Baked ziti is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on your plate. It’s cheesy, saucy, and downright comforting. We remember nights where we devoured generous portions while binge-watching our favorite shows.
Sure, it’s great on its own, but why not level up our meal game? The right sides can spice things up a bit. We all know a simple salad can be refreshing, but there’s plenty more to consider.
How about garlic bread? Or maybe something a little unexpected? Let’s chat about the best accompaniments for baked ziti that’ll make your dinner something to remember. Grab a fork; it’s going to be a delicious ride!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Baked Ziti
Here are our top picks for the best sides to serve with baked ziti:
1 – Caprese Skewers
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Caprese skewers are the refreshing bite we didn’t know we needed! Each skewer is a balance of creamy mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil.
They offer a bright burst of flavor with a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top. Think of these as fancy finger food that feels indulgent, yet they require minimal prep. Perfect for parties or just snacking while we binge-watch our favorite shows.
2 – Garlic Breadsticks
Garlic breadsticks are the perfect companion for baked ziti. They have a buttery, garlicky goodness that complements that cheesy pasta.
The soft, chewy texture paired with a crunchy exterior gives us a satisfying contrast.
A sprinkle of parsley adds freshness, while the garlic offers that familiar comfort.
We all know it’s hard to resist grabbing just one more after dinner. They’re easy to make and even easier to love!
3 – Caesar Salad
Caesar salad brings a crisp freshness that really complements baked ziti’s richness. We can almost taste the crunchy romaine mixed with savory parmesan and creamy dressing.
The tangy kick hits us just right. It’s more than just lettuce; the croutons add a satisfying crunch that balances the meal perfectly.
Dressing matters. The right amount can elevate the dish or make it too heavy. A good Caesar is all about that balance.
4 – Antipasto Platter
Antipasto platters are a vibrant mix of meats, cheeses, olives, and veggies. We love how each bite offers a different crunch or creaminess.
Salami brings a savory punch, while fresh mozzarella adds a cool, milky touch.
Roasted peppers give a sweet, smoky flavor, which balances the salty bite of the olives.
This is an easy way to add variety to any meal. It’s a fun way to graze, and it makes baked ziti feel even more special!
5 – Lemon Roasted Broccoli
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Lemon roasted broccoli is our go-to for brightening up any meal. The zingy lemon juice gives it a fresh kick.
We roast the broccoli until it’s crispy on the edges, bringing out that nutty flavor.
It complements baked ziti perfectly, cutting through the richness with its tang. The crunchiness pairs well, ensuring each bite is satisfying.
This side dish is simple and brings pizzazz to our dining experience!
6 – Eggplant Rollatini
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Eggplant rollatini is such a fun side! It combines tender eggplant with cheesy goodness. The meatiness of the eggplant holds the cheesy filling perfectly, offering a satisfying bite.
We love how the marinara drizzled on top adds a fresh tomato zing. This dish balances richness and acidity, making it a delightful sidekick to baked ziti. The subtle smokiness from roasted eggplant ramps up the flavors beautifully.
7 – Spinach and Artichoke Dip
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Spinach and artichoke dip is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of tang from the artichokes. We love how it pairs perfectly with crispy pita chips or crunchy veggies for dipping.
The balance between the spinach’s earthiness and the creaminess of the cheese is spot on. This dip brings that rich comfort we crave while being surprisingly light. It’s like a party in our mouths every time we indulge!
8 – Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a fantastic addition to any meal. They bring a delightful earthiness with each bite. We appreciate the chewy texture paired with a savory filling.
The blend of cream cheese and herbs creates a creamy, rich flavour. These little bites offer a satisfying contrast against heavier dishes like baked ziti.
They’re an easy-to-make side that makes everything feel a bit fancier and more fun!
9 – Roasted Bell Peppers
Roasted bell peppers are bright and vibrant. Their sweet, caramelized flavor stands out as a deliciously simple side. We love that they complement baked ziti with an added layer of taste.
The charred edges give a smoky twist that blends beautifully with the cheesy pasta. Their juicy texture feels refreshing and balances the heaviness of the ziti. Toss them with olive oil and garlic for a speedy prep—easy, right?
10 – Panzanella Salad
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Panzanella salad is like a sun-soaked picnic on a plate!
It features crusty bread soaked in fresh tomatoes’ juices, creating a juicy, rustic vibe. We toss in ingredients like cucumbers and red onions for a crunchy contrast that brightens the dish.
The balsamic vinaigrette adds a tangy zest, while fresh basil introduces an aromatic note. That chewy bread combined with juicy veggies is both refreshing and satisfying, making it a fab companion for baked ziti!
11 – Marinated Olives
Marinated olives bring a world of flavor to any plate. We enjoy their briny zing that cuts through richer dishes perfectly. Each bite has a buttery texture, combined with herbs and spices that enhance the taste.
They don’t overpower but add a subtler note. Think of them as the zesty friends that pop up unexpectedly, adding a touch of fun to our baked ziti dinners. Plus, they are super easy to prepare!
12 – Italian Green Beans
Italian green beans are a fantastic side. They bring a crisp texture and fresh vibrancy to the table. Sautéing them with garlic amplifies their natural sweetness while adding a savory touch.
These beans sync perfectly with ziti. The bright green hue adds visual appeal, while a sprinkle of Parmesan boosts the flavor. Their simplicity enhances any dish without being overpowering. We love how they balance the richness of pasta effortlessly!
13 – Focaccia Bread
Focaccia bread is like a fluffy Italian cloud atop your plate. It’s rich, soft, and slightly chewy, making every bite a comforting experience.
We love the slight olive oil drizzle, as it adds a luscious richness that pairs well with baked ziti. The addition of herbs gives it an aromatic kick, setting it apart from regular bread.
Unlike standard bread, focaccia has a richer flavour thanks to its texture and seasoning. It’s perfect for soaking up delicious sauces, making it a must-have side!
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.