Eggplant Parmigiana, with its rich layers of tender eggplant, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese, stands as a beloved comfort food classic. But to truly elevate this Italian-American staple into a memorable meal, the right side dishes are essential. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing contrast, a hearty complement, or something in between, discover the perfect pairings to serve with your eggplant parmesan. From traditional Italian salads to innovative options like quinoa and air-fried delights, these 15+ side dish ideas will transform your dinner into a culinary experience.
Eggplant parmesan is a dish that delights with its symphony of textures and tastes. The creamy interior of the eggplant, encased in a crispy, golden crust, combined with savory marinara and gooey cheese, creates a deeply satisfying experience. For a casual family dinner, a hearty Eggplant Parmesan Casserole is always a winner. If you desire a more refined presentation, Baked Breaded Eggplant Parmesan Rounds offer elegant, crispy individual portions.
The beauty of eggplant parmesan lies in its versatility when it comes to side dish pairings. A vibrant, crisp salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette offers a welcome counterpoint to the richness of the main course. Roasted vegetables, infused with garlic and herbs, bring an earthy warmth that harmonizes beautifully. And let’s not forget the quintessential companion to any Italian meal: crusty Italian bread, perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Whether you choose al dente pasta, sautéed greens, or artisanal bread, your side dish selections will complete the meal and create a truly unforgettable dining experience. To help you craft the perfect menu, here are some of the best side dishes to serve with eggplant parmigiana.
Classic Pasta Pairings for Eggplant Parmigiana
Pasta and eggplant parmesan are a match made in culinary heaven. The comforting nature of pasta, alongside the robust flavors of eggplant parm, creates a satisfying and balanced meal. Here are a few pasta options to consider:
- Angel Hair Pasta With Blush Sauce
Angel Hair Pasta with Blush Sauce is a light yet flavorful choice that complements eggplant parmigiana without overpowering it. The delicate angel hair pasta, tossed in a creamy tomato blush sauce with garlic, herbs, and a hint of white wine, provides a delightful contrast to the richness of the eggplant. Garnishing with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavors and adds a touch of freshness. This quick and easy vegetarian side dish is perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Tortellini Pasta with Various Sauces
Tortellini offers a delightful textural contrast to eggplant parmesan. These plump pasta pockets, filled with cheese or meat, are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sauces. From a simple tomato and rosemary sauce to a creamy ham and pea sauce, tortellini absorbs flavors beautifully. Serving tortellini alongside eggplant parmesan creates a harmonious pairing where the cheesy filling of the pasta echoes the melted mozzarella in the eggplant dish, resulting in a comforting Italian feast.
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta (Your Choice of Shape)
Sometimes, simplicity is key. Serving perfectly cooked pasta, simply tossed with butter, olive oil, or a light tomato sauce, is a timeless and satisfying side dish for eggplant parmesan. Choose your favorite pasta shape – spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine all work well. The plain pasta allows the eggplant parmesan to remain the star while providing a comforting and familiar element to the meal. This classic combination is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Hearty and Meaty Side Dishes
For those who desire a more substantial meal, adding a meaty side dish to eggplant parmesan can create a truly satisfying and robust dining experience.
- Easy Pan Fried Meatballs
Classic Italian-style pan-fried meatballs are a fantastic hearty accompaniment to eggplant parmesan. Made with a blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and seasonings, and then pan-fried to golden brown perfection, these meatballs offer a savory and meaty contrast to the vegetarian eggplant dish. They are ideal for meat lovers and can even be served atop the eggplant parmesan for an extra layer of flavor and richness. Meatballs transform eggplant parmigiana from a main course into part of a larger, more abundant Italian spread.
- Air Fryer Italian Sausage
Air fryer Italian sausage is another excellent meaty side dish option. The air fryer creates sausage that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, providing a delightful textural contrast. The savory and slightly spicy flavor of Italian sausage complements the richness of eggplant parmesan beautifully. Serve the sausages whole alongside the eggplant, allowing guests to dip them in extra marinara sauce, or crumble the sausage over the eggplant parmesan as a flavorful topping.
Light and Refreshing Salad Sides
To balance the richness of eggplant parmesan, a fresh and vibrant salad is an ideal choice. Salads provide a refreshing counterpoint and add lightness to the meal.
- Classic House Salad Recipe
A classic house salad is a simple yet elegant side dish that perfectly complements eggplant parmesan. This salad typically features crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and a touch of red onion, all tossed in a homemade vinaigrette. The bright and refreshing flavors of the salad cut through the richness of the eggplant, cleansing the palate and providing a delightful contrast in textures. It’s an easy, elegant, and endlessly satisfying side dish for any occasion.
- Heirloom Tomato and Chick Pea Salad Recipe
For a salad with more substance and flavor complexity, heirloom tomato and chickpea salad is an excellent choice. This vibrant salad combines juicy heirloom tomatoes with protein-packed chickpeas in a light and zesty lemon vinaigrette, enhanced with fresh parsley. The combination of textures and flavors is a delight, offering a refreshing and healthy side dish that complements eggplant parmesan without being heavy. This salad is especially wonderful during warmer months when tomatoes are at their peak.
Healthy and Innovative Side Dishes
For those seeking healthier or more unique side dish options, consider these innovative pairings that add nutritional value and exciting flavors to your eggplant parmesan meal.
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Air fryer spaghetti squash is a fantastic low-carb and healthy alternative to traditional pasta. The air fryer cooks spaghetti squash quickly, resulting in tender strands with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. Topped with marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, or pesto, spaghetti squash provides a delicious and nutritious side dish that contrasts beautifully with the richness of eggplant parmesan. It’s a great way to add vegetables and fiber to your meal.
- Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot Quinoa
Quinoa is a protein-packed ancient grain that offers a modern and healthy twist when served with eggplant parmesan. Fluffy and slightly nutty, quinoa provides a wonderful textural contrast and a boost of nutrition. It acts as a blank canvas, allowing the rich sauce and melted cheese of the eggplant parmesan to shine. For a gluten-free option or simply a change from pasta, quinoa is an excellent and satisfying side dish.
- Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice
While pasta is the traditional pairing, don’t overlook the simple elegance of fluffy white rice as a side for eggplant parmesan. Rice provides a neutral base that perfectly absorbs the flavorful sauce and melted cheese from the eggplant. Cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot, rice is quick, easy, and offers a comforting and familiar side dish that complements the Italian flavors beautifully. It’s an unexpected yet delightful pairing.
More Side Dish Ideas to Explore
The possibilities don’t end here! Consider these additional side dish ideas to further enhance your eggplant parmesan feast:
- Garlic Bread: A classic Italian-American side, perfect for soaking up marinara sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini roasted with garlic and herbs.
- Sautéed Spinach or Broccoli Rabe: Simple green vegetables provide a healthy and slightly bitter contrast.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze for a light and flavorful option.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta offers a comforting and gluten-free alternative to pasta.
With these diverse side dish ideas, you can create a truly memorable meal centered around delicious eggplant parmigiana. Experiment with different pairings to find your personal favorites and enjoy the art of Italian-American comfort food!
Thanks for exploring these side dish suggestions! For more recipes and cooking inspiration, Subscribe to Jersey Girl Cooks. You can also find more delicious recipes in my Super Easy Cookbook for Beginners and connect with me on social media – Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
