What To Serve With Baked Ziti (20 Sides for Dinner Party)

When it comes to baked ziti, what do you serve as your side dish? Do you know what goes well with this Italian classic?

There are many different options, but in this article, we will focus on a few recipes that will complement your dish perfectly.

Whether you are looking for something savory or something sweet, I have you covered! So keep reading for some delicious ideas.

What To Serve With Baked Ziti For A Dinner Party

  1. Bruschetta
  2. Caprese Salad
  3. Roasted Asparagus
  4. Skillet Green Beans
  5. Roasted Broccoli
  6. Green Salad
  7. Garlic Bread
  8. Grilled Zucchini
  9. Grilled Cheese With Toast
  10. Steamed Broccoli

Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a unique and delicious side dish that can add a special touch to any baked pasta dish. This traditional Italian appetizer consists of grilled bread that is topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil.

The sweetness of the tomatoes, the pungency of the garlic, and the zesty flavor of the basil all work together to create a tantalizing flavor that is sure to please any palate. In addition to its excellent flavor, bruschetta also has the added benefit of being relatively low in calories and fat.

This makes it an ideal side dish for those who are watching their weight or trying to eat a healthier diet.

When pairing bruschetta with a baked pasta dish, it is important to choose a recipe that will complement the flavors of the side dish. A rich and hearty Bolognese sauce would be an ideal choice, as it would provide a contrast to the light and refreshing flavors of the bruschetta. Alternatively, a light tomato sauce would also be a delicious option.

Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a perfect side dish for baked ziti. The salad has all of the necessary ingredients to be a good side dish including tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves.

The salad is also healthy and nutritious, which is always a plus when it comes to side dishes. This is also easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, which is another bonus.

The biggest benefit of using Caprese salad as a side dish for baked ziti is that it pairs perfectly with the pasta dish. The acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the richness of the ziti, and the cheese and basil add a nice flavor contrast.

Caprese salad is also a good alternative to traditional Italian breadsticks or garlic bread, both of which can be heavy and greasy.

Roasted Asparagus

Asparagus is a vegetable that can be roasted and served as a side dish for baked ziti.

This side dish is a good way to get your vegetables in while also enjoying the flavor of asparagus. Asparagus is a healthy vegetable that is low in calories and fat. This veggie is also a good source of fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and E.

Asparagus can be roasted in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This side dish pairs well with baked ziti because the asparagus complements the flavor of the pasta dish. Asparagus can also be eaten raw or steamed.

When choosing asparagus, look for firm stalks with tight buds. Avoid asparagus that has limp stalks or open buds. Asparagus should be stored in the refrigerator and eaten within a few days for optimal freshness. This veggie can be enjoyed year-round, but it is in season from March to June.

Skillet Green Beans

Skillet green beans make an excellent side dish for baked ziti. There are several reasons for this.

  • The beans add a healthy dose of fiber and vitamins to the meal.
  • It can be cooked quickly and easily in a single pan. This makes them a great choice for busy cooks who want to get a meal on the table quickly.
  • The beans pair well with the ziti’s rich flavor. The acidity of the tomato sauce helps to balance out the richness of the cheese and pasta.
  • It adds a nice contrast in texture to the creamy ziti. The tender beans provide a pleasing crunch that makes the dish more interesting to eat.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasted broccoli is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be used in various recipes. This particular side dish is especially good with baked ziti.

The benefits of using roasted broccoli as a side dish are many. For one, it is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is also low in calories and fat, and high in fiber. Additionally, roasted broccoli has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce of baked ziti.

When choosing a recipe to pair with this side dish, be sure to select one that has bold flavors, such as garlic, onion, and tomato. Roasted broccoli can also be used as a side dish for other Italian recipes, such as lasagna or spaghetti carbonara.

Green Salad

There are many times when a green salad makes an excellent side dish for baked ziti. One benefit of using a salad as a side is that it can help to lighten up the dish and make it more enjoyable. A green salad is also a good way to add some extra nutrition to the meal. The salad can be used as a base for other ingredients, or it can be served on its own.

When choosing a salad as a side dish, it is important to consider the other elements of the meal. For example, if the baked ziti is very heavy, then a light salad would be a better choice. On the other hand, if the baked ziti is already light, then a more substantial salad would be a good option.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic side dish that can be used in various recipes. When paired with baked ziti, it can add a delicious crunch to the dish.

The benefits of using garlic bread as a side dish include the fact that it is easy to make and can be made ahead of time.

Additionally, garlic bread is a versatile side dish that can be used in many different recipes. Some of the recipes that garlic bread would be a good addition to include pasta dishes, soups, and salads.

Grilled Zucchini

Today, I’m going to share with you why I love grilled zucchini as a side dish. This is perfect for baked ziti or any other Italian-style pasta dish.

Zucchini is a summer squash that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is also a good source of dietary fiber.

Grilling zucchini helps to bring out its natural sweetness and flavor. The key to success with this recipe is to not overcook the zucchini. You want it to be nicely browned and slightly charred around the edges.

This recipe is easy to follow and can be made ahead of time. It’s also vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

Grilled Cheese With Toast

Grilled cheese with toast is a classic side dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. When paired with baked ziti, it provides a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for a dinner party.

The benefits of using grilled cheese as a side dish are many.

  • It is a versatile dish that can be made to suit any taste.
  • It is an easy dish to prepare, making it ideal for busy hosts.
  • Grilled cheese is a great way to add extra protein and flavor to a recipe.
  • It is a classic dish that is sure to please guests of all ages.

When choosing a recipe to pair with grilled cheese, be sure to consider the other ingredients in the dish. For example, if the ziti is particularly flavorful, you may want to choose a milder cheese for the grilled cheese.

Alternatively, if the ziti is on the bland side, you may want to choose a more flavorful cheese.

Steamed Broccoli

There are many reasons why steamed broccoli is a great side dish for baked ziti. First of all, it is healthy and full of nutrients. Moreover, it is quick and easy to prepare and it goes well with the other ingredients in the dish. Lastly, it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

When it comes to nutrition, steamed broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains fiber and calcium.

In terms of taste, steamed broccoli has a mild flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in baked ziti. It is also a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of other dishes.

Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing What To Serve With Baked Ziti For A Dinner Party

What are other options when choosing what to serve with baked ziti for a dinner party?

  1. Macaroni Salad
  2. Cheesecake
  3. Stuffed Tomatoes
  4. Roasted Eggplant Salad
  5. Sticky Asian Ribs
  6. Chicken Cordon Bleu
  7. Italian Green Salad
  8. Blackened Shrimp And Asparagus Skillet
  9. Steak Kabobs
  10. Broccoli Slaw
  11. Mozzarella Sticks
  12. Caprese Stuffed Mushrooms
  13. Mac N’ Cheese
  14. Garlic Parmesan Pasta
  15. Cheesy Taco Pasta

What are some tips when choosing what to serve with baked ziti for a dinner party?

There are a few things to consider when choosing what to serve with baked ziti for a dinner party. First, think about the other ingredients in the dish. You want to choose side dishes that will complement the flavors in the ziti.

Second, consider the number of guests you will be serving. If you are expecting a large crowd, you may want to choose dishes that can be made ahead of time. Finally, think about your budget. Some side dishes can be more expensive than others.

Conclusion

When it comes to what to serve with baked ziti for a dinner party, there are many options to choose from.

The most important thing is to consider the other ingredients in the dish and the number of guests you will be serving.

So what are you waiting for? Go try out some of these dishes today!