Beef braciole is a delicious Italian rolled steak dish that is full of flavor It features thin slices of beef filled with cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs and other ingredients, then rolled up, tied, browned and slowly simmered in a tomato sauce. This results in very tender, flavorful beef that soaks up all the rich flavors.
When serving beef braciole you want side dishes that will complement and enhance the flavors rather than compete with them. The sauce is the star of the show so sides that can soak it up or add creaminess are ideal. You also want options that provide texture contrast and visual appeal.
Here are 15 of the best side dishes to serve with beef braciole:
1. Homemade Cavatelli
Cavatelli pasta makes an excellent pairing for beef braciole. The small, ridged pasta shells do a great job of holding the sauce. The rich, hearty tomato sauce clings perfectly to each piece. Cavatelli is simple to make fresh at home. But if you’re short on time high-quality store-bought or frozen works well too. This classic pasta shape is a no-fail pairing.
2. Celery Root Puree
For a delicious alternative to mashed potatoes, try celery root puree. Celery root has a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with braciole. Boil celery root until tender, then puree it with coconut milk and seasonings for a luscious, creamy dish. The puree soaks up the savory sauce while providing unique flavor. Blanching the celery root first reduces any bitterness too.
3. Twice-Baked Brie Potatoes
For ultimate indulgence, twice-baked brie potatoes are hard to beat. Bake potatoes until crisp on the outside, then hollow them out and fill with a cheesy brie mixture. The creamy, melty interior contrasts deliciously with the crunchy exterior. Potatoes are excellent at absorbing flavors, so these tasty spuds sop up the rich braciole sauce wonderfully.
4. Sauteed Broccoli Rabe
Broccoli rabe is a slightly bitter Italian green that balances beautifully with braciole’s richness. Blanch the broccoli rabe first to mellow bitterness, then sauté with olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes and pine nuts for a flavorful side. Pair it with angel hair pasta for a more substantial dish. The combination of textures and flavors is stellar.
5. Focaccia Bread
Fresh focaccia bread is practically made for sopping up sauce. The olive oil-enriched bread has an airy interior surrounded by a crispy, flavorful crust. Tear off pieces and let them soak up the savory tomato sauce from the braciole. Top with a little grated parmesan cheese for even more flavor. Focaccia is a satisfying, mess-free way to enjoy every last drop.
6. Lemon Parmesan Risotto
Creamy risotto provides the perfect blank canvas for braciole’s vibrant tomato sauce. The short-grain rice drinks up the sauce while offering a rich, luxurious texture. To complement the braciole, add lemon, parmesan and fresh herbs to the risotto. The bright, cheesy flavors intermingle beautifully with the hearty sauce on the beef rolls.
7. Italian Salad
For a lighter, fresher side, make a colorful Italian salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers and red onion. Toss the fresh vegetables in a tasty homemade vinaigrette rather than heavy dressing so the flavors shine. The vibrant crunch of the salad balances the richness of braciole wonderfully. Feel free to add olives, artichoke hearts or other favorite Italian flavors too.
8. Roasted Spaghetti Squash
Roasted spaghetti squash strands make a fun, healthy stand-in for pasta with braciole. Once roasted, use a fork to scrape the squash into spaghetti-like strands that soak up sauce even better than noodles. The light sweetness of the squash complements the rich sauce perfectly. Roast with Italian seasoning for more flavor.
9. Fennel, Apple and Cabbage Slaw
This vibrant slaw offers an amazing balance of flavors and textures alongside braciole. Thinly slice fennel bulbs and green cabbage, then toss with shredded apples. The sweet apple, crunchy cabbage and bright, licorice-y notes of fennel marry beautifully. Dress the slaw lightly with oil and vinegar rather than mayo-based dressing to keep it fresh-tasting.
10. Green Beans Almondine
Buttery green beans almondine is a French classic for good reason. Blanch green beans briefly to retain their snap, then sauté in brown butter with slivered almonds and lemon juice. The crisp-tender beans, nutty toasted almonds and bright acidity perfectly offset braciole’s richness. A spoonful alongside the beef rolls provides flavor and texture contrast in each bite.
11. Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread
Tear apart this cheesy, garlic-brush pull-apart bread for the perfect appetizer or side for braciole. The rich, melty cheese filling and savory garlic-herb coating are divine dipped into the tomato sauce on the beef. The interactive bread encourages scooping up every last drop of sauce. Kids and adults alike will love this shareable, flavorful bread.
12. Roasted Zucchini and Squash
For a lighter side, roast zucchini and summer squash seasoned with Italian herbs, then finish with panko breadcrumbs and parmesan. The crispy, cheesy exterior provides great textural contrast to the tender braciole in sauce. The natural sweetness of the squash balances the rich flavors nicely. Slice the roasted veggies on the bias for an attractive presentation.
13. Gruyère Potato Gratin
Potatoes au gratin make a heavenly match for braciole. Sliced potatoes are baked in a creamy sauce with nutty gruyère and parmesan cheeses until bubbly and golden. Every bite delivers rich, indulgent flavor and luxurious texture that complements the beef rolls flawlessly. This comforting dish is sure to become a new favorite.
14. Polenta with Parmesan
Creamy polenta is amazing at soaking up braciole’s delicious sauce. Cook polenta in broth and milk until thick and smooth, then stir in parmesan for a savory flavor boost. The tender cornmeal has a lovely creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the fork-tender beef rolls. Polenta offers comfort food at its finest alongside braciole.
15. Caprese Salad
A caprese salad is a light and refreshing choice with braciole’s hearty flavors. Alternate fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil leaves on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and reduced balsamic vinegar. The milky mozzarella, vibrant tomatoes and fragrant basil create an incredible flavor and texture combo. Let this easy but elegant salad add balance to a rich braciole dinner.
Beef braciole is so hearty and flavorful that it pairs well with an amazing variety of side dishes. From pastas to vegetables to salads and breads, you have ample options for creating a spectacular meal. Any of these 15 side dish ideas will beautifully complement braciole’s richness. Now it’s time to cook up this Italian classic and relish every delectable bite. Buon appetito!
1 Lemon Roasted Potatoes
Lemon roasted potatoes are a zesty, crispy side that pairs nicely with braciole. Tossed in olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and herbs, these potatoes get a golden, flavorful crust. The lemon adds a refreshing twist that lifts the dish’s heavier flavors, while the soft interior of the potatoes adds comfort to the plate. Perfect for a flavorful, well-rounded meal.
Stuffed mushrooms are a hearty, flavorful side that complements the richness of braciole. Filled with breadcrumbs, herbs, and a bit of Parmesan, these mushrooms add a touch of umami and depth to your meal. Bake them until golden, and you’ve got a warm, satisfying side that’s perfect for soaking up the savory flavors of the main dish.
Ratatouille is a colorful, vegetable-packed side that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner. With zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes simmered in herbs, this dish is vibrant, flavorful, and slightly tangy. It adds a beautiful array of colors to your plate and offers a lighter, refreshing balance to the rich flavors of beef braciole.
how to make Beef BRACIOLE BETTER Than Your GRANDMA
FAQ
What to pair with beef braciole?
- Produce. • 1 Cheddar vegetable au gratin. • 1 Farro salad with roasted vegetables. …
- Pasta & Grains. • 1 Buttered noodles. • 1 Greek baked ziti. …
- Baking & Spices. • 1 Brussels sprouts with maple glaze.
- Frozen. • 1 Butternut squash risotto, Roasted. • 1 Wild rice pilaf.
- Deli. • 1 German cucumber salad.
What to serve with beef osso bucco?
Osso buco is traditionally served over polenta, mashed potatoes, or risotto alla milanese (a risotto made with beef bone marrow, stock, and saffron). As far as wines go, osso buco pairs perfectly with a full-bodied red such as Chianti or cabernet sauvignon.
What side dishes go well with Italian beef?
- Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites.
- Italian White Bean Salad.
- Creamy Tomato and Mascarpone Soup.
- Baked Ziti.
- Cheesy Zucchini Casserole.
- Roasted Heirloom Carrots Salad.
- Baked Mostaccioli with Ricotta Cheese.
- Easy Slow Cooker Minestrone.
What to stuff braciole with?
Braciole is an Italian-style roulade, a rolled and stuffed meat. It’s also called involtini, or bruciuluni in Sicilian. The etymology of the word translates to a slice of meat rolled over coals. The meat — typically beef, veal, or pork — is pounded thin and stuffed with prosciutto, breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs.