Pasta, with its diverse range of shapes, sauces, and preparations, is a beloved staple in many cuisines. Whether you’re enjoying a simple spaghetti with marinara or a rich lasagna, the right bread can enhance your pasta experience by adding complementary textures and flavors. From crusty artisanal loaves to fluffy, soft varieties, here’s a comprehensive guide to the best breads to serve with pasta.
Classic Bread Choices
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic companion to many pasta dishes, especially Italian favorites like spaghetti and lasagna. Its buttery, garlicky flavor and crispy texture provide a delightful contrast to the smooth, saucy pasta. To make garlic bread, spread a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and herbs over slices of Italian bread or a baguette, then bake until golden brown.
Ciabatta
Ciabatta, with its rustic crust and airy crumb, is a perfect choice for mopping up pasta sauces. Its chewy texture and open crumb structure make it ideal for sopping up every last bit of sauce on your plate. Whether you serve it warm or at room temperature, ciabatta complements pasta dishes like fettuccine Alfredo and Bolognese sauce.
Focaccia
Focaccia is an Italian flatbread with a soft, pillowy texture and a slightly crispy crust. It’s often seasoned with rosemary, olive oil, and sea salt, which adds a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with a variety of pasta dishes. Its dimpled surface is perfect for soaking up rich sauces and dressings.
Artisan Breads
Sourdough
Sourdough, with its tangy flavor and chewy texture, offers a unique twist when paired with pasta. The slightly sour notes of the bread complement creamy and tomato-based sauces alike. A thick slice of sourdough, toasted or fresh, can be a great addition to dishes like penne arrabbiata or mushroom risotto.
Olive Bread
Olive bread, often studded with chunks of olives and herbs, brings a Mediterranean flair to your pasta meal. The briny, savory notes of the olives enhance the flavors of pasta dishes such as puttanesca or seafood pasta. Its hearty texture also holds up well to rich sauces.
Baguette
A French baguette, with its crisp crust and soft interior, is a versatile choice for pasta meals. Its thin, crispy slices are ideal for dipping into rich pasta sauces or enjoying with a simple pasta dish. The baguette’s neutral flavor allows it to pair well with a wide range of pasta preparations.
Soft and Fluffy Options
Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls, with their soft and fluffy texture, provide a comforting contrast to pasta dishes. They are perfect for soaking up lighter sauces or broths, such as in a pasta primavera or a light tomato basil pasta. Serve them warm for an extra touch of comfort.
Hush Puppies
Hush puppies, with their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior, can add an interesting twist to your pasta meal. Although they are more commonly associated with Southern cuisine, their savory flavor and texture make them a unique choice for hearty pasta dishes like lasagna or baked ziti.
Brioche
Brioche, with its sweet, buttery flavor and soft crumb, offers a luxurious touch when served with pasta. While not a traditional pairing, its rich flavor can complement pasta dishes that have a sweeter or more delicate profile, such as butternut squash ravioli or creamy mushroom pasta.
Whole Grain and Nutty Breads
Whole Wheat Bread
Whole wheat bread, with its hearty texture and nutty flavor, is a nutritious option to pair with pasta. Its robust taste pairs well with earthy pasta dishes, such as those featuring roasted vegetables or whole grain pasta. Whole wheat bread adds a wholesome element to the meal, balancing out richer pasta preparations.
Seeded Multigrain Bread
Seeded multigrain bread, with its combination of seeds and grains, offers a hearty and textured accompaniment to pasta. Its nutty flavor and crunchy seeds provide a satisfying contrast to smooth and creamy pasta sauces. Try it with a rich pasta dish like lasagna or a hearty bolognese for a filling and balanced meal.
Artisan and Specialty Breads
Pumpernickel
Pumpernickel, with its deep, rich flavor and dense texture, provides an unexpected but delightful pairing with pasta. Its slightly sweet and tangy notes can complement dishes with strong flavors, such as a spicy arrabbiata or a robust sausage pasta. The dense texture of pumpernickel makes it ideal for soaking up thicker sauces.
Rye Bread
Rye bread, with its slightly sour flavor and chewy texture, can offer a unique contrast to pasta dishes. Its robust taste pairs well with heartier sauces and pasta dishes, such as those with smoked meats or strong cheeses. Rye bread’s dense texture also helps it stand up to rich and creamy pasta sauces.
Sides and Extras
Pita Bread
Pita bread, with its soft and slightly chewy texture, can be a fun and versatile bread choice to serve with pasta. It can be torn into pieces and used to scoop up pasta sauces or used as a base for pasta-based sandwiches or wraps. Its neutral flavor makes it adaptable to various pasta dishes.
Naan
Naan, with its soft, pillowy texture and slightly smoky flavor, can offer an interesting contrast to Italian pasta dishes. While more commonly associated with Indian cuisine, naan’s ability to soak up sauces makes it a viable option for creamy pasta dishes or those with a lot of sauce.
Sauces and Condiments
Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce, with its rich tomato flavor and garlic notes, is a great option to pair with many types of bread. Serve it alongside your bread for dipping or spread it over slices for a simple yet delicious treat.
Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar
A classic dipping sauce of olive oil and balsamic vinegar is a versatile option for almost any type of bread. The rich, fruity olive oil and tangy vinegar provide a flavorful contrast to the bread, enhancing its taste and adding a touch of sophistication to your meal.
Herb Butter
Herb butter, made with a blend of fresh herbs and softened butter, is a delicious accompaniment to bread served with pasta. Spread it over warm bread for a flavorful addition that complements the pasta and adds an extra layer of richness to the meal.
Beverages
Red Wine
A glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or a Cabernet Sauvignon, can enhance the flavors of both the pasta and the bread. The robust flavors of red wine complement rich pasta dishes and the variety of breads served with them.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water, with its refreshing effervescence, is a great choice to cleanse the palate between bites. It pairs well with both hearty and light pasta dishes, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Herbal Tea
Herbal tea, such as rosemary or thyme-infused tea, can offer a unique and calming beverage option. Its subtle flavors can complement a range of pasta dishes and provide a soothing end to your meal.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bread to serve with pasta can elevate your meal, adding complementary textures and flavors to enhance the overall dining experience. Whether you opt for classic choices like garlic bread and ciabatta or explore artisan options like sourdough and olive bread, there’s a perfect bread for every pasta dish. Experiment with these suggestions to discover your favorite combinations and enjoy a delicious and satisfying pasta meal.
