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    Home » What to Serve With

    What to Serve with Meatballs

    January 25, 2023 by SideDishGirl2019 Leave a Comment

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    What to serve with meatballs: Meatballs are such a great dinner recipe for busy weeknights but finding a side dish that's not spaghetti can be difficult. But in this post, you'll find 20+ easy side dishes that pair perfectly with meatballs!

    Meatballs in a white bowl

    Meatballs are such a fan-favorite it's a bummer that they're typically looked at as a topping for spaghetti. There are so many different ways to spice up meatballs with sauce, spices, and side dishes. Meatballs can be much more than a topping for spaghetti!

    You'll find a list of simple side dish ideas and then a list of 20+ side dish recipes for meatballs! You're guaranteed to find a side dish that sparks your interest in this post, or visit the other "what to serve with" ideas, to help fill your meal planner!

    Expert tips

    Is it better to fry or bake your meatballs?

    It's better to bake your meatballs because they're easier to prepare and they also contain less fat than fried meatballs. Personally, I love to cook meatballs in the slow cooker for an extremely easy and full-proof recipe!

    Should meatballs be cooked before putting them in sauce?

    Yes. Meatballs should be somewhat cooked before coating in your sauce of choice. You can bake them first or brown them before adding sauce.

    Do breadcrumbs hold meatballs together?

    Meatballs are typically held together by eggs and breadcrumbs. Too many breadcrumbs can can make the meatballs loose and not enough breadcrumbs can make them fall apart too. You have to find the perfect amount.

    Swedish meatballs on egg noodles, on white plate.
    Photo Courtesy of Fantabulosity.com - Get this Swedish Meatballs Recipe

    Items to serve with meatballs

    If serving Italian meatballs or bbq meatballs, here are a few things you should have on hand:

    • napkins
    • forks
    • plates
    • extra seasoning (Italian seasoning or bbq seasoning)
    • extra sauce (marinara sauce or bbq sauce)
    • appropriate side dishes (see below)
    BBQ meatballs in white dish.
    Photo Courtesy of Fantabulosity.com - Get this BBQ Meatball Recipe

    How do you store homemade meatballs?

    You can store meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also choose to store them in the freezer for up to two months. Prepping meatballs in advance is a great way to save time when cooking!

    What vegetables go with meats?

    There are some classic meat and veggie pairings you won't want to miss out on. Such as beef and roasted cauliflower or broccoli, chicken and roasted tomatoes, or shrimp with roasted bell peppers!

    Side dish ideas for meatballs

    Having a list of simple side dish ideas in your head will help you decide on a side dish recipe. It's important to keep in mind that you can cook side dishes in bulk and serve them with other meals as well! This is a great tip for busy families!

    Here's a list of side dish ideas for meatballs, and then you'll see the list of 20+ recipes that go great with any type of meatball!

    • garlic bread
    • breadsticks
    • Caprese salad
    • bruschetta
    • macaroni salad
    • pasta salad
    • mashed potatoes
    • potato wedges
    • roasted carrots
    • roasted broccoli
    • ravioli
    • chopped salad
    • Cesar salad
    • pull-apart bread
    • cheesy bread

    What to serve with meatballs

    Side dish recipes for meatballs, no matter if they're covered in marinara, Swedish, bbq sauce, and more!

    Photo Credit: fantabulosity.com

    Easy Meatball Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipe

    A side dish and main dish in one, you can serve your meatballs inside of peppers and have a delicious version of stuffed peppers!

    Photo Credit: itsnotcomplicatedrecipes.com

    Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

    Bursting with delicious flavors, this Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad is an ideal side dish to meatballs. The tomatoes are roasted until sweet and tossed with mozzarella and fresh basil.

    Photo Credit: profusioncurry.com

    Creamy Orzo with Lemon and Peas

    Al dente orzo pasta, buttery garlic, and sweet peas along with a fresh pop of lemon make magic in this pasta recipe that will please everyone.

    Photo Credit: profusioncurry.com

    Penne Rosa - Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

    Penne Rosa is delicious and super simple Italian Pasta in Tomato Cream Sauce. This comforting pasta dish is filled with colorful veggies, tangy tomato sauce, and a touch of cream.

    Photo Credit: strengthandsunshine.com

    Cold Italian Pasta Salad (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Allergy-Free)

    A Classic Italian Pasta Salad that's gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-free! The cold pasta salad you love, with tri-colored pasta, fresh veggies, and a healthy homemade Italian dressing!

    Photo Credit: www.dinneratthezoo.com

    Italian Salad Recipe

    This Italian salad is a blend of fresh greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, cheese, and croutons, all tossed together in a homemade dressing.

    Photo Credit: spiceandsugarmama.com

    Simple Roasted Baby Potatoes and Rainbow Carrots

    These roasted rainbow carrots and baby potatoes are a delicious side dish that comes together with minimal effort and prep time but results in a big flavor.

    Photo Credit: ifoodreal.com

    Spinach Salad

    One of the best and easiest salads you will ever make- that goes with about every dinner main! Spinach Salad has eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, sesame seeds, and a healthy homemade salad dressing.

    Photo Credit: www.thismamacooks.com

    Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe

    This Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe makes a tasty side dish. Make this easy keto broccoli salad in 15 minutes.

    Photo Credit: recipethis.com

    Air Fryer Pull Apart Bread Rolls

    Air Fryer Pull Apart Bread Rolls. Delicious homemade air fryer bread rolls that are easy to prep and bake perfectly in the air fryer!

    Photo Credit: thecozycook.com

    Homemade Mashed Potatoes

    Creamy Homemade Mashed Potatoes are the best side dish idea for any night of the week! The steps are easy to follow and have basic ingredients like butter and sour cream with optional additions like garlic and Parmesan cheese!

    Photo Credit: carmyy.com

    The Best Homemade Air Fryer Garlic Bread | Air Fryer Side Dish

    This super simple recipe for Air Fryer Garlic Bread makes the perfect buttery garlic bread. Ready in 5-10 minutes!

    Photo Credit: www.herwholesomekitchen.com

    Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic {BEST way to cook them!}

    This is a simple, tasty way to make brussels sprouts that are sprinkled with fresh garlic, salt, and pepper. The brussels sprouts and garlic come out perfectly crispy every time.

    Photo Credit: onmykidsplate.com

    Baked Ravioli (From Frozen or Fresh!)

    Super cheesy baked ravioli made into a casserole dish of cozy comfort food everyone will cheer for. Made in thirty minutes, this is a perfect fast and easy side dish for meatballs.

    Photo Credit: onmykidsplate.com

    Easy Super Cheesy Baked Ziti

    This delicious cheesy ricotta-filled baked ziti is the perfect cozy family recipe to make again and again.

    Photo Credit: onmykidsplate.com

    Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread (With Biscuit Dough!)

    This gooey cheesy pull-apart bread with biscuit dough is made fast and easy! Packed full of delicious Italian flavors, delicious cheese, and layers of fluffy biscuit dough, this recipe is always a hit!

    Photo Credit: whereismyspoon.co

    Carrot Rice

    Healthy carrot rice recipe, a flavorful side dish or light main meal made with only a few ingredients and ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.

    Photo Credit: www.tipsnrecipesblog.com

    Healthy Stir Fry Veggies Recipe

    An easy and healthy stir fry veggies recipe with corns, pineapple, and steamed veggies coated in a sauce. These colorful stir fry veggies are delicious served either alone or side dish.

    Photo Credit: www.eatingonadime.com

    Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

    Make this easy Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes recipe and never buy the store-bought packaged scalloped potatoes again.

    Image of meatballs in a white bowl with text on image too.
    What to serve with meatballs

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