50 Best Sides To Serve With Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan, or melanzane alla parmigiana in Italian, is a classic Italian dish made of breaded and fried eggplant slices, then layered with cheese and tomato sauce.

It can be made as a main dish or a side dish. Eggplant Parmesan is definitely a dish that can stand on its own, but sometimes it's nice to have a few banging side dishes to go with it.

Typically, it is made by slicing the eggplant into eggplant rounds and salting them to get rid of moisture. Then, you make an assembly line in order to dip the eggplant slices into an egg wash and a breadcrumb mixture before frying.

This is mainly done with half of the eggplant slices first and then repeating with the remaining eggplant!

There are endless possibilities when it comes to pairing sides with your eggplant parmesan recipe. It’s an Italian classic that the whole family (and your taste buds) can enjoy!

So if you love eggplant, here is the scoop on the 50 best side dishes to serve with eggplant parmesan!

1. Roasted or grilled vegetables

Asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, Italian green beans, and onions are all great options that will complement the earthy flavor of the eggplant perfectly.

2. Steamed broccoli or cauliflower

These healthy options provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor to the dish. Garnish with lemon vinaigrette for even more of a kick! This is a great option for what to serve with eggplant parmesan.

3. Garlic mashed potatoes

The creamy, buttery goodness of mashed potatoes is the perfect accompaniment to the rich and cheesy goodness of an eggplant parmesan.

4. Simple pasta salad

A classic italian pasta salad with olive oil, tomatoes, and basil is a refreshing and light option. You can never go wrong with a fresh salad on your right hand. You can even use whole-wheat noodles or prawn pasta for an even healthier option!

5. Garden salad

A crunchy salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions is the perfect way to start your meal. Some fresh herbs will go great alongside a crispy, baked eggplant.

6. Homemade bread

Bread is a must-have side for any Italian dish, and eggplant parmesan is no exception. Be sure to serve it warm and fresh from the oven. But it needs to be reheated, put the bread under medium heat for a couple minutes for that same freshness.

7. Roasted red potatoes

These little potatoes are roasted in black pepper, olive oil, and herbs. A super easy recipe for a delicious and flavorful side dish. This is a great option for what to serve with eggplant parmesan!

8. Spaghetti squash

This nutrient-rich alternative to pasta is perfect for those looking to cut down on carbs. Garnish with fresh parsley and rich tomato sauce to make it even more delicious. Even egg noodles are a great alternative!

9. Grilled or baked chicken

Pairing your eggplant parmesan with some grilled or baked chicken is a great way to add protein to your meal. You can even cook your chicken in an air fryer to make it even healthier!

10. Fried calamari

Calamari is a classic Italian appetizer that is perfect for sharing. The squid is coated with beaten large eggs and covered in a crispy breadcrumb mixture before being fried so it is the perfect addition to your baked eggplant parmesan recipe.

11. Antipasto salad

A loaded salad with salami, pepperoni, ricotta cheese, and olives is the perfect way to start your meal. Whether it’s mozzarella cheese or parmesan cheese, you are sure to enjoy this awesome recipe!

12. Classic Caesar salad

Caesar salad is always a crowd pleaser, and its tangy dressing pairs perfectly with eggplant parmesan. Add bread crumbs or croutons to the salad for a nice little crunch!

This is another great option for what to serve with eggplant parmesan.

13. French fries

These salty spuds are a classic side dish that everyone will love. A little bit of garlic powder on the fries will make them so much tastier alongside a good eggplant!

14. Homemade onion rings

These crispy, golden brown onion rings are the perfect way to finish off your meal. You can even bake them on a large baking sheet as a healthier option. But you can always be healthy by using paper towels to get the excess oil off the eggplant parmesan as well!

15. Roasted Brussels sprouts

These tiny cabbages are roasted with bacon and maple syrup for a delicious and savory side dish. They even taste great as a brussel sprout salad! You can even make a brussels sprout salad.

16. Fried rice

This take on classic fried rice is loaded with soy sauce, veggies, and protein for a complete meal. There’s a good reason this is considered a classic!

17. Quinoa salad

Quinoa is a nutrient-rich grain that makes a perfect salad base. Add some diced tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh basil, and other herbs for a refreshing side dish.

18. Fruit salad

A mix of sweet and tart fruits is the perfect way to end your meal on a light note. You can create a fruit salad by mixing fruits like grapes, cantaloupe, strawberries, pineapple, apples, kiwi, and much more together!

19. Black beans

These protein-packed beans are one of the most perfect right side dishes for any Mexican-inspired dish. Next time, try it out next to your eggplant parmesan. This is an easy side dish.

20. Grilled salmon

Salmon is a healthy and easy-to-prepare protein that pairs well with a traditional eggplant parmesan. You can prepare it before you make your eggplant!

21. Sweet potato fries

These crispy fries are a healthier alternative to traditional french fries. Don’t use too much oil to fry them for an even healthier option! You can make them from scratch or store buy them!

This is a great option for what to serve with eggplant parmesan!

22. Brown rice

This hearty grain is perfect for pairing with the creamy texture of an eggplant parmesan. To add flavor to the rice, you can add some kosher salt or red pepper flakes!

23. Baked ziti

Ziti is a classic Italian pasta dish that pairs perfectly with cheesy eggplant parmesan. Add as much marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella as you want! For even more flavor, pair with a creamy saffron sauce!

24. Cheesy garlic bread

Bread dipped in garlic butter and topped with cheese and italian seasoning is a must-have side for any Italian meal. Imagine how amazing those breaded eggplant slices will look on the left hand side of the bread on the dinner table!

25. Macaroni and cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a classic side dish that always hits the spot. You have the freedom to add as much cheese as you want! Try adding some panko breadcrumbs for some yummy added texture.

26. Spicy chicken wings

For the meat lovers, chicken wings are always a hit at parties, and they pair perfectly with eggplant parmesan. For even more meat, try adding some Italian sausage to the mix!

27. Stuffed mushrooms

Mushrooms stuffed with garlic, herbs, and cheese are the perfect appetizer for your eggplant parmesan feast. You can easily find a great recipe for stuffed mushrooms!

28. Sloppy joes

This American classic is the perfect comfort food to go with your Italian meal, eggplant parmigiana. Mini sloppy joes is a great idea to pair with your parmesan eggplant!

29. Potato salad

Potato salad is a must-have side for any summer cookout or barbecue. Add some balsamic vinegar to go along with your parmesan dish!

30. Fruit pizza

This sweet and colorful pizza is perfect for dessert or a party. A single layer of fresh fruit is good but more variety is even better!

31. Frozen yogurt

Frozen yogurt is a refreshing and healthy way to end your meal. You can choose a healthy alternative your favorite for an after meal go to!

32. Chocolate cake

Classic chocolate cake is always a hit with kids and adults alike. A simple and original recipe will never disappoint! This is a great option for what to serve with eggplant parmesan.

33. Vanilla ice cream

Vanilla ice cream is the perfect accompaniment to any dessert. You can even choose your favorite ice cream to pair as a delicious dessert!

34. Strawberry shortcake

This classic summer dessert consists of fluffy biscuits, juicy strawberries, and creamy whipped cream. You can easily find a great recipe for this!

35. Caramel popcorn

Popcorn is a delicious and easy-to-eat snack that pairs well with sweet desserts like eggplant parmesan. Buy it already made or create your own caramel popcorn!

36. Oreo cookies

Who can resist a classic Oreo cookie? These small chocolate cookies will always be a classic! And they’ll go great with this dish!

37. Brownies

These chocolatey squares are always a hit with dessert-lovers. You can’t go wrong with a warm, shallow bowl of freshly baked brownies.

38. Baklava

This sweet and sticky dessert is made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey. You can certainly find a great recipe on the internet or Pinterest!

39. Ice cream sundaes

Sundaes are the perfect way to top off your meal with a little bit of everything. Plus, they're super easy and fun to make!

40. Chocolate chip cookies

There’s nothing better than a warm chocolate chip cookie straight from the oven. These are super easy to make and they don’t take a long time to bake!

41. Pecan pie

Pecan pie is a Southern classic that is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. You can easily pair this for an after meal dessert for your eggplant parmesan!

42. Apple pie

Apple pie is another classic American dessert that everyone will love. You can easily make them yourself or buy it from the store.

43. Pumpkin pie

Pumpkin pie is a seasonal favorite that is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. This is another classic favorite that everyone will love as a dessert!

44. Grasshopper pie

This no-bake dessert is made with layers of chocolate cake, minty whipped cream, and chocolate ganache. If this is your first time hearing about this, it’s not as weird as it sounds!

45. Tiramisu

This popular Italian dessert is made with ladyfingers, espresso, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder. That is what we call good food!

46. Creme brulee

Crème brûlée is a classic French dessert that consists of a rich custard base topped with a crispy caramelized sugar crust.

47. Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a creamy and delicious dessert that everyone will love! You can buy it from the store or make it from scratch. This is a great option for what to serve with eggplant parmesan!

48. Red velvet cake

This iconic Southern dessert is made with a chocolate cake base and a creamy frosting. One of the best eggplant parmesan sides!

49. Angel food cake

Angel food cake is a light and fluffy vanilla cake that is perfect for any occasion. Buy it from the store or create your own!

50. Bananas foster

Bananas foster is a classic New Orleans dessert that consists of bananas cooked in a buttery caramel sauce and served with ice cream.

You can even make your own sauces to dip eggplant slices in! You can make crispy eggplant for added flavor.

These are some of the very best eggplant parmesan side dishes! Which of them are you most excited to try with your eggplant parmesan? Let us know in the comments below!

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