Lasagna

Balance Out Your Lasagna with These 8 Rich Appetisers

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Updated on January 12, 2024

Lasagna is a classic and beloved dish that’s been enjoyed for generations. Its layers of pasta, cheese, and rich tomato sauce make it a hearty and comforting meal perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or cosy nights at home.

However, if you want to elevate your lasagna dinner, it’s important to consider the appetisers and side dishes that go well with this beloved Italian staple. The right appetisers can help balance out the richness of the lasagna and elevate the overall dining experience.

This post will explore some of the best appetisers that go with lasagna, from fresh salads to classic soups and platters. Whether you want to impress your guests or simply enjoy a delicious and well-rounded lasagna dinner, these appetisers will go over well.

Toasted Garlic Bread

Lasagna

Toasted garlic bread is one of the best appetisers to complement your lasagna meal. Its crispy exterior and soft interior provide a nice contrast to the juicy lasagna. Here’s a simple recipe to make it from scratch: 

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf of French bread or baguette
  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut the French bread or baguette into slices.
  2. Combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Spread the garlic butter mixture onto each slice of bread.
  4. Top each slice with shredded Parmesan cheese if desired.
  5. Preheat the oven to 190°C.
  6. Arrange the slices of bread onto a baking pan.
  7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the bread is crispy and golden brown.

Caesar Salad

Lasagna

A fresh Caesar salad topped with garlic croutons is a delicious side to balance out the rich flavours of lasagna. Follow this simple recipe to make the perfect Caesar salad:

Ingredients

  • 1 head of romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cup croutons
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 2 cloves of minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • A pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly, cut it into small pieces, and place it in a large salad bowl.
  2. Top the lettuce with croutons and shredded Parmesan cheese.
  3. Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl to make the dressing.
  4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly to coat.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Lasagna

Stuffed Mushrooms make for a savoury and satisfying appetiser that would pair well with lasagna. Here’s an easy recipe to make stuffed mushrooms:

Ingredients

  • 12 large fresh mushrooms, cleaned and stemmed
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • A pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. 
  2. Fill each mushroom cap with the mixture, pressing it down gently to form a mound.
  3. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a greased baking pan lined with parchment paper.
  4. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
  5. Bake the mushrooms for 15 to 20 minutes until the filling is golden brown and the mushrooms are tender.

Bruschetta

Lasagna

This simple and lovely appetiser is a great way to start an Italian meal like lasagna. Here’s a recipe to make delicious bruschetta:

Ingredients

  • 1 large baguette (French bread)
  • 2 cups of diced ripe tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons of Balsamic vinegar
  • A pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cut the baguette into small slices and organise them on a baking pan.
  2. Drizzle each slice with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
  3. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
  4. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the bread slices are lightly toasted.
  5. Mix the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, Balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl to make the topping.
  6. Remove the toasted bread slices from the oven and top them with the tomato mixture.

Minestrone Soup

Lasagna

Minestrone is a healthy and filling side dish to help balance a heavier main course like lasagna. Follow this recipe to make the best minestrone:

Ingredients

  • Minced celery (2 stalks)
  • 2 shredded carrots
  • 1 diced zucchini
  • 1 cup of diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach
  • 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • diced onion
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 6 cups of vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup of small pasta, such as shells
  • 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil
  • A pinch of salt and black pepper
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the celery, carrots, and zucchini and cook until they soften.
  4. Add the spinach, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. 
  5. Bring the soup to a boil.
  6. Drop the heat low, and simmer the soup for another 15 minutes.
  7. Add the kidney beans and pasta to the pot and cook for 10 minutes until the pasta is tender.
  8. Add the parsley and basil, then season the soup to taste with salt and black pepper.
  9. Pour the soup into bowls and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese if preferred.

Roasted Garlic Soup

Lasagna

Roasted garlic soup is a great side dish for your lasagna meal. The rich flavour of roasted garlic combines well with the tomato sauce and cheese in the lasagna. Here’s an easy recipe to make roasted garlic soup:

Ingredients

  • 2 heads of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
  • A pinch of salt and black pepper
  • Croutons or grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Remove the tops of each garlic head to expose the cloves.
  2. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
  3. Sprinkle each garlic head with olive oil, wrap in aluminium foil, and toast in the oven for 45 minutes until tender and aromatic.
  4. Take the garlic out of the oven and let it chill.
  5. Squeeze the garlic cloves from their skins and set aside.
  6. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  7. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it is transparent.
  8. Add the roasted garlic cloves and chicken or vegetable broth to the pot.
  9. Bring the soup to a boil.
  10. Drop the heat low, and simmer the soup for 10 to 15 minutes.
  11. Puree the soup using a traditional or immersion blender until it is smooth.
  12. Add the heavy cream and season with black pepper and salt.
  13. Pour the soup into bowls and sprinkle with croutons or shredded Parmesan cheese, if preferred.

Antipasto Platter

Lasagna

The variety of meat, cheese, vegetables, and other items on the antipasto platter served at room temperature can help balance the hot and steamy lasagna. Here’s a simple recipe to make a pleasing antipasto platter:

Ingredients

  • Varied cured meats, such as pepperoni, salami, or ham
  • Varied cheese options, such as mozzarella and gouda
  • Marinated vegetables, such as artichoke hearts or olives.
  • Grilled or roasted vegetables, such as red peppers and mushrooms.
  • Crackers, breadsticks, or sliced baguette
  • Dips or spreads, such as hummus or tapenade
  • Nuts and dried fruits
  • Fresh herbs or flowers for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Arrange the cured meats on a large platter, folding them into attractive shapes.
  2. Cut the cheese into small pieces and arrange them alongside the meats.
  3. Arrange the marinated and grilled or roasted vegetables in small piles around the platter.
  4. Add crackers, breadsticks, or sliced baguettes to the platter, arranging them in an appealing pattern.
  5. Place dips or spreads in small bowls and add them to the platter.
  6. Add nuts and dried fruits to the platter, filling in any gaps.
  7. Garnish the platter with fresh herbs or flowers, if preferred.

Caprese Salad

Lasagna

Caprese salad is a flavourful and refreshing side dish to serve with your lasagna. Follow this recipe to make a delectable Caprese salad: 

Ingredients

  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • 1 cup of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1/4 cup of chopped basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
  • A pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Organise the tomato and mozzarella slices on a serving platter.
  2. Scatter the chopped basil leaves over the tomato and mozzarella slices.
  3. Blend the olive oil with the vinegar in a small bowl to make the dressing. 
  4. Sprinkle the salad with the dressing.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

The Right Appetiser Means Good Dining

You can serve many appetisers with lasagna to enhance the dining experience and add a new dimension of flavour and texture to your meal. So, consider these appetisers next time you plan a lasagna dinner and take your meal to the next level.

If you liked these recipes, you would certainly love to learn about more finger food ideas! Check out more on our website.

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