I was never what you would call a “meat and potatoes” guy. I always loved experimenting with different flavors and spices, and trying new recipes and combinations.

So when my old friend from college, who had since become a successful restaurateur, asked me to come over for dinner and try his newest dish, braciole, I was intrigued.

He told me that it was a traditional Italian dish, usually made with beef, but he had put his own twist on it by using pork.

I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first. But I was hooked with one bite of that tender, flavorful meat.

Now, whenever I make braciole, I like to try different side dishes to see what works best. Over the years, I’ve come up with a few that I really love.

So, if you are looking for ideas on what to serve with braciole, keep reading!

Side Dishes For Braciole

Pasta
Bruschetta
Cucumber Salad
Cioppino
Roasted Red Potatoes
Mashed Cauliflower
Baked Ziti
Zucchini Sauté

Pasta

Pasta. I could eat it every day, and with braciole, I often do. There is something about the rich flavor of the meat that pairs so well with a simple pasta dish.

Is there anything it can’t do? Seriously, though, pasta is the perfect side dish for braciole. It’s versatile, filling, and goes with just about everything.

My personal favorite is a simple spaghetti with olive oil and garlic. But if you want to get a little fancier, you could try a pasta primavera or a carbonara.

The key, in my opinion, is to use a hearty pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. The thick noodles stand up well to the sauce and the meat.

Thin pasta like angel hair or vermicelli tends to get lost in the dish. And no one wants that!

So, if you are looking for what to serve with braciole, my vote is pasta. It’s classic, it’s delicious, and it’s always a hit.

Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a great choice if you’re searching for something lighter as a side dish.

It’s usually prepared with fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil. There are several variations to try, though.

I’ve had bruschetta with everything from roasted red peppers to goat cheese. And it is always delicious.

The secret is to make use of fresh ingredients. The tomatoes should be ripe and juicy, the garlic should be freshly chopped, and the basil leaves should be crisp.

If you can get your hands on some good quality olive oil, that will really take the dish to the next level.

But even if you can’t, don’t worry. The bruschetta will still be delicious.

Cucumber Salad

There is something about the combination of cucumbers, vin