What to Serve with Braciole? 16 Best Side Dishes

If you’re making braciole, you’ll want to serve sides that bring out the hearty flavors of this classic Italian dish.

Here you can find 16 amazing sides that add freshness, richness, or a little crunch to balance each bite.

These choices will make your meal feel complete, with something for everyone to enjoy. 

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with braciole are caprese salad, fettuccine alfredo, mashed potatoes, mushroom risotto, polenta, focaccia bread, roasted broccolini, gluten-free pasta, caesar salad, feta pasta, homemade ricotta, ricotta, stuffed mushrooms, and ratatouille.

Now, let’s get cooking!

1. Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a fresh, colorful choice that’s perfect with beef braciole. The mix of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil brings a light, refreshing taste to the meal. Drizzle with olive oil and a hint of balsamic glaze to tie it all together. This simple salad adds a nice contrast to the rich flavors of braciole, making it a favorite for any Italian-inspired spread.

2. Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo’s creamy texture pairs beautifully with braciole. The rich, buttery sauce coats the pasta perfectly, making each bite smooth and comforting. It’s a great way to add a bit of indulgence to your meal without overpowering the main dish. A sprinkle of Parmesan and some black pepper bring a little extra flavor that complements the savory, tender braciole.

3. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs well with just about anything, including braciole. Their creamy, fluffy texture is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. I like to add a touch of garlic or chives for a bit more flavor. This side brings a comforting warmth to the plate and balances the hearty, flavorful braciole beautifully.

4. Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a cozy side with earthy flavors that match the richness of braciole. The creamy, slightly chewy texture of the risotto pairs well with the tender meat. I love how the mushrooms add depth and bring a little umami taste to the dish. It’s a side that feels both comforting and a bit fancy, making it perfect for a special dinner.

5. Polenta

Polenta is a classic Italian side that’s fantastic with beef braciole. Its creamy, corn-based texture is perfect for soaking up sauces, adding a bit of warmth and richness to the plate. You can make it smooth and buttery or set it up to be grilled for a slightly crisp texture. Either way, it’s a versatile side that’s easy to pair with the flavors of braciole.

6. Focaccia Bread

Focaccia bread adds a soft, herby bite to your meal. This fluffy, olive-oil-rich bread can be seasoned with rosemary, sea salt, or garlic for extra flavor. It’s perfect for soaking up sauces and adds a lovely texture to the meal. Plus, the touch of herbs complements the Italian flavors in braciole, giving your meal a cozy, home-cooked feel.

7. Broccolini

Roasted broccolini is a fresh, slightly crispy side that adds a hint of bitterness to balance braciole’s rich flavors. Tossed in olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of sea salt, broccolini roasts beautifully, becoming tender with slightly charred edges. It’s a light side that complements the heavier braciole, bringing a bit of green to your plate and adding a nice crunch.

8. Gluten-Free Pasta

Gluten-free pasta is a great option to serve with beef braciole, especially if you’re looking for a lighter, gluten-free side. Toss it with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a simple yet flavorful dish that won’t overpower the braciole. It’s a satisfying choice for anyone avoiding gluten and pairs well with the Italian flavors of the meal.

9. Caesar Salad

Caesar salad brings a creamy, tangy crunch to your braciole dinner. The crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan, and garlicky dressing offer a cool contrast to the warmth of braciole. Add croutons and a squeeze of lemon for a fresh twist. This classic salad is easy to make and adds a refreshing element that balances the richness of the main dish.

10. Feta Pasta

Feta pasta has a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with braciole. Baked with tomatoes and feta, this pasta becomes a rich, savory side that soaks up every bit of flavor. Toss with garlic, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for extra goodness. This creamy, easy-to-make pasta is a comforting, crowd-pleasing side for any Italian meal.

11. Ricotta

Homemade ricotta is a light and creamy side that works well with beef braciole. Serve it alongside your main dish with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of salt. It’s easy to make and adds a simple, fresh flavor that complements the rich, hearty flavors of braciole. Ricotta’s soft texture brings a unique twist to your plate.

12. Panzanella Salad

Panzanella salad is a fresh, vibrant side that adds a bit of crunch and zest to your braciole meal. Made with ripe tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and toasted bread, it soaks up a tangy vinaigrette, balancing the richness of the braciole. This rustic Italian salad is full of flavor and texture, adding a bright and refreshing element to the meal.

13. Creamed Kale

Creamed kale brings a creamy, savory taste with a hint of bitterness that balances braciole perfectly. Cooked with garlic and a touch of cream, the kale becomes tender and rich. It’s a slightly unique twist on traditional sides, but it adds depth and color to the plate, offering a warm, comforting element that complements the Italian flavors of braciole.

14. Lemon Roasted Potatoes

Lemon roasted potatoes are a zesty, crispy side that pairs nicely with braciole. Tossed in olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and herbs, these potatoes get a golden, flavorful crust. The lemon adds a refreshing twist that lifts the dish’s heavier flavors, while the soft interior of the potatoes adds comfort to the plate. Perfect for a flavorful, well-rounded meal.

15. Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a hearty, flavorful side that complements the richness of braciole. Filled with breadcrumbs, herbs, and a bit of Parmesan, these mushrooms add a touch of umami and depth to your meal. Bake them until golden, and you’ve got a warm, satisfying side that’s perfect for soaking up the savory flavors of the main dish.

16. Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a colorful, vegetable-packed side that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner. With zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes simmered in herbs, this dish is vibrant, flavorful, and slightly tangy. It adds a beautiful array of colors to your plate and offers a lighter, refreshing balance to the rich flavors of beef braciole.