20 Best Panini Side Dishes You'll Find Delicious

Do you love paninis as much as I do? They are the perfect sandwich for a quick and easy meal. I have to say, paninis are one of my favorite things to make. They’re so quick and easy, and they always taste great.

But I used to struggle with finding the perfect side dish to go with them. That’s why I went on researching what other people serve with their paninis. And today, I will share with you everything I have discovered!

Panini Side Dishes

Green Salad
Mac N’ Cheese
Butternut Squash Soup
Matzo Ball Soup
Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato Bisque
Potato Soup
Chili
Macaroni Salad
Sweet Potato Fries

Green Salad

A flavorful and crispy panini is a great way to show off your cooking skills, but what about the side dish? A green salad is a perfect accompaniment to a panini.

The crispness of the lettuce pairs perfectly with the crunch of the bread, and the acidity of the dressing helps to cut through the richness of the cheese. Plus, adding a few vegetables to your meal is always a good idea.

However, there are a few things to consider when selecting a green salad as a side dish for your panini:

First, make sure that the salad is not too heavy on the dressing, as this can make the bread soggy.
Second, avoid using strong-flavored greens, such as arugula or watercress, as they will overpower the flavors of the panini.
Finally, add some contrast to your plate by including a mix of colors and textures in your salad. For example, pair bright cherry tomatoes with creamy avocado or crisp green apples with earthy walnuts.

Mac N’ Cheese

Mac n’ cheese is one of the most versatile side dishes out there. It can be a comforting and creamy addition to a sandwich or it can be a crispy and cheesy topper for a salad. No matter how you serve it, mac n’ cheese is always a welcome sight on the table.

There are endless ways to make mac n’ cheese, but my personal favorite is with cheddar and Gruyere cheeses. I like to add a little Dijon mustard for some tanginess and a pinch of cayenne for some heat.

You can never go wrong with a classic combination like this. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try adding in some chopped bacon or green onions. Or, if you want to keep it simple, just season it with salt and pepper.

Mac n’ cheese is also great for feeding a crowd because it can be easily doubled or tripled. And, if you’re short on time, you can even make it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to add a little extra milk when you reheat it so that it doesn’t dry out.

Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash Soup is the perfect side dish for Panini. It is creamy and flavorful, with a hint of sweetness that pairs well with the savory flavors of Panini. The soup is also relatively light, so it does not overwhelm the taste of the Panini.

Of course, I’ve got some helpful tips for you when pairing your paninis with butternut squash soup:

The soup can be quite dense, so it is important to choose a bread that can hold up to its richness. I suggest using a sturdy sourdough bread or a hearty wheat bread.
The soup can be quite sweet, so it is important to balance it out with savory toppings on your Panini. I suggest using sharp cheeses and cured meats to offset the sweetness of the soup.
The soup can be refrigerated and reheated, it is best served fresh and at its peak flavor. So if you are planning on serving Butternut Squash Soup as a side dish for Panini, make sure to prepare it just before serving.

Matzo Ball Soup

Matzo ball soup is a great side dish for panini because it is light and flavorful. The slightly sweet matzo balls are a perfect contrast to the savory panini, and the soup is also filled with healthy vegetables.

When serving matzo ball soup as a side dish, keep the following in mind:

The soup should be served in small cups or bowls so that it does not overwhelm the flavor of the panini.
The matzo balls should be cut into bite-sized pieces so that they are easy to eat.
It is important to avoid overcooking the soup, as this will make the matzo balls tough and rubbery.

Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil soup is a delicious and healthy choice for a side dish for Panini. The soup is packed with nutrients and is low in calories, making it a great option for those watching their weight. The soup is also high in fiber, which can help to regulate digestion.

Tomato Basil soup has a smooth texture and a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the savory flavors of Panini. The soup can also be spiced up with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of Tabasco sauce.

However, some people may find the soup to be too acidic, so it is important to taste the soup before adding any additional seasonings. If you are looking for a more filling side dish, you can add a cup of cooked rice or pasta to the soup.

Tomato Bisque

Tomato Bisque is a flavorful and creamy soup made from roasted tomatoes. It pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese or panini, and its rich flavor can also stand up to heartier meats like chicken or steak. It is also a great way to use up excess tomatoes from your garden, and it can be frozen for up to six months.

The key to making a good bisque is to cook the tomatoes until they are very soft, and then puree them until they are completely smooth. This can be done in a blender or food processor, but make sure to let the soup cool slightly before pureeing, as a hot soup can explode out of the blender. You can also leave some chunks of tomato in the soup for texture if you prefer.

Tomato bisque can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. If you’re short on time, you can also use canned tomatoes, although fresh tomatoes will give the bisque the best flavor. When serving, you may garnish it with a dollop of sour cream or freshly chopped basil.

Potato Soup

If you’re looking for something that is both easy to make and tasty, potato soup is a perfect choice. Just add some milk and butter to boiled potatoes and you’re good to go.

The soup will not only complement the flavors of your panini, but it will also help to round out the meal. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can always add some shredded cheese or chopped herbs to the soup.

However, potato soup does have one downside: it can be a bit messy to eat. So if you’re planning on serving it as a side dish, make sure to have napkins on hand. But despite its potential for making a mess, potato soup is a delicious and easy way to take your panini from good to great.

Chili

When it comes to serving up a delicious side dish, chili is a great option. This hearty food is packed with flavor and its thick texture pairs well with a variety of sandwiches.

Chili also has the advantage of being relatively easy to prepare. Simply simmer a pot of ground beef and beans on the stove, and you’re good to go.

However, there are a few factors to consider when making chili as a side dish.

The spice level is important. If your chili is too spicy, it will overwhelm the flavors of the sandwich.
Chili can be messy, so consider serving it in a bowl with a spoon. This will help to prevent drips and spills.
Chili is best enjoyed fresh, so make sure to prepare it just before serving.

Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is a perfect side dish for Panini because of its light, refreshing taste and creamy texture. The macaroni noodles are cooked al dente, then tossed in a mayonnaise-based dressing with chopped celery, onions, and pickles.

This salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks because it can be made ahead of time and doesn’t require any special equipment. When preparing macaroni salad, however, there are a few things to bear in mind:

Be sure to use high-quality mayonnaise, as this will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to give the salad your own personal touch.
If you’re serving the salad to young children or those with compromised immune systems, be sure to cook the noodles thoroughly to prevent food poisoning.

Sweet Potato Fries

A dish of sweet potato fries always hits the spot. They are the perfect salty and crunchy side to a savory panini. The sweetness of the potato pairs well with the richness of the cheese and the acidity of the tomato sauce. And, they are a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C.

Sweet potato fries are delicious, but there are things you need to consider:

Sweet potato fries should be cooked until golden brown and crispy. This can be achieved by frying them in hot oil or baking them in a hot oven.
They should be served immediately after cooking so that they retain their crunchiness. It can also be reheated, but this will cause them to lose their crunchiness.
It is important to use high-quality cooking oil when frying sweet potatoes, as this will help to prevent them from sticking to the pan and becoming mushy.

Conclusion

With so many delicious options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect panini side dish to serve at your next gathering. I hope this article was helpful in choosing the perfect panini side dish for your next meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start cooking up some delicious panini side dishes! With a little bit of creativity and effort, you can create a side dish that everyone will love.

20 Best Panini Side Dishes You’ll Find Delicious