What to Serve With Stuffed Shells? 12 Tasty Side Dishes

Do you plan to make stuffed shells at dinner over the weekend? If yes, how do you aim to make it more tempting and delicious than this dish already is?

There are many ways to stuff the shells, but the classic recipe includes mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, some Italian dressing, meat and marinara sauce. It is a wholesome dish, and it becomes way more mouth-watering with the right side/sides.

The best side dishes that complement stuffed shells are onion rings, stuffed peppers, avocado fries and deviled eggs and many more. Some people also prefer healthy options like roasted carrots, steamed vegetables and broccoli.

Below we have shared our top 12 sides. Take a look before you finalize your menu.

Delicious Sides Served With Stuffed Shells

If you plan to cook stuffed shells for a group of friends or family members, be mindful of which side you choose. Some people prefer spicy options, while others may like something sweet.

It is always wise to present two to three side dishes on the table for people to choose what they like. This is a great tip to make your guests feel satisfied and full.

Now without further ado, let's dig into our list.

1. Onion Rings

Crunchy, sweet and crispy onion rings make an excellent snack, but they also taste well as a side dish. The best thing about this recipe is that all the ingredients used are primarily present in your pantry, so you don’t have to head out to find them.

Prepare loads of these onion rings in your pot, and add a chilly or mustard dip with this side.

2. Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers taste excellent as a side dish for a Halloween night party. They are easy to make, especially if you try them in your Instant Pot.

Also, they will definitely excite the kids and put a smile on the face of the grownups.

3. Cobb Salad

Source: realhousemoms.com

Since stuffed shells can get a little heavy, a refreshing salad as a side works like a charm. This salad recipe has bacon, egg, blue cheese and some ranch dressing to make the taste buds dance with joy. Additionally, it is super quick and effortless to make.

4. Quinoa Salad

Raise your hands if you are on the hunt for a quick yet flavorful salad as a side. The Instant Pot Quinoa salad is a dream-come-true food for all salad lovers.

It takes about 20 minutes to make and is a healthy mix of all the nutritious ingredients. Try it for yourself!

5. Steamed Broccoli

Are your dinner guests health freaks? In that case, cook them some broccoli as the best stuffed shells side dish. Simply add some vegetable oil, onion powder, salt, and pepper and serve while it's still crunchy and warm.

6. Deviled Eggs

Creamy and soft eggs, stuffed shells, and a glass of delicious wine make a fulfilling meal. While making this side dish, add an adequate amount of mayonnaise for a clump-free and rich paste.

7. Apple Bread

Loaded with lots of apples, this side dish blends well with savory stuffed shells, creating an ideal combination of various flavors. Serve it with syrup or as it is, and play around with different ingredients, such as walnuts and cinnamon, to create a praise-worthy texture.

8. Roasted Carrots

Source: Chelseasmessyapron

Both children and adults love this side dish. Roasted carrots require you to slice the carrots and then roast them until they are perfectly caramelized.

They taste great with stuffed shells and on their own as well. So, make loads of these carrot slices for everyone to enjoy.

9. Steamed Vegetables

If you are only cooking for your small family, steamed vegetables with stuffed shells are enough to fulfil your appetite. You can try out various vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini and peppers and then steam them to create a healthy side.

10. Gluten Free Bread

Warm gluten-free bread goes great with stuffed shells, provided it's fresh from the pot. This recipe uses basic ingredients such as almond flour, coconut flour, butter, yeast and milk to create a treat within minutes. Serve the bread while it is hot and soft.

11. Avocado Fries

Avocado fries; what’s that? These are battered avocados slowly air fried to achieve a delicious crunch. The recipe uses tortilla chips, hot sauce, chili powder, salt, lime juice and egg to create a unique mix for the avocado slices.

This recipe takes ten minutes to make and is usually served with a creamy dip. Try these fries with your stuffed shells and woo your guests with your cooking skills.

12. Corn on the Cob

This one's a classic side dish that can never go wrong. If you are running out of time, gather ingredients such as thyme, black pepper and butter to prepare a batter to go on your corn. Add some parmesan slices as well to make this side more fulfilling. If you have more time, you can try this creamed corn recipe as well.

Serve Well to Win Hearts

Your food doesn’t have to be boring, even if you are the only one eating it. So, when preparing stuffed shells, make sure you spare some time to prepare a few delicious sides.

If you use an instant pot, preparing these side dishes is pretty hassle-free. It takes less time, and the results are always remarkable. You will definitely win your guests’ hearts with the options shared above, so try without thinking twice.

And yes, don’t forget the drinks! Happy cooking!

Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Shells

1. Onion Rings
2. Stuffed Peppers
3. Cobb Salad
4. Quinoa salad
5. Steamed Broccoli
6. Deviled Eggs
7. Apple Bread
8. Roasted Carrots
9. Steamed Vegetables
10. Gluten Free Bread
11. Avocado Fries
12. Corn on the Cob