What to Serve With Smoked Beef Short Ribs: 15 Best Side Dishes

Smoked beef short ribs are sumptuous and deserve fantastic sides to elevate your meal. Creamy mashed potatoes offer a rich, velvety complement, while tangy coleslaw adds a crispy contrast. Baked beans bring a savory-sweet depth, and grilled corn provides a smoky, buttery sweetness. Macaroni and cheese combines perfectly with its creamy richness. Green bean casserole introduces a flavorful, comforting layer, and sweet potato fries add a touch of sweetness. Cucumber salad refreshes the palate, and deviled eggs offer a delicious, protein-rich bite. To discover more perfect pairings, continue exploring the wonderful options available.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

whipped potato perfection served

Creamy mashed potatoes serve as an ideal complement to smoked beef short ribs. They offer a rich and velvety texture that pairs seamlessly with the robust flavors of the meat. Achieving the perfect butter ratio is essential for smoothness. Seasoning options such as garlic, chives, or black pepper can elevate the dish. These thoughtful additions guarantee a harmonious blend, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Coleslaw

crunchy cabbage and carrots

To balance the richness of creamy mashed potatoes, an invigorating coleslaw provides a crisp and tangy counterpoint to smoked beef short ribs. Coleslaw variations are numerous, from classic cabbage and carrot mixes to creative blends with apples or kale.

The coleslaw dressing, whether creamy or vinegar-based, offers a revitalizing contrast that enhances the smoky flavors of the beef.

Baked Beans

barbecue staple in summer

Baked beans, with their savory depth and slight sweetness, serve as a hearty complement to smoked beef short ribs. The flavor profiles of molasses and spices enhance the richness of the meat.

Diverse cooking variations, such as slow-cooking or adding bacon, offer flexibility. This side dish not only balances the meal but also introduces a comforting, familiar taste that everyone loves.

Grilled Corn

tasty summer bbq side

Grilled corn, with its smoky char and natural sweetness, pairs excellently with the robust flavors of smoked beef short ribs.

The butter spread melts into the char marks, enhancing each bite with a rich, savory taste.

This combination creates a delightful contrast, making every mouthful an enjoyable experience.

Simple yet flavorful, grilled corn is a side dish that complements the main course perfectly.

Macaroni and Cheese

comfort food in isolation

For a comforting and indulgent companion to smoked beef short ribs, consider the creamy richness of macaroni and cheese.

Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, gouda, or gruyère to add depth to the dish. Combine with various pasta types such as elbows, shells, or cavatappi to achieve the perfect texture.

This beloved side dish harmonizes beautifully, enhancing the savory flavors of the ribs.

Potato Salad

chilled potato salad recipe

A classic potato salad, with its creamy texture and tangy flavor, offers a revitalizing contrast to the rich and smoky profile of beef short ribs.

This classic recipe can be enhanced with unique variations, such as adding fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, or even a touch of mustard.

These additions not only elevate the taste but also provide a delightful complexity that complements the main dish perfectly.

Caesar Salad

digital recipe book content

Complementing the robust flavors of smoked beef short ribs, a Caesar salad brings a crisp and tangy invigoration to the table. The crunch of homemade croutons adds texture, while a rich parmesan dressing enhances the salad's savory depth.

This classic side dish not only balances the hearty meat but also elevates the entire dining experience with its revitalizing and satisfying taste.

Cornbread

delicious southern comfort food

Cornbread, with its golden crust and tender crumb, provides a delightful contrast to the smoky richness of beef short ribs.

For an extra kick, consider jalapeno cornbread, which adds a spicy twist to the classic dish.

Serve it warm with a generous dollop of honey butter, balancing the heat with sweetness and creating an irresistible pairing that your guests will love.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

delicious and healthy side dish

For a nutritious and flavorful addition to your meal, roasted Brussels sprouts offer a perfect balance to the hearty, smoky flavors of beef short ribs.

Tossed in a balsamic glaze and finished with a light parmesan topping, these crispy sprouts provide a delightful crunch.

Their slight sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory meat, creating a harmonious and satisfying dining experience.

Garlic Bread

delicious comfort food snack

Wondering how to elevate your meal with a simple yet delicious side?

Garlic bread, with its buttery texture and crispy edges, pairs perfectly with smoked beef short ribs.

The rich, savory flavors of the garlic enhance the beef's smoky taste, creating a delightful harmony.

Easy to prepare and universally loved, garlic bread is a versatile choice that adds a comforting touch to any meal.

Pickled Vegetables

tasty tangy preserved veggies

Complementing the rich flavors of smoked beef short ribs, pickled vegetables offer a tangy and invigorating contrast that balances the meal.

Fermented pickles, with their naturally developed sourness, and vegetables soaked in a vinegar brine, create a crisp and invigorating bite.

These pickled delights not only cleanse the palate but also elevate the overall dining experience, making every bite more enjoyable.

Green Bean Casserole

thanksgiving side dish classic

Green bean casserole, with its creamy texture and savory flavors, serves as a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with smoked beef short ribs.

This traditional recipe is known for its rich, creamy base made from mushroom soup and tender green beans.

What truly sets it apart is the crunchy topping, usually made from crispy fried onions, adding a delightful contrast to every bite.

Sweet Potato Fries

delicious and crispy treat

Sweet potato fries offer a delightful blend of sweetness and crispiness, making them an excellent accompaniment to smoked beef short ribs. They provide numerous health benefits, including high levels of fiber and vitamins.

Seasoning options are versatile; try a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of sea salt. These fries enhance the meal with both flavor and nutritional value.

Cucumber Salad

refreshing summer side dish

A revitalizing cucumber salad provides a crisp and light contrast to the rich flavors of smoked beef short ribs.

With diverse cucumber varieties like English and Persian, this salad offers invigorating bites.

Dressing options can range from a tangy vinaigrette to a creamy dill sauce, ensuring a delightful complement.

This simple yet vibrant side dish enhances the overall dining experience.

Deviled Eggs

yummy easter appetizer option

Deviled eggs, with their creamy yolk filling and subtle hint of mustard, serve as a classic and elegant side dish that pairs perfectly with the robust flavor of smoked beef short ribs.

This classic recipe can be easily elevated with unique variations such as adding bacon bits, fresh herbs, or a splash of hot sauce, making them a versatile and delightful accompaniment to your meal.