Pair your delicious au gratin potatoes with side dishes that complement and contrast their creamy richness. Consider serving grilled asparagus, which offers a smoky flavor and crisp texture, or green bean almondine with its tender beans and nutty almonds. Garlic butter mushrooms add a savory, umami kick, while roasted Brussels sprouts provide a crisp, slightly bitter bite. For a protein option, lemon herb chicken brings zesty, aromatic flavors that refresh the palate. Each of these sides enhances the meal with their unique tastes, making your dining experience complete. Explore these options to find the perfect match for your au gratin potatoes.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus, with its smoky flavor and crisp texture, pairs perfectly with the rich creaminess of au gratin potatoes.
Asparagus preparation is simple: toss the spears in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until tender. This method enhances the natural sweetness of the asparagus, creating a delightful contrast that complements the potatoes wonderfully, making the meal both balanced and satisfying.
Green Bean Almondine
Green Bean Almondine is a delightful and elegant accompaniment to au gratin potatoes. It offers tender green beans and nutty almond slices that not only add a pop of color but also bring nutritional benefits. This dish is rich in vitamins and healthy fats.
For preparation tips, blanch the beans to maintain their vibrant color. Then, sauté them with almonds in butter for a perfect finish.
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Complementing au gratin potatoes, garlic butter mushrooms provide a rich and savory flavor profile that enhances the overall meal experience.
This delightful side dish utilizes a simple cooking technique, sautéing mushrooms in garlic-infused butter until tender and golden.
The umami from the mushrooms blends seamlessly with the creamy potatoes, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that is both satisfying and memorable.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Building on the robust flavors of garlic butter mushrooms, roasted Brussels sprouts offer a crisp and slightly bitter contrast that pairs excellently with the creamy richness of au gratin potatoes.
Set your oven temperature to 400°F for ideal roasting.
Seasoning options are abundant: try olive oil, salt, pepper, and a hint of balsamic vinegar to enhance their natural flavors, making them a delightful addition.
Lemon Herb Chicken
Marinated in a blend of fresh lemon juice, rosemary, and thyme, lemon herb chicken provides a zesty and aromatic counterpart to the creamy texture of au gratin potatoes.
The marinade ingredients infuse the chicken with vibrant flavors, while various cooking methods like grilling or baking guarantee a tender, juicy outcome.
This delightful pairing enhances any meal, balancing richness with a revitalizing tang.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey glazed carrots offer a sweet and savory contrast to the rich, creamy texture of au gratin potatoes. Their flavor profile, enhanced by the honey's natural sweetness, complements the dish beautifully.
The cooking technique involves gently steaming or roasting the carrots before glazing them with honey and butter, creating a delightful side dish that balances flavors and adds a vibrant touch to your meal.
Balsamic Glazed Salmon
For a sophisticated pairing that enhances the creamy richness of au gratin potatoes, consider serving balsamic glazed salmon. This dish combines a tangy balsamic glaze with tender salmon, creating a delightful contrast.
The cooking technique is simple yet elegant, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
For an exquisite experience, select a complementary wine pairing, such as a light Pinot Noir or a crisp Chardonnay.
Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad provides a crisp and invigorating contrast to the rich and creamy flavors of au gratin potatoes.
The freshness of romaine lettuce, paired with the tangy anchovy dressing, balances the dish perfectly.
Add homemade croutons for an extra crunch, making this combination not only delicious but also texturally appealing, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Sautéed Spinach
With its tender leaves and subtle flavor, sautéed spinach serves as a nutritious and light accompaniment to au gratin potatoes.
The health benefits of spinach are well-known, packed with vitamins and minerals. Its mild flavor profile balances the rich, cheesy goodness of the potatoes.
A quick sauté with garlic and olive oil elevates this simple yet delightful side dish.
Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops
Herb-crusted lamb chops provide a savory and elegant complement to the creamy richness of au gratin potatoes.
Using fresh herbs and proper cooking techniques, the lamb becomes tender and flavorful.
A well-chosen wine pairing can elevate the meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The combination of these elements creates a sophisticated, balanced dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Maple bacon Brussels sprouts offer a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, making them an excellent side dish to accompany au gratin potatoes.
The crispy texture of the Brussels sprouts, combined with a rich maple glaze and crunchy bacon, creates a perfect balance.
This side dish not only complements the creamy potatoes but also adds a burst of flavor to your meal.
Caprese Salad
To bring a new and invigorating contrast to the rich flavors of au gratin potatoes, Caprese salad offers a harmonious blend of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil.
Mozzarella slices layered with juicy tomato rounds and fresh basil leaves create a visually appealing and flavorful dish.
Drizzled with a touch of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, it delivers a revitalizing burst of taste.
Beef Tenderloin
A perfectly cooked beef tenderloin provides an elegant and savory complement to the creamy richness of au gratin potatoes. Using cooking methods like roasting or grilling enhances its tender texture and robust flavor.
For an ideal wine pairing, consider a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The combination elevates the dining experience, making it both satisfying and memorable.
Citrus Arugula Salad
Elevating the meal with an invigorating citrus arugula salad introduces a vibrant and tangy contrast to the creamy au gratin potatoes.
This delightful side dish, featuring fresh oranges and a zesty citrus vinaigrette, offers a revitalizing burst of flavor. The peppery arugula melds beautifully with the citrus notes, creating a harmonious balance that enhances both the visual and taste appeal of your meal.
What are the Best Side Dishes to Pair with Au Gratin Potatoes and Turkey Tips?
Some of the best side dishes for turkey include green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables. These pair well with au gratin potatoes and turkey tips, offering a variety of flavors and textures to complement the rich and creamy potatoes and succulent turkey.
Sautéed Green Beans
Complementing the richness of au gratin potatoes, sautéed green beans provide a crisp and flavorful counterpoint.
The vibrant green beans, brightened with a hint of lemon zest, add a rejuvenating touch to your meal.
Caramelized shallots bring depth and sweetness, enhancing the overall dish.
This delightful combination not only balances the creamy potatoes but also adds a burst of color and texture to your plate.