If you’re looking for ideas on what to serve with baked spaghetti, you have come to the right place.
Baked spaghetti may not be as well known as the traditional spaghetti that’s a popular Italian dish beloved by diners all over the world.
But it’s just as comforting, savory, filling, and rich in flavor, making it the perfect dish to serve with various sides.
This article will talk about some choice options to serve with baked spaghetti, so get ready to take some notes!
Baked spaghetti is a dish with ground beef, tomato sauce, and pasta.
It is then baked in the oven with cheese on top.
A fascinating tidbit on the history of baked pasta from the archives at The New York Times:
Meanwhile, back in Italy, pasta al forno (pasta in the oven) managed to escape the one-dish meal epidemic and has remained something of an upscale delicacy. ”Twenty years ago in Rome, you would never be served pasta at a formal dinner unless it was baked,” says Anna Del Conte, pasta historian and cookbook author. ”Baked pasta was not a peasant dish. Only rich people had ovens.”
The dish has since become comfort food for people from all walks of life.
It is often served at potlucks and family gatherings.
My sister swears that her baked ziti, in fact, surpasses the flavor of her spaghetti on the stovetop, and certainly causes less time on her feet in the kitchen.
Now that you know a little bit more about baked spaghetti, let’s discuss some of the best side dishes to serve with it.
Check out these 21 recipes that are as mouth watering as they are effortless to make.
Pay attention to #18, as it is a personal favorite of mine!
This Panzanella Salad complements the dish with fresh bread cubes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.
The salad is lightly dressed with a vinegar and oil dressing, giving it a bright and acidic flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheesy pasta.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a fun meal to share with friends, this dish is sure to please.
Buon appetito!
One of the best things about baked spaghetti is that it goes well with many dishes.
You can top it with tomato sauce or get creative and add some vegetables to the mix.
Zucchini & Tomato Ragu is an excellent option if you want something different.
Combining fresh vegetables, hearty pasta, and savory cheese makes for a belly-filling meal.
3. Kale Salad
Who says Kale Salad can’t be fun?
When you add a little baked spaghetti, it suddenly becomes a party in your mouth!
The savory flavor of the spaghetti pairs well with the piquant of the kale, and the creamy cheese sauce ties it all together.
The kale surely adds a little guilt relief to all that comfort food, doesn’t it?
The soft, creamy Burrata pairs exquisitely with the hearty pasta, creating a dish that is both satisfying and enjoyable to eat.
In addition, the colors of the two dishes also work well together.
The tomato sauce’s vibrant red pops against the salad’s green, making for a visually stunning dish.
Another dish that always goes well with Baked Spaghetti is Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta.
The sweetness of the tomatoes pairs delightfully with the rich flavor of the pasta, and the crusty bread provides a welcome contrast to the tender noodles.
The colorful bruschetta toppings also add a beautiful splash of color to the dish.
Consider two classic Italian dishes: baked spaghetti and chopped salad pizza.
On their own, they are both scrumptious.
But when you combine them, something special happens.
The rich, savory pasta with the fresh, crunchy salad creates an ideal balance of flavors and textures.
You’ll end up with a tasty meal that will please everyone at the table.
7. Meatballs
Meatballs are often lauded for how versatile they are.
You can throw them in a slow cooker with some marinara sauce and have a classic Italian dish.
Or you could create a flavorful Swedish meatball by simmering them in a cream sauce.
Want something with a little more kick?
Try BBQ meatballs!
Baked spaghetti and meatballs is a classic dish that always hits the spot.
The combination of tender meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and al dente pasta is irresistible.
There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy breadstick to accompany a hearty plate of spaghetti.
And when those breadsticks are made from cauliflower, you can enjoy them without guilt.
These succulent bites are made with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garlic.
They’re the right size for dipping in your favorite marinara sauce.
Eggplant Pizza is a unique twist on the classic dish.
The eggplant offers a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the acidic tomato sauce, and the baked spaghetti provides a hearty, filling base.
The vegetable also provides a welcome contrast in texture.
If you’re looking for a yummy way to spruce up your spaghetti, look no further than Mango & Tomato Salad.
The sweetness of the mango pairs agreeably with the acidity of the tomato, and the herbs add a touch of flavor.
Plus, it’s a wholesome dish sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
11. Caprese Salad
Baked spaghetti can sometimes be a little heavy.
A simple way to lighten the dish is to serve it with a Caprese salad.
The refreshing flavors of the tomatoes and mozzarella in the salad fittingly contrast the rich taste of the spaghetti and meatballs.
In addition, the colorful presentation of the dish will excite the most demanding critics.
So next time you’re in the mood for Italian food, remember that a Caprese Salad can help to turn a heavy meal into a lighter one.
12. Stuffed Eggplant
The eggplant provides a lovely contrast in texture to the pasta, and its hollow center is the right size for scooping up a hearty portion of sauce.
Moreover, the eggplant’s mild flavor pairs with the rich tomato sauce used in most baked spaghetti recipes.
So, if you want a dish that is both divine and visually appealing, give stuffed eggplant a try.
13. Roasted Carrots
Any good Italian meal worth its salt knows that roasted carrots are a suitable side dish to baked spaghetti.
The carrots’ natural sweetness offsets the spaghetti’s savory, herby flavor.
Plus, the carrots’ firm texture provides a lovely contrast to the tender pasta.
But the real key to why roasted carrots work so well as a side dish is their roasting method.
When properly cooked, roasted carrots develop a deep, caramelized flavor that takes the dish to new heights.
14. Cucumber Salad
The cool, crisp cucumbers provide a refreshing contrast to the hot pasta, and the salad’s light acidity helps cut through the sauce’s rich flavor.
In addition, the salad’s crunchy texture provides a welcome contrast to the soft noodles.
It refreshes and balances the dish’s flavors, making it more enjoyable to eat.
The salty, savory flavors of the chicken and the dressing compliment the sweetness of the tomato sauce.
Meanwhile, the crunch of the lettuce and croutons add texture to the dish.
As a result, Chicken Caesar Salad is a sublime way to round out a meal.
Plus, it’s a wholesome option that will leave you feeling satisfied without weighing you down.
So next time you search for a suitable side dish to accompany your baked spaghetti, reach for a Chicken Caesar Salad and enjoy all the flavors your meal offers.
Most times, the most unforgettable meals are those that come together unexpectedly.
Take pepperoni pizza rolls and baked spaghetti, for example.
At first glance, these two dishes might seem like an odd pairing.
But when you think about it, they have a lot in common.
Both are hearty and filling; they feature everyone’s favorite ingredient: cheese!
Plus, the pepperoni’s spiciness pairs with the baked spaghetti’s rich tomato sauce.
So next time you’re looking for a new side dish to serve with your spaghetti, try pepperoni pizza rolls.
You and your guests will relish this fun and flavorful combination.
A roasted artichoke half is a superb side dish to offset the savory richness of baked spaghetti.
The artichoke’s inherent bitterness is tempered by roasting, while its natural sweetness pairs well with the tomato sauce.
The firm texture of the artichoke holds up to the hearty pasta, and the two dishes complement each other beautifully.
Best of all, this combination is sure to give diners of varying tastes a culinary treat they won’t soon forget.
While Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops are often thought of as a main dish, they can also be a blissful and easy-to-prepare side dish.
When served with baked spaghetti, the two dishes complement each other delightfully.
The baked spaghetti provides a strong base, while the pork chops add a flavorful and crispy topping.
The Parmesan cheese not only adds a depth of flavor but also helps to bind the toppings to the meat.
Because of this, each bite is packed with flavor and texture.
While many people consider spinach a stellar leafy green, they may not know that it is also incredibly versatile.
For example, spinach can be a delicious side dish to baked spaghetti.
The coconut milk’s rich creaminess complements the tomato sauce’s acidity.
At the same time, the nutty taste of the spinach helps balance the cheese’s sweetness.
In addition, the spinach provides a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the softness of the pasta.
As a result, this dish is not only wholesome but also incredibly appealing.
20. Garlic Bread
Garlic Bread is an excellent side dish for baked spaghetti.
Why?
First, both dishes feature the savory flavor of garlic.
This common ingredient helps to tie the two dishes together and creates a cohesive meal.
Additionally, the crusty texture of garlic bread provides a pleasing contrast to the softness of the pasta.
The bread can also help to absorb some of the tomato sauce, preventing the spaghetti from becoming too soggy.
Finally, garlic bread is a classic side dish that generations of Italian-American families have enjoyed.
When paired with baked spaghetti, it creates a nostalgic and comforting meal.
21. Vegan Arancini
Vegan Arancini is a terrific complement to baked spaghetti.
Arancini is a type of risotto typically made with cheese and meat.
However, vegan Arancini is made with vegetable broth and vegan cheese.
This makes it an exquisite option for those looking for a meat-free meal.
The rice in the Arancini helps to absorb the flavors of the tomato sauce, making it a sensational side dish.
The bottom line
There is a wide variety of sides you can serve with baked spaghetti.
From classic garlic bread to wholesome Arancini, there is an option that diners at your table love.
So next time you’re looking for a new way to enjoy your baked spaghetti, try one of these incredible side dishes!
What To Serve With Baked Spaghetti
Discover complementary side dishes that go with baked spaghetti really well! If you're looking for ideas on what to serve with baked spaghetti, you have come to the right place.
Ingredients
- Panzanella Salad
- Zucchini & Tomato Ragu
- Kale Salad
- Burrata Salad
- Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta
- Chopped Salad Pizza
- Meatballs
- Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks
- Eggplant Pizza
- Mango & Tomato Salad
- Caprese Salad
- Stuffed Eggplant
- Roasted Carrots
- Cucumber Salad
- Chicken Caesar Salad
- Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
- Roasted Artichoke Halves
- Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
- Coconut Cream Spinach
- Garlic Bread
- Vegan Arancini
Instructions
- Pick one or more options from our list of What To Serve With Baked Spaghetti here!
- Start creating your new favorite dish.
- Share and comment! Did you make any changes to make it even better?