What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs: 82 Sides & Drinks

When you’re looking for the perfect side dish for Swedish meatballs, you’ll want to choose a dish that is light and won’t overpower the meatball flavor. If you’re looking for a great choice, consider serving potato wedges, rice pilaf, pasta salad or vegetable side dishes.

Read Also:

• 10 Best Sauces for Swedish Meatballs
• What Salad Goes With Swedish Meatballs? (15 Best Salads)
• What Vegetables Go With Swedish Meatballs? (15 Best Veggies)
• Swedish Meatballs Wine Pairing: Best Wines for Swedish Meatballs

When I think of Swedish meatballs, I know the first thing that generally comes to mind: potatoes.

After all, the classic image of a dish of Swedish meatballs includes a plateful of tiny meatballs covered in brown gravy, with a pile of mashed potatoes on the side.

See Also: what sauce goes with mashed potatoes?

And while serving mashed potatoes alongside Swedish meatballs is certainly an option, there are plenty more side dish options that go great with this traditional dish.

Here are some great side dishes to serve with Swedish meatballs!

8 Starchy Sides that Go with Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs are great, but it’s easy to get tired of eating them with the same sides day after day.

Why not mix things up with a starchy side that will have you wondering how you ever lived without it?

1. Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a natural partner for Swedish meatballs.

The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes complements the richness of the meatballs, while their soft texture provides a pleasing contrast to the firm texture of the meatballs.

To create a healthier version of this classic side dish, use low-fat milk instead of whole milk and cut back on the amount of butter used in preparation.

In addition, choose red potatoes instead of Russet varieties to add more nutrients to this starchy side dish.

2. Rice Pilaf With Mushrooms

To make rice pilaf, cook up mushrooms in butter and then add the rice and let it toast in the butter before adding chicken broth.

Season this dish with a little salt and pepper while it cooks.

3. Mediterranean Couscous Salad

This salad is hearty enough to be a main dish, but it’s also light and low-fat—a great option if you’re watching your waistline.

It’s also easy to throw together, and it takes less than 20 minutes!

4. Sweet potato fries

If you’re feeling adventurous, try sweet potato fries. Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium, vitamin C, iron, and zinc.

They have more fiber than regular potatoes and contain beta-carotene, which helps your body remain healthy and strong.

They also have more nutrients than their white counterparts and are less likely to raise blood sugar levels.

That’s not all—they’re also easier to cook!

Just slice the sweet potatoes into sticks, toss them in some olive oil, and bake them at 425 degrees for 15 minutes.

You can even let them sit in the fridge overnight before baking so they get extra crispy.

5. Baked potato wedges

Baked potato wedges are crunchy, savory, and their flavor goes great with the hearty taste of meatballs and gravy.

The only problem is that they take a while to bake—but fortunately, there’s a solution for even that: boil them first to cut down on cooking time!

6. Sweet potato casserole

Sweet potato casserole is the perfect way to add some indulgence and a sweet flavor profile to your meal.

Combine eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and butter into your cooked sweet potatoes, along with raisins or nuts if you like.

Top it off with a layer of crumb topping—which you can make by combining brown sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon with cold butter—and bake it at 350 degrees until it’s browned.

7. Oven Roasted Dill Potatoes

These are crispy, golden brown, and so flavorful!

These are a must for any meatball dinner. The seasoning is simple: just salt, pepper, and dill.

They’re also very easy to make.

I use baby Yukon potatoes, which I love because they’re creamy and tender.

If you can’t find them or don’t want to cut up 10 pounds of potatoes (like me), you can use one pound of Yukon gold or petite red potatoes instead.

8. Baked potatoes

A simple baked potato can work very well as a starchy side dish for Swedish meatballs.

Potatoes are also very filling and nutritious, so they make a good choice if you’re serving the meal to children or growing teens.

To bake your potatoes, preheat your oven to 400 F. Then wash the potatoes and prick them with a fork several times.

Rub each potato with olive oil, sprinkle it generously with salt and wrap it in aluminum foil.

Place the potatoes on a baking sheet in the center of the oven and bake for about an hour, until they are fork-tender when pierced with a knife.

Serve each baked potato on a plate along with some Swedish meatballs and gravy and perhaps some steamed vegetables for color.

10 vegetables that go with Swedish meatballs

Swedish meatballs are immensely popular, and for good reason — they’re delicious!

They’re even great if you try to make them at home.

When it comes to veggies that go with Swedish meatballs, the list is almost endless.

But the question remains: what vegetables go with Swedish meatballs best?

Let’s go over which ones!

1. Spinach

Spinach is a great side for Swedish meatballs. It’s a vegetable, but with a mild flavor that won’t overpower the dish, and it also makes for a more colorful plate.

You can cook spinach in several ways, but steaming is quick, easy and doesn’t require much effort or time.

If you’re cooking frozen spinach, simply place it in a pot with a little water and boil.

If you have fresh spinach, put it in the pan with just the water that clings to the leaves after washing.

In both cases, cook only until the spinach has wilted: Don’t overcook it or it will become soggy and lose its bright green color.

Once you have steamed spinach, you can also add ingredients like garlic or lemon juice to enhance the flavor.

2. Carrots

Carrots are a common side for Swedish meatballs, since they can help round out a plate with their nutritional value. Most people cook their carrots prepared in some way.

You can use canned or fresh carrots, but you’ll want to make sure they’re cut into tiny pieces that are easy to eat alongside meatballs.

The Swedish dish is often served with a creamy white sauce that the carrots can pair with, making them an excellent addition to your dinner.

Another option is to roast the carrots before serving them along with the meatballs.

This method gives the carrots a sweet flavor and crispy texture that contrasts well with the tender meat and soft noodles of this dish.

3. Broccoli

Another common vegetable served alongside Swedish meatballs is broccoli.

Broccoli is available fresh in grocery stores year-round, but it’s at its best from October through April.

Fresh broccoli should be deep green and firm with tightly closed florets.

Wash under cool running water, then cut into bite-size pieces before cooking.

You can cook broccoli by steaming, boiling or stir-frying, but it’s also delicious raw.

Add raw broccoli to a salad, or serve it with a yogurt dip for a healthy snack.

To make the dip, combine 1 cup of plain yogurt with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon of curry powder.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, then chill before serving.

4. Cauliflower

Cauliflower, a cousin of the cabbage, is one of the most traditional vegetables to serve with Swedish meatballs.

You can roast the cauliflower florets with some garlic, salt and pepper or cook them in butter until they are tender.

Alternatively, you can prepare a cauliflower gratin by layering cauliflower florets with onions and cheese sauce in a baking dish.

Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.

5. Eggplant

Eggplant is a delicate-tasting vegetable that soaks up the flavors of other ingredients.

With the addition of a few spices and seasonings, the eggplant can be transformed into a delicious side dish to complement the heavy flavor of Swedish meatballs.

6. Asparagus

Creamy, savory Swedish meatballs make a delicious main dish or appetizer.

For the main course, they’re often served with egg noodles or potatoes, but if you’d rather have them with a side of vegetables, consider asparagus.

You can roast it in the oven or steam it on the stovetop to serve alongside your meatballs.

Asparagus is available year-round and comes in several varieties, including green, white and purple.

The tips are tender and delicate while the stalks are more fibrous and woody.

Trim off the woody ends of the asparagus before cooking to ensure that you get tender asparagus throughout.

7. Peas

Peas can be creamy, sweet or even slightly nutty.

They cook quickly, too — they only need a few minutes in rapidly boiling water to become tender and bright green.

Once you know how to cook them properly, they can be a wonderful addition to a wide variety of dishes: pasta salads, soups, stews and casseroles all benefit from their flavor and texture!

8. Brussels sprouts

This green veggie has a mild, sweet flavor that pairs well with the hearty richness of meatballs.

Since Brussels sprouts are available year round, you can serve this dish at any season.

Steam or roast Brussels sprouts in the oven for 12 to 20 minutes before pairing them with your meatballs.

9. Lentils

Lentils are one of the oldest cultivated pulses in the world.

They’re grown in pods and have a round or oval shape.

They come in many different colors, but the most popular varieties are green, brown and red.

To prepare lentils to go with your Swedish meatballs, start by rinsing them under cold water and picking out any small stones that you may find among them.

Then boil them in lightly salted water according to the instructions on the package.

When they’re done, drain off any excess water, pour over some butter and season well with salt and fresh ground pepper before serving.

10. Onions

Onions have a mild yet savory flavor that’s an ideal complement to the richness of meatballs.

If you’re in Sweden during midsummer, try pairing them with fresh green onions from the garden — they have a much milder flavor than cured yellow onions that you’ll find in markets year-round but still offer plenty of savory flavor for your dish.

13 Sauces that Go with Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs are popular the world over for their wonderful blend of flavors.

Meatballs are just as delicious when served with sauce as they are steaming hot, fresh out of the frying pan.

So what’s the best sauce to go with Swedish meatballs?

Let’s talk about it!

1. Hollandaise sauce

Hollandaise is one of the five mother sauces of French cuisine, and it’s fairly simple to make in the blender or with a hand mixer.

The key is to heat the egg yolks gently before adding the butter so that you don’t end up scrambling your sauce.

You can use clarified butter (melted butter with all of its solids removed) for a more stable sauce, but regular melted butter will work just fine.

The trickiest part of hollandaise making is tempering the eggs by adding melted butter slowly while whisking vigorously so that they don’t scramble.

If you’re worried about getting it right on your first go-round, try a hollandaise made in a blender.

It’s essentially foolproof because blending prevents the eggs from cooking too quickly; you simply add hot melted butter and blend until it’s creamy.

2. Mushroom cream sauce

Mushroom cream sauce is a great topper for Swedish meatballs, steak, or any other dish that needs a savory, creamy finish.

The secret to this mushroom cream sauce is the mushrooms.

A mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms add depth and richness to the sauce.

3. Béchamel sauce

A béchamel sauce is a great option if you like creamy sauces, especially cream-based sauces with a few added spices.

To make the sauce, heat milk, butter, and flour in a pan until the milk is hot but not boiling.

Remove from heat and stir in salt and pepper, then add some grated nutmeg.

The sauce can be served warm or cold over Swedish meatballs.

4. White wine sauce

This is a rich and creamy sauce that goes perfectly with the delicate flavors of the Swedish meatballs.

It works especially well if you don’t want to overpower the taste of the meatballs but want to add some extra creaminess to your dish.

Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white wine
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a pan, add the wine and reduce by half over high heat.
2. Add the cream and reduce by half again.
3. Remove from the heat, season with salt and pepper, then whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley or dill.

5. Dill sauce

One of the most classic sauces to drizzle over Swedish meatballs is dill sauce.

This bright green sauce has a fresh flavor that complements the herbs and spices in the meatballs perfectly.

It can be made by combining yogurt or sour cream with chopped dill, garlic, salt and pepper.

Some people also like to add a squeeze of lemon juice to their dill sauce in order to add even more brightness and acidity to contrast the richness of the meatballs.

Dill sauce can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or as a dipping sauce for vegetables.

6. Curry sauce

When you’re in the mood for something with a little kick, why not try curry sauce?

This sauce is made from a mix of spices that’s sure to add some excitement to your meal.

7. Bearnaise sauce

This is a classic French sauce that often gets paired with meatballs, steak, and roasted meats.

It has a nice hint of tarragon and is great if you want to keep your meal tasting traditional.

8. Mustard Sauce

If you like your meatballs a bit tangy, mustard sauce is the way to go.

This thick and creamy mustard sauce pairs perfectly with the subtle flavors of Swedish meatballs and has just enough zip to enhance their taste.

You can add a little Dijon or even honey mustard to the mix for some extra flavor.

Just be sure that you have plenty of napkins on hand, because this sauce can get messy!

9. Aioli

This garlic-flavored mayonnaise is great on top of almost anything—including meatballs!

Serve it warm over freshly cooked Swedish meatballs for a delicious meal that will leave you wanting more.

10. Tzatziki

If you’re looking for something light and refreshing, tzatziki is a great option.

It highlights the savory flavors of the meatball without overwhelming them, and the cucumber slices make for a nice texture contrast against the soft, tender meatball.

11. Lingonberry sauce

Lingonberries look like red currants, but they’re actually in the cranberry family.

Their flavor is tart but sweet, and lingonberry sauce is zesty—but not so much that it overpowers the flavors of classic Swedish meatballs.

12. Cranberry sauce

Yes, you could use canned cranberry sauce from your Thanksgiving dinner, or you could learn how to make your own cranberry sauce at home!

It’s easier than you might think, and it tastes so much better than any canned stuff!

13. Mango Chutney

Mango chutney is a classic Indian condiment that has a nice sweetness to balance out the salt and creaminess of the meatballs.

It’s also great if you want to go for an Asian fusion take on Swedish meatballs!

17 Salads that Go with Swedish Meatballs

So, you’ve finally prepared yourself a batch of those juicy, delicious Swedish meatballs and you’re ready to dig in!

Oh, but what’s on this side of the plate?

A leafy green salad? Carrots?

Here are my favorite salads to serve with this meal:

1. Tomato salad

This salad is so easy to prepare. Cut up some tomatoes and put them in a bowl.

Then, toss in some chopped cucumbers and onions. Drizzle the salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle some salt and pepper over top.

This fresh, light salad goes perfectly with the meatballs!

2. Potato Salad

This classic recipe is a great compliment to the meatballs.

The potato adds a bit of heft and heartiness to the dish while the mayonnaise brings out the creaminess of the sauce.

It’s perfect for autumn, but it can be enjoyed year round. 

3. Coleslaw

Nobody will expect it and everyone will love it! It’s crunchy, tangy and cool—the perfect complement to that warm, rich sauce.

But be sure to dress it up a bit with some red onions and/or mandarin oranges so it doesn’t get boring next to the meatballs.

4. Garden Salad

I love a big dish of garden salad with my meatballs because it’s easy to make and adds a lot of flavor.

You can pick up some pre-cut lettuce as well as other salad toppings at most grocery stores, or you can chop up your own lettuce and add things like chopped bell peppers or carrots (which are both great in Swedish meatballs).

5. Broccoli Salad

This salad is simple to make and incredibly bright in color.

The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded carrots and a bag of broccoli florets, which you can shred yourself or purchase already shredded for convenience.

You’ll also need raisins, sunflower seeds, bacon bits, red onion, and mayonnaise.

Simply mix all of these ingredients together in a large bowl, and toss with the dressing, which is a mixture of apple cider vinegar and sugar. Serve chilled.

6. Classic Caesar Salad

This is a great salad for when you want something lighter to balance out the heaviness of the meatballs.

Croutons and a creamy dressing really tie this one together.

No need for pre-made dressing—you make this quickly at home with ingredients you probably already have on hand!

7. Greek salad

Chop up some tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions.

Toss them together in a bowl and dress them with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or a vinaigrette dressing of your choice.

Add some kalamata olives for a burst of flavor!

8. Cucumber salad

This is a refreshing salad that will cool your mouth down after taking a bite of that spicy Swedish meatball sauce.

Its crisp texture adds an element of crunch to your meal while also bringing out the clean taste of cucumbers that we all know and love.

The lemon juice gives it just enough acidity without being too acidic so you’ll still enjoy every bite! 

9. Spinach salad

If you like greens then this is probably one of my favorites because it’s super easy to make and pairs nicely with many different types of meat (especially Swedish meatballs).

10. Pasta salad

Toss a little dressing on your favorite pasta and add some chopped veggies.

I like to add tomatoes and cucumbers, but you can use anything you would like.

11. Avocado Salad

Avocado is another great option for salads that go well with Swedish meatballs.

Try making an avocado salad by mixing slices of avocado with sliced tomatoes and shallots, then toss it with a vinaigrette dressing seasoned with garlic, lime juice and cilantro for an authentic experience.

12. Kale salad

Tear kale into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl.

Sprinkle with sea salt and massage the leaves with your hands until they soften slightly (usually about 20 seconds).

Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and maple syrup and toss together to coat evenly.

13. Tabbouleh Salad

This tasty side dish adds fresh flavor to any meal!

It’s full of tomatoes and parsley, but the star is the cooked bulgur wheat that holds it all together.

It’s light and refreshing—perfect for those hot summer days when you just want to cool down with something chilled but hearty.

14. Mediterranean Salad

Another great option is a Mediterranean Salad.

The acidity of ingredients like olives and capers will help balance out the heaviness of the meatballs.

I love adding cheese to this one, too—Feta, mozzarella, or goat cheese all work well here.

15. Thai Salad

Heading in a different direction? You can’t go wrong with a Thai salad!

This one is great with meatballs because it incorporates some freshness that can help cut through the heaviness of the meal.

Make sure you add some sliced almonds to really round out your plate!

16. Apple Walnut Salad

This is a great choice for fall or winter, when apples are at their peak.

The tartness of the apple slices and crunchiness of the walnuts offset the richness of the meatballs beautifully, and it feels like just enough to eat alongside those cozy meatballs.

You can’t go wrong with this one!

17. Cabbage Salad

This is actually a great side dish for any time of year.

It has that classic cabbage crunchiness and freshness that pairs so well with almost anything, but it also has just enough sweetness to balance out the savory flavors in your meatballs.

8 Kinds of Bread that Go with Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs are the quintessential food item for the Winter season.

On their own, they’re tasty but not like a full meal.

You need one more component — I would say that component is bread.

But with so much bread out there in the world, what kind of bread should you serve with Swedish meatballs?

Well, let’s talk about it!

1. Garlic bread

Garlic bread is the perfect complement to Swedish meatballs.

The garlic in the bread goes great with the spices and herbs you’re likely to find in your meatballs.

And, garlic bread is nice and hearty, so it’s a nice companion for your meatballs.

2. French baguette

The French baguette is one of the most classic, high-end kinds of bread you can find.

Don’t let its simplicity fool you; its delicate texture and soft crust make it the perfect bed for a hearty serving of golden, garlicky meatballs.

3. Dinner rolls

Dinner rolls are a classic pairing with Swedish meatballs.

When you’re serving a large crowd, they take up less space than an entire hunk of bread, but they’re still substantial enough to give your guests something to chew on.

4. Warm Sourdough Bread

Another way to go with your Swedish meatballs is to choose warm sourdough.

Sourdough is widely known as one of the healthiest kinds of bread out there, so if you’re looking for a way to make your dish more nutritious, this could be it!

The sour flavor complements the sweet taste of the meatballs.

5. Rye bread

If you’re looking for a more hearty flavor to complement your meal, try rye bread.

The earthy notes and grainy texture of rye make for a satisfying bite when paired with Swedish meatballs.

Plus, rye bread is extremely easy to find in most grocery stores!

6. White bread

White bread is a great choice because it’s fluffy and soft. It’s also very good when it’s toasted!

You can spread butter on white bread or dip it in the sauce that the Swedish meatballs come in, which is always a good time.

7. Crusty Italian bread

Crusty Italian bread is also great with Swedish meatballs.

It has a little more flavor than the baguette (mostly thanks to the olive oil), but it still holds up nicely against the savory taste of the meat.

8. Pumpernickel bread

Pumpernickel is my personal favorite because I think it has the most character out of all three types of bread on this list.

This is a great option if you’re looking for something that isn’t too sweet or too salty — the dense texture and smoky flavor will elevate your Swedish meatball experience to new heights!

15 Desserts that Go with Swedish Meatballs

What desserts go well with Swedish meatballs?

For Swedes the answer to this question will often be lingonberry jam or vanilla sauce.

But what if you want something sweeter to go with your meatballs?

I’ll show you my top ten dessert options.

1. Rice pudding

Rice pudding is a great option for when you want some sweet-and-savory in your life.

It’s really easy to make, too—just blend some milk, sugar, and salt into a pot on medium heat until it boils, then turn it down to medium-low and add in some rice and butter.

Let that cook for a bit (stirring occasionally), then add raisins and corn starch, and you’ve got yourself a tasty dessert that goes well with Swedish meatballs.

2. Strawberry shortcake

One of the best side dishes to this dish is strawberry shortcake.

It’s a delicious dessert that combines fresh strawberries, vanilla cake, and sweet whipped cream.

The sweetness of this dish goes perfectly well with the savory taste of meatballs.

3. Raspberry mousse

It’s the perfect dessert for those who want something sweet but not too heavy.

It’s a delicate mousse, so it won’t weigh you down after a big lunch or dinner.

4. Brownies

Brownies are a classic, delicious dessert that goes great with meatballs.

This is because brownies have a rich, chocolatey flavor that complements the taste of meat very well.

The sweetness of brownies will also help balance out some of the saltiness from the meatballs.

5. Chocolate chip cookies

These are the perfect accompaniment for any meatballs.

Uncomplicated in flavor but rich and satisfying, chocolate chip cookies balance out the lightness of the meatballs.

6. Ice cream

Ice cream is another great option for serving with your Scandanavian meatballs.

It’s cold and refreshing, making it a nice contrast to the warm meatballs and gravy on top.

It also goes very well with lingonberry jam!

7. Crème brûlée

Crème brûlée, made with egg yolks and cream, is usually served cold. It’s not just for sweet-lovers, though.

Savory crèmes brûlées can be made with meat and fish stock or other savory ingredients.

I like to use a chocolate-flavored crème brûlée made with dark chocolate, cream, and eggs for the base of this recipe.

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you could use a vegetable stock or milk instead of cream.

8. Carrot cake

Carrot cake!

The classic American dessert is often seen as an unassuming choice for a meal, but it really packs a punch.

The reason Swedish meatballs and carrot cake go so well together is because of the way the spices in the meatballs complement the spices of the carrot cake.

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are found in both dishes, which creates a warm and cozy harmony.

Plus, carrot cake isn’t very sweet, which means you can eat as much of it as you want without your mouth getting tired from too many cloying flavors.

9. Peach cobbler

Peach cobbler is a sweet treat that has been in existence since the 19th century.

The cobbler is made by covering peaches with either a batter or pastry, and then baking them in the oven until they’re golden brown.

The filling underneath the cobbler is soft and sweet, and it pairs perfectly with the crunchy texture of the baked topping.

10. Strawberry Cheesecake

If you’re looking for something sweet, strawberry cheesecake is the way to go.

This dessert is so easy to make and it tastes delicious.

1. All you have to do is mix together cream cheese, sugar, and eggs in a bowl until smooth.
2. Then add vanilla extract and beat until combined.
3. Add strawberries and mix until smooth again.
4. Pour mixture into a prepared pie crust and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes or until the center is almost set.

11. Apple pie

This one is a classic! You can’t go wrong with apple pie and ice cream or whipped cream on top of it.

If you like your desserts simple then this is the perfect choice for you!

12. Strawberry Trifle

I’m not sure if you’ve ever tried trifle before, but it’s kind of like parfait.

It’s cool, creamy and super simple to make.

You can try strawberries or blueberries depending on your preference.

You can even use sugar-free pudding mix to make this a healthier option!

13. Chocolate cake

Chocolate cake is one of my favorite desserts because it has such a rich, robust flavor.

It tastes great when served with Swedish meatballs and lingonberry jam on top—or even just by itself as an after-dinner treat!

14. Chocolate pudding

If you’re looking for a smooth rich dessert to go with your savory meal, then chocolate pudding is the way to go.

It’s much lighter than most cakes and has a great texture that pairs well with meatballs.

15. Meringue cookies

If you’re looking for something lighter but still sweet, then meringue cookies are for you!

They’re delicate and airy with just enough sweetness without being too much.

11 Beverages That Go With Swedish Meatballs

Whether you’re a meatball master or just starting to get comfortable in the kitchen, Swedish meatballs are a great place to begin.

It’s important to pair each meal with the right beverage.

Here are some options that go great with these savory meatballs.

1. Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc goes well with Swedish meatballs because of its crisp acidity, which serves as a palate-cleansing contrast to the richness of this dish.

2. Cider

It’s no secret that cider and meat go well together, but if you’re not sure which kind of cider to pair with this dish, go for one made from honeycrisp apples.

These sweet-tart apples have just a hint of apple butter and caramel flavors, which will balance out the richness of the gravy and the creaminess of the mashed potatoes.

3. A nutty beer

A beer with a hint of nuttiness will pair perfectly with the richness of the meatball and provide a nice contrast to the sweet and tangy lingonberries.

Try a brown ale or a malty porter, if you want to go all-out!

4. A fruity wine

If you’re not drinking beer, try a light red wine with a fruity flavor.

This type of wine has a nice balance between acidity and sweetness, which will complement both your savory dish and your jam.

You can also try pairing this meal with sparkling cider for the kids!

5. Water

It’s important to hydrate when you are eating rich foods like meatballs!

With all that cheese and gravy, it’s super-important to stay hydrated so that you don’t overdo it.

6. Cocktail: Bloody Mary

While a Bloody Mary is typically enjoyed as a morning drink at brunch, it’s actually quite good with savory dishes like Swedish meatballs!

It’s traditionally made with vodka, tomato juice, and spices like horseradish, celery salt, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.

7. IKEA’s Lingondricka

Made from sunflower oil, this non-alcoholic drink is perfect for elevating your meatball recipe without adding any unnecessary calories.

8. Riesling

The sweet and floral aroma of Riesling goes well with savory foods like Swedish meatballs.

It also pairs well with sour cream, which is often found in Swedish meatball dishes.

Pinot Gris and Chenin Blanc are good substitutes if you can’t find Riesling.

9. Kölsch

This beer was invented in Cologne, Germany, and it tastes great when paired with Swedish meatballs.

It has a citrusy flavor and smells slightly spicy, which goes well with the taste of the meatballs.

Other German beers like Pilsner or Hefeweizen are good alternatives if you can’t find Kölsch.

10. Bourbon

Bourbon whiskey is aged for a minimum of two years, which gives it a smoky flavor that pairs well with the rich taste of Swedish meatballs.

You can also try rye whiskey instead if you don’t have any bourbon on hand!

11. Pilsner Urquell

Another option is to go with a pilsner like Pilsner Urquell.

This is a great pick if you’re going to be eating your meal outside on a warm day.

The lighter carbonation and flavor will keep you cool and refreshed.

FAQ

What is traditionally served with Swedish meatballs?

Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with mashed or boiled potatoes, brown cream sauce and lingonberry jam.

The gravy is poured over the meatballs and potatoes for traditional Swedish service.

In other parts of Sweden and in Finland, red cabbage is used instead of lingonberry jam.

A popular variation of the meatballs consists of pickled cucumber slices, sweet gherkins, chopped onion, tomato paste and mustard stirred together.

The mixture is then served either as a side dish or spread on a slice of bread.

What to serve with Swedish meatballs and noodles?

Swedish meatballs and noodles are perfect with a side dish like roasted potatoes or sauerkraut.

They go well with a lot of different dishes but they also pair really well with traditional Italian dishes.

The spiciness of the meatballs is balanced out by the earthy taste of the sauerkraut.

What pasta goes with Swedish meatballs?

The best pasta to go with Swedish meatballs is penne or rigatoni.

It is the simplest and easiest to prepare and is also one of the most popular pasta choices.

It can also be served with a meat sauce or a creamy tomato sauce.