Eggplant Parmesan, with its layers of tender eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, is undeniably a comforting and satisfying main course. But to truly elevate your Italian feast, choosing the right side dishes is essential. The perfect accompaniments can balance the richness of the eggplant parmesan, add contrasting textures, and create a well-rounded, memorable meal. Whether you’re looking for light and fresh options, hearty additions, or something in between, this guide explores over 15 fantastic side dishes to serve with eggplant parmesan, ensuring a culinary experience that will impress.
I’m a huge fan of eggplant parmesan because of its incredible combination of flavors and textures. The soft eggplant, encased in a crispy, golden crust, combined with the savory marinara and gooey cheese is just irresistible. It’s both cozy and refined. For a casual family dinner, Eggplant Parmesan Casserole is a great choice. If you want a more elegant presentation with extra crispy eggplant, Baked Breaded Eggplant Parmesan Rounds are an excellent option.
Eggplant parmesan is versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. A crisp, vibrant salad with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette offers a wonderful counterpoint to the dish’s richness. Roasted vegetables infused with garlic can bring another layer of savory depth and warmth. And let’s not forget the essential Italian bread – a crusty loaf is a must-have for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Whether you choose a simple pasta, sautéed greens, or crusty bread, the right side dishes will complete your meal and make it truly special. Here are some of my favorite side dish suggestions to help you plan your perfect eggplant parmesan dinner.
Complementary Side Dishes for Eggplant Parmesan
- Angel Hair Pasta With Blush Sauce
For a quick and delightful vegetarian option, Angel Hair Pasta with Blush Sauce is an excellent choice. Delicate angel hair pasta is coated in a creamy tomato sauce flavored with garlic, herbs, and a hint of white wine. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated cheese to enhance the flavors. This light pasta dish complements the richness of the eggplant parmesan without being too heavy.
- Easy Pan Fried Meatballs
These classic Italian-style pan-fried meatballs are a fantastic meaty side dish. Made with a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and savory seasonings, they are pan-fried in olive oil until perfectly browned. These meatballs offer a hearty and flavorful contrast to the vegetarian eggplant parmesan, perfect for satisfying meat lovers at your table. While typically a main course, these meatballs become one of the best side dishes to enhance eggplant parmigiana.
- How to Cook Tortellini Pasta (With Recipe Ideas)
Tortellini is incredibly versatile and much more than just a buttered pasta. It’s a blank canvas for delicious sauces! From a simple tomato and rosemary sauce to a creamy ham and pea sauce, tortellini readily absorbs flavors. Serving plump tortellini alongside eggplant parmesan creates a wonderful Italian comfort food pairing, with the cheesy filling of the tortellini echoing the melted mozzarella in the eggplant dish. It’s a truly harmonious combination.
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Skip the oven and prepare tender spaghetti squash quickly and easily in your air fryer! In half the time of oven roasting, you can have golden strands of spaghetti squash to add a healthy element to your meal. Top it with marinara sauce, creamy Alfredo, or pesto for a delicious and light side dish. Air fryer spaghetti squash offers a healthy and texturally interesting contrast to the softer eggplant and mozzarella cheese.
- Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice
While pasta is a common pairing with eggplant parmesan, don’t overlook the simplicity and versatility of fluffy rice. This unexpected side dish provides a neutral and comforting base that allows the rich sauce and melted cheese of the eggplant parmesan to truly shine. Rice soaks up the delicious flavors and offers a different textural experience.
- Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot Quinoa
For a modern and healthy twist, swap pasta for fluffy quinoa with your eggplant parmesan! This protein-packed ancient grain brings a subtle nutty flavor that beautifully complements the richness of the dish. Quinoa adds nutritional value and a pleasant texture, making it a contemporary and satisfying side.
- Classic House Salad Recipe
Keep it simple and refreshing with a classic house salad. This salad celebrates the simple pleasures of crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and a hint of red onion. Dressed with a homemade vinaigrette, it provides a bright and tangy counterpoint to the richness of the main course. Easy to make and endlessly satisfying, this salad is a perfect weeknight side dish champion!
- Perfect Pasta
Pasta and eggplant parmesan are a classic comfort food pairing, a staple of Italian-American cuisine! Imagine twirling tender strands of your favorite pasta, coated in a simple tomato sauce or even just butter and olive oil, alongside a slice of golden eggplant parmesan with melted mozzarella. A simple pasta side dish is a timeless pairing that never disappoints and always feels right at home on the dinner table.
- Heirloom Tomato and Chick Pea Salad Recipe
Skip the heavy, creamy salads and opt for this vibrant and refreshing Heirloom Tomato and Chickpea Salad. Juicy heirloom tomatoes and protein-rich chickpeas are tossed in a light lemony vinaigrette, with fresh parsley adding a pop of green and freshness. This salad is a symphony of textures and bright flavors, making it an ideal light side dish to balance the richness of eggplant parmesan.
- Air Fryer Italian Sausage
Air-fried Italian sausages are a fantastic and flavorful partner for eggplant parmesan. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they bring a burst of savory, meaty goodness to the meal. Serve the sausages whole for dipping in extra marinara sauce, or crumble them over the eggplant parmesan for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
More Delicious Pairings
The side dish possibilities don’t stop here! There are many more wonderful options that pair perfectly with your Italian meal. Whether you are serving eggplant parmesan, lasagna, or any other Italian classic, these side dish ideas will help you complete your menu and create a memorable feast.
Prepare to create an Italian dinner that your family and friends will rave about for years to come!
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