What to Serve with Osso Buco (15+ Tasty Ideas You Can Make)

If you’re looking for the perfect Italian meal, look no further than osso buco. This dish is made of veal shanks that have been braised in a flavorful broth until they are fork-tender.

Osso buco is often served with risotto, but there are many other side dishes that will complement this dish perfectly. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 15 side dishes that will complete your osso buco experience!

Osso Buco Side Dishes

1. Risotto Milanese
2. Green beans almondine
3. Cauliflower gratin with fontina cheese
4. Stuffed tomatoes with goat cheese
5. Roasted potatoes and broccoli rabe with lemon
6. Lentil pilaf
7. Pork loin chops with pesto sauce
8. Garlic mushrooms
9. Grilled vegetables
10. Fruit salad
11. Mashed potatoes
12. Sauteed spinach
13. Roasted asparagus
14. Panzanella salad
15. Baked potatoes

Risotto Milanese

Risotto Milanese is a classic Italian dish that is made with rice that is sauteed with onion and then cooked in broth and butter. It is usually seasoned with salt and pepper. This dish works well as a side dish for osso buco because the rice absorbs the flavors of the sauce and the meat.

To make this dish at home, simply saute onion in a pan until it is translucent. Then add rice and cook until it is opaque. Next, add broth and cook until the rice is tender. Finally, add butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve immediately!

Green beans almondine

Green beans almond is the perfect healthy and crunchy side dish for osso buco. This dish is not only easy to make but it is packed with nutrients and fiber. You can also add a bit of crispy bacon to my green beans’ almondine for extra flavor.

To make this dish at home, simply blanch your green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Then, drain the green beans and place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Add the green beans to the bacon fat in the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until they are slightly browned. Finally, stir in the toasted almonds and serve immediately.

Cauliflower gratin with fontina cheese

A rich, savory side dish like cauliflower gratin with fontina cheese is the perfect way to round out a hearty main course like osso buco. Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable that is low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for any meal. The fontina cheese adds a rich, creamy flavor to the dish, while the bread crumbs provide a crunchy texture.

To make it at home, simply preheat the oven, mix together the cauliflower, cheese, and bread crumbs, and bake for about 20 minutes. The result is a delicious, healthy side dish that will complement any main course.

Stuffed tomatoes with goat cheese

Stuffed tomatoes with goat cheese as a side dish for osso buco is delicious because it looks elegant and delicious. It also has many nutritional benefits including being a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

This side dish can be made at home by using fewer ingredients and being served warmly. It is also a good appetizer because it is less filling and can be easily shared.

Roasted potatoes and broccoli rabe with lemon

This flavorful side dish is the perfect accompaniment to osso buco. The roasted potatoes and broccoli rabe are filling and packed with nutrients, while the lemon adds a bright pop of flavor.

This dish is also healthy, as it is low in fat and cholesterol. Plus, it pairs well with osso buco, as the two dishes share similar flavors.

To make this side dish at home, simply roast the potatoes and broccoli rabe in a 425-degree oven for 25 minutes. Then, add the lemon juice and serve!

Lentil pilaf

Lentil pilaf is a savory, filling side dish that is easy to make and packed with protein. Lentils are a type of legume that is native to South Asia and often used in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. They are an inexpensive source of plant-based protein and are a good source of fiber, iron, and folate.

Lentil pilaf can be made with either red or brown lentils. It is traditionally made by cooking the lentils in water or broth until they are soft, then adding spices such as cumin, coriander, ginger, and garlic. The lentils can be served plain or topped with chopped scallions, cilantro, or diced tomatoes.

Pork loin chops with pesto sauce

Pork loin chops with pesto sauce are the perfect side dish for osso buco. The filling, flavorful pork pairs perfectly with the rich, deep flavors of the osso buco.

Plus, the pesto sauce adds an extra dimension of flavor to the dish that makes it just perfect for dinner. And, because it is so filling, you won’t need to worry about having seconds. The pesto sauce is full of healthy fats and nutrients that make this dish a great choice for a healthy dinner option.

To make this dish at home, simply cook the pork chops in a pan with some olive oil until they are cooked through. Then, add the pesto sauce and serve. Enjoy!

Garlic mushrooms

Garlic mushrooms make the perfect vegan side dish for osso buco. They are healthy, low-effort, and have a meaty flavor that is perfect for lunch and dinner. Plus, they are warm and go great with a vegan osso buco.

To make garlic mushrooms at home, simply sauté some mushrooms in olive oil with garlic and salt. Serve them alongside your vegan osso buco for a delicious and healthy meal.

Grilled vegetables

Grilled vegetables are the perfect side dish for osso buco. They have a smoky flavor that pairs well with the rich, hearty taste of the meat. Plus, they’re loaded with nutrients and cook quickly.

To make grilled vegetables at home, start by choosing your favorite vegetables. We recommend zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes.

Cut the vegetables into thick slices, and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Then, grill over medium-high heat for about five minutes per side. The vegetables should be tender and slightly charred.

Serve immediately!

Fruit salad

A fresh fruit salad is the perfect side dish for osso buco. It is light and refreshing, and it can be made with your favorite fruits. The best thing about a fruit salad is that it is healthy and nutritious.

There are many different ways to make a fruit salad, but the most important thing is to use fresh, ripe fruits. You can also add other ingredients, such as yogurt or honey, to make the salad more flavorful.

If you are looking for a light appetizer, a fruit salad is a great choice. It is also an excellent option for summer brunch. Choose your favorite fruits and create a delicious and healthy salad that your guests will love.

Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are creamy, filling, and everyone’s favorite side dish. They are the perfect complement to osso buco, a hearty Italian dish made with braised veal shanks. The creamy potatoes help to balance out the rich flavors of the osso buco, and their starchy goodness makes them a filling side dish.

Best of all, mashed potatoes are easy to make at home!

Simply boiled potatoes and then mash them with some butter, milk, and salt to taste. For an extra special touch, you can add some shredded cheese or chopped green onions.

Sauteed spinach

Sauteed spinach is a healthy and flavorful side dish that is perfect for osso buco. This dish is filled with vitamins and minerals and is quick to make.

Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. It is also a good source of folate and iron. When sauteed, spinach provides a healthy dose of fiber and antioxidants. Plus, the bright green color of this dish makes it a beautiful addition to any meal.

To make sauteed spinach, simply heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Roasted asparagus

Roasted asparagus is a healthy and vegetarian side dish that pairs well with osso buco. This dish is quick to make and only requires a few ingredients.

To roast the asparagus, simply preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and wash the asparagus spears. Next, cut off the tough ends of the asparagus and place them on a baking sheet.

Then, sprinkle salt and pepper on the asparagus spears for extra flavor. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender.

Panzanella salad

Panzanella salad is a classic Italian dish that makes a perfect side dish for osso buco. The salad is made with tomato mozzarella and basil, and it is light and refreshing. The acidity of the tomatoes helps to cut through the richness of the osso buco, and the basil adds a beautiful flavor.

This dish is also very easy to make at home. Simply dice up some tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, and mix them together in a bowl. Add some olive oil and salt to taste, and you’re done!

Baked potatoes

While osso buco is tasty on its own, adding a side dish can really elevate the dish to the next level. One of my personal favorite side dishes to serve with osso buco is baked potatoes.

The creamy texture of the potatoes goes great with the tender meat, and the potato skins help to soak up all of the delicious juices. Plus, potatoes are a crowd-pleaser and go well with just about anything.

For an extra bit of flavor, try adding thyme and rosemary to the potatoes before baking them. Your guests will be impressed!

Frequently Asked Questions

 What pasta do you serve with osso buco?

Fettucine pasta is the best type of pasta to serve with osso buco. It pairs well with the taste of osso buco. But you can experiment with other types of pasta to find out your favorite.

What type of wine does go well with osso buco?

Usually, red wine pairs well with osso buco. You can also serve Brunello, California wines, and Barolo with osso buco to make it taste even better.

In conclusion

These are some of the best side dishes to serve with osso buco. Each dish has its own unique flavor that will complement the osso buco perfectly. So, what are you waiting for?