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Lasagna, with its layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and savory fillings, stands as a timeless classic in the realm of comfort food. But while the main dish itself is undeniably delicious, choosing the right pairings can take your lasagna dinner party from great to unforgettable.
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a dinner party with friends, or simply craving a cozy night in, here are perfect additions to your dinner table – appetizers, easy side dishes, wines, and desserts that pair perfectly with lasagna.
Easy Appetizers
- Pasta e Fagioli Soup – A cup of soup is a perfect appetizer to an Italian meal.
- Antipasto Platter: Create a colorful antipasto platter featuring an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, roasted peppers, and marinated artichokes for a taste of Italy alongside your lasagna.
- Bruschetta: Toasted baguette slices topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze offer a burst of flavor that complements the tomato-based sauce in lasagna.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Serve savory stuffed mushrooms filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese are a delicious appetizer that complements the flavors of lasagna.
Best Lasagna Side Dishes
The best side dishes are usually the ones that are the easiest to make. When you have a hearty main course like lasagna, it is nice to have light side dishes, like salads, vegetables, and bread.
- Garlic Bread or Garlic Toast: Let’s start with a classic. You can’t have cheesy lasagna without a side of bread. And it is one of the easiest side dishes to prepare. Freshly baked garlic bread with crispy edges and a soft, buttery center is the ultimate companion to a hearty lasagna. Garlic knots would also be an excellent choice.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and seasoned croutons adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of lasagna.
- Caprese Salad: Combine slices of juicy tomatoes or fresh cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze for a light and vibrant side dish that complements the flavors of the lasagna.
- A Simple Salad of spring mix, fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and a homemade dressing of a little olive oil, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper is an easy and healthy side dish to whip up. You can’t beat a fresh salad.
- Roasted Vegetable Sides: Roasting vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, squash, broccoli, and brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and adds a healthy touch to your meal.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Serve warm, soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese for an irresistible side that’s perfect for dipping into marinara sauce.
- Cucumber Tomato Salad: Toss together cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and Italian dressing for a light and refreshing side salad.
- Roasted Cauliflower: Roasted cauliflower florets tossed with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and parsley offer a flavorful and low-carb side option.
One of my favorite lasagna recipes is a vegetarian lasagna, so an easy side dish of Italian sausage to add more protein to the meal is a good option. You can cook it in the oven or air fryer while the lasagna heats up.
Wine Pairings
If you are enjoying a tomato-based lasagna, a Barbera D’Asti, Lambrusco (Paltrinieri Lambrusco di Sorbara), or Chianti Classico would be a good choice.
The Barbera is a high-acid wine, so matching it with a tomato-based dish like lasagna is the perfect pairing. (It is also an excellent wine to pair with pizza.)
Desserts
To close out your lasagna meal, you of course are wondering what dessert to serve with lasagna? An Italian dessert would be the ideal choice – something cool and refreshing with fruit would be perfect, like a sorbet or fruit gelato. You could also make a tiramisu, ice cream pie, Angel Food Cake Strawberry Shortcake, or cannoli.
With these delicious lasagna pairings, you can elevate your lasagna dinner and create a memorable dining experience for family and friends.
Whether you prefer classic accompaniments or adventurous twists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy alongside this classic Italian dish. So gather around the table, indulge in a comforting meal, and savor the joy of good food and great company.
