Casseroles are a staple in many households because they’re easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and are always a crowd-pleaser.
However, sometimes it can be a challenge to come up with side dishes that complement the flavors of the casserole. So, what to serve with casserole?
Fear not, because we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll share some quick and amazing side dishes to serve with your next casserole.
Whether you preparing for your family gathering or any other occasion, these sides, along with casserole, are sure to be a hit.
So, let’s dig into some delicious side dishes to serve with casserole; some of them I personally enjoyed a lot, and I am sure you will also feel creative while accompanying these sides with casserole.
What kind of dish for casserole? What does casserole taste like?
Casserole is a type of savory dish that typically consists of a mixture of vegetables, proteins, and starch like pasta, potatoes, or rice.
It’s usually baked in the oven until all the ingredients are tender and the flavors have melded together.
The result is a comforting, flavorful dish that can be either light and healthy or warm and hearty.
Casseroles can be made with virtually any combination of ingredients—from classic combinations like macaroni and cheese to more inventive creations like chicken chile verde casserole.
Despite the wide variety of ingredients used in casseroles, they all share one thing in common: they’re delicious!
The combination of different flavors makes for an incredibly flavorful experience.
Plus, casseroles are quite versatile since you can adapt them to suit your tastes by adding or substituting ingredients as desired.
15 Best Sides to serve with casserole
1. Green Salad
A simple green salad can work wonders as a side dish to a casserole. You can add some chopped veggies or fruits to make it more interesting and pairs well with any kind of casserole.
2. Garlic Bread
Garlic Bread is an ideal classic side dish and is a favorite for a reason – what’s not to love about warm, buttery bread with a hint of garlic? Pair it up with a simple eggplant casserole for the best experience.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted Vegetables are perfect to serve with casserole. You can never go mistaken for roasted veggies as a side dish to a casserole.
Roasting brings out the innate sweetness of the vegetables and adds a nice texture to the meal.
4. Grilled Corn
Corn is a summer favorite that pairs beautifully with casserole.
Simply toss some corn on the grill and brush with a little bit of butter mixed with lime juice and chili powder. Great accompaniment with a chicken casserole.
5. Baked Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and delicious side dish. Simply scrub them, pierce them all over, and bake them alongside your casserole. Top with butter and salt before serving.
6. Caesar Salad
Caesar Salad is a classic salad; with its tangy dressing and crunchy croutons, it pairs well with most casseroles. Add some grilled chicken or shrimp, and you’ve got a full meal!
Discover More: 13 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Caesar Salad
7. Sautéed Green Beans
Green beans are a perfect quick, and easy to prepare and make a great side dish for a casserole.
Simply sauté with a little bit of garlic, butter, and lemon juice, and your green beans are ready to go.
8. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes are an ideal classic side dish that goes well with practically everything, and casseroles are no exception.
Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect ultimate comfort food and are perfect with beef casseroles.
9. Steamed Broccoli
If you’re looking for something light and healthy, steamed broccoli is the absolute side dish for your casserole.
You can also opt. to sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over it for added flavor.
10. Couscous Salad
This is a great side dish for Mediterranean-inspired casseroles.
Cook the couscous according to the package instructions, then toss with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and a dressing prepared with olive oil and lemon juice.
11. Pulled Pork Sliders
Pulled Pork Sliders are mini sandwiches that are the perfect accompaniment to your casserole.
They can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven, so all you need to do is pop them in before dinner is ready!
12. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
If you’re looking for something a little more indulgent, grilled cheese sandwiches go perfectly with casseroles.
Toast up some thick slices of bread with your favorite cheese and enjoy with a bowl of steaming hot casserole.
13. Biscuits or Cornbread
Biscuits or Cornbread are both excellent to serve with casserole.
Serve a warm, flaky biscuit or cornbread on the side for a car-filled treat that pairs perfectly with casserole.
Learn More: 19 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Biscuits and Gravy
14. French Fries
If you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent than a baked potato, go for fries!
Serve them as is or smother them in cheese and herbs – perfect with any casserole.
15. Mac & Cheese
Last but not least, mac and cheese is always a good accompaniment to casserole.
Make your own or buy a box – either way, you’ll have a delicious and cheesy side dish ready in no time!
What are the best flavors to go with a casserole?
A casserole is a great way to bring together different flavors and textures.
Some of the best flavors to go with a casserole include creamy cheese, smoky bacon, spicy jalapeno, sweet onion, and savory herbs and spices like garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and paprika.
Cheese can act as the binding element in a casserole that brings all the other ingredients together.
Adding meats like bacon or sausage also adds delicious flavor and texture.
You can use vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for an extra crunchy layer.
And finally, don’t forget to season your casserole well with salt and pepper before baking it in the oven!
How do you jazz up casserole?
To jazz up casserole, try adding a few ingredients like diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, chives or onions.
You can also include a layer of cheese and/or crumbled bacon to the top for added flavor.
If you’re looking for heat, consider adding jalapeno peppers or crushed red pepper flakes.
For sweetness, add cooked carrots or sweet potatoes along with maple syrup and brown sugar.
Finally, to give your casserole an extra crunchy texture on top, sprinkle some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the top before baking.
Explore More: 18 Delicious and Creative Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Casserole
How do you display casserole on a platter?
One way to display a casserole on a platter is to first find a suitable platter that is large enough to fit the casserole.
To ensure that the casserole appears aesthetically pleasing, choose a platter with vibrant colors or decorative accents such as scrolls and etchings.
Afterward, carefully place the casserole dish onto the center of the platter.
Depending on the size of the dish, use serving utensils or small ramekins to add colorful vegetables or other garnishments around the edges of the plate for an attractive presentation.
For extra color and texture contrast, consider adding crunchy croutons, nuts, or herbs for decoration.
Lastly, if desired, you can even add a dollop of sour cream or grated cheese over the top for added flavor.
With these simple steps, anyone can now enjoy their freshly made casserole on an aesthetically pleasing platter.
Find Out More: What To Serve With Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole? Creative Side Dish Ideas To Try!
Wrap Up on what to serve with casserole.
So, there you have the answer on what to serve with casserole, 15 amazing side dishes to serve with your next casserole.
Whether you want something simple, healthy, or indulgent, we’ve got you covered.
Experiment with these side dishes, and don’t be afraid to try out new combinations. Your casserole and your guests will love it!
FAQs
How many casseroles per person?
For a large family gathering, it is recommended to have about 4 servings of casserole per person.
This would ensure that everyone has enough food and there are leftovers for the next day.
To calculate the exact amount of casserole needed for each person, multiply the number of people attending by four and then divide that number by the number of servings in each dish.
For example, if 15 people were attending and each dish serves 8 servings, you would need to make 5 dishes of casserole (15 x 4 / 8 = 5).
By doing this calculation ahead of time, you can plan accordingly and make sure to purchase all the necessary ingredients for your recipes.
What salad goes with chicken casserole?
A fresh green salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light lemon-chive vinaigrette dressing would pair nicely with a chicken casserole.
Not only will the bright flavors of the vegetables contrast nicely with the flavorful, savory casserole, but they can also add valuable nutrients to your meal.
This combination is perfect for a summer dinner as it will provide a light yet satisfying meal.
If you want to make this dish more substantial, you could add some dried fruit, nuts or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Another great option is adding some cooked quinoa or farro for extra fiber and protein.
For an added twist, try some different vegetables like roasted bell peppers or red onion to include even more flavor and texture to the dish.
Can a casserole dish be used for serving?
Yes, a casserole dish is ideal for serving.
It’s a large size and oven-to-table design allows you to keep dishes warm while serving, making it the perfect choice for large gatherings or families.
Additionally, many casserole dishes come with lids or covers that make it easier to store leftovers in the refrigerator.
These dishes are also great for taking food on the go – simply cool before placing the lid on and transporting it to your destination.
With their versatile design, casserole dishes are an excellent option for both preparing and serving meals.
What to serve with a creamy chicken casserole?
A creamy chicken casserole can be served with a variety of side dishes to complement the richness and flavors.
Some tasty options include roasted vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots or bell peppers; a light green salad with crisp romaine lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and cucumbers; buttered noodles tossed in fresh herbs; white or wild rice with mushrooms; or a crunchy loaf of garlic bread.
Depending on your preference, you could also top the casserole with cheese and serve it alongside steamed couscous, polenta, quinoa, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, or even a simple side of crusty bread.
What meat goes with broccoli casserole?
Chicken is a classic option for pairing with broccoli casserole. The mild flavor of the bird works well with the hearty vegetables and herbs in the dish.
Chicken can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as roasted, grilled, or sautéed.
Adding shredded cheese to the top of the casserole also adds a nice contrast with the creamy texture and nutty flavor.
Beef can also be used as an alternative to chicken in this dish.
Stewing beef or ground beef can be used to bring out more robust flavors that pair well with the earthy taste of broccoli.
Turkey is another option that adds a leaner source of protein and brings out savory notes from other ingredients like onions and mushrooms.
For those looking for plant-based options, mushrooms are an excellent substitute for meat in this dish.
Roasted portobellos or oyster mushrooms bring out deep, umami flavors that blend nicely into the creamy sauce and cheesy topping of this delicious casserole.
Can you serve casserole with rice?
Yes, you can serve casserole with rice.
Rice is a perfect versatile side dish that pairs well with most types of casseroles.
You can use white or brown rice in your casserole recipe, and it will add an earthy flavor to the dish.
It’s also a good source of fiber and protein, so it makes for a healthy addition to any meal.
To make sure the flavors all meld together nicely, season your rice with spices before adding it to the casserole mix.
