What to Serve with a Meat Pie
The meat pie is a British staple and has been so for hundreds of years.
In medieval times the crust wasn't considered edible and instead acted as a serving dish for the contents. However, the pie has changed a great deal since its humble beginnings and nowadays, a perfectly crisp, buttery pie crust is one of the many joys that a meat pie brings to the table.
Today, meat pie is a traditional British dish that consists of a hearty meat filling, such as beef or chicken, encased in pastry, be that shortcrust or puff. This classic comfort food has been a favourite for generations in not only England, but Scotland, Ireland and Wales too, with many people having fond memories of enjoying meat pies in their childhood.
Take a look at Mud's award-winning range of meat pies - we have everything from steak and chicken to lamb and game (when in season). All pair perfectly with our range of side dishes.
Our best-selling meat pie
Steak and Ale is our best-selling pie, come rain or shine. It's filled with tender chunks of top quality steak, slow cooked with lashings of local craft porter ale in a rich gravy. Finally encased in our buttery shortcrust pastry. Try one as part of a steak pie box and make a saving!
While there is nothing wrong with devouring a tasty meat pie just as it is, hot from the oven, serving it up with some thoughtfully paired side dishes can elevate the pie into a wholesome meal for any occasion. And there are plenty of side dishes that can be the perfect accompaniment to this hearty and filling dinner option.
So what to choose to serve with your meat pie?
Pie and chips
Our beer-battered chips are the ideal meat pie accompaniment - they go perfectly with any one of our whole award-winning range.
Green vegetables are always a great choice with pie
There are plenty of ways to prepare your green veg to add some texture and flavour to your meal. They are also great options for busy weeknights when you're short on time. Plus, it's a good way to get your daily dose of greens.
Vegetables like green beans, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts can be steamed quickly, until they are al dente, so they retain some of their crunch. Cooking them quickly like this is a good way to preserve their nutrients.
Green beans, broccoli and Brussels sprouts can also be roasted together easily in one baking tray, which is another simple method of preparation, although it takes a bit longer than steaming.
However you cook your greens, they are a perfect side dish to pair up with a meat pie for those hectic evenings when you want a comforting and filling meal, without having to cook from scratch yourself.
Veg as comfort food
If you’re looking for a side dish which is less crunchy and more comforting, to add some oven-baked goodness to the meal, roasted root vegetables like parsnips, carrots and sweet potatoes work beautifully. These vegetables can be roasted until soft, making them a comforting side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to this very British dish.
Pie and mash
Mashed potato is another favourite accompaniment to meat pie – pie and mash being known as a classic British combination. Mash, with its creamy texture, has the ability to soak up the rich beef gravy, so is another very comforting and satisfying side dish to complement any meat pie. Alternatives such as parsnip mash are also delicious variations.
On the subject of gravy - beef or chicken gravy is an essential part of many people's favourite meat pie meal. A rich and flavourful gravy can make all the difference to a meat pie, adding the extra final touch. Whether you make your gravy from scratch or buy from the supermarket, it's always a good idea to have some on hand for pouring over your meat pie.
So clearly there's no shortage of comforting and flavourful options to choose from when deciding what to serve with your meat pie. But the type of side dish will depend on the kind of meal you want to serve. So you need to decide whether you are looking for a lighter option, like steamed greens, or want something substantial and warming, like roasted root vegetables.
Here's a round-up of our recommendations of what to serve with a meat pie
Let's start with the vegetables. A good quality meat pie is a beautiful combination of flaky, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pastry stuffed generously with a rich and perfectly cooked meat and gravy filling. Because of this, you may not need anything more than some vegetables to complete your meal. Some of the best veggies that go great with pies include:
- Peas - the fresher, the better! Peas provide a great contrast to the richness of the pie.
- Green beans - lightly boiled with some salt or pan-fried with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Squash - bake your squash in the oven to make it soft, and then mash with a little butter.
- Carrot and parsnip mash - this is one of our range of delicious side dishes, popular with adults and children alike. These two root vegetables are a match made in heaven - a combination of sweetness and earthiness that couldn't be more at home served alongside a perfectly cooked meat pie. Or simply parsnip mash on its own is a good alternative.
- Cauliflower - roast your cauliflower in the oven until lightly browned - great for soaking up gravy!
- Roasted mushrooms - earthy mushrooms add to the overall hearty flavours of a meat pie supper.
- Courgettes - sauté your courgettes in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mushy peas - for that satisfying chip shop feel.
- Pickled red cabbage - for a tangy contrast, pickled red cabbage is ideal.
- Roasted root vegetables - a perfect meat pie accompaniment to warm your cockles on a winter's day.
A potato sidekick
If you are particularly hungry and looking for a side dish to ensure that you are fuelled up and utterly replete, something starchy can do the trick. Some of the best starchy side dishes include:
- Mashed potatoes - a meat pie side dish classic. Fluffy, soft, buttery mashed potatoes, with their creamy texture, are perfect for absorbing any gorgeous leftover gravy.
- Roasted potatoes - a great alternative to the traditional Sunday roast.
- Beer-battered chips - you can't go wrong with a pie and chips, beer-battered ones are the ideal meat pie accompaniment.
- Southern Fried Potatoes - another one for the chip lovers! Southern Fried Potatoes are crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and the tangy southern-style seasoning goes great with the intensely savoury flavours of a meat pie.
Sumptuous sauces
Of course, a generously-filled meat pie should have the perfect crust to filling ratio. However, there is nothing wrong with wanting more! Some fantastic sauces and condiments that work well with meat pies include:
- Gravy - a rich sauce poured over the top of your pie is always going to go down well, a rich beef gravy being one of the favourites.
- Cranberry & apple compote - for something tangy to contrast with the rich meat flavour.
- Mustard - you can't beat some classic English mustard to add some earthy warmth to the dish.
- Horseradish - another great option if you want to add a little heat to your meal.
Start experimenting with what to serve with a meat pie
Of course, any top-quality meat pie will be the main event, so your side dishes should quietly complement it rather than take over the show. At Mud Foods, not only do we boast a massive range of award-winning pies, but we have carefully crafted our side dishes to make complete and delicious meals. Take a look at our full range of tasty meat pies and their perfectly paired side dishes and create your pie-fect meal today.
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