9 Best Side Dishes for Casseroles You’ll Love

Side dishes are often the hardest part of creating a casserole meal. It’s not always easy to find something that goes well together.

I know this from experience. A few months ago, I decided to make a casserole for a potluck party I was hosting. But I didn’t want to just serve the casserole by itself, I wanted some sides that would complement it well.

So I started browsing recipes online, looking for dishes that would pair nicely with my casserole. But I quickly became overwhelmed. There were so many options, and I didn’t know where to start!

In the end, I just picked a few recipes at random and crossed my fingers that they would taste good together. Thankfully, they did! But it was close call. If I hadn’t been able to find some decent side dishes, my party would have been a disaster.

That’s why I’m writing this post. To help you avoid a disaster of your own, I’ve put together a list of side dishes that go well with casseroles. These are all sides that I’ve tried myself, so I can guarantee that they’ll taste great together.

So without further ado, here are my top five recommendations for sides to serve with casseroles:

Side Dishes for Casseroles

1. Salad
2. Rice
3. Roasted broccoli
4. Fruit salad
5. Biscuits
6. Quinoa salad
7. Orange-glazed carrots
8. Lemon almond asparagus
9. Chutney-glazed carrots

Salad

A salad makes the perfect side dish for a casserole for many reasons.

First, it is light and refreshing, which provides a nice contrast to the heavier casserole. Second, it is usually very colorful, which brightens up the plate. Third, it is usually very fresh tasting, which helps to offset the sometimes heavy flavors of a casserole.

Finally, there are unlimited possibilities when it comes to how you make it. You can add any number of fruits or vegetables, and top it with a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy cheese dressing. The possibilities are endless!

Rice

Rice is a classic side dish that goes well with a variety of different recipes. It can be steamed or cooked in a variety of different ways, and its bland flavor makes it a versatile canvas for different spices and herbs.

Rice can also be infused with spinach or other leafy greens to add color and nutrients. In addition, white rice is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which can help to boost energy levels. As a result, it is no surprise that rice is a popular choice as a side dish.

Roasted broccoli

Roasted broccoli is the perfect side dish for a casserole. The roasting process brings out the natural sugars in the broccoli, making it sweeter and more flavorful.

You can add lemon and pepper to season the broccoli, and some roasted almonds to add a nice crunch. Roasted broccoli is also healthy, as it retains more of its nutrients than steamed or boiled broccoli. Plus, it’s easy to make! Simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, toss your broccoli with olive oil and sea salt, and roast for 20-25 minutes.

Roasted broccoli is a delicious, healthy, and easy way to elevate your casserole game!

Fruit salad

Fruit salad is a great choice for a side dish with a casserole. It’s sweet and refreshing, and it’s easy to customize to your liking. If you’re looking for something tropical, try adding pineapple, mango, and papaya to your salad. For a citrusy twist, add oranges, grapefruit, and lemon.

Fruit salad goes well with casseroles because the sweetness of the fruit helps to offset the richness of the casserole. The acidity of the fruit also helps to brighten the flavors of the casserole. In addition, the contrast in texture between the soft fruit and the crispy casserole is enjoyable. So it’s sure to be a hit!

Biscuits

Biscuits are a classic side dish that goes well with a variety of recipes. They can be made from scratch or bought pre-made, and they can be flavored in a variety of ways.

Biscuits are usually served warm, and they go well with casseroles because they provide a crunchy contrast to the softness of the casserole. They can also be used to soak up any excess sauce or gravy.

Plus, who doesn’t love a warm, fluffy biscuit? They’re sure to be a hit with your guests!

Quinoa salad

Quinoa salad is a great option as a side dish for a casserole. It is filling and packed with nutrients, but still has a light and refreshing taste. You can make a quick salad using quinoa, spinach, tomatoes, onions, and other vegetables that you like and a dressing of your choice. I like to use a balsamic vinaigrette, but you can use any type of dressing you like.

The salad is simple to make and can be made ahead of time. Quinoa salad is a healthy and delicious option that goes well with any casserole. Make sure you go give it a try!

Orange-glazed carrots

Orange-glazed carrots are the perfect side dish for a casserole. The sweet and zesty flavor of the carrots pairs well with the savory flavors of the casserole, and the orange zest adds a touch of sweetness that compliments the other flavors in the dish. The carrots are also cooked in butter and brown sugar, which gives them a rich, sweet flavor that is irresistible.

Orange-glazed carrots are sure to be a hit with your family and friends, and I’m sure they will be asking for seconds.

Lemon almond asparagus

Lemon almond asparagus is a fantastic side dish for a casserole. The crunchy contrast of the asparagus pairs perfectly with the creamy casserole, and the butter and lemon juice give it a delicious zing.

This dish is also incredibly easy to prepare. Simply blanch the asparagus in boiling water for two minutes, then toss it with lemon juice, butter, and toasted almonds.

Plus, as an added bonus, asparagus provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. So if you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious side dish, look no further than lemon almond asparagus.

Chutney-glazed carrots

Chutney-glazed carrots make the perfect side dish for a casserole. The sweetness of the chutney complements the roasted flavor of the carrots, while the ginger and Dijon add a touch of zest. The carrots are also lightly glazed, giving them a beautiful shine.

Chutney-glazed carrots are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Simply roast the carrots and then glaze them with your favorite chutney. For a sweeter dish, you can add a little honey to the chutney before glazing the carrots. Chutney-glazed carrots are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy your favorite casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between stew and casserole?

Stews are made with tougher cuts of meat and require a longer cooking time to become tender. Casseroles, on the other hand, typically include softer ingredients that cook quickly. In addition, stews are typically simmered on the stovetop while casseroles are baked in the oven. This difference in cooking methods results in different textures and flavors for each dish.

What ingredients are needed to make a casserole?

The ingredients for the casserole will vary depending on what type of casserole you are making. However, some common ingredients include chicken, beef, pork, vegetables, rice, pasta, and cheese.

The toppings are also up to you. You can use breadcrumbs, cheese, or even bacon to top your casserole. This gives the dish a delicious and crispy crust.

How do you make a casserole?

The ingredients and instructions for making a casserole will vary depending on what type of casserole you are making. However, some common steps include cooking the meat and vegetables, adding the rice or pasta, and then baking in the oven. You can also add cheese and other toppings to give your casserole a delicious crust.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many delicious and healthy side dishes that go well with a casserole. So next time you’re looking for a side dish to complement your casserole, try one of these fantastic options. I’m sure you’ll be glad you did!