Eggplant Parmesan is the ultimate comfort food. But a successful meal doesn't end with the main course. The side dishes you choose will help to elevate your meal and set the mood for your dinner. Whether you crave a light and refreshing counterpoint, something hearty and indulgent, or the perfect dish that falls in between, there's a perfect pairing. From classic Italian salads to unexpected twists like quinoa and air-fried sausages, these 15+ ideas and side dishes for what to serve with eggplant parmesan will make your meal memorable.

I adore eggplant parm for its irresistible blend of textures and flavors. Tender eggplant is coated in a golden crispy crust and layered with cheese and marinara sauce for a rich and savory meal. It's comforting yet sophisticated. Eggplant Parmesan Casserole can be served as part of a family-style Italian dinner and for something a little more upscale, Baked Breaded Eggplant Parmesan Rounds are the perfect option when you want crispier eggplant slices.
Eggplant parmesan invites a variety of side dishes that can complement and elevate its flavors. Opting for a crisp, fresh salad with vibrant greens and a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty nature of the dish. Alternatively, pairing it with a side of garlic-infused roasted vegetables adds depth and warmth to the ensemble. And don't forget the Italian bread! A crusty loaf is a must with any Italian meal.
Whether it's a bed of al dente pasta, a medley of sautéed greens, or a crusty artisanal bread, the side dishes you select will round out your meal and make it something memorable. I've gathered up a few of my favorite options to help you get started on your menu plan.
What to Serve with Eggplant Parmesan
1. Angel Hair Pasta With Blush Sauce
Angel Hair Pasta with Blush Sauce is a quick and easy vegetarian meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. Thin, angel hair pasta is tossed in a creamy tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and a touch of white wine. Garnish with fresh basil and grated cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
These classic Italian-style pan-fried meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and seasonings then cooked in olive oil until golden brown. They make a delightful meaty accompaniment to eggplant parm and are perfect for any meat lovers that you have at your table. The classic Italian dish which I usually serve as a main dish becomes one of the best side dishes to eggplant parmigiana.
3. How to Cook Tortellini Pasta (With Recipe Ideas)
Forget just butter – tortellini is a blank canvas for homemade sauce! From simple tomato and rosemary to creamy ham and peas, they embrace a variety of flavors. Serve plump tortellini alongside golden eggplant parmesan, their cheesy fillings echoing the dish's melty mozzarella. It's a match made in Italian comfort food heaven!
Skip the oven – whip up tender spaghetti squash in your air fryer! In half the cooking time you can bulk up your dinner with golden strands of spaghetti squash. Top them with marinara, creamy Alfredo, or pesto, for a delicious addition to your meal. This easy side dish is healthy and a nice contrast to the eggplant and mozarella cheese.
5. Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice
While eggplant parmesan might typically twirl with pasta, don't underestimate the magic of fluffy rice on the side! This unexpected pairing offers a delightful canvas for the eggplant's rich sauce and melty cheese to dance on.
6. Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot Quinoa
Ditch the pasta and give your eggplant parmesan a modern makeover with a bed of fluffy quinoa! This protein-packed ancient grain brings a nutty depth that beautifully complements the dish's richness.
Forget fancy greens - this classic house salad celebrates the simple wonders of crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and a touch of red onion. Dressed in a homemade vinaigrette, it's a refreshingly bright counterpoint to any main course. Easy, elegant, and endlessly satisfying – this salad is a weeknight champion!
Pasta and eggplant parmesan are a match made in comfort food heaven and Italian cuisine! Imagine twirling tender strands of your favorite pasta, coated in a rich tomato sauce, and then spearing a golden eggplant slice topped with melty mozzarella cheese. Even if you simply toss with butter or olive oil, a simple pasta dish on my dinner table is a timeless pairing that never gets old.
9. Heirloom Tomato and Chick Pea Salad Recipe
Skip the heavy mayo – this vibrant salad bursts with summer's bounty! Juicy heirloom tomatoes and protein-packed chickpeas mingle in a light lemony vinaigrette, flecked with fresh parsley for a pop of green. This wonderful recipe is a symphony of textures and extra flavor, the perfect light side dish for my eggplant parmesan recipe.
Air-fried sausages are eggplant parmesan's dream date! Crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, they bring a burst of savory, meaty magic to the table. Serve the sausage whole and dip in extra marinara or crumble it over the eggplant for a flavorful topping.
More Recipes to Serve with Eggplant Parm
The great ideas don't end there! I've gathered up a few more ideas that will pair perfectly with your next Italian meal. Whether it's eggplant parmesan, lasagna or another Italian classic, these are the right side dishes to round out the meal.
- Cheesy Pull Apart Bread via Honeybunch Hunts
- Meatlovers Pizza Bread via Swirls of Flavor
- Panzanella Caprese Salad via Mangia with Michele
- The Ultimate Garlic Bread via Souffle Bombay
- Simple Risotto via Culinary Ginger
Get ready to have an Italian feast that your family will be talking about for years.
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