15 Best Italian Side Dishes Recipe Deliciousness Awaits You!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
When it comes to Italian cuisine, there's no shortage of delicious dishes to choose from. However, no Italian meal is complete without a side dish to complement the main course. Whether you're looking for something light and refreshing or rich and comforting, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we'll explore the best Italian side dishes that will elevate any meal to a whole new level. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these mouthwatering recipes.
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Garlic Cloves, Tomato, Fresh Mushrooms, Dried
Get your vegetables in while still enjoying the deliciousness of beer can chicken with these spicy Italian stuffed zucchini boats. Scoop out the insides of zucchini halves and stuff them with a mixture of ground chicken, Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and spicy peppers. Grill or bake until the zucchini is tender and the filling is cooked through.
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Italian Green Beans
Main Ingredients: Butter, Minced Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Bread Crumbs
Green beans are a classic side dish, but why not give them an Italian twist? Toss them with garlic, olive oil, and Italian seasoning, then grill or roast them alongside your beer can chicken for a flavorful and healthy accompaniment.
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Italian Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Red Potatoes, Parmesan Cheese, Breadcrumbs, Italian
Upgrade your roasted potatoes with this Italian-inspired recipe. Toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan. Roast in the oven until crispy and golden brown.
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Italian Roasted Mushrooms and Veggies
Main Ingredients: Cremini Mushrooms, Cauliflower, Tomatoes, Garlic, Olive
Add some extra color and flavor to your beer can chicken dinner with this recipe for Italian roasted mushrooms and veggies. Toss a mix of mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini with Italian seasoning and balsamic vinegar before roasting in the oven.
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Italian Sauteed Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Baby Bella Mushrooms, Italian Dressing, Onion, Red Bell
Another delicious way to enjoy mushrooms is by sautéing them in a pan with garlic, butter, and Italian seasoning. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a savory and simple side dish.
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Italian Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Italian Parsley, Garlic, Olive Oil
Slice eggplant and season it with olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning before grilling it to perfection. This flavorful and vegetarian-friendly side dish pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Italian Chopped Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette
Main Ingredients: Romaine Lettuce, Roma Tomatoes, Purple Onion, Green
If you're in the mood for a lighter side dish, try this Italian chopped salad with a tangy red wine vinaigrette. Toss together chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and Italian dressing for a delicious and refreshing addition to your meal.
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Parmesan Risotto
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Butter, Garlic, Finely Chopped Onion
Risotto may seem intimidating, but with this easy recipe, you can have a creamy and decadent side dish in no time. Cook arborio rice with chicken broth, white wine, and Parmesan cheese until it's tender and creamy.
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Warm Artichoke Salad
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Cremini Mushrooms, Garlic Cloves, Kosher Salt
Need a break from the usual salads? Try this warm artichoke salad with olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Toss in some cherry tomatoes and crispy bacon for added texture and flavor.
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Italian Steamed Broccoli
Main Ingredients: Broccoli Florets, Wish Bone Italian Dressing, Water
Steamed broccoli may not seem exciting, but add Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese and it becomes a delicious and easy side dish for your beer can chicken dinner.
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Roasted Italian Zucchini
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Grape Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Salt, Oregano
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be easily transformed with the right seasonings. Toss it with olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning and roast in the oven for a tasty and low-carb side dish.
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Parmesan Roasted Italian Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Avocado Oil, Sea Salt, Italian
Simplify your roasted potatoes with this recipe that only requires four ingredients: potatoes, Italian seasoning, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Roast until crispy and golden brown.
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Italian-Style Saucy Roasted Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Red Potato, Olive Oil, Salt, Ragu R Chunky Pasta Sauce
If you prefer your potatoes with a bit more sauce, try this recipe for Italian-style saucy roasted potatoes. Toss potatoes with a mix of tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and mozzarella cheese before roasting in the oven.
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Italian Style Peppers and Onions
Main Ingredients: Mini Bell Peppers, Red Onion, Garlic Cloves, Fresh
Peppers and onions are a classic accompaniment to many dishes, but try them Italian-style with this recipe. Cook them in a pan with olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for a flavorful and colorful side dish.
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Cheesy-Italian Pressure Cooker Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Red Potatoes, Butter, Chicken Broth, Italian Seasoning
For a quick and easy side dish, try these cheesy-Italian pressure cooker potatoes. Simply toss potatoes with olive oil, Italian seasoning, and shredded cheese and cook in a pressure cooker for a tasty and time-saving side dish.
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Sweet Potato Risotto
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Olive Oil, Sweet Onion, Garlic
Looking for a twist on traditional risotto? Try this recipe that uses sweet potatoes instead of arborio rice. Cook the sweet potatoes with chicken broth, white wine, and goat cheese for a creamy and sweet side dish.
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Patate al forno (Italian Oven Roasted Potatoes)
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, Garlic, Fresh
This classic Italian dish features oven-roasted potatoes with rosemary, garlic, and thyme for a fragrant and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Italian Pan Fried Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Plum, Olive Oil, Oregano, Basil, Salt, Garlic
For a simple and delicious side dish, try these Italian pan-fried tomatoes. Cook them in a pan with olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning until they are tender and bursting with flavor.
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Italian Roasted Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Crimini Mushrooms, Cauliflower, Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic
Roasted vegetables are a great way to add some color and nutrition to your meal. Toss a mix of your favorite veggies with olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning before roasting for a delicious and healthy side dish.
If you're feeling adventurous, try making these Italian stuffed artichokes. Scoop out the insides of artichokes and stuff them with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Steam them until tender for a unique and delicious side dish.
Polenta with Mushrooms and Parmesan
One of the most versatile and beloved Italian side dishes is polenta. Made from cornmeal, this dish is a staple in Northern Italian cuisine. For a delicious twist, try serving polenta with sautéed mushrooms and Parmesan cheese. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms pair perfectly with the creamy polenta and the nutty taste of Parmesan adds a touch of richness. This dish is easy to make and can be served as a side dish or a main course for a vegetarian option.
Ingredients:
1 cup polenta
4 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound mixed mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a large saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil. Slowly add the polenta, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the polenta, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes or until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and garlic, and sauté until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender.
Once the polenta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the polenta to a serving dish and top with the sautéed mushrooms.
Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and serve hot.
This polenta with mushrooms and Parmesan is a delicious and simple side dish that will impress your guests. It's also a great option for a vegetarian main course. The best part is, it can be made in under 30 minutes!
Arancini
Another popular side dish in Italian cuisine is arancini, also known as risotto balls. These crispy, fried balls of arborio rice are filled with a variety of ingredients, making them a versatile and tasty addition to any meal. The most traditional filling for arancini is mozzarella cheese, but you can also add in peas, prosciutto, or any other ingredients you prefer.
Ingredients:
1 cup arborio rice
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup frozen peas, thawed
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
Oil, for frying
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a large saucepan, bring the broth to a simmer. Add the rice and cook for about 20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove the rice from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, peas, and salt and pepper to taste.
Let the rice cool for about 10 minutes, then form into golf ball-sized balls. Make an indentation in the center of each ball and place a cube of mozzarella cheese inside.
Roll the balls in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the bread crumbs.
In a deep frying pan, heat the oil to 375°F. Carefully add the arancini and fry until golden brown on all sides.
Remove the arancini from the oil and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Serve hot and enjoy the crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy center of these delicious arancini!
These arancini make a great side dish for any Italian meal, or can even be served as a tasty appetizer. You can experiment with different fillings and get creative with this dish to make it your own.
With these mouthwatering Italian side dish recipes, you'll have the perfect accompaniment to any main course. Impress your friends and family with your culinary skills and enjoy the delicious flavors of Italian cuisine. Buon appetito!
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