Baked spaghetti may not be a household name, but it’s just as satisfying and flavorful as its traditional counterpart. This comforting dish has a unique charm that makes it perfect for serving with various accompaniments. In this article, we’ll explore some mouth-watering options to pair with baked spaghetti, so grab your pen and paper! Baked spaghetti is essentially a hearty combination of ground beef, tomato sauce, and pasta, topped with melted cheese and oven-baked to perfection.
With its rich flavor profile, it’s no wonder that baked pasta has become a beloved comfort food for people from all walks of life. From casual gatherings to formal events, this dish has earned its place on the table. For instance, my sister swears by her baked ziti recipe, which she claims surpasses the stovetop version in terms of flavor and convenience.
Now that we’ve had a glimpse into the world of baked spaghetti, let’s dive into some delectable side dishes that will elevate your meal experience. Check out these 21 effortless recipes, including my personal favorite at #18!
Panzanella Salad
The Panzanella Salad takes on a delightful role by harmonizing its fresh bread cubes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions in perfect harmony with the cheesy pasta. A light drizzle of vinegar and oil dressing adds a zesty and tangy flavor that beautifully complements the dish’s rich taste. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner for two or a lively meal to share with friends, this culinary creation is sure to impress.
Zucchini & Tomato Ragu
Baked spaghetti’s versatility is one of its greatest advantages. This comforting dish can be paired with a variety of options to create a satisfying meal. For a classic combination, try topping it with a rich tomato sauce. Alternatively, feel free to get creative and add some fresh vegetables to the mix. The Zucchini & Tomato Ragu makes for an excellent alternative, offering a flavorful twist on the traditional dish.
By combining tender pasta, vibrant vegetables, and savory cheese, you’ll be treated to a filling and nutritious meal that’s sure to please.
Kale Salad
Imagine turning a humble kale salad into a culinary celebration! When you incorporate baked spaghetti, the flavors come together in perfect harmony. The rich, savory taste of the pasta complements the bold, pungent flavor of the kale, while the creamy cheese sauce brings everything into delightful balance. It’s as if the wholesome goodness of the kale somehow justifies the indulgence of the comfort food, making for a truly satisfying experience.
Burrata Salad
Burrata’s velvety texture harmonizes perfectly with the comforting pasta, yielding a culinary experience that is both nourishing and pleasing to the palate. The combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful synergy. Moreover, the visual appeal of the dish is equally impressive, as the rich tomato sauce’s deep red hue provides a striking contrast to the fresh salad’s emerald green, resulting in a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta
When pairing Baked Spaghetti with other dishes, one standout combination is Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta. The sweetness of the heirloom tomatoes harmonizes exquisitely with the rich flavors of the pasta, while the crunchy bread provides a satisfying textural contrast to the tender noodles. Moreover, the vibrant colors of the bruschetta toppings add a pop of visual appeal to the dish, elevating the overall dining experience.
Chopped Salad Pizza
When exploring the world of Italian cuisine, two beloved dishes stand out: baked spaghetti and chopped salad pizza. Each on its own is a culinary delight, but what happens when you bring them together? The union of rich, savory pasta and fresh, crunchy salad creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
By combining these two classics, you’ll craft a meal that’s greater than the sum of its parts, leaving everyone at the table feeling satisfied.
Meatballs
Meatballs are celebrated for their adaptability. They effortlessly transition from one culinary landscape to another. Simmer them in marinara sauce for a quintessential Italian experience. Alternatively, submerge them in a creamy Swedish-inspired sauce for added depth of flavor. For those who crave a bold twist, BBQ meatballs provide the perfect solution.
But perhaps the ultimate comfort food is baked spaghetti and meatballs – a harmonious union of tender orbs, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta that’s impossible to resist.
Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks
There’s no denying the allure of a warm, cheesy breadstick paired with a satisfying plate of spaghetti. But what if you could indulge in this comfort food without compromising on taste or nutrition? Cauliflower-based breadsticks offer just that – a game-changing twist on a classic recipe. By combining freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garlic with the subtle flavor of cauliflower, these bite-sized treats are perfectly sized for dipping into your favorite marinara sauce, guilt-free.
Eggplant Pizza
While traditional pizza recipes often focus on meat or seafood, Eggplant Pizza carves out its own niche by incorporating a unique ingredient. The star of the show is the eggplant itself, which brings a subtle sweetness to the table. This flavor profile harmonizes surprisingly well with the tangy tomato sauce, creating a delightful contrast that will leave you craving more. Furthermore, the baked spaghetti adds depth and heartiness to the dish, making it a satisfying meal option.
The texture of the vegetable also serves as an effective counterpoint, providing a refreshing change of pace from the usual pizza toppings.
Mango & Tomato Salad
When craving a flavorful twist on traditional spaghetti, look to the harmonious union of Mango & Tomato Salad for inspiration. The luscious sweetness of the mango beautifully complements the tangy freshness of the tomato, while the herbs infuse the dish with an aromatic depth. Moreover, this wholesome creation is likely to delight even the most discerning palates.
Caprese Salad
When it comes to baked spaghetti, its richness can sometimes be overwhelming. To strike a better balance, consider serving it alongside a Caprese salad. The harmonious combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil creates a delightful contrast to the hearty pasta dish. Not only do the flavors play nicely together, but the vibrant colors of the salad add a pop of excitement to the presentation.
This thoughtful addition can transform a dense meal into a more well-rounded experience, perfect for satisfying your Italian food cravings.
Stuffed Eggplant
When it comes to adding depth and visual appeal to your baked spaghetti, look no further than the humble eggplant. Its unique texture provides a delightful contrast to the pasta, while its hollow center offers the perfect vessel for sopping up rich, flavorful sauce. Moreover, the eggplant’s subtle flavor harmonizes beautifully with the bold tomato sauce used in most recipes, creating a truly divine combination.
If you’re looking to elevate your baked spaghetti game and impress your guests with a visually stunning dish, give stuffed eggplant a try – we promise you won’t be disappointed.
Roasted Carrots
While many Italian meals rely on familiar pairings, such as baked spaghetti and its trusty companion, roasted carrots. The sweet, earthy taste of the carrots perfectly complements the herby, savory flavors found in the pasta, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. However, what truly elevates this combination is the transformative power of roasting.
When done correctly, the carrots undergo a magical metamorphosis, their natural sweetness blossoming into a deep, caramelized flavor that adds an unparalleled depth to the dish.
Cucumber Salad
The combination of cool cucumbers and warm pasta creates a delightful harmony, with the refreshing crunch of the salad serving as a perfect counterpoint. The light acidity of the salad further enhances this contrast, skillfully cutting through the richness of the sauce. As an added bonus, the salad’s crunchy texture provides a satisfying respite from the soft noodles, ultimately refreshing and balancing the dish’s flavors to create a more engaging culinary experience.
Chicken Caesar Salad
The harmonious balance of salty chicken, savory dressing, and sweet tomato sauce creates a delightful culinary experience. The contrasting textures from the crunchy lettuce and croutons further elevate the dish. This synergy culminates in a sublime way to complete a meal. As an added bonus, Chicken Caesar Salad offers a wholesome option that will leave you feeling content without compromising on satisfaction.
When seeking a satisfying side dish to pair with your baked spaghetti, look no further than a Chicken Caesar Salad and indulge in the harmonious union of flavors.
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
When it comes to memorable meals, sometimes the most unexpected pairings can lead to the most delightful surprises. Case in point: pairing pepperoni pizza rolls with baked spaghetti. At first glance, these two dishes may seem like an unlikely match, but upon closer inspection, they share a common thread – both are rich and satisfying, featuring everyone’s favorite ingredient: cheese! The spiciness of the pepperoni perfectly complements the deep flavor of the tomato sauce in the baked spaghetti.
Next time you’re looking to mix things up and serve something new with your spaghetti, consider giving pepperoni pizza rolls a try. Your guests will appreciate the unexpected twist, and you’ll both relish the fun and flavorful combination.
Roasted Artichoke Halves
When it comes to pairing side dishes with baked spaghetti, a roasted artichoke half is an excellent choice. The inherent bitterness of the artichoke is skillfully balanced by the roasting process, allowing its natural sweetness to shine through and complement the rich flavors of the tomato sauce. The firm texture of the artichoke also holds up well to the hearty pasta, creating a harmonious union that will satisfy diners with diverse tastes.
Moreover, this combination has the potential to leave a lasting impression on even the most discerning palates.
Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops often get classified as a main course, but they can also serve as a side dish that’s both delightful and effortless to prepare. When paired with baked spaghetti, the two dishes create a harmonious union. The spaghetti provides a robust foundation, while the pork chops bring a rich, crispy element on top. The Parmesan cheese plays a crucial role in binding the toppings to the meat, resulting in each bite being a masterclass in flavor and texture combination.
Coconut Cream Spinach
Spinach’s versatility is often overshadowed by its nutritional benefits, but this leafy green has many more tricks up its sleeve. One such example is its ability to elevate baked spaghetti from a simple comfort food to a culinary masterpiece. The creamy coconut milk and tangy tomato sauce provide a rich backdrop for the nutty spinach, which cleverly balances out the sweetness of the cheese.
As an added bonus, the crunchy texture of the spinach provides a delightful contrast to the soft pasta, making this dish not only wholesome but also visually appealing.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a match made in heaven when paired with baked spaghetti. The reason for this culinary marriage lies in the shared affinity for the savory flavor of garlic. This common thread not only connects the two dishes but also fosters a harmonious union, making it an ideal side dish. Furthermore, the textural contrast between the crunchy bread and the soft pasta adds a delightful dimension to the meal.
Moreover, the bread’s ability to soak up some of the tomato sauce ensures that the spaghetti remains delightfully al dente rather than becoming too saucy. The nostalgic appeal of garlic bread as a classic side dish is also undeniable, evoking memories of childhood meals with family and friends. When combined with baked spaghetti, it creates a comforting and satisfying meal that warms the heart.
Vegan Arancini
When paired with baked spaghetti, vegan Arancini offers a delightful culinary experience. The traditional Italian staple typically consists of risotto infused with cheese and meat. But, what sets vegan Arancini apart is its use of vegetable broth and vegan cheese, making it an exceptional choice for those seeking a meat-free meal option. As the rice absorbs the flavors of the tomato sauce, it transforms into a delectable side dish that perfectly complements the baked spaghetti.
The bottom line
When it comes to baked spaghetti, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to selecting a side dish. From timeless favorites like garlic bread to creative alternatives such as Arancini, the possibilities are endless. In fact, you can find a complementary side dish that pairs perfectly with your baked spaghetti. Whether you’re looking for something classic or innovative, there’s an option out there that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
