What to Serve with Ice Cream? 13 Best Side Dishes

Do we ever think about what to serve with ice cream (a frozen dairy dessert typically made from milk or cream, sugar, and flavorings)?

Remember the time we tried to pair ice cream with every possible topping in the pantry? Spoiler alert: popcorn and chocolate syrup was a yes.

We're here to chat about those perfect side dishes that take our ice cream experience from "meh" to "wow."

Whether it's fruity, crunchy, or something straight-up unexpected, there are so many great options out there. Let's dig into 13 tasty pairings that'll have us saying goodbye to boring scoops for good!

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Top 13 Side Dishes for Ice Cream

Here are 13 side dishes that will take your ice cream to the next level:

1 - Warm Brownies

Brownies are chocolate's best real estate (deep, fudgy, intensely chocolatey). They hold their own with ice cream.

We all know that warm brownies create that melty, gooey magic that sings with every scoop.

When we serve them, it's like a warm hug on a plate. Options to level up include nuts, caramel, or whipped cream.

Brownies can be chewy or cake-like; we often prefer that fudgy consistency.

The best part? They're ridiculously easy to bake - and for more brownie pairings for desserts.

A simple box mix works wonders. Instant dessert gratification is just minutes away.

2 - Fresh Waffle

What's a fresh waffle if it isn't a crispy cloud of joy?

Waffles and ice cream get along like peanut butter and jelly. They add crunch to our creamy treat (crispy exterior with a tender interior).

Serve them warm for that melt-in-your-mouth experience. The pattern in each bite holds syrup perfectly.

Topping options are endless. Think whipped cream, fruits, or even a drizzle of chocolate.

Always check if they're made with real ingredients. Frozen ones lack that homemade vibe.

3 - Apple Pie

What's better than a scoop of ice cream? A scoop of ice cream on top of a slice of apple pie.

We've got that warm, cinnamon goodness from the pie (with nutmeg and a hint of clove). The contrast with cold ice cream creates a simple, blissful match.

Serve it right out of the oven. That's peak comfort.

Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or maybe even caramel.

A little whipped topping doesn't hurt either.

Use store-bought pie for easy access, or see savory sides for cottage pie.

4 - Chocolate Lava Cake

Chocolate lava cake is like a warm hug for dessert lovers.

It's all about that gooey chocolate center (molten, ganache-like). When you cut it open, it flows like a chocolate river.

We appreciate it served with a scoop of cold ice cream; for more chocolate desserts, see complementary chocolate dessert sides.

Timing is key; bake until the edges are firm but the center is soft.

Overbaking? No thanks. A dusting of powdered sugar on top makes it fancy.

It's easy to prepare, yet it impresses at dinner parties.

Grab a box mix for a quick treat or make it from scratch.

5 - Cinnamon Sugar Churros

Churros are like doughnuts' cooler cousin. They're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Coated in cinnamon sugar, they give us that sweet crunch we crave (warm, spicy-sweet exterior).

We can dip them in chocolate or caramel for added fun. They go hand-in-hand with ice cream.

Fresh churros are always better than frozen.

Serve them warm to enjoy the gooey goodness.

A sprinkle of extra sugar can't hurt. We should definitely consider making a batch at home for a sweet treat anytime.

6 - Grilled Peaches

Grilled peaches might just be the answer to those fruit cravings. These juicy gems get a nice char that brings out their sweetness (caramelizing their natural sugars).

They pair well with ice cream, yogurt, or even a sprinkle of salt.

We can toss them on the grill for a few minutes. The caramelization adds a whole new texture.

When we serve them warm, it's like warm hugs without the actual hug.

Try swapping them on a cheeseboard or just grab some as a refreshing snack; for savory main courses, see sides that pair with grilled salmon.

7 - Banana Foster

Bananas foster may remind us of that fancy restaurant meal we thought we could recreate at home. It's simple to whip up and brings that sweet, caramelized vibe.

Just toss sliced bananas in a pan with butter and brown sugar. Cinnamon adds a nice kick.

Flambéing is optional, but it looks cool (traditionally done with dark rum).

Serve this on top of ice cream. It's a classic combo.

Store any leftovers for breakfast; they're great on pancakes or waffles. Easy dessert that's so versatile.

8 - Fried Dough (Zeppole)

Fried dough, or zeppole, is a glorious way to take dough to the next level. These little bites are fluffy, airy, and just fried enough to make you feel like you're indulging.

They're typically dusted with powdered sugar or tossed in cinnamon sugar (a classic Italian street-food treat). Talk about a sweet finish.

We've had our fair share of these at fairs, and homemade ones are pretty easy too.

Fry them up fresh for the best experience; for savory fried mains, see mild sides for Korean fried chicken.

Grab a few, and we're set.

9 - Berry Compote

Berry compote is like a fruity hug. It brings a pop of sweetness.

This mix works beautifully with ice cream.

We can use fresh or frozen berries. Just simmer them with a bit of sugar and lemon juice (about a 2:1 berry-to-sugar ratio).

It thickens up nicely and adds flair. Want to punch it up?

Toss in some vanilla extract.

Make it ahead and store it. It's a nice topping that lasts.

Perfect for lazy days or last-minute desserts.

Simple and tasty.

10 - Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky toffee pudding? Yes, please.

This dessert is a warm, gooey treat that everyone should try. It combines soft sponge cake with a rich toffee sauce (deep, buttery, caramel-like).

We can serve it with a scoop of ice cream for a dream team combo. Microwaving leftovers makes them just as tasty.

We're all about simple pleasures.

Make spacing between your servings easy. A little bit goes a long way, trust us.

It's a crowd-pleaser at parties or quiet nights in. Definitely worth a spot on our dessert list.

11 - Chocolate Chip Cookies

Who needs a comfort food court when we have chocolate chip cookies? These golden treats hit the spot.

Soft and chewy or crunchy?

Totally up to us.

Storing them is easy. They last as long as we don't eat them all in one sitting.

A sprinkle of sea salt can amp up flavors (a light pinch per dozen cookies). We often add nuts for a little crunch.

Chilling dough improves texture. We know the struggle of waiting, though.

Baking can be a team sport. Invite some friends over for a cookie party.

Let's keep it fun.

12 - Crêpes with Nutella

Crêpes with Nutella? Talk about a sweet treat.

These thin pancakes are super versatile and bring a lot to the table (delicate, paper-thin crêpes). They're quick to whip up, and we can fill them with whatever we fancy.

Nutella oozes happiness, but fresh fruits work great too. Making them at home?

Easy peasy.

For the best texture, use room-temperature ingredients. Don't skimp on the Nutella.

A drizzle of whipped cream?

Why not.

Dig in while they're warm. They're great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.

13 - Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple upside-down cake is a true classic. It's a cake that flips the script.

Sweet pineapple rings and maraschino cherries sit on top, giving that retro vibe.

The brown sugar caramelizes during baking. It creates a delicious glaze (deep, sticky and caramelized).

We can use boxed cake mix for speed, or explore sweet sides for lemon pound cake.

A cast-iron skillet works wonders for even cooking. Slice it warm and enjoy the gooey goodness.

Don't forget to flip it carefully! It's an instant conversation starter.