What to Serve with Italian Sausage: 40+ Easy Side Dishes

Wondering what to serve with Italian sausage? I’ve got you covered with amazing sides! These savory sausages are a dinner favorite at my house.

They’re packed with herbs and spices that make any meal special. You’ll love how these tasty links can dress up or down.

From quick weeknight dinners to fancy weekend feasts, I’m sharing all my favorite side dishes. Get ready to find perfect pairings that’ll make your Italian sausage shine!

Why You’ll Love Italian Sausage?

I can’t get enough of these flavor-packed links! The rich, savory taste comes from special spices. You can cook them in so many ways – throw them on the grill, pan-fry them, or add them to pasta. They’re perfect when you want something quick but tasty!

What to Serve with Italian Sausage?

From pasta to veggies, you’ve got lots of choices! I’ll show you my favorite sides – warm comfort foods, fresh salads, and yummy breads. You’ll find something for every meal and season in these categories.

Pasta Dishes

Nothing beats classic Italian pasta with sausage! These carby delights soak up all the amazing flavors. Here are my top picks that always make dinner special.

• Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce: The tangy tomatoes and herbs in marinara are perfect with sausage. I love how the sauce clings to every strand. My family fights over the last bite!

• Fettuccine Alfredo: Creamy, rich, and oh-so-smooth! The parmesan sauce makes everything better. You’ll love how the sausage adds a pop of flavor to this classic.

• Penne alla Vodka Pasta: Pink sauce heaven! The creamy tomato coating hugs each tube of pasta. This combo always gets “wows” at my dinner parties.

• Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Comfort food alert! The gooey cheese sauce takes sausage to new heights. Kids and grown-ups both clean their plates.

• Lasagna: Layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce create pure magic. The sausage adds extra oomph to this crowd-pleaser.

Easy Vegetable Sides

Fresh veggies balance out the rich sausage perfectly. These colorful sides add nutrients and bright flavors to your plate.

• Roasted Bell Peppers: Sweet, smoky, and tender peppers are my go-to side. The colors look amazing on your plate! They taste even better the next day.

• Grilled Zucchini and Squash: Light and fresh with pretty grill marks. A splash of olive oil and herbs makes them sing.

• Garlic Sauteed Spinach: Quick, easy, and super healthy! The garlic adds zip while the greens add nutrition.

• Steamed Broccoli with Lemon: Bright green trees of goodness! The lemon makes everything pop. You’ll want seconds of this fresh side.

• Sauteed Mushrooms: Brown and beautiful with deep flavors. They soak up seasonings like tiny flavor sponges!

Salads

Fresh and crisp salads bring balance to your meal! These leafy delights add color and crunch. You’ll love how they cut through the richness of Italian sausage.

• Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and sweet basil create summer on a plate. A drizzle of balsamic makes everything pop. This reminds me of my trip to Italy!

• Caesar Salad: Crispy romaine gets dressed in creamy, garlicky goodness. The crunchy croutons and salty parmesan make every bite exciting. I never skip the anchovy – it’s my secret weapon!

• Arugula Salad with Parmesan: Peppery leaves dance with nutty cheese shavings. The light lemon dressing lets the sausage shine. You’ll love how simple yet fancy this feels.

• Italian Chopped Salad: Every fork gets a perfect mix of veggies, cheese, and olives. The zesty Italian dressing ties everything together. This disappears first at potlucks!

• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: Protein-packed chickpeas mingle with cucumbers and feta. The herbs make it taste garden-fresh. It’s my favorite make-ahead side.

Breads and Rolls

Warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up those yummy sausage juices! These options will make your meal complete.

• Garlic Bread: Buttery, garlicky, and toasted to perfection. The crispy edges are worth fighting over! My family begs for seconds every time.

• Italian Bread: Simple yet satisfying with a chewy crust. Tear off chunks to mop up the plate. You’ll want this at every meal.

• Ciabatta Rolls: Airy pockets catch all the tasty drippings. The crusty outside adds great texture. Perfect for making mini sausage sandwiches!

• Cornbread: Sweet and savory comes together beautifully. The golden crumbs melt in your mouth. This Southern twist works surprisingly well.

Rice and Grains

These hearty bases soak up all the wonderful flavors. Each grain brings its own special touch to your plate.

• Fried Rice: Fluffy rice stir-fried with colorful veggies and savory soy sauce. The egg adds extra richness. You’ll love how the crispy bits complement your sausage!

• Rice Casserole: Creamy rice baked with cheese and herbs. The crispy top layer is pure gold. You’ll scrape the dish clean!

• Mushroom Risotto: Creamy rice gets rich with mushroom flavor. The stirring is worth every minute. This combo always impresses guests.

• Creamy Polenta: Smooth, corn-based comfort in every spoonful. The butter makes it extra special. I crave this on cold nights.

• Farro with Vegetables: Chewy ancient grains meet roasted veggie bits. The nutty flavor works magic with sausage. This healthy option never feels like a compromise.

Potato Dishes

Who doesn’t love potatoes? These starchy sides are pure comfort food magic with sausage.

• Crispy Potato Wedges: Golden-brown on the outside, and fluffy inside, these wedges are pure magic. A sprinkle of garlic and paprika makes them addictive with sausage.

• Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy clouds of potato heaven with butter pools. I add a secret dash of nutmeg. Your fork will keep coming back for more.

• Rosemary Roasted Potatoes: Golden-brown cubes with crispy edges and herb-filled middles. The rosemary makes your kitchen smell amazing. These vanish fast!

• Potato Salad: Creamy, tangy, and loaded with extras. Every bite brings something new. Perfect for summer cookouts.

• Scalloped Potatoes: Layers of potato slices swimming in creamy sauce. The cheese gets all bubbly and brown. This makes any meal feel fancy.

Soups

Warm, comforting soups turn your meal into a feast! These bowls of goodness complement Italian sausage perfectly.

• Minestrone: Garden vegetables dance in tomato broth. The tiny pasta pieces make it fun. You’ll feel like you’re in an Italian kitchen!

• Italian Wedding Soup: Little meatballs swim with tender pasta pearls and fresh spinach. The light, savory broth brings everything together.

• Tomato Basil Soup: Smooth, rich, and bursting with fresh basil. The cream swirl makes it pretty. Perfect for dunking bread!

• Lentil Soup: Hearty legumes with carrots and celery. The herbs make it taste like home. This fills you up without weighing you down.

Beans and Legumes

Protein-packed legumes bring comfort and nutrition to your plate! These hearty sides will fill you up while complementing your sausage perfectly.

• Baked Beans: Sweet and savory beans in thick sauce. The molasses adds deep flavor. You’ll want to lick the spoon clean!

• Chickpeas: Perfectly spiced garbanzo beans complement Italian sausage like old friends. A hint of rosemary and garlic makes them sing. You’ll love this protein-packed combo!

• White Beans: Creamy cannellini beans with garlic and herbs. The olive oil makes them silky smooth. This reminds me of Tuscan cooking.

• Butter Beans (Lima Beans): Creamy, buttery lima beans melt in your mouth. Their mild flavor lets the sausage shine through. I found this pairing at my favorite trattoria!

Easy Appetizers

Get the party started with these mouth-watering bites! These starters will have everyone reaching for seconds while the sausage cooks.

• Stuffed Mushrooms: Cheesy, garlicky caps that pop in your mouth. The breadcrumb topping gets perfectly crispy. These disappear in seconds at parties.

• Antipasto Platter: Colorful mix of meats, cheese, and pickled goodies. Everyone finds their favorite bits. You’ll love how easy this is.

• Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and basil. The garlic rub makes it extra special. I learned this trick from my Italian neighbor.

• Stuffed Zucchini Boats: Hollow zucchini filled with cheese and herbs. The tops get golden brown. These make vegetables exciting!

Final Thoughts

Now you’ve got tons of tasty options for what to serve with Italian sausage!

I love mixing it up – maybe pasta today, roasted veggies tomorrow. Every combo brings something special to the table.

What will you try first? Drop a comment below to share your favorite pairings! I can’t wait to hear which sides become your new favorites.