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The Best Side Dishes For Prime Rib

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What To Serve With Prime Rib! While prime rib in and of itself is fantastic, sometimes side dishes complete the prime rib dinner! This is often our Christmas dinner, but it works for special occasions or holiday meals in your life! With the holidays right around the corner, a Prime Rib dinner can be a great replacement or complement to an Easter Ham Dinner or Christmas ham.

White plate with smoked mac and cheese and smoked cheesy potatoes

Now I am a massive fan of Smoked Prime Rib, and I am always amazed at how amazing it turns out. The leftovers are the biggest perk of making Prime Rib at home vs. the restaurant. Perfectly cooked prime rib is not as hard as you may think, and simple side dishes can make the perfect prime rib sides.

seasoned prime rib roast on a platter

What Is Prime Rib?

Most people assume that all Prime Ribs are made equal, but they aren’t.  Almost everyone I know confuses a Prime Rib and Rib-eye.  I can’t pick a favorite; they are both fantastic.

Rib roast vs prime rib what is the difference? Most Prime Ribs are made out of a Rib Roast.  You can buy these boneless or as a bone-in. I love the bone-in for more flavor and the bones to make broth.  Christmas is a good time for many grocery stores will have their roasts on sale to stock up and freeze a couple. The Rib Roasts are marbled with fat as well, making them juicy and tender as well.

Prime Rib Recipes

There is no right or wrong way to make a prime rib. I gravitate towards Smoked Prime rib, but you can also make it oven-roasted in a roasting pan, in an electric roaster, or even slow-cooked in a crockpot. No matter how you cook it, low and slow will allow for a juicy prime rib. Most Prime Rib Roast is made by rubbing with olive oil and seasonings and can be served with horseradish sauce or au jus.

Easy Smoked Prime Rib Rub Recipe
This Easy Smoked Prime Rib Rub Recipe is a simple recipe that will make your Rib Roast amazing! This is perfect for holiday dinners! Just use butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to add the perfect flavor! Smoke low and slow on a pellet grill to add more flavor to your meat as well!
Check out this recipe
Prime Rib with prime rib rub on pellet grill
Prime Rib
How To Smoke Prime Rib! With a couple of simple steps and planning Smoked Prime Rib is the perfect Christmas Dinner to make for the holidays!
Check out this recipe
Prime Rib With Rub Smoking On A Pit Boss Grill

At What Temperature Is A Prime Rib Done?

Use the time guidelines above for when to start checking the temperature of your meat. Knowing your preference for rareness will help you know what internal temperature to use a digital meat thermometer to cook the meat to. The ends of the prime rib roast will be more done, so take the temperature towards the middle of your roast.

  • Rare is at 120 to 125 degrees F. The center will be bright red, with a pinkish color toward the exterior portion.
  • Medium Rare is at 130 to 135 degrees F. The center is very pink and will be slightly brown toward the exterior portion. 
  • Next, the Medium is at 140 to 145 degrees F. The center is light pink, and the outer portion is brown.
  • Medium Well is at 150 to 155 degrees F. The center is not pink and is browner all the way around.
  • Well Done is at 160 degrees F. and above, is not pink, and will be a darker brown.
Prime Rib with prime rib rub on pellet grill
Collage of smoked Cheesy Potatoes, smoked potato salad, smoked baked potatoes, and smoked loaded potatoes

Potato recipes

I am very much a beef and potatoes guy, you can’t beat steak and potatoes. You won’t be surprised that a side dish of potatoes can be one of the best sides for prime rib in my opinion! You can see my full collection of Smoked Potato Recipes -> here!

Smoked Loaded Cheesy Potatoes
Smoked Loaded Cheesy Potatoes are easy to make and pair up with the main dish! Smoke low and slow for amazing flavor! The bacon combines with the cream cheese, butter, and cheese to add flavor! Smoke in a casserole pan for an easy smoked side dish to serve!
Check out this recipe
Smoked Loaded Cheesy Potatoes smoking on pit boss pellet grill
Smoked Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Smoked Cheesy Potatoes Recipe is the perfect side dish to make while smoking any meat! The bacon and cheese are the perfect complements to the potatoes! Use red potatoes, a mixture of cheese, and your favorite bacon. Plus you can add in jalapeno peppers as well.
Check out this recipe
Cooked Smoked Cheesy potatoes in casserole pan
Smoke Baked Potatoes
Smoke Baked Potatoes are the perfect way to make a classic with a new twist! Throw them on the smoker and avoid heating up the house for a tasty side dish. Load them up for the perfect loaded baked potato!
Check out this recipe
Smoked Baked Potatoes Smoking on top rack of pellet grill
Smoked Potato Salad Recipe
This Smoked Potato Salad Recipe makes the perfect side dish for any potluck or bbq cookout! Use Smoked Baked Potatoes to take potato salad up a notch!
Check out this recipe
Smoked Potato Salad with Garnished hard boiled egg

Classic Holiday Side Dishes

Classic holiday side dishes make delicious prime rib side dishes and a great choice. The most popular sides with guests seem to be the classics everyone knows and loves. 

Smoked Deviled Eggs
These Easy Smoked Deviled Eggs are the perfect way to change up a holiday dinner classic! Just an extra step makes these taste amazing and perfect!
Check out this recipe
Smoked Deviled Eggs on a platter
Smoked Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Smoked Green Bean Casserole Recipe is perfect to throw in the smoker with smoked turkey or any smoked meat! The smoke flavor is amazing on the crispy onions! This is not just for the holiday's it works for any dinner and any smoked meat!
Check out this recipe
Smoked Green Bean Casserole on pellet grill smoking
Smoked Macaroni And Cheese
This Smoked Macaroni And Cheese is the perfect side dish to smoke for dinner! Use your cheese blend to make this creamy homemade macaroni and cheese! Gouda, cheddar, parmesan, or any cheese can be used to make this dish! Smoke low and slow on your Pitboss smoker or any pellet grill.
Check out this recipe
Smoked macaroni and cheese in a tin pan smoking on a pellet grill
Smoked Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Smoked Sweet Potato Casserole is a delicious twist on a Thanksgiving classic side dish! Making this on the smoker frees up oven space as well! The homemade pecan butter streusel topping adds amazing flavor! This is the BEST sweet potato casserole ever! Not only for Thanksgiving this is great for Christmas, Easter, special occasions, or any dinner even!
Check out this recipe
Smoked Sweet Potato Casserole Smoking on pellet grill

Smoked Side Dishes

Now to go with smoked prime, smoked rich smoked side dishes make sense right? These maybe not be traditional side dishes, but they go well with prime rib.

Smoked Ham Mac And Cheese Recipe
This Smoked Ham Mac And Cheese Recipe is the perfect way to make homemade mac and cheese and take it up another notch! Plus, a fantastic leftover ham recipe! You can use store-bought ham if there is no leftover ham as well. Use your favorite shredded cheeses in any combination to combine with pasta. The sky is the limit Gouda, Feta, Cheddar, White Cheddar, American, Velveeta, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack)
Check out this recipe
Smoked Ham Mac and cheese on a fork in a bowl
Smoked Sausage Mac And Cheese Recipe
This Smoked Sausage Mac And Cheese Recipe is the perfect way to make homemade mac and cheese and take it up another notch! Cook low and slow on a pellet grill to make the ultimate side dish or main dish.
Check out this recipe
Macaroni and cheese next to cut beef sausage
Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork Mac And Cheese Recipe
This Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork Mac And Cheese is the perfect way to use leftover pulled pork to make a new dish! Serve this as a side or as a meal! You can add peppers, hot sauces, or any type of cheese to make this dish.
Check out this recipe
Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni And Cheese served in white bowl
Smoked Macaroni And Cheese
This Smoked Macaroni And Cheese is the perfect side dish to smoke for dinner! Use your cheese blend to make this creamy homemade macaroni and cheese! Gouda, cheddar, parmesan, or any cheese can be used to make this dish! Smoke low and slow on your Pitboss smoker or any pellet grill.
Check out this recipe
Smoked macaroni and cheese in a tin pan smoking on a pellet grill
Smoked Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Recipe
This Smoked Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Recipe is the perfect side dish to make for any potluck or get-together! The smoke flavor on the eggs, onions, and celery adds to the whole dish! Perfect side dish for any bbq or backyard picnic get together.
Check out this recipe
Prepared Smoked Macaroni Salad
Smoked Hard Boiled Eggs On Pitboss
Smoked Hard Boiled Eggs On Pitboss is so easy to make! Hardboil them on the stove and use your smoke setting to add the smokey flavor!
Check out this recipe
Hard Boiled Eggs Smoking on a Pitboss Pellet Grill
Smoked Deviled Eggs
These Easy Smoked Deviled Eggs are the perfect way to change up a holiday dinner classic! Just an extra step makes these taste amazing and perfect!
Check out this recipe
Smoked Deviled Eggs on a platter
Smoked Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Smoked Green Bean Casserole Recipe is perfect to throw in the smoker with smoked turkey or any smoked meat! The smoke flavor is amazing on the crispy onions! This is not just for the holiday's it works for any dinner and any smoked meat!
Check out this recipe
Smoked Green Bean Casserole on pellet grill smoking
Smoked Refried Bean Dip Recipe
This Smoked Refried Bean Dip Recipe Made On A Pit Boss Smoker is perfect to make for Cinco De Mayo, Taco Tuesday, or tailgating! So easy to make! Add in Jalapenos for a kick, chicken, beef, chorizo, or more to make the dip even more filling as well!
Check out this recipe
Tortilla Chip Scooping out Smoked Bean Dip
Smoked Shredded Pork Baked Beans Recipe
This Smoked Shredded Pork Baked Beans Recipe is the perfect side dish to use up leftover shredded pork! Plus it also makes a great lunch as well! Smoke these beans in a cast iron dutch oven to add more flavor to the beans as well! This is perfect to serve at a bbq or family get-together.
Check out this recipe
Smoked Pulled Pork Baked Beans in dutch oven
Smoked Brisket Baked Beans Recipe
This Smoked Brisket Baked Beans Recipe is the perfect way to use up leftover smoked brisket! These beans can make an easy dinner or a tasty smoked side dish! A dutch oven brings out all the flavor with the cast iron.
Check out this recipe
Smoked Loaded Baked Beans cooking in cast iron dutch oven in pellet grill
Smoked Loaded Baked Beans Recipe
 These Smoked Loaded Baked Beans Recipe Made In A Cast Iron Dutch Oven made on a Pellet Smoker are amazing! So full of flavor and perfect for BBQs!  Use a combination of beans and protein to make the perfect side dish!
Check out this recipe
Smoked Baked Beans Smoking in a dutch oven in a smoker
Smoked Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Smoked Sweet Potato Casserole is a delicious twist on a Thanksgiving classic side dish! Making this on the smoker frees up oven space as well! The homemade pecan butter streusel topping adds amazing flavor! This is the BEST sweet potato casserole ever! Not only for Thanksgiving this is great for Christmas, Easter, special occasions, or any dinner even!
Check out this recipe
Smoked Sweet Potato Casserole Smoking on pellet grill
Smoked Loaded Cheesy Potatoes
Smoked Loaded Cheesy Potatoes are easy to make and pair up with the main dish! Smoke low and slow for amazing flavor! The bacon combines with the cream cheese, butter, and cheese to add flavor! Smoke in a casserole pan for an easy smoked side dish to serve!
Check out this recipe
Smoked Loaded Cheesy Potatoes smoking on pit boss pellet grill
Smoked Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Smoked Cheesy Potatoes Recipe is the perfect side dish to make while smoking any meat! The bacon and cheese are the perfect complements to the potatoes! Use red potatoes, a mixture of cheese, and your favorite bacon. Plus you can add in jalapeno peppers as well.
Check out this recipe
Cooked Smoked Cheesy potatoes in casserole pan

Vegetable Side Dishes

Oven-roasted or grilled and made with essential everyday ingredients and seasonings are often great for a holiday dinner. They don’t require much prep work, and an easy side dish can relieve some of the stress of throwing the meal together.

Cheesy Grilled Apasaragus Foil Packet
Cheesy Grilled Asparagus, foil Packet recipe, is perfect for an easy weeknight grilled dinner! Pair this with grilled steak, chicken, fish, seafood, or pork! With little prep, throwing on the grill and cooking up is easy! Clean-up is a breeze using the foil!
Check out this recipe
Cheesy Grilled Asparagus on tin foil cooked
Grilled Corn On The Cob In Foil Easy Grilled Vegetable!
Grilled Corn On The Cob In Foil is one of the best ways to cook a summer favorite vegetable corn on the cob!! Full of flavor, easy to make a new way how to make corn on the cob, even better it won’t make the house hot since it’s outside on the grill.
Check out this recipe
Grilled Corn On The Cob In Foil Easy Grilled Vegetable!

Bread

Along with meat and potatoes, is it a holiday dinner meal if there isn’t bread? As the years have gone on, I have expanded my bread tests to include other varieties than just basic dinner rolls.

Honey Wheat Dinner Rolls
These Honey Wheat Dinner Rolls are the perfect side to just about any meal. They’re light, fluffy, and full of flavor.
Check out this recipe
Honey Wheat Dinner Rolls
Sourdough French Bread
This French bread recipe using sourdough starter discard is so easy plus no yeast needed. Check out my tips for a perfect loaf every time!
Check out this recipe
Pull Apart Cheesy Garlic Bread!
This Pull Apart Cheesy Garlic Bread is perfect to pair up with pizza or as an appetizer just by itself for holidays, game night, or tailgating!
Check out this recipe
Pull Apart Cheesy Garlic Bread!

Leftover Smoked Prime Rib Recipes

Smoked meat is the best next-day food, either as is or in a recipe. I love to use leftover prime rib to make food for the rest of the week following a holiday. My latest favorite has been Blackstone Prime Rib Breakfast hash! Check out my Best Leftover Prime Rib Recipes.

Pellet Smoker Recipes To check out

Looking for more smoker recipes? Be sure to check out Smoker Recipes. The post contains smoker recipes for everything from ham to macaroni and cheese to Prime Rib! See it ->here.

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