If one pasta dish comes to mind when we think of comfort food, it has to be bolognese.
Whether you’ve made a slow-cooked version or cooked the sauce for just a few minutes, there’s nothing quite like eating mounds of delicious spaghetti and meaty tomato flavor.
And what could make this already perfect meal even better? Picking the perfect side dishes!
From colorful vegetables to interesting alternative pasta – no matter what diet you follow, there are plenty of options for complementing your classic bolognese with wonderfully flavorful sides.
In today’s post, we’re looking at some inspiring ideas for what to serve with bolognese so you can create an Italian feast they won’t soon forget!
What Is Bolognese?
Bolognese sauce, also known as the “ragù alla Bolognese” or simply “ragu,” is a meat-based sauce originating in the Italian city of Bologna.
The traditional version of this popular dish is made with finely chopped beef, bacon, celery, carrots and onions cooked in a tomato-based sauce.
Variations can include pork, veal or poultry and may be served with any pasta, such as tagliatelle, pappardelle or fettuccine.
It is one of the most popular sauces for pasta in Italian cuisine and can be served as a main course or side dish.
For the best results, the sauce should be cooked slowly for several hours to allow the flavors to develop.
Bolognese can also be used as a topping for pizza, lasagna or other Italian dishes.
What To Serve With Bolognese?
Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that goes great with various accompaniments.
To complete your meal, here are some options on what to serve with bolognese.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a creamy and savory side dish made by boiling and mashing potatoes.
They can be flavored with butter, cream, milk, salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste.
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Mashed potatoes are often served as an accompaniment to the bolognese sauce because it helps balance out its richness.
The mashed potatoes also help to absorb some of the flavors from the sauce, creating a more complex flavor profile that makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Additionally, mashed potatoes can provide an additional layer of texture that complements the other ingredients in the bolognese dish.
Finally, mashed potatoes are great for mopping up any extra sauce on the plate, allowing each bite to be as flavorful as possible.
Mashed potatoes are essential to any bolognese dish and are a great way to add flavor and texture.
Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella Sticks are a classic Italian appetizer made with string cheese coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried.
They are served as an appetizer or side dish with Marinara, Ranch, or Bolognese sauce.
Bolognese sauce is a rich and hearty Italian meat sauce that pairs perfectly with Mozzarella Sticks, creating a delicious combination of creamy cheese and savory meat.
The deep-fried texture of the Mozzarella Sticks provides a great contrast to the smooth and rich Bolognese sauce.
Together, they create a classic Italian dish that will please any crowd!
Many people also enjoy adding other ingredients, such as lemon juice or herbs, to the Bolognese sauce for extra flavor.
Polenta
Polenta is created from boiling cornmeal.
It is often served as side dishes or as the foundation for other dishes like stews and sauces and has a creamy, somewhat gritty texture.
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When served with Bolognese, Polenta provides a flavorful, versatile accompaniment to the hearty meat sauce.
The creamy texture of the polenta helps to balance out the rich flavor and texture of the Bolognese while still being able to stand up to the bold flavors in the sauce.
It also adds an interesting visual element to a traditional Italian dish. Additionally, Polenta is a great gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions.
Zoodles
Zoodles are spiralized zucchini noodles, making a great substitute for traditional pasta.
They’re low in calories, high in fiber, and have a crunchy texture that makes them enjoyable.
Zoodles combined with Bolognese sauce is a delicious and nutritious option when you want something lighter than traditional pasta dishes.
Combining healthy zoodles and classic Bolognese sauce is a great way to enjoy all the flavors of an Italian meal without compromising your nutrition.
Plus, it’s easy to make and much faster than preparing pasta dishes!
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a salad made of shredded cabbage and carrots, dressed with either mayonnaise or vinaigrette.
It’s often served as a side dish with bolognese because the crispness of the cabbage contrasts with the rich flavor of the sauce.
The creamy dressing also helps to cut through the richness of the Bolognese sauce.
Furthermore, coleslaw can be a great way to add a bit of vegetable-based nutrition to your meal.
It’s also easy and quick to prepare and provides an interesting texture that balances the richness of the Bolognese.
Squash Fritters
Squash Fritters are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy squash.
They are made by combining grated squash, herbs, onions, eggs and flour with a little oil for frying.
The result is a crispy, golden-brown fritter that can be served as an appetizer or side dish.
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Squash Fritters go particularly well with a hearty Bolognese sauce, as the two flavors complement each other perfectly.
The sweetness and earthiness of the squash pair nicely with the rich tomato flavor of the Bolognese, creating an overall delicious meal.
Squash Fritters are also great for adding nutrition to any meal – they provide plenty of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins A and C.
Zucchini Boats
Zucchini boats are a creative way to enjoy the delicious flavors of Bolognese sauce. It’s hollowed-out zucchinis filled with a classic Bolognese sauce.
The hollowed-out center allows the bolognese to be cooked evenly, giving it flavor and texture.
It’s sometimes served with cheese or other toppings for added flavor.
This dish is great for a weeknight dinner because it’s quick and easy to make but still provides an impressive presentation on the plate.
Italian Bread
Italian bread is a type of white bread that originated in Italy. It is typically made from wheat flour, water, salt and sometimes olive oil.
Italian bread has a crisp crust and the inside is light and fluffy.
Italian bread is often served with Bolognese sauce because it absorbs the flavorful sauce very well, making for a delicious combination.
The bread is also used to make bruschetta, garlic, and panini. Italian bread can be served as an appetizer or side dish, but it is usually the perfect accompaniment to any pasta dish.
It is also great for making sandwiches with different meats and cheeses.
Fajita Pulled Pork
Fajita Pulled Pork is a delicious and savory dish made from slow-cooked pork shoulder.
The pork shoulder is marinated in a blend of spices and sauces, then roasted or slow-cooked until it is fork-tender.
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The meat is then shredded and served with warm tortillas or over rice. The flavors in the Fajita Pulled Pork blend perfectly with Bolognese sauce.
The rich and flavorful sauce pairs well with the tender pulled pork for an unbeatable combination.
In addition to providing great flavor, serving Fajita Pulled Pork with Bolognese is a great way to stretch the meal and make one dish serve more people.
Combining two dishes allows you to feed your family or guests without worrying about running out of food.
FAQs
What Vegetables To Serve With Bolognese
The traditional Italian accompaniment to bolognese is a side of spaghetti or other long pasta.
You can also serve it with broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or roasted peppers.
What Breads To Serve With Bolognese?
Garlic bread is the classic side dish for bolognese sauce. Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to make it extra special.
If you don’t want to serve garlic bread, other bread, such as focaccia, is also popular.
What Cheese To Serve With Bolognese?
Parmigiano-Reggiano is the classic Italian cheese to serve with bolognese.
You can also try adding some shredded mozzarella or other Italian cheese on top for a bit of cheesy goodness.
Should You Serve Spaghetti With Bolognese?
Yes! Spaghetti is the traditional pasta to serve with bolognese.
However, you can also try other types of long pasta, such as linguine or pappardelle.
Conclusion
The options for what to serve with Bolognese sauce are endless!
Whether you’re looking for a light salad, a savory side dish, or something more hearty, plenty of recipes pair well with this classic Italian dish.
Coleslaw, Squash Fritters, Zucchini Boats, Italian Bread, and Fajita Pulled Pork are some of the delicious choices that can be served alongside your Bolognese sauce.
Whichever option you choose, it’s sure to make for a satisfying meal. Try something new tonight!
