Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that has been popular around the world for generations. At its most basic, lasagna consists of layers of pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce. But there are many traditional accompaniments that can take lasagna from simple to sensational. Let’s explore what sides and ingredients are commonly served with lasagna.
Salad
A fresh salad is one of the most ubiquitous pairings for lasagna. The crunchy greens and vegetables provide a nice contrast to the rich, saucy lasagna. Some popular salad choices include:
- Green salad – Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots
- Caesar salad – Romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, Caesar dressing
- Caprese salad – Sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, balsamic glaze
- Greek salad – Mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese
Any of these salads makes an excellent starter before slicing into the lasagna. The vegetables and light vinaigrettes help balance and cut through the cheese- and meat-heavy lasagna.
Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread is another beloved pairing with lasagna. The deep garlic flavor and fragrant toasted bread are a winning combination. Garlic bread is easy enough to make at home by spreading butter and minced garlic on French or Italian bread slices and broiling until crispy. But restaurant-quality garlic bread takes it up a notch with ingredients like:
- Fresh parsley, oregano, or basil
- Olive oil and Parmesan cheese
- Butter, garlic, and mozzarella cheese
Garlic bread is commonly served right alongside a hearty portion of lasagna. The slices are perfect for dipping in any extra sauce on your plate. This ooey, gooey bread completes an Italian-style meal.
Wine
An Italian dinner like lasagna calls for a nicely paired Italian wine. Here are some suggested varietals and regions to try with lasagna:
- Chianti – This dry Tuscan red has tart cherry flavors that offset the richness.
- Barbaresco – An elegant Piedmont red with ripe fruit and mild tannins.
- Valpolicella – A smooth Italian red blend with notes of dark fruits.
- Chardonnay – A creamy oak-aged white that complements the cheese.
- Pinot Grigio – A light and crisp white that cleanses the palate.
Sangria or an Italian cocktail like a Negroni or Bellini are also great lasagna pairings. Play around with different Italian wines until you find a pairing that brings out the best flavors.
Breadsticks
Alongside garlic bread, plain breadsticks are commonly found on lasagna dinner tables, especially at Italian restaurants. These crunchy, salty breadsticks allow for plenty of sauce-dipping. Breadsticks are great for kids and picky eaters who want to soak up the tasty sauce without eating the lasagna noodles. Serve breadsticks in a basket on the table or individually on plates.
Parmesan Cheese
A nice dusting of shredded or grated Parmesan cheese over lasagna is always welcome. The salty, tangy punch of Parmesan cuts through the rich layers of cheese baked into the lasagna. Parmesan also adds a tempting crunch and nutty flavor. Just be sure not to overload the lasagna, as you don’t want the Parmesan to overpower the other cheese flavors. Let each diner sprinkle Parmesan to taste.
Meatballs
Italian meatballs covered in tomato sauce are commonly served as a side with lasagna. Meatballs make a heartier, even more protein-packed meal. And they pair nicely with lasagna when made with similar seasonings and sauce. Offer meatballs as an entrée option for super hungry dinner guests. The meatballs can be prepared the same day and baked alongside the lasagna.
Sausage
Sliced Italian sausage links are another satisfying protein to serve with lasagna. Mild or spicy Italian sausage provides a nice savory accent. Sausages allow diners to customize their plate with as much or as little meat as they want. Cook the sausages until browned and cooked through, then slice into bite-sized pieces. Ladle extra sauce over the sausage or serve sausages on the side.
Steamed Vegetables
For a healthy and light counterpoint to the heavy lasagna, add simply prepared steamed vegetables. Good veggie choices include:
- Broccoli
- Green beans
- Asparagus
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Spinach
Steam until just tender, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a squirt of lemon. Or serve with a pat of butter or cheese sauce for more richness. This veggie medley balances the meal.
Rustic Italian Bread
Along with the wine, a nice loaf of crusty Italian bread completes the rustic Italian meal. Serve slices of chewy, holey Italian bread in a basket for tearing off pieces and dipping in sauce. Quality artisan bread with a hard outer crust and fluffy interior works best. Choose from popular options like:
- Ciabatta
- Focaccia
- Pugliese
- Pane rustica
Bread offers a satisfying carb accompaniment to fill up on. Just beware of filling up too much on bread before the main lasagna event!
Bruschetta
If bread is on the menu, bruschetta makes for an easy starter. Bruschetta is grilled or toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with diced tomato, olive oil, basil, and balsamic glaze. Offer bruschetta topped crostini as a passed appetizer or plated starter before serving the lasagna. The classic tomato topping pairs nicely with the eventual lasagna to come.
Dessert
While lasagna is rich enough to be a dessert itself, a sweet treat rounds out the meal. Options like tiramisu, cannoli, or Italian ice are right at home. Espresso is also offered after dinner at many Italian restaurants. Consider these desserts and treats to finish a lasagna dinner in true Italian fashion:
- Tiramisu – Ladyfingers dipped in coffee and layered with sweetened mascarpone
- Cannoli – Fried pastry shells filled with sweetened ricotta
- Gelato or Italian ice – Sweet frozen desserts in flavors like pistachio or cherry
- Biscotti – Almond cookies perfect for dunking
- Espresso – Strong coffee served black or with cream/sugar
The possibilities are nearly endless for ending an Italian lasagna dinner on a sweet note. Even just fresh fruit or Italian cookies like pizzelles or biscotti do the trick.
Conclusion
Lasagna makes for a hearty, comforting Italian American meal. But the right sides and accents can take it to the next level. Consider complementing your homemade or restaurant lasagna with a light salad, warm garlic bread, Italian wine, and a sweet dessert. Traditional pairings like meatballs, sausage, Parmesan cheese, and steamed vegetables also round out the plate. With the perfect balance of vegetables, carbs, protein and flavor, lasagna can be an utterly satisfying dining experience for the whole family or dinner party. Buon appetito!