Christmas roast

Although side dishes are just that – sides, they can actually make or break a meal. And if you’re putting in the effort to slow-cook a roast, you might as well push the boat out and go the whole hog! It’s worth it and your guests will be talking about the meal for weeks to come! Here are some top side dishes that will take your roast to the next level!

1. Yorkshire pudding
   Even though Yorkshire pudding is a traditional accompaniment to roast beef, it goes just as well with any meat roast. And although the name implies something sweet, Yorkshire pudding is a savoury batter, baked in individual moulds to create little wafts of carby goodness – perfect for soaking up sauce and gravy!

2. Roasted cauliflower salad
 A simple crowd-pleasing salad – flecked with bacon bits and finished off with a light, lemony dressing.

3. Minty pea and feta fritters
Peas are no stranger to a piece of roast meat – but with this recipe, they’re given a twist. Peas and mint intermingle in a light batter which is then shallow-fried until crispy.

4. Pumpkin sweet potato and pear bake
The colours of this dish are simply beautiful. A great sweet addition to roast pork.

5. Creamy potato bake
Where does one even begin? Not only does a potato bake go well with a roast, it also makes a killer side dish to a summer braai. This recipe calls for a layer of caramelised onions and heaps of Parmesan. Scrumptious!

6. Roasted baby aubergine
This is an elegant side dish and lends a wonderful smoky, charred flavour from the way it’s cooked. Enjoy with chicken or this Mediterranean Lamb. Yum!

7. Baby potatoes: 3 ways
If you thought there was only one way to cook roast potatoes, you’re in for a treat. Enhance your baby potatoes with bacon, rosemary or rock salt and even have a go at presenting them in a different way – Hasselback style!

8. Creamy spinach with mushrooms
Get your greens in with this side dish of veggies. It’s simple, straightforward yet comforting in its creamy richness.

9. Hasselback potatoes with browned butter and bay leaves
The retro hasselback technique allows flavours to permeate the potatoes, making them uber delicious!

10. Brussels Sprouts with bacon
Brussels Sprouts have got a bad rap. But these are gorgeous  – lightly sautéed with salty bacon and topped with crispy breadcrumbs.

11. Creamy coconut polenta with caramelised onions and mushrooms 

A real winner that’s vegan to boot. Serve as a main if you really want to!

12. Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus and goat’s cheese salad with brown butter vinaigrette
A sophisticated side that you can also serve as a pre-dinner nibble.

Last but not least… what is a roast without gravy? Here is a smashing recipe for top-notch gravy that your family and friends will love!