For Pasties, go with Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Soft Mushy Peas, Soft Baked Beans, Pickled Red Cabbage, and Carrots and Petit Pois.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes work with pretty much anything out there, and pasties make no exception either.
For a lighter option, try Carrots and Petit Pois. Carrots and Petit Pois
Some pasties may feel a bit heavy - it depends on the filling.
Ah, pasties. These hearty, hand-held pies are a comfort food favorite for many.
Stuffed with savory fillings and wrapped in flaky pastry, they're a meal all on their own.
Yet, even the most perfect pasty can be elevated with the right side dish.
From bright veggies to classic comfort sides, we're here to guide you through seven of the best side dishes that will transform your pasty meal from good to unforgettable.
Ready to jazz up your meal?
7 Classic Sides to Enjoy with Pasties
There are quite a few good options out there - here are the best ones, including chili party side ideas for big crowds that scale well.
1 - Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes work with pretty much anything out there, and pasties make no exception either - or try creamy polenta side ideas for rich meals as an alternative.
You can take those pasties through mashed potatoes and have a bite, but you can also put everything on a plate and have a real meal.
Starchy potatoes work well, but they may feel a bit dry.
This is when the butter kicks in. Feel free to exaggerate with the butter - or simply add some cream.
Grated cheese will also work. Make sure to garnish with chives for best results.
2 - Soft Mushy Peas
Soft mushy peas are turned into a paste. There are more variants for this recipe, though.
In the classic one, peas should be soaked overnight in a mix of baking soda and water.
They must be simmered the next day until they feel mushy and soft.
The easy version allows you to purchase mushy peas in a can.
Simply take everything out, warm the content in the microwave, and you have a tasty meal.
The combo works even better if you sprinkle a bit of malt vinegar on top.
For a seafood-forward gathering, pair pasties with soft shell crab side ideas for seafood pairings that echo the peas' delicate texture.
3 - Soft Baked Beans
Baked beans represent a staple food in British cuisine, and not only - they are tasty, hearty, and work wonders with pasties, regardless of the filling.
You can make them yourself, but you can also buy them in cans.
However, the variety you normally find in commerce is mostly steamed and stewed rather than baked.
The taste? Not bad at all.
No matter which option you choose, soft and warm baked beans work well with pasties.
Get the beans on a plate, then garnish with a leaf or two.
Put the pasties on a side, and you have a wonderful and fulfilling meal for your family.
If hearts and warmth are the goal, consider baked potato side suggestions for hearty meals that match the beans' comfort-food vibe.
4 - Pickled Red Cabbage
Red cabbage makes an excellent side dish for pasties.
The combo is often overlooked because it does not seem fulfilling enough - give it a try, and you will be surprised.
It is light and will give you a good boost of energy rather than force you to sit down or take a nap.
All in all, make sure the red cabbage is pickled and not raw - it plays nicely with pickled herring side suggestions for bright flavors.
It is tasty and full of flavor, but it is also crunchy - ideal for the pasties.
Preparing the red cabbage yourself is straightforward - no experience required, but just a bit of imagination.
5 - Carrots and Petit Pois
Some pasties may feel a bit heavy - it depends on the filling.
For instance, the meaty option could be a bit problematic.
From this point of view, a side dish based on freshness will compensate and annihilate the nauseous effect.
Freshly steamed veggies will be perfect for this combo - plus, they can turn pasties into a full meal.
Get some baby peas and carrots - or consider roasted carrots side pairings for deeper sweetness if a bolder flavor is wanted.
Both do they go with the pasties, but they also bring in a splash of color on the plate.
Plus, your loved ones could always do with some minerals and vitamins.
6 - Crunchy Summer Salad
A crunchy summer salad has similar effects.
First, you have a serious boost of vitamins and minerals.
Second, you have the freshness and light profile, which compensates for how heavy those pasties are.
Finally, a mix of salad and pasties will look great on the plate.
Obviously, this meal will not be very heavy, but quite light.
It is more appropriate for a brunch or perhaps a late dinner.
This combo also works great on picnics with the family.
As for the salad, use anything you feel like.
For warm-weather menus, also see turkey in summer side ideas for light meals that share the salad's fresh profile.
7 - Cheesy French Fries
French fries work with anything - literally. There is no way you can go wrong.
However, they are a bit heavy.
Your whole meal will properly fill you up, so the combo may not be a good idea for a late dinner.
Now, apart from French fries, you can also use wedges or any type of potato shape - it works.
Once cooked, get a bit of grated cheese on top and let it melt for a couple of minutes.
It might be a good idea to use mozzarella because it is light.
Chili sides for parties complement many of the same comforts found here. chili party side ideas for big crowds is useful for larger gatherings. creamy polenta side ideas for rich meals works when a smoother texture is preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starchy potatoes work well, but they may feel a bit dry. Soft Mushy Peas Soft mushy peas are basically turned into a paste.
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
A starchy side and a vegetable work well together. Starchy potatoes handles the starch, while a simple green salad or roasted seasonal vegetable fills the rest of the plate without competing for attention.
What is the lightest option to round out the plate?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetable is the easiest low-effort option.
It adds color and nutrients without heavy prep or additional richness.
Sheet-pan sides and big-batch grains scale easily. Roast everything on one or two trays and serve from the pan.
Avoid delicate sides that wilt or lose texture when held warm.