Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American baked pasta dish, consisting of ziti pasta, tomato sauce, ricotta or other cheese, and sometimes meat. It’s a hearty, comforting, and crowd-pleasing meal. When serving baked ziti, starting off the meal with a light appetizer can be a great way to whet your guests’ appetites before digging into the main course. But what appetizer pairs best with baked ziti? There are many options that complement the flavors of baked ziti perfectly.
Appetizers that Pair Well with Baked Ziti
Here are some appetizer ideas that go great with baked ziti:
Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a classic Italian antipasto that involves lightly grilled or toasted bread that is then topped with diced tomato, olive oil, garlic, basil, and sometimes cheese. The flavors of fresh tomato, garlic, and basil mirror some of the key ingredients found in baked ziti’s tomato sauce. The crunch of the toasted bread contrasts nicely with the soft, melty texture of the baked pasta. Bruschetta is easy to make and serve.
Caprese Salad
Caprese salad features sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Like bruschetta, it echoes some of the ingredients in baked ziti, like cheese, tomato, and basil. The freshness of the mozzarella and tomatoes balances the heaviness of the baked pasta dish. Make mini caprese salad bites by skewering a cherry tomato, small mozzarella ball, and basil leaf on a toothpick.
Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread is a perfect starter for many Italian meals. The garlic flavor complements the seasoning of the baked ziti well. Bake or toast thick slices of Italian bread that have been spread with garlic butter or brush with olive oil and garlic. Adding melted mozzarella or parmesan on top makes it even more compatible with the cheese in the baked ziti.
Meatballs
For a heartier appetizer, baked meatballs in tomato sauce are a natural match for baked ziti. Make bite-sized meatballs and serve them atop toasted bread slices, over polenta, or with toothpicks for dipping in sauce. Meatballs and baked ziti likely share similar meaty, tomatoey flavors.
Shrimp Cocktail
Chilled, cooked shrimp served with a zesty cocktail sauce may seem unexpected with baked ziti, but it can work well. The shrimp offer a refreshing contrast to the hot baked pasta, and the cocktail sauce has a tomato base that echoes the ziti’s sauce.
Tips for Serving an Appetizer with Baked Ziti
Here are some tips to help you successfully pair an appetizer with baked ziti:
– Match intensities – Choose a lighter appetizer so as not overload on heavy flavors before the main course. Bruschetta, caprese bites, and shrimp cocktail are good choices.
– Echo flavors – Look for appetizers that contain ingredients like tomato, garlic, basil, and cheese to complement the baked ziti.
– Contrast textures – Crunchy or creamy appetizers contrast nicely with the soft noodles of baked ziti. Think bruschetta, garlic bread, or caprese salad.
– Make it easy – Pick an appetizer that can be prepared ahead of time or that doesn’t require last-minute cooking so you can focus on the ziti.
– Keep portions small – Bite-sized appetizers like bruschetta, meatballs, or shrimp allow you to serve a taste without filling up guests.
– Consider additions – Meatballs, sausage, or crispy pancetta make tasty additions to baked ziti. Serving them as appetizers allows people to enjoy them on their own.
Sample Baked Ziti and Appetizer Menus
Here are a couple sample menus with an appetizer paired with baked ziti:
Menu 1
Bruschetta
Baked Ziti with Sausage
Caesar Salad
Garlic Bread
Tiramisu
Menu 2
Caprese Salad Bites
Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Spinach
Green Salad with Italian Dressing
Garlic Knots
Panna Cotta
Conclusion
When making baked ziti, starting the meal with an appetizer is a great way to get your guests excited for the main course. Options like bruschetta, caprese salad, garlic bread, meatballs, and shrimp cocktail all pair deliciously with ziti. Choose a lighter appetizer that echoes some of the flavors in the ziti but contrasts the texture. Make sure to keep portions small so appetites aren’t spoiled before enjoying the ziti. With a thoughtful appetizer and sides, baked ziti can be the star of a fantastic Italian-inspired meal.