Do you love a good Italian dish? Then this blog post is for you! You may have never heard of eggplant parmesan.
This recipe originated in the early 1900s and has been popularized by chefs like Julia Childs and Mario Batali.
One thing that makes it so popular is its simplicity to make, but also because it’s bursting with flavor from all the spices we put into it.
So, you’re thinking about what to serve with eggplant parmesan? You’ve come to the right place!
If you haven’t tried this Italian classic before thinking no meat?! How can that be any good? The key, as always lies in the dish’s ingredients.
Thanks to its earthy flavor mixed with creamy texture it won’t disappoint your taste buds at all!
So while we are already talking about one satisfying meal here on its own let me tell you which side dishes will make it even more delicious.
What to Serve with Eggplant Parmesan? 10 BEST Side Dishes
1. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
You’ve had mashed potatoes before, but have you ever tried them with Eggplant parmesan? I’ll admit it’s not the most common side dish.
But trust me on this one! Roasted garlic mashed potatoes mixed with an egg-less Parmesan sauce is a delicious balance of savory and sweet that will be sure to please your taste buds – especially if you’re looking for something other than regular old green beans or maybe even some macaroni salad.
The roasted garlic in these potatoes gives off just enough flavor without being overpowering; while the creamy cheese creates a remarkable contrast between soft and crunchy textures which are perfect when paired together.
The recipe calls for canned tomatoes, however, fresh ones would also work well.
2. Creamed Spinach
This recipe will make your family’s favorite dinner a little more special. The tomato sauce in the creamy spinach and the eggplant parmesan dishes complement each other perfectly, adding just enough flavor to get them fighting over who gets what dish!
The Creamed Spinach is easy to prepare with ingredients you probably have on hand already.
Also, it takes only about 15 minutes of preparation time before being ready for serving – that means this one can be put together after work or during weekends at home when there is less going on around and could use some good food as well as company while preparing it upfront?
3. Tomato Basil Soup
I love making this soup because it’s so quick and easy to make. But I always get a little stumped when trying what else to serve with the soup.
That is until my mom told me about how she used Eggplant parmesan as a topping for her tomato basil soups! It was amazing, but then again anything that comes out of Mom’s kitchen tastes great!
I know from experience not everyone loves tomatoes in their food–especially if they don’t like rich sauces or spicy dishes on top either (like sausage).
So try serving Tomato Basil Soup with something lighter than eggplants: maybe some grilled chicken breast sliced into strips?
4. Italian Style Green Beans and Tomatoes
Want to try something new and exciting for dinner tonight? Why not serve up some Italian Style Green Beans with Tomatoes.
The flavors are amazing, the color is vibrant – it’s like a piece of art in front of you!
But don’t just stop there; why not serve it with eggplant parmesan as well!?
You’ll be sure that family will love this meal because they can’t get enough eggplants.
5. Baked Rice Pilaf with Pine Nuts, Raisins, and Currants
This is a dish worth serving for the family meal! It’s not only healthy but also rich in flavors and textures.
And with my recipe of Eggplant parmesan up your sleeve, you are sure to please any picky eaters or even foodies alike!
This baked rice pilaf would be an awesome addition to any gathering thanks to its delicious flavor combinations.
With some tofu on top as well if that suits your fancy – this will satisfy everyone at home from vegetarians down to those without gluten intolerance like myself.
6. Balsamic Glazed Carrots with Thyme and Lemon Zest
I’m always looking for a new way to spice up our meal, so when I came across this recipe on Pinterest the other day, I had to give it a try.
The addition of eggplant parmesan is what makes these carrots shine!
The balsamic glaze brings out their natural sweetness and balances them with just enough spiciness from thyme.
It’s also such an easy side dish that can easily be tossed together in under 10 minutes – perfect if you’re short on time or need some fresh ideas for dinner tonight!
7. Buttered Asparagus with Tarragon Vinaigrette
Buttered Asparagus with Tarragon Vinaigrette is a great side dish for eggplant parmesan!
There are many reasons why it should be considered as part of the meal.
The buttery and tender texture will complement the crispiness in your eggplant entree, while also adding more flavor to an already flavorful array of vegetables.
It’s such a simple addition that can make all the difference when you’re serving up this classic Italian favorite!
8. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Let me tell you why it’s not only delicious but also versatile and perfect with an Italian meal like this.
The best thing about any kind of sweet or savory combination is that they bring out each other’s flavor in new ways – think peanut butter & jelly sandwiches!
Grilled corns are sweeter than their boiled counterpart, so serve them alongside spicy dishes to make sure no one gets too overwhelmed by spice (great when serving spaghetti).
And since eggplant has such a meaty texture from the breading process alone, we’ll need something lighter to counteract some of its richness: It would be great served along.
9. Broccoli Rabe
This vegetable has that bitter, dark green flavor and pairs perfectly well with the rich taste of cheese in this dish.
Plus, there are many other ways you can prepare broccoli rabe including sautéed or roasted for texture variation instead of just steamed as most people do on their salads.
Your family will be pleasantly surprised if they try these different preparations too so give them some variety next time you cooke together at home!
10. Spaghetti Squash In The Oven
Some people might think that pasta is the only option, but there’s another great alternative! Why not try spaghetti squash?
It tastes similar and can be baked right in your oven – so it won’t take up any extra space on dinner trays or go cold while waiting for someone else to finish theirs.
Make sure not to bake too long as this will dry out your Spaghetti Squash!
When finished cooking, scoop out the flesh into a bowl while still hot from the oven and add whatever sauce you like best–spice up your pasta night today!
Conclusion
Do you know how we all have a favorite go-to dish? Like pasta, or pizza.
These side dishes are great options for when that’s not quite what you’re craving with your meal because no one wants to keep eating their fav every day.
What to Serve with Eggplant Parmesan? 10 BEST Side Dishes
Ingredients
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Creamed Spinach
- Tomato Basil Soup
- Italian Style Green Beans and Tomatoes
- Baked Rice Pilaf with Pine Nuts Raisins, and Currants
- Balsamic Glazed Carrots with Thyme and Lemon Zest
- Buttered Asparagus with Tarragon Vinaigrette
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Broccoli Rabe
- Spaghetti Squash In The Oven
Instructions
- Choose your favorite recipe from the list of options.
- Organize all required ingredients and prepare a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less!
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