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What to Serve With Bread: 15 Best Side Dishes

Looking to pair your bread with some delicious side dishes? Try burrata bruschetta, where creamy burrata meets fresh cherry tomatoes and basil, perfect for cheesy garlic bread. For a Mediterranean twist, savor baba ganoush, a smoky eggplant dip. Olive tapenade, with its tangy blend of olives and capers, is another fantastic choice. Craving something sweet and tangy? Goat cheese with fig jam offers a creamy, rich combination. Mushroom pâté, made with earthy mushrooms and walnuts, is a standout vegetarian option. These are just a few ideas; there are many more enticing options to explore for the perfect bread pairing.

Burrata Bruschetta

fresh tomato and basil

Burrata bruschetta is a sophisticated variation of the traditional bruschetta, combining creamy burrata cheese, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for a delightful appetizer or snack.

This dish pairs wonderfully with cheesy garlic bread, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

The creamy burrata, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil make it a versatile option, suitable for any occasion.

Baba Ganoush

eggplant dip with tahini

Baba Ganoush, an exquisite Mediterranean dip, is crafted from roasted eggplant, garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt, offering a creamy and smoky flavor profile.

This versatile eggplant dip can be enjoyed with pita bread, vegetables, or as a sandwich topping.

Garnished with olive oil and herbs, Baba Ganoush is a popular choice for appetizers and snacks, adding a delightful Mediterranean touch.

Olive Tapenade

four word culinary delight

Olive tapenade is a robust and tangy spread that combines the briny flavor of olives with the acidity of capers and lemon juice. It makes an excellent accompaniment to a variety of dishes.

This flavorful side pairs perfectly with bread, adding a burst of Mediterranean flair.

Quick to make and versatile, olive tapenade can elevate sandwiches, cheese boards, and more, enhancing any meal effortlessly.

Goat Cheese With Fig Jam

perfect pairing for charcuterie

Combining the creamy tanginess of goat cheese with the sweet, sticky richness of fig jam, this appetizer offers a sophisticated and delightful flavor profile.

It’s a versatile dish that can be made ahead of time, perfect for entertaining or a quick snack.

Pair it with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh fruit for a crowd-pleasing option suitable for any occasion.

Mushroom Pâté

rich and savory spread

Mushroom pâté, a delectable vegetarian spread, combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the creamy texture of soaked walnuts to create a rich and satisfying dish.

Enhanced with shallots, sage, and reishi mushroom powder, this side dish offers umami richness.

Whether served as a dip, spread on bread, or used in appetizers, mushroom pâté is a versatile and delicious option.

Smoked Salmon Spread

delicious salmon spread recipe

Smoked salmon spread, with its creamy texture and rich flavors, serves as an excellent accompaniment to various types of bread. Made from smoked salmon, cream cheese, green onions, and dill, this versatile spread enhances any bread.

The combination of smoky salmon and creamy cheese creates a delightful appetizer. Easy to make, it’s perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a snack.

Shrimp Scampi Dip

delicious shrimp scampi dip

Shrimp Scampi Dip offers a delectable blend of shrimp, garlic, cream cheese, and mozzarella, making it a perfect warm and cheesy appetizer.

This creamy dip is easy to prepare ahead of time, ideal for gatherings.

The combination of buttery shrimp, garlic, and gooey cheese is a crowd-pleaser.

Serve it hot with bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for an indulgent snack.

Homemade Pesto

fresh basil and garlic

Homemade pesto is a vibrant and versatile spread made from a blend of fresh basil, spinach, nuts, and cheese. It enhances the flavor of bread and various other dishes. This simple, healthy condiment can be customized to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.

As one of the best side dishes, its bright green color adds a fresh touch to any meal, elevating your culinary experience.

Braised Beef Short Ribs

delicious slow cooked meat

Braised beef short ribs, simmered slowly in a rich red wine sauce, offer a luxurious and tender main course perfect for special occasions.

The slow cooker makes it easy to achieve incredibly tender meat that falls off the bone.

Pairing these decadent ribs with bread creates the perfect side dish, allowing you to soak up every drop of the flavorful sauce.

Steamed Mussels

delicious seafood dish choice

Following the sumptuousness of braised beef short ribs, steamed mussels offer a lighter yet equally flavorful pairing with bread, making use of a broth imbued with garlic, white wine, and aromatic herbs.

The rich, aromatic broth is perfect for soaking up with crusty bread. Steamed mussels are not only quick and easy to prepare but also nutritious, providing protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Beef Stew

sumptuous beef stew recipe

A robust and hearty dish, beef stew combines tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and a rich broth to create a comforting meal ideal for colder weather.

Pairing this classic dish with garlic bread enhances the experience, as the crusty bread soaks up the flavorful broth.

This combination is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering a satisfying and filling meal option.

Egg Salad

egg salad sandwich recipe

Renowned for its simplicity and versatility, egg salad is a quintessential dish made with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and seasonings such as mustard and paprika.

This side dish can be served in various ways—on bread as a sandwich, atop crackers, or as a salad topping.

Adding celery, onions, or pickles enhances its flavor and texture, making it a delightful, protein-rich option.

Baked Beans

tasty canned baked beans

Baked beans, a beloved classic, are made with navy beans, molasses, brown sugar, and bacon. This side dish is slow-cooked to develop rich flavors and a thick, hearty consistency.

The sweetness from the molasses and brown sugar balances the smoky, savory notes from the bacon. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks, baked beans can also be customized with onions, mustard, or bourbon.

Homemade Meatballs

delicious family recipe tradition

Homemade meatballs, crafted from a blend of meats such as beef, pork, or veal, offer a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal.

Seasoned with herbs, spices, and Parmesan cheese, they can be baked, fried, or simmered in sauce.

Perfectly paired with bread, these meatballs are a crowd-pleasing comfort food that can be customized to suit various dietary needs.

Can the Same Side Dishes for Baked Tilapia Also Be Served with Bread?

Yes, the best side dishes for tilapia like roasted vegetables, couscous, and a fresh garden salad can also be served alongside bread. The versatile flavors of these side dishes complement both the lightness of the fish and the heartiness of the bread, making for a well-rounded meal.

Indian Shakshuka

spiced tomato and eggs

Indian Shakshuka offers a vibrant and spicy variation on the classic Middle Eastern dish, featuring poached eggs in a richly seasoned tomato sauce infused with cumin, coriander, and garam masala.

This flavorful dish is often served with crusty bread or naan to soak up the delicious sauce.

Customize it with paneer, spinach, or potatoes for a satisfying meal, perfect for any time of day.