What to Serve with Prime Rib

By Elena DavisUpdated Jul 08, 2026
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Some meals are meant to be remembered, and prime rib is certainly one of them. I love serving it with a variety of side dishes that bring different textures and flavors to the table, from comforting classics to fresh vegetable recipes. These pairings for What to Serve with Prime Rib make it easy to create a beautiful meal.

plate with a slice of prime rib roast meat and mashed potatoes.

Making Every Dish Count

Prime rib reminds me of the kind of meals that deserve to be savored slowly, with a table full of dishes and people you love. I always enjoy the process of planning a menu, choosing sides that highlight the main dish while bringing their own flavors and traditions to the table.

These pairings are some of my favorite ways to serve prime rib, whether you are preparing a holiday feast or simply making a Sunday dinner feel a little more special. From classic Italian-inspired sides to seasonal favorites, there is something here for every occasion.

Need more ideas for your next special dinner? Explore my collection of What to Serve with Scallops for more flavorful recipes to add alongside your favorite mains.

Made With Amore,

Table of Contents

Simple Vegetable Sides

Prime rib is rich and flavorful, making vegetable sides the perfect complement to balance the meal. Fresh seasonal vegetables, roasted with simple herbs and olive oil, add brightness and a delicious contrast to every bite.

Fork in a bowl with roasted green beans with garlic and lemon.
5 from 4 votes

Roasted Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon

Roasted Green Beans Recipe with Garlic and Lemon is a fresh and delicious way to enjoy fresh green beans. These easy Roasted Green Beans are seasoned with garlic and lemon and roasted to perfection in olive oil. So simple! 
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Spoon in a tray of roasted portobello caps with balsamic and thyme.
5 from 3 votes

Roasted Portobello Caps Recipe

Roasted Portobello Mushrooms Recipe (with Balsamic and Thyme). Serve these bites as an easy or side dish for a dinner party. This roasted portobello mushroom recipe contains delicious earthy flavors of balsamic vinegar, thyme, and garlic. This is a healthy recipe you will love.
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Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe on a serving platter with serving utensils ready to serve.
5 from 3 votes

Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe

The ultimate crispy roasted Parmesan Brussels sprouts—perfectly golden, savory, and topped with a generous layer of melted Parmesan cheese. A hint of garlic, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest take these Brussels sprouts to the next level, creating an irresistible side dish that’s full of flavor and texture. Perfect for any gathering or weeknight meal!
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Spoon scooping creamy cheesy cauliflower casserole from a baking dish.
4.67 from 3 votes

Creamy Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

This Creamy Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is baked in a white sauce (bechamel) with a parmigiano and breadcrumb topping for a crunchy layer of cheesy goodness. It is a delicious side dish that is perfect for any meal.
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A skillet of sauteed zucchini with onions garnished with basil and parsley.
5 from 3 votes

Italian Zucchini Recipe

My nonna made this simple zucchini and onion dish every week, and it was one of the first dishes I learned to make by her side. Simple, slow, and full of love – just how Italian cooking should be!
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Asparagus salad on a dish with a fork and breadcrumbs nearby in a bowl.
5 from 1 vote

Asparagus Salad

This is not a boring Asparagus Salad (with Lemon, Parmesan & Crispy Breadcrumbs). This is bright, crunchy, lemony, and layered with crispy golden breadcrumbs that taste like little bites of sunshine- in 20 minutes! It’s the kind of spring salad that feels fancy enough for Easter but easy enough for a Tuesday night!
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Italian beans and greens soup in a bowl with a gold and white spoon.
5 from 7 votes

Beans and Greens Recipe (Italian-Style)

This quick and cozy Italian Beans and Greens Recipe features tender escarole and creamy white beans simmered in garlic and olive oil. It’s hearty, healthy, and ready in just 20 minutes—perfect with crusty bread for soaking up every last drop!
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Oven roasted fennel on a pan garnished with fresh basil.
5 from 2 votes

Roasted Fennel Recipe (Italian Style)

This Italian-style roasted fennel recipe brings out the sweet, delicate flavor of fennel with golden, caramelized edges. Tossed in olive oil and finished with a sprinkle of Parmigiano, it's a delicious and easy side dish for any meal, served warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
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Steamed asparagus in a blue and white oblong bowl.
5 from 6 votes

Steamed Asparagus

This simple Steamed Asparagus (Quick and Easy) is the best! Bright green, tender, juicy, and full of fresh flavors, these steamed asparagus are a tasty and healthy side dish ready in less than 10 minutes with a few basic ingredients.
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steakhouse creamed spinach recipe with a spoon in it.
5 from 2 votes

Steakhouse Creamed Spinach

This steakhouse creamed spinach is an easy side dish that's ready in 20 minutes. It's sure to be an absolute knockout alongside your favorite steak or any main course! This version is made without all-purpose flour, and is thickened with cream and cheeses for a decadent, low-carb side dish. This creamy, cheesy spinach delight will be a new family favorite!
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Roasted rainbow carrots after cooking in the oven on a beautiful white and blue floral serving platter. Carrots are roasted perfectly. Add hazelnuts on top for crunch. Serving utensils on the side.
5 from 6 votes

Roasted Rainbow Carrots Recipe

Elevate your dinner table with these Roasted Rainbow Carrots! Sweet, caramelized, and bursting with vibrant flavors, they’re tossed with fresh herbs, a splash of citrus, and optional crunchy nuts or a drizzle of honey for a gourmet touch. Perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts!
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Flavorful Potato Recipes

Potatoes are a classic companion to prime rib for a reason. Their texture and ability to take on so many flavors make them the perfect side for a rich roast. From creamy and buttery preparations to crispy roasted versions, these potato recipes add the perfect touch of comfort to your dinner table. Serve alongside some delicious greens, such as Sautéed Green Beans or a Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad.

Square bowl of red skin mashed potatoes with roasted garlic.
5 from 3 votes

Garlic Red Skin Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a classic holiday side dish and a staple for memorable family meals. Rich with sweet roasted garlic flavor, these mashed potatoes have the perfect balance of creamy and rustic texture with just the right amount of chunkiness. They’re the kind of comforting dish that brings everyone back for seconds.
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Cheesy Potatoes

This Easy Cheesy Potatoes recipe is a beloved family heirloom passed down through generations—from my mother-in-law to her mother-in-law before her. It’s the star of nearly every family gathering, holiday dinner, and Sunday meal. The potatoes bake slowly in cream and cheese until tender, creamy, and golden on top. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple, rich, and irresistibly cheesy.
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Baking dish of homemade au gratin potatoes.
5 from 11 votes

Au Gratin Potatoes

The best Homemade Au Gratin Potatoes are an indulgent side dish or main course. The creamy sauce infuses the tender potatoes with a rich, savory flavor perfectly complemented by the melted cheese. The potatoes remain tender and soft, with slightly crispy edges.
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Smashed potatoes on a plate topped with the marinade and garnish, with more ingredients nearby.
4.67 from 3 votes

Garlic Smashed Potatoes

If you're looking for the ultimate potato side dish, these Garlic Smashed Potatoes are it. Crispy, golden edges give way to fluffy centers, while a simple garlic-herb olive oil adds incredible flavor. They're easy enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough for a holiday table.
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crispy potatoes on a serving platter with fresh herbs around it. Cover.
5 from 3 votes

Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes Recipe

These Crispy Roasted Potatoes are simple, flavorful, and a staple in our home. Golden and crispy on the outside with a tender, fluffy center, they pair perfectly with just about any meal.
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Duchess potatoes on parchment paper.
5 from 1 vote

Easy Duchess Potatoes Recipe

Transform ordinary mashed potatoes into extraordinary Duchess Potatoes. A delightful twist on a classic, these creamy and cheesy potatoes with crispy edges are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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Easy Pasta Pairings

Pasta is always a welcome addition to the dinner table. These pasta dishes bring warmth and flavor to your prime rib meal while adding a beautiful variety of textures and sauces. I also love pairing prime rib with other grains like Creamy Parmesan Rice and Lemon Risotto.

Fork in a white bowl of pasta alla gricia.
5 from 3 votes

Authentic Italian Pasta Alla Gricia Recipe

Pasta alla Gricia is a classic Roman pasta dish from the Lazio region. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe that highlights guanciale, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect quick and satisfying pasta for a busy weeknight dinner.
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Creamy Lemon Orzo Pasta in a pan
5 from 3 votes

Creamy Butter Lemon Spinach Orzo Pasta

This orzo pasta is creamy, healthy, and comforting. It's packed with fresh spinach, parmigiano cheese, and just enough lemon zest to tease your taste buds. The simple and fresh ingredients create a delightful marriage of flavors that make this meal easy to love. It is a meal I can eat on a weekly bases. I know you will love it too! 
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Spaghetti aglio e olio on a white plate with a golden fork.
5 from 8 votes

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Garlic with Oil Pasta)

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish made with only four simple ingredients that come together for bold, authentic flavor. Make it all in just 20 minutes for the perfect quick lunch or effortless weeknight dinner.
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Spoon scooping cheesy baked rotini pasta from a pan.
5 from 1 vote

Cheesy Baked Rotini Pasta Recipe

Easy Cheesy Baked Rotini Pasta Recipe (Italian)– It’s a cheesy pasta bake packed with delicious vegetables in a homemade tomato sauce- a family dinner made easy for busy weeknights!
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Roasted red pepper pasta in a bowl topped with basil with a spoon resting in it.
5 from 8 votes

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

This Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy) delivers a nutrient-rich, flavor-packed dinner in just 20 minutes. Blended roasted red peppers create a silky, vibrant sauce that’s both comforting and wholesome. Perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta is a dish both kids and adults will love.
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a plate with a portion of Easy Pasta with Sauteฬed Spinach and Garlic toasted pine nuts on top. Fork and spoon near plate.
5 from 1 vote

Garlic Spinach Pasta

Lemon Garlic Pasta with Spinach is a simple yet flavorful dish made with tender pasta tossed in a garlicky olive oil sauce, fresh spinach, lemon, red pepper flakes, basil, and plenty of Parmigiano cheese. Ready in about 20 minutes, this light and satisfying pasta is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients.
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cover photo. close up of twirled pasta on plate with creamy truffle sauce.
5 from 11 votes

Pasta with Black Truffle Cream Sauce

This Pasta with Black Truffle Cream Sauce is sensational. The savory flavor of truffles nestled in a velvety parmigiano cream sauce wrapped in perfectly al dente pasta is a luxurious meal you can make at home in 20 minutes! The perfect pasta dish for special occasions or date nights at home. Buon appetito!
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Light Soups & Salads

A fresh salad or comforting bowl of soup is a beautiful way to add balance to your meal. Salads bring contrast the richness of the roast, while soups offer a welcoming start to the meal. You can also create your own salad with Italian Balsamic Vinaigrette, Lemon Basil Vinaigrette, or Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing.

Creamy cauliflower leek soup in a bread bowl.
5 from 1 vote

Cauliflower Leek Soup

This creamy cauliflower leek soup is a lighter take on the classic potato version—naturally creamy with no heavy cream! Made with fresh garlic, leeks, herbs, and cauliflower, it's a cozy, nourishing soup that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or a light lunch!
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Bright fall harvest salad in a large bowl next to serving utensils.
5 from 11 votes

Fall Harvest Salad Recipe

A colorful fall harvest salad that combines the best seasonal fall flavors! A beautiful salad for any occasion. 
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A plate of beet salad with utensils and more ingredients nearby.
5 from 1 vote

Beet Salad Recipe

This vibrant beet salad with goat cheese, citrus, and balsamic dressing is fresh, elegant, and incredibly easy to make. A must-try!
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A warm bowl of the tuscan ribollita soup in an old fashioned bowl. Extra freshly grated parm on top for garnish. A spoon in the bowl.
5 from 4 votes

Ribollita Recipe

A classic example of the simple and flavorful cucina povera* (poor cooking), this "re-boiled" soup uses day-old bread and a wide array of seasonal produce (think: swiss chard, leeks, carrots, or whatever you hav in your fridge). As the flavors blend, this soup only gets tastier over a couple of days, making it the perfect weekday or weekend dinner(s)!
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Famous La Scala chopped salad in a small wooden serving bowl with a fork. Extra dressing on the side. Focaccia bread for serving.
5 from 8 votes

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

This iconic chopped salad is famous for its irresistible combination of crisp lettuce, creamy chickpeas, tangy marinated artichokes, savory salami, and melty mozzarella—all tossed in a zesty, parmesan-infused dressing. A simple yet elegant Italian-inspired salad perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining!
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Italian orange and fennel salad with orange dressing on the side. Wooden salad servers on the side.
5 from 6 votes

Italian Orange Fennel Salad Recipe

This Italian Winter Salad with fresh Fennel, Citrus, and Hazelnuts is sure to brighten your table this season! It is a gorgeous display of simple and fresh ingredients. The pop of color from the citrus add a bright touch with an extra punch of vitamin C. You will love the crunch from the hazelnuts and sweet fresh fennel. It's an all around delicious salad!  
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old fashioned white and blue bowl with artichoke soup in it. Spoon bowl. Sliced toasted bread in the bowl.
5 from 6 votes

Artichoke Soup Recipe

This artichoke soup is hearty and heavenly in taste and texture. It is simple to make and full of flavor. Serve it with a main dish, or make it your light and healthy meal. 
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standing prime rib roast recipe on a platter with herbs around it.

Serving Ideas

FAQs

Can these sides be made for a big group?

Absolutely! Adjust ingredient quantities as needed.

can i make these sides ahead-of-time?

Many vegetable, grain, and potato dishes can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Always check the individual recipe notes for best storage tips.

how do i store leftovers?

Store your leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. Always follow the specific instructions for each recipe.

how can i repurpose leftovers?

Make a leftover prime rib sandwich on focaccia bread topped with provolone and Italian pickled peppers! You can also start with Neapolitan pizza dough and top with fresh mozzarella, onions, peppers, and prime rib for a mind-blowing pizza.

I hope this collection gives you plenty of inspiration for creating the perfect prime rib dinner. From comforting classics to fresh seasonal favorites, these side dishes bring variety and flavor to the table. Mangia!

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About Elena Davis

My dream is to share delicious wholesome recipes that you will share around the table with all your loved ones. The memories surrounded by food are the heart and soul of CucinaByElena.

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