When it comes to Italian fare, few dishes are as popular as Baked Ziti. Read on as I discuss what to serve with Baked Ziti. This pasta dish is robust in flavor and filling and can be enjoyed with various side dishes.
From nourishing salads to tasty bread, this list has a dish that will fit any craving.
Baked ziti is a classic Italian pasta dish with ziti noodles, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
It may also include other components like Parmesan cheese, sausage, or vegetables.
The dish is typically baked in a casserole dish, which helps to give it a creamy texture.
While the origins of baked ziti are unclear, today, it remains a popular dish among Italians and Americans.
If you want a tasty side dish to serve with your baked ziti, look no further than this list of 25 dishes.
Check out #22 on this list, as it is a treat unlike any other.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
There’s nothing like a heaping bowl of hot ziti, and it’s even better when you’ve got some bread to go with it.
Cheese & Garlic Crack Bread is an excellent accompaniment to this classic dish.
The savory flavors of the cheese and garlic compliment the rich tomato sauce and tender pasta, and the crunchy texture of the bread provides a welcome contrast.
Portobello mushrooms are an exquisite vessel for flavorful Italian-inspired stuffing.
In this dish, the mushrooms are stuffed with a blend of creamy mozzarella and tangy tomatoes, then baked until tender.
Serve them alongside a hearty portion of baked ziti for a memorable meal.
The rich tomato sauce and cheesy pasta balance out the earthy mushrooms, while the fresh basil adds some zing.
The rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella are a terrific pairing to the crispy breading and gooey cheese center of the mozzarella sticks.
Plus, the combination of pasta and fried food is always a winning combo in my book.
The vibrant green of the slaw is a beautiful contrast to the rich red sauce, and the crisp texture is a mouthwatering complement to the creamy pasta.
The combination of creamy pasta, zesty tomato sauce, and fresh, crunchy broccoli will satisfy any appetite.
Plus, the textures and flavors make for an unbeatable dining experience.
5. Steak Kabobs
The tender, juicy steak pairs well with the cheesy, saucy pasta.
Plus, the vegetables in the kabobs add a nice touch of color and crunch.
Whether grilling for a crowd or simply looking for an easy weeknight meal, this dish is sure to please.
baked ziti.
Maybe it’s the succulent, slightly charred shrimp or the cooked asparagus.
Or maybe it’s the cheesy, creamy ziti that ties everything together.
Whatever the reason, this pairing is a winner in my book.
A simple green salad is a compelling accompaniment to a hearty plate of baked ziti, balancing out the rich flavors of the pasta with its refreshing taste.
The vinegar’s acidity also helps cut through the richness of the cheese, making it a more enjoyable experience.
While chicken cordon bleu and baked ziti are two very different dishes, they go very well together.
The Chicken Cordon Bleu provides a nice change of pace from the pasta, and the ham and cheese add a lovely richness to the dish.
The baked ziti also helps to keep the chicken cordon bleu moist, which can be a problem when frying chicken.
There are many reasons why Skillet Green Beans go well with baked ziti.
For one, the green beans add a pop of color to the dish, contrasting nicely with the Ziti noodles.
Additionally, the beans provide a crunchy texture that pairs well with the creamy sauce and cheesy topping.
But perhaps most importantly, the green beans add a touch of bitterness that helps balance out the tomato sauce’s sweetness.
Sticky Asian Ribs and baked ziti are two of my favorite comfort foods.
Both are hearty and satisfying but offer a unique blend of flavors and textures.
The ribs are slathered in a sweet and savory sauce, while the ziti is coated in a rich tomato sauce.
The contrast between the two sauces is what makes this dish so special.
The sweet sauce clings to the ribs while the ziti soaks up the tomato sauce, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
One of the great things about Roasted Eggplant Salad is that it pairs well with many different dishes.
The combination of eggplant, cucumber, yogurt, and tomatoes creates a light and refreshing salad that is a luscious complement to hearty baked pasta dishes like ziti.
The eggplant and tomatoes add sweetness to the salad.
At the same time, the cucumber and yogurt provide a cooling contrast to the rich pasta.
The salad also has a beautiful color palette that makes it an attractive addition to any plate.
12. Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be used in various dishes. Its mild flavor pairs well with different pasta dishes, making it a perfect choice for baked ziti.
The zucchini’s slightly sweet taste complements the acidity of the tomatoes in the sauce.
At the same time, the grilled texture provides a contrast to the creamy pasta.
Furthermore, the veggie’s high water content helps to keep the dish moist, avoiding the dryness that can often occur with baked pasta dishes.
13. Garlic Bread
There are lots of reasons why garlic bread is a suitable partner for baked ziti.
For one, the bread helps to soak up the ziti’s rich and flavorful sauce.
Additionally, the garlic in the bread provides a nice contrast to the creaminess of the cheese.
And finally, the crusty texture of the bread helps to add a bit of crunch to every bite.
14. Caprese Salad
If you’re looking for a genuinely mouthwatering combination, you can’t go wrong with Caprese Salad and baked ziti.
The key to this delicious pairing is all in the contrast of flavors and textures.
The rich, hearty ziti is an appropriate foil for the light, fresh flavors of the salad.
The creamy mozzarella and zesty tomato sauce match the tender pasta, while the crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes add a welcome crunch.
And, of course, the feta cheese brings it all together with its salty, tangy flavor.
A simple green salad is an impeccable sidekick to baked ziti.
The green leaves provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich pasta dish, and the light dressing ensures that the salad won’t overwhelm the flavors of the ziti.
Baked ziti is classic comfort food that is hearty and filling.
However, it can sometimes be a little heavy.
Roasted asparagus is a fantastic way to lighten up this dish.
The asparagus adds a fresh, green flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich sauce and cheesy pasta.
Additionally, the roasted asparagus provides textural contrast with the creamy ziti.
17. Pesto Toast
The pesto provides a flavorful and fresh-tasting sauce, while the toast adds a crispy and satisfying texture.
This flavor combination makes for a tasty and effortless meal.
The nutty flavor of the roasted vegetables enhances the creamy sauce, while the crispy texture provides a nice contrast to the soft pasta.
Plus, who can resist a dish that’s loaded with cheese?
The sharpness of the Parmesan pairs nicely with the sweetness of the roasted cauliflower, making for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
The rich, savory meatballs provide a lovely counterpoint to the creamy ziti, while the ziti helps to soften the sometimes overwhelming sweetness of the meatballs.
And of course, let’s not forget the all-important sauce.
The acidity of the tomato sauce helps balance out the dish’s flavors, making it even more irresistible.
Green Bean Casserole is the way to go if you’re looking for a side dish to pair with baked ziti.
The creamy sauce and tender beans match the hearty pasta dish, and the crispy fried onions add a lovely texture.
The heartiness of the ziti pairs with the tender, slightly sweet Roasted Artichokes.
The ziti’s cheesy goodness also helps offset the artichokes’ slightly bitter flavor.
The rich, cheesy potatoes are a glorious complement to the pasta, and the two dishes share a similar flavor profile.
The potatoes also add a nice contrast in texture with their fluffy interiors and crispy skin.
23. Collard Greens
The greens add a much-needed pop of color to an otherwise beige dish.
But more importantly, they also add a touch of bitterness that cuts through the richness of the ziti.
Oven-Roasted Parmesan Zucchini goes well with baked ziti for a few reasons.
The zucchini provides a nice contrast to the rich pasta and cheesy sauce.
The roasted zucchini’s sweetness helps balance out the saltiness of the Parmesan cheese, while the tender texture pairs well with the creamy sauce and al dente noodles.
Finally, these two dishes share a similar flavor profile, featuring bold Italian spices.
As a result, they complement each other and make for a truly fine meal.
The sweet potatoes in the casserole are soft and fluffy, while the ziti is hearty and chewy.
This contrast in textures makes for a great combination.
Additionally, the casserole is packed with flavor, thanks to the sweet potatoes and pecans.
The baked ziti, on the other hand, is savorier, with a cheesy richness that complements the sweetness of the casserole nicely.
The bottom line
There are many different dishes that go well with baked ziti.
The best side dish for baked ziti will depend on your personal preferences and the ingredients that you have on hand.
However, some of the most well-known choices include pesto toast, roasted broccoli and cauliflower, sweet and sour meatballs, green bean casserole, and roasted artichoke.
No matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong with any of these delicious options.
Why To Serve With Baked Ziti🍴
From nourishing salads to tasty bread, this easy list has a dish that will fit any craving for what to serve with baked ziti.
Ingredients
- Cheese & Garlic Crack Bread
- Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Broccoli Slaw
- Steak Kabobs
- Blackened Shrimp & Asparagus Skillet
- Italian Green Salad
- Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Skillet Green Beans
- Sticky Asian Ribs
- Roasted Eggplant Salad With Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce & Tomatoes
- Grilled Zucchini
- Garlic Bread
- Caprese Salad
- Simple Tossed Green Salad
- Roasted Asparagus
- Pesto Toast
- Roasted Brocolli & Cauliflower
- Sweet & Sour Meatballs
- Green Bean Casserole
- Roasted Artichoke
- Twice Baked Potatoes
- Collard Greens
- Oven Roasted Parmesan Zucchini
- Sweet Potato Casserole
Instructions
- Pick one or more options from our list of What to Serve with Baked Ziti here!
- Start creating your new favorite dish.
- Share and comment! Did you make any changes to make it even better?