What To Serve With Mississippi Pot Roast (17 BEST Ideas!)

Mississippi pot roast is an effortlessly delicious slow-cooked marvel that’s rich in flavour and wonderfully tender.

Bearing the charm of Southern American cooking, this dish involves beef cooked to succulent perfection, typically seasoned with pepperoncini peppers, butter, and a mix of ranch dressing and au jus gravy. 

Interestingly, it’s a relatively new recipe that has the internet to thank for its popularity. 

Its origin can be traced back to Mississippi resident Robin Chapman, who adapted a recipe given to her in the 1990s in an effort to make her aunt’s pot roast recipe less spicy and more palatable for her children. 

One thing lead to another, and it eventually became so popular that The New York Times declared it ‘the roast that owns the internet‘. 

If you’re looking for serving suggestions for this legendary dish, you’re in the right place. 

Just looking for a quick answer? 

The best options for what to serve with Mississippi pot roast include creamy mashed potatoes, steamed carrots, buttered peas, cornbread, rice pilaf, macaroni cheese, sweet potato casserole, coleslaw, and garlic bread. 

Let’s dive into some more ideas… 

Traditional Accompaniments

When serving Mississippi pot roast, traditional side dishes can enhance your meal with comforting flavours and textures that perfectly complement the main dish.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes!

Their smooth texture and buttery taste make them an ideal pairing for the rich flavours of Mississippi pot roast.

• Ingredients: Potatoes, butter, milk, salt
• Preparation: Peel and boil potatoes; mash with butter and milk; season with salt to taste

Steamed Carrots

Steamed carrots offer a sweet and slightly earthy note that contrasts nicely with the savoury pot roast.

They’re simple to prepare and add a pop of colour to your plate.

• Ingredients: Carrots, butter
• Preparation: Slice carrots; steam until tender; toss with butter before serving

Buttered Peas

Buttered peas bring a delicate sweetness and are quick to prepare.

Their vibrant green adds visual appeal to your meal.

• Ingredients: Peas, butter, salt, pepper
• Preparation: Heat peas; mix in butter; season with salt and pepper

Cornbread

Cornbread provides a crumbly and slightly sweet choice for what to serve with Mississipi pot roast.

It’s perfect for soaking up the pot roast’s gravy and adding an American Southern touch.

• Ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, sugar, milk, eggs, baking powder
• Preparation: Combine ingredients; pour into a baking tin; bake until golden and cooked through

Starchy Sides

When you’re serving Mississippi pot roast, starchy sides are a fantastic way to soak up the rich gravy and add comforting heft to your meal.

Here are a few delightful options that pair beautifully with the robust flavours of the pot roast.

Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is a versatile side that complements the heartiness of Mississippi pot roast.

For each serving, use about 60 grams of long-grain rice.

Sauté the rice in a bit of butter until translucent before cooking in chicken stock for a flavourful finish.

Add herbs and spices such as thyme or bay leaves to enhance the taste.

(If you love traditional home cooked meals, you’ll also enjoy side dishes for oxtails!) 

Macaroni Cheese

A classic side, macaroni cheese offers a creamy texture that balances the savoury pot roast.

Cook 200 grams of macaroni until al dente.

Stir in a cheese sauce made from a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey, luscious side.

Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden.

Sweet Potato Casserole

For a slightly sweet counterpoint, prepare a sweet potato casserole.

Boil 500 grams of sweet potatoes until tender, mash with butter, and season with a pinch of nutmeg.

For added texture and flavour, sprinkle with a mixture of chopped pecans and brown sugar before baking until the top is crispy.

Fries

A serving of crispy, crunchy French fries are a family friendly option that’s always popular with kids! 

Vegetable Pairings

When you want to complement the rich flavours of your roast, choosing the right vegetables is key.

Here are some top vegetable pairings for what to serve with Mississippi pot roast.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Your Mississippi pot roast will pair splendidly with roasted Brussels sprouts.

To enhance their natural sweetness:

• Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Spread evenly on a baking tray.
• Roast in a preheated oven at 200°C for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown.

Balsamic-Glazed Asparagus

Another elegant accompaniment is balsamic-glazed asparagus.

For a simple yet flavourful side:

• Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus.
• Sauté with minced garlic until bright green.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Green Bean Almondine

Lastly, green bean almondine provides a crunchy texture contrast.

This classic combination involves:

• Blanche fresh green beans in boiling water for 2 minutes.
• Sauté with slivered almonds in butter until the beans are coated and the almonds are toasted.
• Season with salt and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Salad Options

When considering salads to complement your Mississippi pot roast, opt for options that balance the rich flavour of the meat.

Freshness, crispiness, and a touch of acidity can create a delightful contrast.

Crisp Garden Salad

Ingredients:

• Lettuce (e.g., Romaine or Iceberg)
• Cucumbers
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onions
• Radishes

Vinaigrette:

• Olive oil
• Vinegar
• Mustard
• Honey
• Salt and pepper

To prepare, toss the greens and sliced vegetables in a bowl. Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients and drizzle over the salad before serving.

Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

• Romaine lettuce
• Croutons
• Parmesan cheese shavings
• Caesar dressing (anchovies optional)

For a caesar salad, combine the Romaine lettuce and croutons in a large bowl.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese shavings and your choice of Caesar dressing.

Coleslaw

Ingredients:

• Shredded cabbage (green or a mix of green and red)
• Shredded carrots
• Mayonnaise
• White vinegar
• Sugar
• Salt and pepper

Coleslaw is made by mixing the shredded cabbage and carrots in a bowl.

In a separate container, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

Pour over the vegetables and mix until they are well coated.

Bread Selections

When planning your meal around a Mississippi pot roast, choosing the right type of bread to complement its rich flavours is key.

Here are some excellent bread selections to serve alongside your pot roast.

Garlic Bread

You’ll find that garlic bread is a wonderful choice for soaking up the savoury juices of the pot roast.

Consider selecting a garlic bread that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside for a delightful contrast in textures.

• Preparation: Spread a mixture of butter, crushed garlic, and parsley on the bread.
• Serving Tip: Slice after toasting for optimal crunch.

Dinner Rolls

Soft and fluffy dinner rolls are a classic choice for what to serve with Mississippi pot roast.

They are perfect for making mini sandwiches or simply for dabbing into the flavourful pot roast drippings.

• Variety: Choose from whole wheat, white, or sourdough rolls.
• Serving Warm: Heat them in the oven before serving to enhance their taste and texture.

Baguette

A crusty French baguette provides a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the tenderness of the pot roast.

Its neutral taste allows the potent flavours of the dish to stand out.

• Slicing: Cut the baguette on a diagonal to create more surface area for dipping.
• Toasty Option: Lightly toast the slices for an extra crunch.

Pot Roast Variations

Exploring variations of the classic Mississippi pot roast can infuse your meal with exciting new flavours.

Whether you’re after a spicier kick, carb-conscious options, or a meat-free alternative, you’ll find inspiration below to elevate your pot roast experience.

Spicier Alternatives

To introduce more heat to your pot roast, consider adding chilli flakes or freshly chopped chillies into the cooking process.

For a unique twist, mix in a spoonful of chipotle paste for a smoky flavour or a dash of hot sauce for an added kick.

Low-Carb Adaptations

For a low-carb version, swap out traditional sides like mashed potatoes for cauliflower mash.

Vegetarian Twists

Creating a vegetarian version of Mississippi pot roast is simple with substitutes like jackfruit or mushrooms, which mimic the texture of pulled beef when well seasoned.

Use these ingredients as the base and cook them in the same rich, flavourful sauce of pepperoncini, broth, and seasonings.

What’s your favourite choice for what to serve with Mississippi pot roast? 

Share your thoughts in the comments below!