Let's talk meatballs (a seasoned ground-meat mixture often formed into rounds).
We love them on spaghetti, in subs, or even just hanging out on their own.
Finding the right side dishes to pair with these delicious orbs can be a bit tricky. Remember the time we decided to host a meatball party?
We threw a bunch of sides together and prayed it would work.
Spoiler: some did, and some. well, let's just say no meatball deserves certain accompaniments!
We're here to share our favourite side dishes that truly shine alongside meatballs. Get ready for a tasty lineup that will make your meatballs look good and feel even better!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Meatballs
Here are our top 13 picks for side dishes to serve with meatballs:
1 - Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
You can't go wrong with garlic parmesan breadsticks (made with roasted garlic and nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano). They bring buttery, garlicky goodness that we adore.
The parmesan adds a salty kick that goes with the bread's soft texture perfectly.
These sticks are perfect for soaking up sauce, and let's be real, we love anything that gives us an excuse to have more marinara. Warm and crispy, they're like a hug for our palate, making them an essential side at any meatball gathering.
2 - Roasted Vegetable Medley
Let's talk about roasted veggies. These are not just a side; they're a celebration of colour and crunch.
We toss a mix of our favs-carrots, bell peppers, zucchini-on a sheet and let the oven work its magic (roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes).
Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a crispy edge, a technique great for roasted vegetables side pairings.
Plus, they look gorgeous on the plate!
3 - Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
We love mashed cauliflower (made from the cruciferous vegetable cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)). It gives us that silky smooth texture, just like traditional mashed potatoes, but with a twist.
This dish brings a subtle, creamy flavor that works perfectly with meatballs, and it also pairs well with creamy mushroom chicken side options.
The garlic and butter combination improves it to another level. We find ourselves going in for seconds (and thirds) at dinner.
Plus, it's a fantastic low-carb alternative that still feels indulgent.
What's not to love?
4 - Couscous Salad
Couscous salad is a quick and zesty side dish we can't get enough of. It's perfect for adding great flavor to any meal.
We love how the fluffy couscous absorbs dressings, making every bite a little party (couscous is a North African semolina pasta).
Toss in some fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon. This combo gives us a bright and tangy experience we crave.
Plus, it's light enough to let our meatballs shine, and also complements taco salad side enhancements.
5 - Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are like little pockets of joy on your plate. We fill them with a mix of rice, cheese, and ground meat, but you can jazz it up however you like (about a 1:1 rice-to-meat ratio).
Each bite brings a pop of flavour from the juicy peppers, which also pair nicely with spinach stuffed chicken side options.
When baked, they soften perfectly and soak up all that cheesy goodness.
They're not just tasty; they look bright and cheerful too!
6 - Ratatouille
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/818555-8091575215c94593bf7b5759b49859c2.jpg)
Here's the scoop on ratatouille. This side is a mix of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes (a classic Provençal French vegetable stew).
It's all about layers of flavor and freshness in each bite.
We love that it's colorful and looks great on our plate. Cooking it low and slow brings out the natural sweetness and makes everything tender.
It goes well with meaty dishes and adds a lovely touch of Mediterranean flair.
7 - Baked Ziti
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/11758_Baked-Ziti-I_chibi-chef_4557541_original-2x1-1-b8ac0f244be14aae92d848756e33ba36.jpg)
We love baked ziti! It's that comfort food we crave without even thinking about it.
The pasta mingles beautifully with rich marinara and gooey mozzarella (often layered with ricotta and Parmesan). Each bite brings a cheesy, tomatoey explosion we can't resist.
We toss in some Italian sausage for a filling kick or keep it veggie with roasted peppers. It's the perfect balance of creamy and savory flavors that makes dinner feel special.
Plus, who doesn't enjoy a dish that bubbles under a cheesy crust?
8 - Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic favorite for many of us. It's creamy, cheesy nirvana that warms our hearts.
The combination of rich cheddar and a smooth béchamel sauce creates a comforting bite (using sharp cheddar for a tangier flavor).
We appreciate how easy it is to customize-adding crispy bacon, veggies, or spices gives it our own twist. Each forkful is a cheesy cloud of happiness.
This dish always brings back good vibes from childhood meals.
9 - Lemon Herb Orzo
Let's chat about lemon herb orzo. This side dish shines with zesty citrus and aromatic herbs.
We toss orzo pasta with a splash of lemon juice, some zest, and a handful of parsley for freshness (about 1 tablespoon lemon juice per cup of cooked orzo).
The result is a light, bright flavor that goes well with meatballs. It's quick to make and brings a lovely, cheerful twist to the plate.
Perfect for when we want something bright with our meals!
10 - Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey glazed carrots are a sweet and savory duo on your plate. The natural sweetness of the carrots shines through, enhanced by a rich honey glaze.
We love how the buttery notes mingle with a hint of thyme, creating a flavourful bite (thyme is a Mediterranean herb).
These carrots are roasted to tender perfection, but still maintain a slight crunch. Each bite feels satisfying without being heavy.
They add a bright splash of color and taste to our meatball ensemble!
11 - Eggplant Rollatini
Eggplant rollatini is a pasta dish we dream about (an Italian bake using thin eggplant slices instead of pasta). Tender eggplant slices wrap around a cheesy, herby filling that's just creamy enough.
Each bite gives us a nice mixture of flavors, from rich ricotta to zesty marinara sauce. Baked to perfection, the edges get a nice crisp while the inside stays gooey.
It's a fun way to enjoy veggies without missing out on that comfort food vibe. Perfect for meatball lovers seeking variety!
12 - Polenta Fries
Polenta fries are a fun switch from your usual sides. They're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
The corn flavour really shines through, making each bite super comforting (polenta is made from cornmeal, a staple in Northern Italian cuisine).
We love that they can be seasoned however we like. Dip them in marinara or a spicy aioli for an added kick.
These fries are a great way to sneak in some variety, all while keeping things delicious!
13 - Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine are the side dish that brings crunch and brightness to our meals. The green beans snap with freshness, while the toasted almonds add a lovely nutty flavor.
We cook the beans just right-tender but with a pop-then toss them in a little butter and lemon juice (blanch 3 minutes and shock in ice water). The citrus lifts everything with a zesty kick.
Perfect for adding a bit of flair without overshadowing our main dish!
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.
