Elevating Your Braciole: 39 Mouthwatering Sides to Serve with Tender Italian Beef Rolls

Beef braciole – savory, garlicky beef rolls bathed in rich tomato gravy. An Italian American classic bursting with old world flavor But what should you serve alongside for a spectacular supper?

In this article, we’ll recommend 39 sensational sides to pair with your succulent beef braciole. From traditional pastas to creative veggie dishes, you’ll find the perfect complement to your labor of love.

Let’s dive in and explore some palate-pleasing plates for your next braciole dinner!

Pasta: The Traditional Pairing

As an Italian-style dish, pasta makes the classic accompaniment for braciole. Here are some excellent options:

• Homemade Cavatelli – These small rolled pasta shells are ideal for trapping sauce in their ridges. Make a big batch ahead to freeze for future meals.

• Fettuccine – Flat, wider noodles like spinach fettuccine are great for twirling with forkfuls of shredded beef and sauce.

• Gnocchi – Fluffy potato gnocchi provides a nice change of pace from traditional noodles. The pillowy texture soaks up braciole sauce beautifully.

• Lasagna – What better way to use up leftover braciole and gravy than mixing it into a meaty lasagna? Delizioso!

Go old school Italian with your braciole and serve it over freshly made or store-bought pasta. Bellisimo!

Vegetables: Fresh and Flavorful

While pasta may be traditional, vegetables make a satisfying lower carb pairing:

• Broccoli Rabe – Sautéed broccoli rabe provides pleasant bitterness to balance the rich roll. Blanch first to tame bitterness if desired.

• Fennel and Apple Slaw – The crisp sweetness of this slaw contrasts indulgent braciole wonderfully. Make ahead for the flavors to mingle.

• Zucchini and Squash – Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of summer squash and zucchini. Toss with panko and parmesan for crunch.

• Green Beans Almondine – A French bistro classic! Blanch crisp green beans and sauté with slivered almonds and lemon. Elegant yet easy.

Give your plate vibrant color and freshness by serving braciole with browned, sautéed, or roasted vegetables.

Potatoes and Grains: Comforting Favorites

For hearty comfort food appeal, potatoes, rice, and bread can’t be beat:

• Celery Root Puree – Silky smooth like mashed potatoes but with its own unique nutty flavor. Made extra rich with coconut milk.

• Lemon Parmesan Risotto – Creamy risotto punctuated with bright citrus and nutty cheese makes a luxe match for braciole.

• Twice Baked Brie Potatoes – Topped with melty brie cheese, these spuds take richness to the next level. Definitely a special occasion side!

• Focaccia Bread – Fresh from the oven focaccia is perfect for dunking in leftover braciole gravy. Simple, tasty, and addictive.

Starch lovers rejoice! Let braciole transform sliced spuds, fluffy rice, or crusty bread into comfort food magic.

Salads: Light and Fresh

For a lighter, brighter accompaniment, serve your braciole with a fresh salad:

• Shaved Asparagus Salad – Thinly sliced raw asparagus and shaved parmesan lend Italian flair. Drizzle with lemony vinaigrette.

• Italian Chopped Salad – Crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, pepperoncini, artichoke hearts, and salami satisfy. Toss with Italian dressing.

• Orzo Salad – Tender orzo pasta mixed with baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and basil make a flavorful salad.

• Panzenella Salad – A Tuscan bread salad with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and basil. The perfect way to use day old bread.

Brighten up hearty braciole with the crunch and freshness of a salad on the side. Light and satisfying.

More Great Sides for Braciole Bliss

Beyond the classics, try these creative sides to round out your braciole dinner:

• Garlic mushrooms
• Roasted root vegetables
• Cheesy polenta
• Sauteed spinach
• Roasted cauliflower
• Garlic bread
• Bruschetta
• Meatballs
• Italian wedding soup

Tips for Picking the Perfect Pairings

Follow these tips to select sides that complement, rather than compete with, your labor-intensive braciole:

• Consider richness – Braciole and tomato sauce pack some weight. Balance with brighter, acidic sides like salads or lemon accents.

• Add color – Red sauce and browned beef beg for vibrant green veggies or salads on the plate.

• Menu plan – Start lighter with salad and pasta first before serving braciole. End with lighter dessert.

• Prep ahead – Take advantage of dishes you can make ahead like slaws, roasted veggies, and bread.

With the right mix of sides you can let your magnificent braciole shine as the star of the meal!

Sample Menus for Braciole Bliss

Here are some sample menus using the delicious sides suggested above:

Italian Feast

• Caesar Salad
• Homemade Cavatelli
• Beef Braciole
• Tiramisu

Sunday Supper

• Focaccia Bread with Dipping Oil
• Beef Braciole
• Twice Baked Brie Potatoes
• Roasted Broccoli
• Cannoli

Date Night In

• Panzenella Salad
• Beef Braciole
• Lemon Parmesan Risotto
• Garlic Bread
• Spumoni

Weeknight Go-To

• Beef Braciole
• Sautéed Broccoli Rabe
• Orzo Salad
• Italian Ices

Serving Up Satisfying Braciole Suppers

Beef braciole is a true labor of love. While time consuming to prepare, every bite of tender beef, savory cheese, and tangy tomato sauce is worth the effort.

Serving your braciole with complementary sides will take the meal to the next level. We hope these suggestions inspire your next memorable Italian dinner!

Let us know your favorite braciole side dish pairings. Mangia!