Whether you’re serving up a simple weeknight dinner or an elegant holiday feast, having just the right accompaniment to your main course can take your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. And when it comes to breadsticks, there are plenty of delicious sides that will make them even more enjoyable. I’ve rounded up 15 of the best side dishes for breadsticks so you can turn any meal into something special.
What To Serve With Breadsticks?
Breadsticks, a type of crunchy bread that is often served in Italian restaurants, are usually accompanied by side dishes such as salads, pasta, soup, lasagna, dips, beans and vegetables. The exact sides to serve with breadsticks depend on the meal being prepared. Generally speaking though, any savory dish goes well with breadsticks.
1. Chicken Noodle Soup
There’s no denying that when it comes to the age-old question of what to serve with breadsticks, Chicken Noodle Soup is always up for consideration. This classic dish, especially when enjoyed warm and freshly prepared, complements the buttery crunch of the accompanying breadsticks perfectly.
Its hearty ingredients and filling nature make it a go-to accompaniment for any meal. The combination of flavor profiles from both items really brings out the best in each other, making this dynamic duo a tried and true pairing. You can’t go wrong when you serve Chicken Noodle Soup with your favorite kind of breadsticks – so don’t hesitate to give it a try today!
2. BLT Salad
A BLT Salad is a unique take on the popular BLT sandwich that you can serve with breadsticks. Made with colorful diced tomatoes and bacon bits, the salad has all of the classic flavors you would expect from a delicious BLT, but in a much more exciting way.
To really turn this salad up to eleven, serve it as part of your meal with some crunchy, hot-from-the-oven breadsticks to dip in the creamy dressing. With this pairing, you’ll get all of the flavor combinations found in a traditional BLT sandwich with even more crunch and texture. You won’t believe how perfectly sweet and salty the combination is.
3. Sausage Pasta
Sausage pasta is an ideal companion to breadsticks. If you’re hosting a dinner party and want to wow your guests, serve them a plate of delicious Italian-inspired cuisine complemented by hearty breadsticks. Unless your guests are vegetarians, they’ll be delighted when they see sausage pasta on the menu.
Not only is it easy to make and satisfyingly filling, its flavors perfectly complement the textures of the breadsticks. Serve the sausage pasta in a bowl beside your tray of breadsticks for maximum culinary impact – everyone will be wanting more once they’ve finished.
4. Garlic Butter Dip
Garlic butter dip is perfect for dipping breadsticks in and the two go together like peanut butter and jelly. Not only is garlic butter dip savory and flavorful, but it can also bring your snacking experience to new heights.
Whip up a batch of garlic butter dip quickly by mixing some melted butter with minced garlic, a little bit of salt, and a sprinkle of oregano or parsley then you’re ready to go- no oven required. Delicious mini-meals don’t come much easier than this delicious dip, perfectly paired with those all-important breadsticks.
5. Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken is a classic Indian dish that is gaining popularity in the West because of its unique flavor combination and of course, the butter. There are many interpretations of the recipe but the main ingredients are chicken pieces in a tomato-based gravy with onion, garlic, butter and a handful of creamy, aromatic spices.
Its delicate yet earthy taste will lift any dinner menu and it also happens to be an amazing partner to breadsticks. Serving this spicy mixture alongside crunchy breadsticks provides just enough contrast so you can enjoy both at their maximum potential – no need for extra sauces or dips.
6. Baked Beans
Baked beans are a delicious and economical complement to breadsticks. Why not try them as a side dish at your next dinner party? Not only are they delicious, but easy to cook and a crowd-pleaser.
An added bonus is that baked beans are packed with protein and fiber to make any meal more nutritious. Serve up some spicy smoked paprika-flavored beans with your parmesan sourdough breadsticks for even more zing, or go for classic tomato sauce-based varieties for something less daring.
7. Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff is another comfort food that pairs perfectly with breadsticks. Imagine delicious tender beef and mushrooms slathered in a creamy sour cream sauce. When you dip those warm, freshly-baked breadsticks into the creamy sauce, it’s like heaven in your mouth.
Nothing beats combining two of the ultimate comfort foods together for an unforgettable culinary experience. Even better, this dish is easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. Who knew that such a classic dish could be matched so wonderfully with something as simple as breadsticks?
8. Garlic Mushrooms
Garlic mushrooms make a great accompaniment to breadsticks, as they are much less messy than garlic butter or New York-style garlic knots and offer a palate-pleasing taste of umami. Plus, the savory flavor of the mushrooms in combination with the crunchy yet pillowy texture of the breadsticks is something that makes your mouth say yes!
Simply prepare some garlic mushrooms with olive oil and oregano, then serve them alongside freshly cooked breadsticks for a unique umami experience. If you want to add even more flavor to your dish, sprinkle it with Parmesan cheese just before serving. The irresistible smell oozing from the plate of garlic mushrooms and warm breadsticks will be sure to draw a crowd.
9. Creamy Potatoes
Dishing up crispy and fragrant breadsticks with a generous serving of soft and creamy potatoes definitely hits the spot. Creamy potatoes are a wonderfully indulgent accompaniment to the crunchy snack, with their melty texture, subtle seasoning, and buttery flavor taking the entire experience up a notch.
Think of it as an unlikely symphony of flavors and textures coming together in harmony! All it takes is some basic ingredients – peeled potatoes and cream – and some love in the form of extensive mashing to achieve that perfect level of sumptuousness.
10. Mediterranean Baked Feta
Mediterranean-style baked feta is quickly becoming the latest must-have appetizer served with breadsticks. There’s just something so satisfying about combining this fresh, tangy cheese with crunchy croutons and a selection of hearty spices.
Adding a layer of creamy pesto or briny olives really takes it to the next level! All you need to do is top off your daily loaf of breadsticks with a healthy portion of feta, and you’re good to go.
Whether you choose to follow the classic Mediterranean recipes or get creative with your own version, one thing’s for certain: everyone will be unanimously in favor of what comes out of the oven!
11. Roasted Vegetables With Herbs
Not only do roasted veggies make a great accompaniment for a crusty Italian dish, but it also provides essential health benefits as well. Vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, onions and mushrooms take on a whole new flavor when roasted in garlic, oregano and thyme, while the varied texture of each veggie combines to create a unique crunch that’s hard to beat.
As if that wasn’t enough, roasted vegetables are also full of important vitamins and minerals needed to function optimally – so everyone can enjoy their cheese-encrusted base without any guilt.
12. Lobster Mac and Cheese
Lobster Mac and Cheese is a luxurious, creamy dish that is sure to satisfy any craving. The savory and creamy sauce made with cheese, cream, parmesan, and chunks of lobster mixed together with noodles gives a delightful texture and flavor.
It’s an unbelievably indulgent experience that leaves you wanting more no matter how much has already been eaten. Don’t forget to add a bit of lemon juice or Old Bay seasoning for added sweetness.
Pair with garlic breadsticks, either store-bought or homemade and watch as the deliciousness multiplies with each bite.
13. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach Artichoke Dip is a classic appetizer that is sure to be appreciated by even the pickiest eaters. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor from both spinach and artichokes, so you can please vegetarians while also having something hearty enough for omnivores.
What better way to pair Spinach Artichoke Dip than with a platter of freshly-baked breadsticks? The soft pillowy texture of the breadsticks complements the creamy dip perfectly and provides a palatable base on which to enjoy your delicious appetizer.
14. Melted Cheese-Stuffed Peppers
Why settle for plain breadsticks when you can pair them with something as unique and tantalizing as melted cheese-stuffed peppers? This sizzling treat contains a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese, all of which are stuffed into roasted red peppers.
Not only do they bring a fun twist to an Italian dish, but they also provide traditional flavors in every crunchy bite. For an extra kick, remember to dip the stuffed pepper into your favorite marinara sauce.
15. Clam Chowder
A steaming bowl of clam chowder can turn your breadsticks into a seafood lover’s paradise. Its creamy, salty goodness pairs perfectly with the crunchy texture of breadsticks, truly a match made in culinary heaven.
Not only does the richness enhance the flavors of the breadsticks but it also provides nice variety on the serving table – nothing says romantic evening like a bowlful of soup. And let’s be honest, it doesn’t quite feel like dinner without breadsticks and chowder.
If you are feeling particularly adventurous, why not pair your soup with some well-seasoned croutons and watch everyone’s eyes light up? Clam chowder is an old favorite that will never go out of style.
Conclusion
Overall, the best side dishes to serve with breadsticks are those that are savory and full of flavor.
Chicken noodle soup, BLT salad, sausage pasta and garlic butter dip are just some of the dishes that pair beautifully with breadsticks. Roasted vegetables with herbs, melted cheese-stuffed peppers and clam chowder offer a variety of flavors that can be enjoyed alongside breadsticks.
With such a wide range of tasty options, you can easily create an unforgettable meal with breadsticks as the star. By pairing your favorite side dishes with breadsticks, you can make any meal a truly delicious experience.
