What to Serve with Osso Buco: 28+ Delicious Ideas

I’ve been cooking Italian cuisine for years, and I can tell you that osso buco is a dish that never fails to impress. 

This hearty, slow-cooked veal shank is a true comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or special occasions.

But what really takes osso buco to the next level? The side dishes, drinks, and desserts you serve with it! Let’s dive into this Italian classic and find the perfect pairings that’ll make your meal unforgettable.

What is Osso Buco?

Osso buco, meaning “bone with a hole” in Italian, is a Milanese specialty. This traditional Italian dish features cross-cut veal shanks braised with vegetables, white wine, and broth until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.

Ingredients of Osso Buco Recipe

The key ingredients that make up this classic dish include:

• Veal shanks
• Onions, carrots, and celery (the holy trinity of Italian cooking)
• White or red wine
• Beef or chicken broth
• Tomatoes or tomato paste
• Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves
• Garlic and lemon zest for the gremolata

Why Pairing Matters

Choosing the right side dishes for osso buco is crucial for creating a harmonious meal. Here’s why it matters:

• Complementary flavors elevate the entire dining experience
• The right sides balance the richness of the osso buco
• Thoughtful pairings showcase culinary expertise
• It allows catering to different dietary preferences and needs

Traditional Accompaniments for Osso Buco

When I think about what to serve with osso buco, my mind immediately goes to the classic pairings. These traditional sides have stood the test of time for good reason – they’re simply delicious!

• Risotto alla Milanese: This saffron-infused risotto is the quintessential partner for osso buco. I love how its creamy texture complements the tender veal. The golden hue adds a beautiful pop of color to your plate too!

• Polenta: Creamy polenta is another fantastic option. Its mild flavor lets the osso buco shine while soaking up all those delicious juices. It’s comfort food at its finest!

• Mashed Potatoes: While not traditionally Italian, mashed potatoes work wonderfully with osso buco. I often make them when I want something familiar yet indulgent. The creamy texture is just perfect.

• Mushroom Risotto: For a twist on the classic, try mushroom risotto. The earthy flavors pair beautifully with the rich veal. It’s a combination that never fails to impress my dinner guests.

• Italian Rice: A simple side of Italian rice can be a great canvas for the flavorful osso buco sauce. It’s lighter than risotto but still satisfying.

• Italian Gremolata: While not a side dish per se, gremolata is a traditional accompaniment that adds a bright, zesty note to the rich osso buco. I always include it for that extra layer of flavor.

Vegetable Side Dishes to Serve with Osso Buco

To balance out the richness of osso buco, I like to include some vegetable sides. Here are some of my favorites:

• Grilled Vegetables: A medley of zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, and eggplant, lightly charred for smoky sweetness. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic for extra flavor.

• Sautéed Spinach: Quick-cooked spinach with garlic and lemon, offering a fresh, green contrast to the hearty osso buco.

• Caramelized Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots, caramelized to bring out their natural sugars. A touch of honey enhances their flavor.

• Baked Zucchini Slices: Thinly sliced zucchini, seasoned and baked until golden. A lighter alternative that pairs well with the rich main dish.

• Roasted Broccoli: Crispy-edged broccoli florets roasted with garlic and olive oil. A satisfying texture contrasts with the tender veal.

• Braised Red Cabbage: Tangy and slightly sweet, braised red cabbage adds a pop of color and balances the richness of osso buco.

When considering what to serve with osso buco, vegetables are key. They not only add nutrition but also balance the richness of the dish, creating a well-rounded meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Lighter Side Dishes for Osso Buco

For those seeking lighter options to balance osso buco, these refreshing sides are perfect:

• Arugula and Grapefruit Salad: Peppery arugula and tart grapefruit segments tossed in a light vinaigrette. A zesty, refreshing complement to osso buco.

• Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad: Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts with almonds and Parmesan. Adds a crunchy, tangy element to the meal.

• Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice: Low-carb alternative to traditional risotto. Fresh cilantro and lime brighten the flavors of the dish.

• Minty Green Peas: Bright green peas tossed with fresh mint. A burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of osso buco.

• Vegetable Crudo with Parmesan Gremolata: Raw, thinly sliced vegetables topped with a zesty Parmesan gremolata. Offers a crisp texture contrast.

Bread Options to Accompany Osso Buco

No Italian meal is complete without some good bread to soak up all those delicious juices. Here are some of my favorite bread options to serve with osso buco:

• Crusty Italian Bread: There’s nothing quite like tearing into a piece of crusty Italian bread and using it to mop up the rich osso buco sauce. It’s simple, classic, and oh-so-satisfying.

• Focaccia: This flat, oven-baked Italian bread is a great choice. Its herb-infused flavor complements the osso buco beautifully. Check out this guide on what to serve with focaccia for more pairing ideas!

• Ciabatta: The airy texture of ciabatta makes it perfect for soaking up sauces. I love how it stays crusty on the outside while getting delightfully soggy on the inside.

• Gluten-Free Bread: For those with gluten sensitivities, a good gluten-free bread can still provide that satisfying experience of sopping up the sauce.

Pro tip: Warm your bread in the oven for a few minutes before serving. The aroma of warm bread paired with osso buco will have your guests’ mouths watering before they even take a bite!

Pasta Options to Accompany Osso Buco

While not traditional, pasta can be a delicious accompaniment to osso buco. Here are some options I’ve tried and loved:

• Pasta Aglio e Olio: This simple pasta with garlic and olive oil is light enough to let the osso buco shine while adding a nice textural contrast.

• Lemon Parmesan Orzo: The bright lemon flavor cuts through the richness of the osso buco, while the Parmesan adds a savory note that complements the veal beautifully.

• Fettuccine: A wide noodle like fettuccine can stand up to the robust flavors of osso buco. I like to toss it with a bit of butter and Parmesan.

• Tagliatelle: Similar to fettuccine, tagliatelle pairs well with osso buco. Its ribbon-like shape is perfect for catching bits of the delicious sauce.

When deciding what to serve with osso buco, pasta can be an unexpected but delightful choice. It’s especially great if you’re looking to stretch the dish to feed more people.

Wine Pairing with Osso Buco

No discussion of what to serve with osso buco would be complete without mentioning wine. The right wine can elevate your meal from delicious to unforgettable.

Red Wine Selections:

• Barolo: This full-bodied Italian red is my top choice. Its robust flavors stand up well to the rich osso buco.
• Barbaresco: Another Italian red that pairs beautifully with osso buco. It’s slightly lighter than Barolo but still has enough body to complement the dish.
• Chianti Classico: The high acidity in Chianti cuts through the richness of the osso buco, creating a balanced pairing.

White Wine Options:

• Arneis: If you prefer white wine, this Italian varietal has enough body to pair with osso buco.
• Chardonnay: A full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay can work well, especially if you’re serving osso buco with a creamy risotto.

Remember, the best wine is always the one you enjoy drinking!

Desserts Well Pair with Osso Buco

After a hearty meal of osso buco and sides, you might think there’s no room for dessert. But trust me, there’s always room for a little something sweet! Here are some Italian desserts I love to serve after osso buco:

• Tiramisu: This classic Italian dessert is my go-to after osso buco. The coffee and mascarpone flavors offer a nice contrast to the savory meal. Plus, it’s light enough that it won’t overwhelm you after a rich main course.

• Panna Cotta: Smooth, creamy, and not too heavy, panna cotta is a great way to end your osso buco feast. I like to serve it with a berry compote for a touch of acidity.

• Lemon Sorbet: If you’re looking for something really light and refreshing, lemon sorbet is perfect. It cleanses the palate and provides a bright, citrusy finish to your meal.

For more inspiration, check out these amazing Italian desserts that pair perfectly with osso buco

Tips for Creating a Well-rounded Osso Buco Meal

After years of serving osso buco, I’ve picked up a few tips for creating the perfect meal. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Balancing Flavors and Textures

When choosing what to serve with osso buco, think about balance. The main dish is rich and hearty, so I like to include:

• Something starchy (like risotto or polenta)
• Something green and fresh (like a salad or sautéed vegetables)
• Something acidic (like gremolata or a citrusy side dish)

This combination ensures a well-rounded meal that hits all the right notes.

Considering Portion Sizes

Osso buco is quite filling, so I usually serve smaller portions of sides. A little risotto, a small salad, and some bread are often enough. Remember, you can always offer seconds!

Presentation Ideas for an Impressive Dinner

I love to serve osso buco family-style in the center of the table. Arrange the sides in colorful dishes around it, and don’t forget a small bowl of gremolata. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas will have everyone excited to dig in!

When planning what to serve with osso buco, remember that the goal is to create a memorable dining experience. With these tips, you’re sure to impress your guests!

FAQs: Osso Buco Serving

What’s A Good Vegetarian Side Dish For Osso Buco?

Mushroom risotto or roasted vegetable medley are excellent vegetarian options. These hearty sides capture Italian flavors and complement osso buco’s rich sauce, even for those who don’t eat the veal.

How Many Side Dishes Should I Serve With Osso Buco?

Two to three side dishes are ideal for osso buco. A starch (like risotto), a vegetable dish, and a light salad provide variety without overwhelming the main course.

What Appetizer Goes Well With Osso Buco?

Light appetizers balance the rich main course. Bruschetta, Caprese salad, or a small plate of Italian cured meats and cheeses are excellent choices to start the meal.

How Do I Make The Best Osso Buco Recipe?

The best osso buco recipe involves slow-cooking veal shanks with vegetables, wine, and broth. Season well with salt and pepper; don’t forget the gremolata for a zesty finish.