Goulash is a hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners, but many people wonder, what to serve with goulash for dinner? Whether you’re enjoying a traditional Hungarian goulash or the American version, the right side dishes can elevate your meal and complement the rich flavors. From fresh salads to starchy sides, there are plenty of options to choose from.
In this guide, we’ll explore 25 side dishes that perfectly answer the question of what to serve with goulash for dinner. Whether you’re looking for something light or a more indulgent pairing, these side dishes will complete your meal.
Why Side Dishes Are Important for a Complete Goulash Meal
When thinking about what to serve with goulash, it’s essential to consider balance. Goulash is rich, hearty, and often packed with bold flavors like paprika, garlic, and beef. Pairing it with the right side dish helps balance these intense flavors and ensures a well-rounded meal. For instance, adding a refreshing salad or a light vegetable side can contrast the richness, while starchy sides like bread or potatoes absorb the savory sauce.
Additionally, side dishes offer variety in texture, flavor, and nutritional content, which can make your meal more enjoyable. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just whipping up a cozy family meal, the right side dishes will complete your goulash dinner.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Goulash
1. Vegetable Sides
Vegetable sides bring freshness and crunch, balancing out the richness of goulash while providing a nutritious complement. Let’s explore some of the best vegetable sides that pair well with this hearty dish:
Crispy Green Beans
Crispy green beans are an easy, delicious option. Roast or sauté the green beans with garlic and a dash of olive oil until they’re golden and slightly crispy. The freshness and crunch contrast nicely with the tender meat and sauce of goulash.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus adds a slightly smoky, sweet flavor to your plate, which pairs beautifully with the savory depth of goulash. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until tender but still crisp. The charred flavor complements the hearty nature of the goulash perfectly.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts bring out a sweet and nutty flavor that contrasts well with the savory elements of goulash. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The slightly bitter caramelization of the Brussels sprouts adds complexity to the meal.
2. Starchy Sides
Starchy sides are ideal for soaking up the rich sauce of goulash, making them a natural pairing. Whether you prefer potatoes, bread, or other grains, starchy sides will help complete the meal.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Creamy mashed sweet potatoes provide a touch of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory and slightly spicy flavors of goulash. This side dish not only adds balance but also offers a creamy texture that pairs well with the hearty stew.
Butternut Squash
Roasted butternut squash brings a slightly sweet, nutty flavor to the table, which complements the savory goulash. The soft texture of the squash is a pleasant contrast to the chewiness of the beef, making it a satisfying addition to the meal.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic side dish, perfect for mopping up the rich sauce in goulash. The slightly sweet flavor of the cornbread pairs well with both Hungarian and American versions of goulash, adding a comforting, crumbly texture to the meal. If you’re looking for more bread options to pair with your meal, check out Clara’s best bread for grilled cheese for ideas that could also work with goulash.
Dumplings
If you’re making Hungarian goulash, consider serving it with traditional Hungarian dumplings or spaetzle. These small, soft dumplings are perfect for soaking up the rich broth and adding a pillowy texture to the meal.
3. Refreshing Salads
A crisp, fresh salad can balance the richness of goulash and add a refreshing element to the meal. The acidity in many salads cuts through the fat in the dish, making the meal feel lighter.
Watermelon Cucumber Salad
For a light, refreshing side, try watermelon cucumber salad. This salad combines the sweetness of watermelon with the crispness of cucumber, topped with tangy feta cheese. The flavors are bright and refreshing, offering a perfect contrast to the rich, savory goulash.
Cucumber Salad
A simple cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to add crunch and acidity to your meal. Thinly slice cucumbers and onions, toss them in a light vinaigrette, and let them marinate. This salad’s refreshing nature pairs beautifully with the hearty flavors of goulash.
Tomato and Feta Salad
Another fresh, Mediterranean-inspired option is tomato and feta salad. This simple dish combines juicy tomatoes with salty feta and fresh herbs, offering a bright, tangy contrast to the heaviness of the goulash. It’s a quick, easy side that brings a burst of flavor to the meal.
4. Bread and Rolls
Bread is a classic accompaniment for goulash, helping to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce and adding texture to the meal.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a favorite side for many comfort foods, and goulash is no exception. The crispy, buttery bread with a hint of garlic is perfect for sopping up the goulash sauce. It’s easy to prepare and adds both texture and flavor to the meal.
Biscuits
Fluffy, buttery biscuits are a comforting side dish that pairs well with goulash. Serve them warm, and their soft texture will complement the stew perfectly, allowing you to soak up every last bit of sauce. For other bread pairing ideas, you can check out Clara’s recommendations on the best bread for grilled cheese, which could also complement your goulash meal.
Rye Bread
For a more traditional option, rye bread is commonly served with Hungarian goulash. Its dense texture and slightly sour flavor make it an ideal side for a hearty stew.
5. Creative Sides for Goulash
If you’re looking for something a little different, consider these creative side dishes to add a unique twist to your goulash dinner.
Caramelized Carrots
The natural sweetness of caramelized carrots pairs wonderfully with the savory, spicy flavors of goulash. Slowly roasted with a bit of butter and brown sugar, these carrots bring a soft, sweet contrast to the meal.
Tabasco Sauce
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, serving Tabasco sauce on the side allows diners to spice up their goulash to taste. The tangy, vinegary flavor of the hot sauce cuts through the richness of the stew and adds a new layer of complexity.
Corn Salsa
For a zesty, refreshing side, corn salsa is a great choice. Made with fresh corn, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime, it brings brightness and crunch to the meal. The sweet and tangy flavors pair well with the richness of the beef and paprika in goulash.
FAQs: What to Serve with Goulash for Dinner?
What are traditional side dishes for Hungarian goulash?
Traditional sides for Hungarian goulash include dumplings, potatoes, and sauerkraut. These starchy, hearty sides are perfect for soaking up the rich broth and complementing the bold, spicy flavors of the stew.
Can you serve bread with goulash?
Yes, bread is an excellent side for goulash. Options like garlic bread, cornbread, or rye bread work well for soaking up the sauce and adding texture to the meal.
What are some light sides to serve with goulash?
Light sides like cucumber salad, grilled asparagus, or watermelon cucumber salad are great for balancing the richness of goulash. These fresh, crisp sides offer a contrast to the hearty stew.
Is goulash better served with starchy or non-starchy sides?
Both work well depending on your preferences. Starchy sides like mashed potatoes or dumplings enhance the richness, while non-starchy sides like fresh salads provide a refreshing balance.
Conclusion
Goulash is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for pairing with a variety of sides. Whether you prefer the richness of starchy sides like mashed sweet potatoes or the freshness of salads like cucumber salad, there’s something to complement every version of goulash. From vegetables to bread and creative options, these side dishes will help round out your meal and make it a memorable one.
For more meal ideas, don’t forget to check out Clara’s indulgent slutty brownie recipe for a perfect dessert to end your cozy goulash dinner.