What to Serve with Eggplant Parmesan

Published: Mar 17, 2023 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

Eggplant parmesan has a long and renowned history, even inspiring its own namesake. Tastes have evolved over time as chefs have experimented with different cooking techniques and new ingredients to craft an old classic into something entirely their own, but the question remains: what to serve with eggplant parmesan?

Regardless of how it's made, one thing is certain — eggplant parmesan always needs accompaniment! Here we'll explore some of the best sides to serve alongside your eggplant dish that will take your meal from delicious to unforgettable.

Collage of four delicious recipes. The title "What to Serve with Eggplant Parmesan" is in the center of the collage.

What is eggplant?

Eggplant is a type of fruit but commonly thought of as a vegetable. It has an oval shape, with smooth, glossy skin that ranges in color from deep purple to white.

Eggplants are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium and can be cooked in a variety of ways. For eggplant parmesan, the eggplant is usually sliced into thin rounds and fried or baked until golden brown.

What is eggplant parmesan?

Eggplant parmesan is an Italian-American dish consisting of breaded eggplant slices layered with cheese, tomato sauce, and herbs. It is usually served as a main course but can be served as a side dish as well.

What are the health benefits of eggplant parmesan?

Eggplant parmesan is a nutritious meal that can provide many health benefits. It contains dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, and healthy fats. The eggplant provides a good source of antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Additionally, the cheese adds calcium for strong bones and teeth and the tomato sauce offers lycopene which may help protect against certain types of cancer.

Should you pair bread or pasta with this dish?

Bread and pasta are two of the most popular sides to serve with eggplant parmesan. A fresh loaf of Italian bread is a great way to soak up the delicious sauce and grated cheese, while a plate of freshly cooked pasta provides an accompaniment that is sure to please any crowd.

Whether you choose bread or pasta (or both!), you can enjoy a classic Italian meal that is both delicious and nutritious.

What to Serve with Eggplant Parmesan

The sides listed below are easy to prepare, and flavorful and will add texture and dimension to your eggplant parmesan dish. These side recommendations are some of my family's favorite recipes. They answer the question of "what to serve with eggplant parmesan" when we want a full and complete meal.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

This is by far the BEST Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole! Creamy mashed potatoes combine with sour cream, butter and cheese to make the base of the dish and then add on plenty of toppings. It's the perfect potato casserole for holidays, lazy weekends, or any time you need an easy, yet delicious potato side dish.

A spoonful of loaded mashed potato casserole up over a plate with more.

Brazilian Cheese Bread

Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of cheesy, garlic goodness. Brazilian Cheese Bread is the perfect, gluten free, addition to any meal!

A brazillian cheese bite held in the air.

Air fryer Garlic Bread

This air fryer garlic bread is full of flavor, not work. This recipe comes together in minutes. The longest part of it is roasting the garlic.

Air fryer garlic bread slices on board.

Cream Cheese Biscuits

Are you looking for perfectly flakey biscuits that just scream the holiday season? You’re going to be head over heels for these simple Cream Cheese Biscuits.

Cream cheese biscuits on a plate.

Air Fryer Frozen Garlic Bread

Air fryer frozen garlic bread is ready in minutes and perfect every time. It's golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Air Fryer Frozen Garlic Bread on board.

Air Fryer Frozen Biscuits

These air fryer frozen biscuits cook up perfectly every time. They're golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and done so much faster.

Air fryer frozen biscuits on a plate.

Risotto Pasta

This risotto pasta combines everything we love about risotto with delicious orzo pasta. It makes a great side dish for almost anything.

Bowl of risotto pasta with a fork stuck inside.

Pasta Napoletana

Pasta Napoletana is a deliciously simple recipe that's basically the garden on your plate. It comes together easily, and it's so good!

Closeup of a white bowl filled with pasta.

School Cafeteria Spaghetti

This school cafeteria spaghetti recipe will have you recalling the flavor of childhood. This simple recipe tastes like lunch period!

plate full of School Cafeteria Spaghetti.

Spaghetti Verde

This spaghetti verde pasta is loaded with the delicious flavors of salsa verde and served with spaghetti noodles.

A bowl full of spaghetti verde pasta.

Spaghetti alla Bolognese

This spaghetti alla bolognese recipe is full of garden fresh flavors you'll love. Bell peppers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes? Yum!

Classic Pasta Salad

Perfectly-seasoned pasta and loaded with fresh vegetables, Classic Pasta Salad is a great summer side dish. With this classic pasta salad recipe, the results are always delicious and it goes with just about everything. Italian pasta salad is the ideal dish for potlucks, BBQs or whenever you're in the mood.

Creole Smoked Potato Salad

This creole smoked potato salad may look like the classic, but don't let it fool you. Loaded with delicious creole flavors and a healthy dose of smoke, this is one potato salad recipe you'll want to make again and again!

Smoked potato salad on a plate.

Best Greek Pasta Salad

This Greek pasta salad is super easy to make, a delicious medley of flavors and textures, and is great to make as a side dish or even a light lunch or dinner.

Greek pasta salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon lifting some out.

Old-Fashioned Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar

When it comes to making cucumber salad, my gran knew what she was doing. She taught me all about making old-fashioned cucumbers and onions in vinegar. That's why I lovingly sometimes call this dish, Grandma's Best Cucumber Salad. It's made with crispy slices of cucumber and onion in a simple dill vinegar dressing!

Cucumber and onion salad in vinegar.

Mediterranean Rice Salad

Hearty, wholesome, and super healthy, this super easy Mediterranean rice salad recipe is going to become your next favorite side dish to pair with any grilled or baked meat.

Mediterranean rice salad with vegetables in a bowl on the table.

Easy Grape Salad

This easy grape salad with cream cheese is full of summery flavor and comes together fast. It only takes minutes to make this tasty treat!

Easy Shrimp Pasta Salad

You are going to love this creamy and flavorful Shrimp Pasta Salad. It’s full of crunchy veggies, savory feta, and juicy shrimp. It’s the perfect BBQ side dish!

A bowl of creamy shrimp pasta salad on the table with a fork and fresh ingredients to the side of the bowl.

Greek Lentil Feta Salad

Greek Lentil Feta Salad is tasty and healthy too! Lentils, surrounded by feta cheese, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes and onions in a red wine vinaigrette!

Greek Lentil Feta Salad

Broccoli Crunch Salad

This Broccoli Crunch Salad is full of crispy broccoli florets, sweet pears, raisins, onion, crunchy nuts, cheese, and bacon! It's an explosion of flavors and texture. It requires no cooking and goes together in just a few minutes and makes a tasty side for all your picnic, cookout, and potluck needs.

A white bowl filled with Amish broccoli salad with a serving spoon.

Easy Cold Asparagus Salad

This asparagus cold salad with mustard vinaigrette is a must for asparagus lovers. It's an easy way to transform asparagus into a dish everyone will love.

A plate of cold asparagus salad with lemon wedges on the side.

Eggplant parmesan is a classic dish that can be enjoyed in many styles. Whether you prefer it fried, baked, or simmered, this delicious entrée always needs accompaniment!

Use the recommendations listed above to choose sides that pair perfectly with your eggplant parmesan and make your meal even more delicious and memorable.

Collage of four delicious recipes. The title "What to Serve with Eggplant Parmesan" is in the center of the collage.

More Sides

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