When serving red wine, the right side dishes can truly enhance your meal. A well-curated cheese platter with Brie and Blue cheese pairs beautifully with various wines. Grilled steak, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, is always a hit. Mushroom risotto, rich in flavor, marries well with many reds. For something elegant, lamb chops seasoned with rosemary offer a superb match. Simple yet delightful, Margherita pizza elevates the dining experience. Other favorites include braised short ribs and chicken cacciatore. Each dish brings out unique flavors in the wine, making your meal unforgettable. Explore further to discover all 15 delectable pairings.
Cheese Platter
A well-curated cheese platter frequently serves as an exceptional side dish to complement red wine. Cheese varieties such as Brie, Gouda, and Blue cheese offer diverse flavors that enhance the wine's complexity.
Pairing suggestions include matching soft cheeses with lighter reds, such as Pinot Noir, and stronger cheeses with robust wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. This creates a delightful balance for any gathering.
Grilled Steak
Grilled steak pairs exquisitely with red wine, offering a rich and savory complement to the wine's bold flavors. For an ideal wine pairing, consider a robust red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Cooking tips include letting the steak rest after grilling to retain juices, and seasoning simply with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
This classic combination is always a hit.
Mushroom Risotto
Shifting from the robust flavors of grilled steak, mushroom risotto offers a creamy and earthy pairing that harmonizes beautifully with red wine.
For vegan alternatives, consider using vegetable broth and substituting butter with olive oil.
Key preparation tips include using Arborio rice for the perfect texture and adding mushrooms gradually to enhance the dish's depth.
This side dish truly elevates any dining experience.
Lamb Chops
Lamb chops, with their rich and savory profile, make a superb accompaniment to a fine red wine.
The succulent meat, especially when seasoned with Mediterranean spices like rosemary and thyme, enhances the wine pairing experience.
The robust flavors of lamb complement a bold red wine, creating a harmonious balance that delights the palate.
This classic combination is perfect for an elegant dinner.
Margherita Pizza
While lamb chops offer a savory richness, Margherita pizza provides a lighter yet equally delightful pairing with red wine.
The fresh basil adds a fragrant note, while the tomato sauce brings a tangy sweetness that complements the wine's flavors.
This classic pizza's simplicity, with its fresh ingredients, makes it an ideal side dish, enhancing the overall dining experience with refined elegance.
Charcuterie Board
A charcuterie board offers a diverse array of flavors and textures that harmonize exquisitely with red wine.
Combining cured meats, cheeses, and a rich pâté spread creates a delightful experience for the palate.
The savory cured meats and creamy pâté spread enhance the wine's depth, making each sip more enjoyable.
This combination is perfect for gatherings or intimate evenings.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables provide a flavorful and nutritious complement to red wine, enhancing the wine's complex notes with their caramelized sweetness and savory undertones.
Herb seasoning, like rosemary or thyme, adds depth, while caramelized edges bring out a delightful crunch.
Vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts become more vibrant and rich, making them the perfect side dish for a robust red wine.
Beef Bourguignon
Beef Bourguignon is a classic French stew that pairs exquisitely with red wine. The rich, slow-cooked flavors of beef, red wine, and aromatic vegetables enhance the wine's depth and complexity.
Utilizing slow-cooking techniques, this dish melds tender beef with a robust wine sauce, making it perfect for wine pairing. Enjoy this comforting meal with a glass of red to savor every nuance.
Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese, with its hearty meat sauce and rich tomato base, serves as an excellent companion to red wine, enhancing the wine's robust flavors and complexity.
This traditional recipe is a delightful wine pairing, bringing out the best in both the dish and the beverage.
The savory blend of ingredients harmonizes beautifully with red wine, creating a memorable dining experience for any occasion.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
While Spaghetti Bolognese offers a robust pairing, Garlic Mashed Potatoes provide a creamy and savory side dish that also complements the depth of red wine.
The creamy texture and buttery flavor of these mashed potatoes create a delightful contrast to the rich, tannic qualities of red wine.
This pairing enhances the overall dining experience, making it a comforting and flavorful option for any meal.
Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant Parmesan, with its layers of tender eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, offers a savory and satisfying side dish that pairs beautifully with red wine.
This classic dish enhances the wine pairing experience by providing a hearty and flavorful vegetarian option.
Its robust flavors complement the complexity of red wines, making it a delightful choice for any dinner table.
Braised Short Ribs
Braised short ribs, with their tender, fall-off-the-bone texture and rich, savory flavors, create an exceptional pairing with robust red wines. For the best wine pairing, choose a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cooking tips include slow-cooking the ribs to enhance their depth of flavor. This dish's hearty profile complements the boldness of red wine, making it a perfect match.
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore, with its rich tomato-based sauce and aromatic vegetables, pairs wonderfully with medium-bodied red wines like Chianti or Barbera.
The herb pairing of rosemary and thyme adds depth, enhancing the dish's flavors.
A rustic presentation, featuring hearty chunks of chicken and vibrant vegetables, creates a visually inviting meal.
The robust flavors and textures make this a perfect companion for your favorite red wine.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed Bell Peppers, filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and aromatic spices, offer a delightful pairing with medium-bodied red wines like Merlot or Zinfandel.
For those preferring a vegetarian option, quinoa stuffing provides a wholesome and flavorful alternative.
These versatile peppers complement the wine's rich notes, making them an inviting choice for any dinner table.
Can the Same Side Dishes That Go Well with Lasagna Also Be Served with Red Wine?
Yes, the best side dishes for lasagna, such as garlic bread, Caesar salad, and roasted vegetables, can also be served with red wine. The rich and savory flavors of lasagna pair well with the bold and complex flavors of red wine, making it a perfect combination for a satisfying meal.
Duck Confit
Shifting from the vibrant flavors of stuffed bell peppers, Duck Confit offers a luxurious and rich complement to full-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir or Syrah.
This gem of French cuisine involves slow-cooking duck in its fat, creating tender, flavorful meat with a crispy exterior. The intricate cooking techniques enhance the dish's depth, making it an exquisite pairing for your wine experience.