The next time you make a delicious lasagna, check out these ideas for what to serve alongside it. From breads to vegetables, salads to desserts, this collection includes recipes to help you build a balanced, satisfying meal that complements any style of lasagna.
For me, lasagna is the ultimate comfort food. I enjoy all kinds of pasta, but lasagna brings something special: layers of creamy ricotta, rich tomato or meat sauce, and tender lasagna noodles baked until golden and bubbling. It’s hearty, homey, and perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
While lasagna can stand on its own, adding a few thoughtfully chosen sides will round out the meal—especially when you have guests. These side dishes pair well with any lasagna variation, whether you’re serving a classic meat lasagna, a vegetable-packed version, a vegan lasagna, or a baked lasagna al forno.
What is Lasagna?
Lasagna is a traditional Italian casserole built from layers of wide, flat pasta sheets, alternating with sauce and cheese. Many cooks use a homemade marinara or a meaty Bolognese as the sauce for rich flavor. The layered pasta, sauce, and cheese are baked until the top is browned and the filling is hot and bubbly. Its comforting, filling nature makes it ideal for family meals and special occasions.
The preparation is straightforward: assemble your sauce, combine a ricotta filling if using, cook or use no-boil noodles, layer everything in a 9×13-inch pan, and bake. Leftovers freeze well, so you can assemble and freeze a lasagna for up to three months, then thaw and bake when ready.
Best Lasagna Recipes
My favorite around the holidays is a meat lover’s lasagna with Italian sausage, ground beef, herbs, and a creamy ricotta layer. If you prefer something lighter, a meat-and-vegetable lasagna combines zucchini, eggplant, onions, and garlic with a modest amount of lean beef for balance. Both freeze and reheat beautifully, making them great choices for entertaining or meal prep.
How To Make Lasagna
Begin by preparing your sauce in a large pot or Dutch oven. Use a 9×13-inch baking dish for assembly. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta with eggs, fresh herbs, and grated Parmesan. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions unless using no-boil noodles. Drain cooked noodles thoroughly.
Spread a layer of sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
Lay a layer of noodles over the sauce.
Spoon on the ricotta mixture, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, and add more sauce on top.
Repeat layers until you use all noodles, sauce, and filling. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes to one hour until hot and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting; this lets the layers set so each slice holds together nicely.
Lasagna FAQs
Yes. You can fully assemble the lasagna, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. When ready, bake at 375°F until heated through, usually up to an hour depending on starting temperature.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers. Properly stored, leftovers will keep for up to five days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.
Yes. Use gluten-free or whole wheat lasagna noodles if you prefer; follow package instructions for cooking. No-boil noodles can be layered raw—sufficient sauce and moisture will cook them during baking.
Recipes to Serve with Lasagna
- Breads. Crusty loaves, sourdough dinner rolls, or focaccia are perfect for mopping up extra sauce and cheese.
- Vegetables. Roasted or sautéed vegetables—such as sautéed eggplant, roasted broccoli, or grilled radishes—make flavorful, colorful sides.
- Salads. A classic Caesar, a simple house salad with vinaigrette, or a lemony arugula salad provide freshness and balance.
- Desserts. Finish the meal with a light or indulgent dessert like a no-bake cheesecake, thumbprint cookies, or a fruit dip for a sweet ending.
What To Serve With Lasagna – Breads
The Easiest Sourdough Focaccia
This simple sourdough focaccia is full of flavor and very approachable—no kneading or fancy equipment required.
Instant Pot Bread (No Knead!)
A rustic loaf proofed in the Instant Pot—soft crumb with a crunchy crust and only a few ingredients.
Rustic Kefir Bread
A crusty loaf with a soft crumb made using kefir—simple and satisfying.
Sourdough Dinner Rolls – No Yeast!
Easy no-yeast sourdough dinner rolls with a great crust and chewy interior—perfect for a bread basket.
Crusty Olive Bread In the Instant Pot!
Instant Pot proofed olive bread that’s great with olive oil, cheese, or alongside a hearty lasagna.
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