Ah, oxtail stew.

One of my favorite comfort foods!

But what do you serve with it?

I’ve got 8 great ideas for side dishes that will complement your oxtail stew perfectly, from mashed potatoes to cornbread to roasted Brussels sprouts.

So whether you’re looking for something classic or something a little bit different, one of these side dishes is sure to hit the spot.

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What to Serve with Oxtail Stew? 8 Best Side Dishes

Once you begin eating oxtail stew, you won’t be able to stop.

It’s rich, flavorful, and filling.

But what should you serve with oxtail stew to round out the meal?

Here are 8 of the best side dishes for oxtail stew:

1. Roasted Veggies

Are you eating all of your colors?

You should be, and this dish is a great way to do it.

I like to use a mix of sweet potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and red onion, but you can really use any veggies you have on hand.

Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces so they roast evenly.

Pro Tip: Toss the veggies with avocado oil before roasting for extra flavor and nutrition.

3 Potential Additions:

Try Different Veggies: Swap out some of the classic roasted veggies for something more unique, like beets or parsnips.
Add Some Protein: Top the roasted veggies with grilled chicken or shrimp.
Make It a Meal: Serve the roasted veggies over quinoa or brown rice.

2. Garlic Butter Grilled Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is an awesome side dish because it’s so versatile.

You can eat it plain, or you can load it up with all sorts of delicious toppings.

My personal favorite way to eat corn on the cob is with garlic butter and a little bit of Parmesan cheese.

It’s so simple, but so good.

Pro Tip: Soak your corn in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will help it cook evenly and prevent it from drying out.

3 Potential Additions:

Chili Powder: Sprinkle some chili powder on the corn before grilling for a little bit of extra flavor.
Lime Juice: Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the grilled corn for a bright and juicy flavor.
Bacon: Wrap each ear of corn in a strip of bacon before grilling for a truly indulgent treat.

3. Baked Beans

Most people have a can or two of baked beans in their pantry at all times.

It’s an easy go-to side dish that can be thrown together in a matter of minutes.

Baked beans are the perfect comfort food – they’re warm, they’re filling, and they’re packed with flavor.

Plus, they go great with just about anything.

Pro Tip: For a smokier flavor, try cooking the beans in a cast iron skillet.

3 Unique Twists:

Add Some Herbs: Try adding some fresh thyme or rosemary to the beans before baking.
Get Spicy: Throw in a diced jalapeño pepper for some extra heat.
Try a Different Bean: Swap out the traditional navy beans for black beans or kidney beans.

4. Mac N Cheese

My kids LOVE macaroni and cheese.

It’s one of those classic comfort foods that just never gets old.

I like to make a big batch of it and then freeze the leftovers for busy nights when I don’t have time to cook.

Pro Tip: For extra cheesy goodness, mix in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese when you add the milk.

3 Potential Additions:

Bacon: Because everything is better with bacon, right?
Hot Sauce: For a little bit of extra spice.
Veggies: Mix in some steamed broccoli or roasted cauliflower for a healthier option.

5. Sweet Potato Fries

Crunchy, salty, and perfectly seasoned, these sweet potato fries are the perfect side to any meal.

They’re also pretty darn healthy, so you can feel good about indulging in them.

I like to think of them as nature’s candy.

Pro Tip: The key to getting crispy sweet potato fries is to make sure that they’re nice and dry before you put them in the oven.

I like to pat mine down with a paper towel before seasoning them.

3 Unique Twists:

Dip ‘Em: Serve the fries with a dipping sauce on the side. Try BBQ sauce, ketchup, or ranch dressing.
Cheesy Fries: Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the fries before baking them.
Herbed Fries: Add some dried herbs to the seasoning mix for an extra flavor boost.

6. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Carrots

Raw carrots tend to be a little bit… crunchy.

And let’s be honest, no one likes a crunchy carrot.

They’re just not as fun to eat as their roasted counterparts.

Roasted garlic Parmesan carrots are the perfect side dish to any meal, but they especially pair well with something like stew that can be a little heavy.

These carrots are light and airy, and they melt in your mouth with every bite.

Pro Tip: The key to getting these carrots nice and crispy is to make sure they’re dry before you put them in the oven. I like to pat them down with a paper towel before adding any seasoning.

3 Potential Additions:

Try Different Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and oregano all go well with roasted garlic Parmesan carrots.
Get Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some extra heat.
Make Them Sweet: Drizzle honey over the carrots before roasting them for a touch of sweetness.

7. Caesar Salad

This salad will impress your guests and have them coming back for seconds.

It’s the perfect balance of fresh and creamy, with the added crunch of the croutons and Parmesan cheese.

The best part?

It comes together in under 10 minutes.

Pro Tip: Make sure to massage the kale leaves before adding them to the salad. This will help soften them and make them more pleasant to eat.

3 Potential Additions:

Grilled Chicken: For a heartier meal, add some grilled chicken to the salad.
Roasted Garlic: Give the salad an extra boost of flavor with some roasted garlic cloves.
Dried Cranberries: Add a pop of sweetness with some dried cranberries.

8. Garlic Bread

Once you go garlic bread, you never go back.

This dish is the perfect complement to any meal, but it’s especially delicious when served alongside a hearty stew.

The bread soaks up all of the flavors of the stew and the garlic gives it a little bit of extra zing.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, try spreading some butter on the bread before adding the garlic.

3 Potential Additions:

Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the bread before baking.
Herbs: Try adding some dried oregano or basil to the butter for an herby twist.
Spicy: Give your garlic bread a little kick by adding some red pepper flakes to the butter.

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