What Goes With Beef Wellington: 15 Perfect Side Dishes

Beef wellington is a classic dish that makes a beautiful centerpiece for any special occasion dinner. With its decadent flavors of tender beef, mushroom duxelles, prosciutto, and puff pastry, it’s easy to see why beef wellington has remained popular for over 200 years.

But a great beef wellington needs the right supporting cast of side dishes to truly shine. The sides should complement and balance the richness of the beef wellington without overpowering it. After cooking many beef wellingtons I’ve discovered some key guidelines for picking the best side dishes

• Choose sides with contrasting textures – Crispy, creamy, crunchy sides will complement the flaky puff pastry and tender beef.

• Pick sides that won’t compete with the beef – Lighter vegetable sides allow the beef flavors to stand out.

• Include an acidic component – A tart salad, sauce, or vegetable brightens up the rich dish.

• Feature classic French flavors – Complementary flavors like mushrooms, spinach, potatoes make natural pairings.

Based on these principles. here are my top 15 recommendations for sensational sides to serve with your showstopping beef wellington

1. Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes are a classic pairing with beef wellington. Their rich flavor and creamy texture perfectly complement the beef and pastry while providing a heartier starch component. Choose gruyere, parmesan, or cheddar for bold cheese flavor.

2. Sauteed Mushrooms

Further highlighting the mushrooms in the duxelles, sauteed mushrooms are an easy yet elegant side. Their earthy umami flavor enhances the beef. For variation, use wild mushrooms like chanterelle or oyster.

3. Sauteed Spinach

Quick-cooking spinach sauteed with garlic and olive oil makes a bright, flavorful accompaniment. The freshness and slight bitterness of spinach balances the other rich elements.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts roasted until deeply caramelized offer the ideal pairing of a touch of bitterness and a crisp, oven-browned crunch. Toss the sprouts with balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick.

5. Green Beans with Almonds

Blanched green beans retain their crisp-tender bite and bright green color. Sautéed briefly with butter and toasted almonds, they make a simple and tasty pairing.

6. Glazed Carrots

Sweet glazed carrots – batons or round carrots cooked until tender then lacquered with butter, honey, and thyme – make a pretty pairing with their contrasting orange hue.

7. Creamed Spinach Gratin

A spinach gratin enriched with creamy béchamel and cheese bakes up almost soufflé-like. It’s an indulgent take on spinach that feels celebratory.

8. Pommes Anna

This elegant layered potato cake has a crisp exterior and soft interior. Sliced potatoes and butter are pressed in a pan, browned, then inverted for presentation.

9. Twice Baked Potatoes

Hollowed baked russet potatoes are stuffed with a rich filling of cheese, bacon, cream, and scallions, then baked again until golden. They’re like the best twice-baked potato skins.

10. Wild Mushroom Salad

Thinly sliced wild mushrooms marinated in a sherry vinaigrette offer texture and earthiness. Toasted hazelnuts add crunch. Arugula’s peppery bite cuts the richness.

11. Pommes Frites

Crispy, golden french fries classically accompany beef. Fried twice at different temperatures, they’ll have the perfect crunchy exterior and fluffy interior.

12. Green Salad with Vinaigrette

A simple dressed green salad of spinach, arugula, and chicory adds freshness. The vinegar in the vinaigrette helps cut through the dish’s richness.

13. Asparagus with Lemon Butter

Quickly roasted or grilled asparagus has a vegetal sweetness that complements the beef. Drizzled with lemony butter, it makes an elegant side.

14. Celery Root Purée

Smooth celery root purée has a subtly earthy flavor. With cream and butter, it’s a luxurious take on mashed potatoes. Truffle oil intensifies the decadence.

15. Roasted Radishes

Quick-roasted radishes turn mellow and sweet, countering their normal sharp bite. Their burst of pink makes a pretty plate garnish.

With these side dish suggestions, you’re sure create a spectacular platter to serve alongside your beef wellington masterpiece. These options check all the boxes – contrasting textures, complementary flavors, elegant style. Feel free to mix and match different sides to design your ideal beef wellington dinner. Just be prepared for your guests to be thoroughly impressed!