Best Ideas: What To Serve With Ziti Casserole

Ziti casserole is versatile, but the right side dishes make the meal shine. From appetizers to table essentials, these pairing suggestions will help you create an unforgettable Italian feast.

What are the best side dishes to serve with ziti casserole?

I would recommend some refreshing and de-greasing side dishes. Since the baked ziti casserole itself has a rich texture, and the flavors of cheese and meat sauce are quite prominent, we need some foods that can balance the greasiness and increase the freshness.

Firstly, consider a green leafy vegetable salad. Fresh leaves like lettuce and arugula, combined with a simple vinaigrette. The acidity can neutralize the richness of the cream. If you prefer a bit of sweetness, you can add a few slices of pears or apples. This crunchy texture can also form a contrast with the soft ziti.

Garlic bread is also a great choice. Slice a crispy baguette and spread it with butter and garlic. It's especially good for dipping in the remaining sauce at the bottom of the plate. But be careful not to choose bread that is too hard, otherwise it may not go well with the soft texture of the baked casserole.

In addition, you can prepare some roasted vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus are simply seasoned with olive oil and black pepper and then roasted in the oven together with the ziti. This not only saves time, but also the natural sweetness of the vegetables can bring out the aroma of the cheese.

What Italian bread goes best with ziti casserole?

When pairing Italian bread with ziti casserole, these choices won't go wrong:

Focaccia

It has herbs and olive oil on the surface. The outer crust is crispy and the inside is soft. Tear off a small piece and dip it in the sauce of the casserole. The salty and fragrant taste pairs extremely well with the cheesy flavor. I like to add some rosemary for extra flavor before baking.

Ciabatta

This kind of bread has large air holes. A quick bake will make the outer layer crispy and the inner layer chewy. You can just break it open and spread some butter on it, or it's also great to dip it in the tomato sauce in the casserole.

Garlic bread slices

Although it's not a traditional Italian bread, the garlic flavor is a perfect match for the cheesy casserole. Take ordinary Italian bread, slice it, spread it with garlic butter, and bake until golden. It tastes extremely delicious when eaten while it's still hot.

Italian breadsticks

The long and crispy Grissini can be directly inserted beside the casserole. It's convenient and fun to dip them in the sauce. Semi-finished products are often available in the refrigerated section of supermarkets. You can finish baking them in just five minutes by yourself.

What Caesar salad recipe pairs with ziti casserole?

Light Caesar Salad

Since the ziti casserole is relatively heavy, you can reduce the dressing amount for the Caesar salad appropriately. Use romaine lettuce as the base. For the dressing, use less egg yolk and add more lemon juice. Grate a little Parmesan cheese and finally sprinkle freshly ground black pepper. The tart and fresh flavor can relieve the greasiness of the cheese.

Croutons

Replace the traditional fried croutons with whole wheat bread cubes. Cut the bread into small pieces, toss with olive oil and garlic powder, and bake in the air fryer at 160°C for 8 minutes. This is a fresher alternative to frying. While maintaining the crunch, they won't overpower the main course.

Add Anchovies for Umami

If you like the traditional flavor, chop the anchovies and mix them into the dressing. The fresh and salty taste pairs well with the tomato sauce in the casserole. If you're afraid of the fishy smell, two slices are enough. Squeeze half a lemon to balance the flavor and make the taste more layered.

Grilled Chicken Breast as an Option

If you want to increase the protein content, add grilled chicken breast slices. Marinate the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and paprika in advance for 20 minutes. After frying until slightly charred, slice and place on the salad. This will enhance the sense of fullness while keeping the overall dish refreshing.

What wine to serve with ziti casserole?

Chianti Red Wine: The aroma of tomato sauce and cheese in the ziti casserole pairs particularly well with the sour cherry fruit flavor of Chianti from Italy. Its medium body won't overwhelm the dish, and the soft tannins can also cut through the greasiness of the meat sauce. Choosing it for a gathering usually won't go wrong.

Pinot Grigio: If you prefer white wine, go for Pinot Grigio from Italy. Its fresh citrus aroma and slight minerality can balance the richness of the cheese. It is especially suitable for the seafood version of ziti or for pairing in summer, offering a more lightweight drinking experience.

Montepulciano: When you're on a budget, Montepulciano red wine is a cost-effective choice. Its bold fruit flavor with a spicy aftertaste echoes the herb seasonings in the casserole. You won't feel reluctant to drink it in large gulps.

Sparkling Wine: If you want to liven up the atmosphere, the dry Prosecco sparkling wine with bubbles is also a great option. Its delicate bubbles can refresh the taste buds, especially when paired with the cream sauce version of ziti, adding more fun compared to still wines.

What dessert goes well with a hearty ziti casserole?

Try these desserts:

Panna Cotta with Berries

Spoon raspberry or blueberry sauce over the creamy panna cotta. It has a sweet and sour taste. Make it in advance and refrigerate. Just scoop a spoonful when it's time to serve. It's interesting to have a contrast in temperature with the hot casserole.

Bittersweet Chocolate Chunks

Choose dark chocolate with about 70% cocoa content and break it into small pieces. Pair it with a few roasted almonds. The slightly bitter chocolate can balance the salty and savory flavor of the casserole, and it's not greasy to chew.

Biscotti

The traditional Italian Biscotti is baked twice to make it even crunchier. It can be dipped in coffee or sweet wine. You can reduce the sugar when making it yourself and add some orange zest to enhance the aroma. It's suitable for people who like something crunchy.

Vanilla Ice Cream with Espresso

Scoop a ball of vanilla ice cream and pour a small cup of hot Italian espresso over it. The combination of hot and cold is very satisfying, and the bitterness of the coffee can also balance the sweetness.

How do you make a complete meal with ziti casserole?

To turn ziti casserole into a complete meal, the pairing ideas can be arranged like this:

Start with an appetizer. Serve a small plate of olives and artichoke hearts marinated in vinaigrette first. The sour and salty taste can stimulate the appetite without making the subsequent cheese taste too greasy. Pair it with a glass of sparkling water with lemon slices to freshen the palate and get ready for the main course.

After the main course of baked ziti comes out of the oven, bring out the garlicky spinach. Stir-fry the tender spinach in olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder and lemon zest before taking it out of the pan. The slight bitterness and fresh aroma of the green vegetables can balance the richness of the sauce, making it more suitable for a hot food combination than a salad.

Choose a crispy type of bread, such as slicing and toasting flatbread. Replace the spread with basil pesto. The aroma echoes the tomato flavor of the main dish. If you make a seafood version of the ziti, replace it with grilled lemon wedges for extra freshness.

Finish with a simple dessert, like a scoop of vanilla gelato topped with a shot of espresso. The alternating hot and cold textures prevent the whole meal from being too dull, and the bitterness can also cut through the lingering greasiness. Remember to leave at least 20 minutes between the main course and the dessert to give the taste buds some buffer time.