The Perfect Lasagna Meal: Best Side Dishes, Wines, and Desserts to Pair

Lasagna is a beloved Italian comfort food that has earned its place at tables around the world. Its layers of pasta, savory tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and rich mozzarella make it the star of any meal. Whether you're indulging in a hearty classic lasagna or trying a creative variation, pairing the right sides, wine, and dessert can elevate the experience from delicious to extraordinary.

Let’s dive into the best sides, wines, and desserts to pair with your lasagna meal.

1. Side Dishes

A good lasagna is complete with sides that balance its richness and bring a fresh contrast to the heavy layers of pasta and cheese. Here are some side dishes that will pair perfectly with your lasagna meal:

Aromatic Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is the quintessential side for lasagna. Its crispy, buttery, and garlic-infused texture complements the savory flavors of lasagna, making each bite a delightful experience. Freshly baked garlic bread and brushed with a flavorful blend of olive oil, butter, and a sprinkle of herbs. The golden crust gives it a satisfying crunch, while the warm, tender interior absorbs the delicious flavors of garlic and butter, making it a perfect complement to your lasagna meal.

Fresh Italian Salad

A fresh Italian salad is the perfect contrast to a rich lasagna. Light, crisp, and refreshing, a salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, and red onions will provide a fresh burst of flavors that cut through the richness of the lasagna. Dress it with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette or Italian dressing to give the salad an extra zing.

Roasted Vegetables

A side of roasted vegetables is another excellent choice to accompany your lasagna. The caramelized edges and earthy flavors of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant are the perfect balance to the savory flavors of lasagna. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, creating a wonderful harmony with the pasta.

Sautéed Spinach or Kale

If you're looking for something simple yet nutritious, sautéed spinach or kale is a fantastic side dish to pair with your lasagna meal. Lightly sautéed in olive oil and garlic, these greens bring a rich, earthy flavor that provides a nice balance to the heavier pasta and cheese. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients, making them a great way to add a healthy touch to your meal. Sautéed spinach that is cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of seasoning enhances its natural flavor.

2. Wine Pairings

Choosing the right wine to pair with your lasagna meal can enhance its flavors and bring out the best in the dish. The type of lasagna you’re enjoying will determine which wine works best, as lighter lasagnas require delicate wines while rich, meaty lasagnas pair well with bold wines. Below are some wine suggestions for different types of lasagna.

For Classic Meat Lasagna

A classic meat lasagna, layered with ground beef, Italian sausage, and a rich tomato sauce, calls for a wine with enough body and structure to complement the hearty flavors. Chianti, a medium-bodied red wine from Tuscany, is an ideal choice. Its high acidity and vibrant fruit flavors balance the richness of the meat and tomato sauce, while its earthy undertones complement the savory flavors of the dish.

If you prefer a fuller-bodied red, Barolo, made from the Nebbiolo grape in the Piedmont region, is an excellent option. With its bold tannins, deep fruit flavors, and hints of spice, Barolo can stand up to the rich layers of a meat lasagna while adding complexity to the meal.

For Vegetarian Lasagna

If you’re enjoying a lighter vegetarian lasagna, such as one made with spinach, ricotta, and béchamel sauce, a Pinot Grigio is a refreshing and crisp choice. This white wine has a light body and citrusy notes that complement the delicate flavors of the vegetables and creamy sauce without overpowering them.

Another great option for vegetarian lasagna is Sauvignon Blanc. Known for its bright acidity and herbaceous undertones, Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the fresh, herbal notes of the vegetables and cheese in the lasagna, adding an extra layer of freshness to your meal.

For Seafood Lasagna

For a seafood lasagna featuring seafood such as shrimp, scallops, and crab, a Vermentino is an excellent choice. This white wine, typically from the coastal regions of Italy, offers crisp acidity and a slightly saline character, making it a perfect match for the delicate flavors of seafood. Vermentino’s citrus and herbal notes provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna.

Alternatively, a Chardonnay with minimal oak influence will work well with seafood lasagna. Its clean, fresh taste and smooth texture complement the seafood’s subtle flavors without overwhelming them.

For Lasagna with Mushroom or Truffle

If your lasagna is made with earthy mushrooms or a touch of luxurious truffle, a Pinot Noir is a fantastic wine to pair. This light-bodied red has bright red fruit flavors and a subtle earthiness that enhances the umami qualities of the mushrooms and truffle. It also offers enough acidity to cut through the richness of the cheese.

3. Desserts

After a rich and savory lasagna meal, a light, refreshing dessert is the perfect way to end the dining experience on a sweet note. Here are some dessert ideas that will complement your meal:

Tiramisu

Tiramisu is the quintessential Italian dessert, and it’s a classic way to end any Italian meal. Its light and creamy layers of mascarpone cheese, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder provide a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the lasagna. At Mezzanotte Ristorante, our tiramisu is made with the finest ingredients, offering a decadent yet light finish to your meal.

Panna Cotta

For a lighter dessert, Panna Cotta is an excellent choice. This silky, custard-like dessert is made with cream, sugar, and vanilla, and often served with a fresh fruit compote. The rich creaminess of panna cotta offers a luxurious end to your meal, while the fruit compote adds a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the dessert.

Cannoli

Another delicious Italian treat to consider is cannoli. These crispy, fried pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cream make for a delightful dessert after a hearty lasagna meal. The crunchy exterior contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy filling, making each bite a satisfying treat. At Mezzanotte Ristorante, our cannoli are freshly prepared, ensuring you get the best possible flavor and texture.

Savor The Perfect Lasagna Meal at Mezzanotte Ristorante

Visit Mezzanotte Ristorante, we take great pride in creating a lasagna that not only satisfies your appetite but also provides a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional meat lasagna or exploring new flavors, our menu offers a variety of options to please every palate. You can find the perfect lasagna meal paired with delightful sides, wines, and desserts that complement the richness and flavors of the dish.

For a full dining experience, explore our complete menu and discover all the ways you can pair your lasagna with the finest Italian offerings. Check out our food menu to explore more.