We all know the feeling when you’re staring at baked spaghetti fresh out of the oven, wondering what to pair it with. Why settle for the same old sides when there’s a world of yum awaiting us? Forget standard garlic bread this time; we’ve assembled a list of sides that’ll make your baked spaghetti sing.
Our personal favorite? A crisp Caesar salad. It adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy goodness of cheesy spaghetti. Feeling adventurous? Try roasted brussels sprouts, slightly charred for that smoky touch.
Hungry already? Us too. This lineup is bound to give your usual pasta dinner a twist. So, if you’re ready for the feast, grab a fork, and let’s dig into some exciting new sides!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Baked Spaghetti
Here are 13 amazing side dishes to complement your baked spaghetti:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Garlic Parmesan Knots | Dough, garlic, Parmesan | Savory, garlicky | Medium | 20 mins |
| Lemon Butter Asparagus | Asparagus, lemon, butter | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Caprese Stuffed Mushrooms | Mushrooms, mozzarella, tomato, basil | Savory, herby | Medium | 25 mins |
| Crispy Italian Bruschetta | Baguette, tomatoes, basil, olive oil | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Parmesan Roasted Broccoli | Broccoli, Parmesan, olive oil | Savory, crispy | Easy | 20 mins |
| Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons | Romaine, croutons, Caesar dressing | Crisp, savory | Medium | 15 mins |
| Sautéed Zucchini and Squash | Zucchini, squash, olive oil | Light, savory | Easy | 15 mins |
| Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon | Prosciutto, cantaloupe or honeydew | Sweet, salty | Easy | 10 mins |
| Herb and Garlic Roasted Potatoes | Potatoes, garlic, herbs | Crispy, herby | Easy | 30 mins |
| Eggplant Rollatini | Eggplant, ricotta, marinara | Savory, cheesy | Medium | 35 mins |
| Cheesy Polenta Bites | Polenta, cheese, butter | Creamy, cheesy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Spinach & Artichoke Dip with Crostini | Spinach, artichoke, cheese, bread | Rich, creamy | Medium | 25 mins |
| Italian Marinated Olives | Olives, garlic, herbs | Tangy, briny | Easy | 5 mins |
These side dishes offer a range of flavors and textures that pair well with baked spaghetti, from crisp vegetables and savory breads to creamy dips and fresh salads, creating a well-rounded meal experience.
1 – Garlic Parmesan Knots
Garlic Parmesan Knots are a party on our plate. They bring a buttery, cheesy twist to our meal. We always coat them in garlic butter right out of the oven. It’s all about that sizzle and smell. These knots are the crunchy sidekick our baked spaghetti needs.
Knead that dough, don’t skimp on the Parmesan. We like them golden with a little hint of parsley. We’re talking finger-licking good! Handy tip: make extra, you’ll thank us later.
2 – Lemon Butter Asparagus
Lemon Butter Asparagus, a zesty sidekick! We toss fresh asparagus in lemon and butter, sprinkle salt, roast. Simple and yummy. Roast just until tender, not mushy.
The zing from lemon keeps it fresh. Butter makes it rich, rounds off flavors. Perfect for balancing the creamy spaghetti. We love that char on spears.
Our tip: Serve hot, squeeze extra lemon. It hits the spot. The crunch is satisfying. We promise it’s a crowd pleaser without the fuss.
3 – Caprese Stuffed Mushrooms
Ever wondered how tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil fit into a mushroom cap? We’ve stuffed these goodies into bite-sized delights. Roast them till the cheese bubbles.
Tomatoes burst with juiciness. Basil adds a spicy kick. Mushrooms hold it all together, offering the perfect bite.
Our tip: Use fresh mozzarella for maximum meltiness. We season with balsamic glaze for a sweet touch. Quick to make, gone even quicker. It’s a breeze to whip up and munch. Enjoy the flavors!
4 – Crispy Italian Bruschetta
Everyone’s got tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. We stack them onto crunchy bread. Bruschetta is all about texture balance. Crisp bread with juicy toppings.
Use fresh tomatoes for the pop. We drizzle olive oil generously. Bite-sized bliss right here.
Simple assembly, fast and rewarding. Basil adds that aromatic hit. Always finish with a touch of salt.
No fancy skills needed. Enjoy these little crown jewels your way. They’re refreshing and make any meal special.
5 – Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Ever had broccoli roasted till it’s crisp? That’s when magic happens. Broccoli gets a sweet, nutty twist.
We love tossing it with olive oil. Sprinkle Parmesan before roasting. It’s simple yet transformative. Garlic lovers may want to add a few cloves.
Broccoli florets crave a garlicky goodness. Roast until edges brown. Flavors deepen naturally this way.
Parmesan melts into a crust. The robust flavor stands out. Easy option with big impact.
Tastes magnificent next to creamy spaghetti.
6 – Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons
We’re talking Caesar Salad, now with handcrafted croutons. These crunchy bits are all about texture. We toast bread just right, to perfectly golden nuggets.
Parmesan goes in next. Salad gets a tangy twist. Here’s a tip – sprinkle more cheese on top. Fresh dressing is key.
This mix dances on taste buds, no doubt. Between crispy lettuce and garlicky notes, it’s a cheerful dish.
No extra frills needed. Just salad simplicity we crave.
7 – Sautéed Zucchini and Squash
Zucchini and squash make a fresh, colorful side. We slice them thin for quick cook time. Pan-sautéed with olive oil for silky texture.
Add a pinch of salt and pepper, nothing fancy, just tasteful. Sometimes a bit of garlic or herbs for extra flair. It’s quick, not a fuss. We enjoy seeing vibrant veggies complement spaghetti.
Easy to try, worthwhile for any meal. Plus, you can never go wrong with seasonal produce. Always a welcome addition.
8 – Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon
We go nuts over these salty-sweet bites. Prosciutto hugs melon slices like they’re best buddies. This combo brings out the best in each other.
Melon bursts with sweetness, while prosciutto adds a savory note. We like them chilled on warm days. Always use ripe melon for the juiciest experience.
Slice heartily; grab enough to share. Our take is all about patience: chill before serving. Not an epic task, just tasty and quick. Perfect for lazy lunches and spur-of-the-moment snacks.
9 – Herb and Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are a timeless side. We toss them in herbs and garlic for bold flavor. Garlic gets roasted to sweet perfection. Potatoes turn crispy outside, soft inside.
We prefer them golden and hot. Sprinkle a pinch of parsley. Enjoy with or without the skin. These little gems fit any occasion.
Tip: Shake the baking tray mid-roast. This enhances crunch. Simple spuds with big character. We’ll finish every last one. This side dish is irresistibly satisfying.
10 – Eggplant Rollatini
These cheesy roll-ups sure know how to make us hungry. Eggplant slices wrap ricotta like cozy blankets. Super simple, they cook quickly with tomato sauce love. The cheese oozes inside, warm and inviting. We roll them tight for a neat bundle.
Make sure to salt eggplant first. Soak up extra moisture. A handy trick we favor. Season boldly for major flavor pops. Add fresh basil for a sweet lift. This one’s a trusty win for veggie pizza fans.
11 – Cheesy Polenta Bites
You ever had polenta in bite-sized snacks? Our cheesy polenta bites are a total party starter. Crispy outside, creamy inside. A dash of parmesan tops it all off. We cut them into little squares. These cuties grab attention at any table.
Best with a splash of marinara on the side. Easy to prepare, and they cook fast. We toss in a pinch of red pepper for heat. Bomb of flavors in every bite. Got leftovers? Toss them in the oven for a quick reload.
12 – Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Crostini
Ever tasted cheesy goodness on a sleek crostini? Spinach and artichoke dip with crostini is our jam. Creamy, rich dip packed with flavor.
We toss artichokes and spinach with cheese. Bake until bubbly. Grab a crostini. It’s your dip’s trusty sidekick, crunchy and light.
Spinach brings nutrients, feels healthy. Artichokes—biting into fiber and taste. Cheese pulls the whole dish together. Keep it warm for gooey bits. Simple ingredients morph into something wonderful. Perfect substitute for those endless cheesy pizzas. You know the ones.
13 – Italian Marinated Olives
Gather around for a bite of herby bliss. We toss our olives in spices for a tangy hit. A zesty twist with each nibble. Easy prep makes it a go-to. With hints of rosemary and bay leaves, flavors turn vibrant.
Marinate overnight to let everything blend seamlessly. Serve as a quick munch option. Keep them cool for freshness.
And why not add some zest with lemon peel? Simple yet oh-so-satisfying. We can never make them last long at our table.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.