Looking for the best side dishes to go with comforting lasagna? Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner, family meal, buffet, or potluck, stop fretting over what to serve with lasagna. Find here a complete recipe collection of vegetable sides, salads, breads, and desserts with expert tips for serving!

a lasagna with side dishes to go with it

Regardless if you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, preparing a family meal, buffet, or bringing a dish to a friend in need, lasagna continues to be a popular choice! It can be prepared ahead of time, serves a crowd, and makes a great freezer meal.

Lasagna’s versatility also makes it a go-to recipe for home cooks. Recipes abound to fit any need, such as gluten-free lasagna, vegetarian, meat lovers with ground beef and Italian sausage, or a quick skillet lasagna for weeknight meals.

There is no question it is the ultimate comfort food (right up there with baked ziti). How can you go wrong with layers of lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and creamy ricotta cheese? It’s a dish adults nor kids can turn down!

Whether you need to know what goes with lasagna, the best side dishes, salads, breads, or even desserts, find an arsenal of ideas and recipes are all here!

overhead shot of lasagna in a white dish with a red towel next to it

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Vegetables

Since lasagna can be so filling, it’s a difficult dish to pair with sides. Similar to figuring out what to serve with mac or cheese, baked ziti, or what goes with chili, a great side dish shouldn’t overwhelm the main entree.

If you are looking for what to serve with lasagna besides salad, find plenty of veggies and more easy lasagna sides below. These would work for holiday or Christmas dinner, a dinner party, or potluck.

Scroll down to find the specific recipes, plus expert tips for making and serving lasagna.

  • Broccoli
  • Steamed or roasted carrots
  • Roasted or fried eggplant
  • Corn
  • Creamed spinach
  • Green beans
  • Zucchini
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Roasted or steamed cauliflower
  • Artichokes
  • Asparagus
  • Peas
  • Giardiniera

Breads

Even with the filling pasta in classic Italian lasagna, many people prefer to serve their meal with a side of bread. It’s perfect for sopping up leftover bits of sauce and cheese with doughy breadsticks or crusty garlic butter bread.

Plus, if you are serving lasagna in winter, you can’t go wrong with layering on another comforting dish!

  • Garlic bread
  • Breadsticks
  • Bruschetta
  • Dinner rolls
  • Focaccia
  • Cheese bread
  • Garlic knots

easy Salads

Light, fresh salads go well with lasagna and seem to be an easy choice. Pile leafy greens with red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and serve with a simple olive oil, lemon juice vinaigrette or any preferred dressing.

For festive meals, like Christmas or Easter, something sweeter such as jello salads, pretzel salad, or fruit salads, make a decadent accompaniment.

  • Caprese salad with fresh basil
  • Wedge salad
  • Caesar salad with croutons
  • Spinach
  • Tossed Greens – spring mix, arugula salad, romaine, or iceberg lettuce
  • Jello salads
  • Antipasto platter
  • Fruit salads

don’t forget desserts!

Of course it’s the perfect ending to a meal! Something lighter like fresh fruit or jello salad balances out the cheesy goodness.

However, if you are hosting a party and looking for something a little more decadent, consider almond joy cake, easy homemade brownies, banoffee cake, no bake strawberry cheesecake, or even a themed dessert platter.

best tips for making and serving lasagna

Although homemade lasagna is simple to make, don’t let your effort go to waste with dry, mushy or soupy layers. Follow the best expert tips below!

  1. A 9X13 lasagna casserole will serve 8 medium portions. If you plan on serving a buffet, or a lot of sides to go with it, it may serve up to 12.
  2. Lasagna needs to rest for 15 minutes, uncovered, before cutting and serving. This gives the layers time to cool slightly and congeal together, so they stay intact when slicing.
  3. Prepare homemade sauce ahead of time. Flavors enhance and meld as the sauce sits, so for best results make the sauce one to two days before assembling and baking.
  4. Adding an egg and a little parmesan cheese to the ricotta or cottage cheese filling, helps bind the layer.
  5. Do not boil fresh lasagna sheets or no boil noodles before layering. Boil traditional lasagna noodles (without salt in water) for 4-5 minutes, or just enough to be slightly pliable.
  6. Layer the sheets without overlapping noodles. Otherwise they will stick and glue themselves to each other during baking, leaving undercooked, chewy pasta.
  7. Cover the casserole with foil for at least half the baking time. Remove the foil halfway to brown the cheese. For a golden, bubbly mozzarella cheese topping, finish baking with a 1-2 minutes under the broiler.
close up overhead shot of corner of lasagna dish

fAQ about lasagna

Can lasagna be baked from frozen?

Yes, lasagna may be baked from frozen, but plan on at least 30 minutes extra baking time. Be sure to keep the casserole covered with foil for at least 45 minutes, so it does not dry out. Then, remove the foil to brown the cheese for the last 20-30 minutes.

How long can lasagna sit out before being refrigerated?

Lasagna may sit out for 2 hours after it has been cooked before you are in danger of bacteria forming. If the room temperature is higher than 90ºF, refrigerate the lasagna after 1 hour sitting out.

What is the best way to reheat lasagna?

If reheating in the microwave, it’s best to do it in slices. Reheat at 50% power until it starts to warm. Once it’s almost hot, finish heating at full power to warm completely.

If you have a lot of leftovers to reheat at once, place in an oven-proof baking dish. Cover securely with foil and warm in a 325ºF oven until hot throughout.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, but since it’s best reheated in smaller portions, freeze in serving-size slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then transfer to a ziplock freezer bag. Freeze up to three months.

Can I substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles?

Yes, but to make a truly great gluten-free recipe for lasagna use a no-boil noodle so it does not become mushy. I use and recommend Barilla Gluten-Free Oven-Ready Lasagne Noodles. Cover the baking dish with foil for three-fourths baking time before removing it to brown the cheese.

Should lasagna be baked covered or uncovered?

For best results, lasagna should be covered for at least half the time while baking. Spray a large sheet of heavy-duty foil with cooking spray so the cheese does not stick to it. Wrap the baking dish securely and bake for 30 minutes before removing.

Best sides to go with lasagna

1. 20 Minute Roasted Zucchini (Not Soggy!)

roasted zucchini on a white plate with fresh herbs next to it.
Learn how to roast zucchini the best way so it isn't soggy! Roasted Zucchini is an easy, oven baked recipe perfect all year round. Golden, roasted summer squash is flavored with garlic and seasonings for a healthy side dish everyone will devour! 
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2. Best Gluten-Free Garlic Bread

a slice of garlic bread resting on other slices.
There's no reason to miss out on a classic anymore! Learn how to make the best gluten-free garlic bread, with crisp, golden edges, a soft, squishy interior, a unique combo of butter, olive oil, fresh garlic, and optional cheesy topping. This easy recipe includes plenty of tips and variations to fit any preference, from homemade bread options, store-bought substitutes, and how to create the perfect ratio of ingredients for spectacular flavor!
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3. Cheesy Baked Tomatoes (in 10 Minutes!)

a pan of baked tomatoes with broiled cheese on top
Baked Tomatoes are cheesy, broiled tomato slices with bubbly, golden parmesan or mozzarella cheese and sprinkled with fresh basil. Baked tomatoes with cheese make an all star appetizer or an easy side dish in minutes!
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4. Apple Pecan Salad (Quick Maple Dijon Dressing)

maple vinaigrette being poured from a white dressing container onto the apple pecan salad
Enjoy a fresh green salad with apples and pecans as a delicious way to welcome in fall. This easy salad recipe is quick to throw together, complete with a simple maple dijon vinaigrette dressing. Enjoy it as a side salad for soups or dinners, but with candied pecans, dried cranberries, and tangy blue cheese, it's impressive enough for guests. Be prepared to hand out the recipe!
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5. Soft Gluten-Free Breadsticks

breadsticks stacked on a white plate with parsley
The best homemade gluten-free breadsticks recipe will make you forget those soft Olive Garden breadsticks ever existed! This extra easy recipe with a garlic topping is not only gluten-free (with dairy-free option), but uses the simplest prep and baking method even a GF novice can pull these off with success!
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6. Baked Broccoli and Cheese

a close up shot overhead of baked broccoli and cheese on a baking sheet
Baked Broccoli and Cheese is a quick and easy oven roasted broccoli recipe with melty cheese, garlic, and crispy breadcrumbs. 
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7. Strawberry Feta Salad

overhead shot of strawberry green salad with feta cheese on top
Fresh Strawberry Salad layers fresh greens, juicy strawberries, toasted nuts, and feta cheese all covered with tangy, sweet vinaigrette dressing. 
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8. Bacon Maple Brussels Sprouts

a wooden spoon lifting out a scoop of bacon brussels sprouts
These sticky maple caramelized Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection with crispy bits of bacon, sweet, juicy apples, and dried cranberries. If you struggle with recipes getting brussels soft and tender while still achieving a crispy crust, check out this easy, unique baking technique.
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9. Vintage Cranberry Raspberry Jello Salad

a spoon resting on a plate of raspberry cranberry jello salad with a bite taken out
Cranberry Raspberry Jello Salad recipe is an easy, festive dish to add to your Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday table. Raspberry jello is molded with cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, and a hint of orange then topped with a creamsicle Cool Whip cream cheese topping. 
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10. Baked Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole with Cheddar

close up of melted cheese on broccoli and cauliflower in a casserole dish
Skip the panko, skip the breadcrumbs and skip the crackers because this broccoli cauliflower casserole doesn’t need those toppings. This easy gluten-free side dish can be prepared ahead (instructions provided below) and works wonderfully with fresh or frozen vegetables — I know because I tested both ways for you! Smother the veggies in a homemade cream sauce, top with cheddar cheese, and serve warm.
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11. Overnight 7-Layer Salad

close up of 7 layer salad layers in a glass trifle bowl
Overnight 7 Layer Salad recipe layers an ultra creamy dressing with lettuce, peas, cheese, eggs, and bacon. Seven Layer Overnight salad can be made ahead, refrigerated , and then be ready to serve for a crowd or party! 
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12. Sauteed Zucchini with Lemon and Garlic

close up shot of cooked zucchini being held by a wooden spoon
Learn how to make sauteed zucchini and squash with this quick and easy lemon garlic recipe. In little as five minutes you'll have a richly flavorful, zucchini recipe ready to enjoy!
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13. Cream Cheese Jello Salad

a scoop of jello salad taken out a serving bowl
This Jello Salad recipe takes five minutes and uses only jello and cream cheese to make! Easy, old fashioned jello salad can be adapted for raspberry, strawberry, lime, or orange flavors, mixed with fruit, or topped with a creamy dollop of cool whip. 
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14. Creamy, Fluffy Gluten-Free Corn Casserole (Extra Easy)

close up of gluten-free cornbread casserole
Never miss out on your favorite holiday dish again! Gluten-free corn casserole makes a creamy, comforting cornbread pudding casserole with an easy 5-minute prep and no Jiffy mix necessary!
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15. Marinated Green Bean Salad

a close up of a serving bowl of beans, blue cheese and tomatoes
Make-ahead, marinated Green Bean Salad is an easy side dish recipe perfect for summer! Simply toss green beans, tomatoes, and red onions with a balsamic vinaigrette and serve cold with blue or feta cheese.
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16. Crispy Oven Roasted Cabbage Steaks

overhead shot of roasted cabbage on a baking sheet
Oven Roasted Cabbage Steaks make an easy, hands off side dish to compliment any meal! Buttery roasted cabbage slices are baked till golden brown with crispy edges. 
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roasted zucchini on a white plate with fresh herbs next to it.
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50+ Easy Sides to Serve with Fettuccine Alfredo: Roasted Zucchini

Melissa Erdelac of MamaGourmand headshot in patterned dress.Melissa Erdelac
Yield: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Looking for what to serve with fettuccine alfredo? Whether you're planning a family meal, hosting company, or meal planning, here you will find the best fettuccine alfredo side dishes. This complete recipe collection of vegetables, salads, breads, and meats also comes with expert tips for serving, storing, and reheating!
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Ingredients
 

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 450°F and position rack to middle. Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Place cut zucchini, garlic, and olive oil on baking sheet. Toss to combine. Arrange zucchini so they are spread out and one cut side is down.
    4 small zucchini (about 1 1/2 pounds),, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cloves garlic,
  • Bake for 8 minutes, flip zucchini to other cut side. Bake for 8 minutes longer, or until sides turn golden. While zucchini is baking, mix together spices in a small bowl.
    ½ teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon seasoned salt, ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • Remove summer squash from oven and sprinkle with seasonings. Use a spatula to toss so seasonings are evenly coated. Serve immediately.
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Notes

 
Expert Tips
  • Don’t salt the zucchini before roasting. Very important!!
  • Use small-sized zucchini for best flavor and less seeds
  • Spray the baking sheet with cooking spray first to prevent the zucchini from sticking
  • Make sure the summer squash are spread out on the sheet and not touching. This helps the hot air circulate around the veggies so they brown instead of steam.
 
Alternative Seasonings 
Here are some seasoning additions or substitutions to try:
  1. Add a dash of cayenne pepper
  2. Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese after roasting
  3. Try fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, thyme, tarragon, or chives
  4. Squeeze a lemon wedge over baked zucchini
Calories: 67kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 379mg, Potassium: 512mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 390IU, Vitamin C: 35.6mg, Calcium: 38mg, Iron: 0.8mg
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review below. It helps others when searching for recipes and I LOVE feedback!

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