What to Serve with Bolognese Sauce? 10 BEST Side Dishes

If you know a top-notch Bolognese sauce recipe and are wondering what to pair it with, you’ve landed in the right place.

The possibilities for choosing side dishes are endless if we’re talking about Bolognese sauce.

It is a classic Italian meat-based sauce that originated in Bologna.

The sauce contains these ingredients- ground meat, tomato paste, soffritto, milk, and wine.

You can make it using various cooking styles, including sautéing, sweating, and braising them.

Now, what to serve with Bolognese sauce? Pasta is usually the first option, so you can go for it straight away.

However, we have a few other side dishes you can enjoy your main item with.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Bolognese Sauce?

Bolognese sauce isn’t meant to be eaten on its own.

You need side dishes to make your meal complete, balanced, and filling.

You’d typically serve tagliatelle or other pasta with Bolognese sauce.

But if you want to step out of the box and experiment with different flavors, here are some refreshing sides.

While choosing side dishes for the sauce, ensure that they don’t overpower its flavor.

Mashed potatoes, mozzarella sticks, and zoodles are amazing options.

Continue reading to learn more about the best side dishes you can serve with Bolognese sauce.

What to Serve with Bolognese Sauce? 10 BEST Side Dishes

1 – Mashed Potatoes

–

Dig into the perfect harmony of creamy mashed potatoes and hearty Bolognese sauce.

The velvety texture of this side balances out the robust flavors while adding a layer of savory goodness.

Plus, mashed potatoes are an incredibly versatile food.

You can flavor them with anything from butter to garlic to herbs and spices, allowing them to fit perfectly with just about any meal, including Bolognese.

Furthermore, mashed potatoes are quick and easy to make, making them a viable option for busy home cooks who need a simple side dish.

The combination of mashed potatoes and Bolognese has stood the test of time for good reason; it’s completely delicious.

2 – Garlic Parmesan Knots

Ditch the classic garlic bread for something special, and get ready to experience maximum flavor with these delicious, garlicky knots.

They make an amazing sidekick to your Bolognese.

Better yet, you’ll only need about 20 minutes until they’re ready to heat up and serve alongside that plate of yumminess we call Bolognese.

With their little knots and twisty shape, garlic knots are perfect for scooping up your hearty Bolognese for a truly flavorful chopsticks-like experience.

Their small size makes them fun to eat and delightful for everyone at the table.

Garlic parmesan knots also add texture and visual interest to your plate, making them as pleasant to look at as they are to eat.

3 – Bacon and Squash Fritters

Try bacon and squash fritters with Bolognese sauce for a unique and delicious twist.

It’s the perfect union of salty-sweet flavors.

You get smoky bacon in the fritter and alternating notes of sweetness from the squash paired against an unmistakably robust flavor in that classic Italian sauce.

After just one bite, you’ll be hooked by this unique combination that rivals that of even the most beloved traditional Italian pasta dishes.

Plus, it’s a great way to introduce new flavors and textures to kids who may not enjoy regular pasta as much.

To serve, top the fritters with a hearty spoonful of Bolognese sauce.

This dish is great for serving family-style or as a fun finger food at parties.

For an extra twist, top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

4 – Zoodles

Have you ever wanted to enjoy Bolognese without carbs? Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are an easy and delicious way to do just that.

The key is in how they’re prepared.

Zucchinis are more watery than pasta, so it’s important not to overcook them when cooking with your sauce.

You can either opt for a 3-minute microwave method or 4 minutes on the stovetop using sautéing technique.

For a complete meal within no time at all, serve up some big bowls of these vegan noodles along with crusty bread on the side.

5 – Rustic Italian Bread

–

Nothing hits the spot like a big bowl of Bolognese when you need a bit of comfort.

But it’s even better when paired with Rustic Italian Bread.

It has charred edges that give off an irresistible aroma.

And its rough texture helps soak up every last drop of sauce so you can get another helping without hesitation.

Also, one can easily transform this combination into an Italian feast by simply slicing the bread thin, toasting it lightly in the oven, and adding some spices or cheese.

Beyond that, settling down for dinner with this combo is also a great way to kick off a fun evening.

6 – Mozzarella Sticks

–

Mozzarella sticks may not be authentic Italian, but let’s face it; they’re a dreamy companion to Bolognese sauce.

Take the classic combination up a notch by scooping some delicious sauce onto the stick for an indulgent bite you won’t forget.

Mozzarella sticks are the perfect blend of cheese and crunch, making them a hugely popular appetizer.

But, for the ultimate flavor experience, you have to serve them with a flavor-packed sauce like Bolognese.

The combination of hearty beef or pork in the Bolognese with the sweet-tangy notes of tomatoes creates a unique taste that complements the gooey cheese perfectly.

7 – Eggplant Noodles

–

Who said going carb-free or gluten-free means missing out on delectable dishes like Bolognese? With eggplant “noodles,” you can still enjoy all the delicious flavors of your favorite recipe.

For a tasty, nutritious, and filling meal that won’t break the bank or take hours to prepare, look no further than this amazing combination.

Eggplant noodles provide abundant vitamins and minerals, while Bolognese sauce contributes protein and loads of flavor.

8 – Cauliflower Steak

–

If you want to take your Bolognese from five stars in the kitchen to a Michelin-worthy dish, cauliflower steaks are just what you need.

Every bite is like an experience; tender yet lightly crisped and seasoned with paprika for warmth and parsley for that added herbal taste.

Guests will be amazed when this masterpiece of flavors is presented on their plates.

Just make sure there’s extra minced meat handy.

9 – Polenta

Polenta is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.

It has a wonderfully nutty flavor and can be an amazing side to complement any dish, especially the classic Bolognese sauce.

Polenta and Bolognese make a flavor-packed combo that’s sure to satisfy.

While its creamy texture plays against the boldness of the sauce, the coarse polenta adds an unexpected crunch to the whole meal.

And if you’re looking for healthier options, polenta is perfect for that too.

It’s a scrumptious substitute for wheat or rice in low-carb or gluten-free dishes.

So, who said eating healthy had to be boring?

10 – Pulled Pork Fajita

Pulled pork fajita with Bolognese sauce is certainly a mouth-watering combination to enjoy.

The pulled pork, packed full of juicy flavor, tickles the taste buds, while the Bolognese makes for a hearty meal.

However, it isn’t just the resulting flavor that makes this combination great.

It is also an excellent option if you have a mix of vegetarians and non-vegetarians in your group.

You can replace the pulled pork in the fajita with grilled vegetables for a veggie option.

Likewise, everyone can still enjoy the deliciousness of the Bolognese sauce (provided it’s the veg version).

Conclusion

Also called Ragu alla Bolognese in Italian cuisine, Bolognese sauce is an excellent choice for those who want something savory, juicy, and indulgent for dinner.

It goes well with pasta, bread, potatoes- basically any food that can soak its flavors.

Try them for dinner tonight to enjoy a scrumptious meal.

The side dishes listed here are some of our favorites to serve with Bolognese sauce.

You can confidently choose anyone if you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine.