What to Serve with Branzino (17 Best Side Dishes)

Branzino, also known as European sea bass, is a white fish that is popular in Italian and Greek cuisine.

Branzino has a mild flavor and a firm texture, making it a versatile fish that can be cooked in many different ways.

When cooking branzino, it is important to choose the right side dishes to enhance the flavors of the fish.

Some good side dishes for branzino include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, quinoa, couscous, pasta, salads, and bread.

When choosing a side dish, it is important to consider the flavors of the dish and how they will pair with the branzino.

For example, a light salad would pair well with a grilled or baked branzino, while a heartier side like mashed potatoes would be better with a pan-seared or fried branzino.

In this article, I have compiled 17 different side dish ideas for branzino.

These recipes range from simple to complex, so you can find the perfect side dish to pair with your branzino no matter what your skill level or time constraints are.

What to Serve with Branzino?

There are many options for what to serve with branzino. If you want to keep it light, you can serve it with a salad or some vegetables. For a heartier meal, you can pair it with potatoes or another starch. You could also serve it with a sauce or salsa on the side.

Keep scrolling for more great side dish ideas!

1. Minestrone Soup

You’re probably not surprised to see a soup recipe as my go-to side dish to serve with branzino.

After all, soup is notoriously easy to make and can be tailored to fit any flavor profile.

I like to make a minestrone soup when I’m serving fish because it’s packed with veggies and has a nice, hearty texture.

Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time and can be easily reheated.

When making minestrone soup, I like to use a variety of herbs and spices to give it plenty of flavor.

I usually start with a base of garlic, onion, and celery, and then add in whatever other veggies I have on hand.

I always make sure to include some type of bean in the soup, as they add a great source of protein and bulk.

For the broth, you can use either chicken or vegetable stock, depending on your preference.

This soup is a great option to serve as a side dish because it is relatively easy to make and can be tailored to your liking.

Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!

2. Vegetable Stir-Fry

If you haven’t had success with fish dishes in the past, don’t give up just yet!

This vegetable stir-fry is the perfect accompaniment to any fish, and it’s packed with flavor.

Plus, it’s relatively easy to make, so you can focus on perfecting your fish recipe.

The key to a good stir-fry is to get the vegetables nice and crispy.

I like to use a wok for this, but you can also use a frying pan.

Just make sure to get it nice and hot before adding the vegetables.

I usually add a little oil to the pan, then add the vegetables and let them cook for a few minutes.

Once they’re crispy, I add a little soy sauce and fish sauce for flavor.

You can also add some fresh herbs like Thai basil or cilantro.

This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal, but it’s also impressive enough to serve to guests.

Just make sure you have everything prepped before you start cooking, as stir-fries cook quickly.

3. Fried Rice

If you’re not craving something completely green and healthy, fried rice is always a popular choice.

It’s a great way to use up leftover rice, and you can add whatever vegetables or protein you have on hand.

The key to good fried rice is to get the rice nice and crispy.

I like to use a little bit of oil in the pan and fry the rice over high heat, stirring frequently.

Once the rice is crispy, I add in the other ingredients.

You can use soy sauce, oyster sauce, or fish sauce to add flavor.

Fried rice is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables.

I usually add in some chopped onions, garlic, and green onions.

You can also add in peas, carrots, or corn.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add in some chopped-up bacon or ham.

Fried rice is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course.

4. Quinoa Pilaf

Quinoa pilaf is another side dish that I love with branzino.

This dish has a great flavor and is not too difficult to make.

The texture is perfect – not too mushy and not too dry.

I always add a few extra herbs and spices to my quinoa pilaf to give it a little extra flavor.

Some of my favorites include basil, oregano, and thyme.

This dish is perfect for a casual dinner party or a more formal event.

5. Baked Beans

Baked beans have been an American favorite side dish for generations.

They are delicious, hearty, and relatively easy to make.

The key to great baked beans is in the flavoring.

You can use a variety of herbs and spices to give them a unique flavor.

I like to use a combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

You can also add a little bit of bacon or ham for extra flavor.

Baked beans are perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck.

They can be made ahead of time and reheated, so they are perfect for feeding a crowd.

Just add all of the ingredients to a baking dish, mix well, and bake at a low temperature until heated through.

And when served with branzino and a simple salad, you’ll have a perfect summer meal.

6. Macaroni and Cheese

Why not keep it simple and delicious with macaroni and cheese?

It’s a classic dish that can be easily tailored to your liking.

Add in some extra herbs and spices to give it a little something extra, or keep it classic with just a touch of salt and pepper.

Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!

7. Mashed Potatoes

I LOVE mashed potatoes.

They’re my go-to side dish when I’m looking for something comforting and delicious.

I usually go for a classic flavor, but you can really get creative with mashed potatoes.

Add in some garlic, cheese, and chives for a delicious twist.

Mashed potatoes are pretty easy to make, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, make sure you boil the potatoes until they’re nice and soft.

You don’t want any lumps in your mashed potatoes!

Second, use a potato masher or ricer to get the perfect consistency.

I like my mashed potatoes on the smoother side, but you can make them as chunky as you like.

These tips will help you make the perfect mashed potatoes every time!

8. Spaghetti Squash

If you want something healthy next to your branzino, but don’t want to give up that starchy deliciousness, then spaghetti squash is the way to go.

This vegetable has a taste that is very similar to pasta but with a fraction of the calories.

Spaghetti squash is a great way to change up your classic pasta dish and is perfect for those who are looking to cut down on carbs.

This dish is also pretty simple to make and only requires a few ingredients.

The hardest part is waiting for the squash to cook!

Once it’s done, you can top it with your favorite sauce and cheese.

9. Sweet Potato Fries

Something a little crunchy, a little sweet, and totally delicious – sweet potato fries are the perfect side dish for any occasion.

They’re not too difficult to make, but there are a few things to keep in mind to get them just right.

First, you’ll want to make sure your sweet potatoes are properly cooked – not too hard and not too soft.

The perfect fry should be crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

You can achieve this by slicing the potatoes into even pieces and frying them at a high temperature.

Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices.

A little paprika or chili powder can give your fries a nice kick.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try dipping them in chocolate or caramel sauce.

So go ahead and give sweet potato fries a try – you won’t be disappointed!

10. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

I love how simple roasted sweet potatoes are – and yet, they’re so delicious.

They make a great side dish for any meal, and they’re also pretty healthy.

To roast sweet potatoes, you just need to cut them into wedges or slices, toss them with a little olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and then bake them in a hot oven until they’re cooked through and slightly browned.

I like to add a little bit of smoked paprika or chili powder to my sweet potatoes for a bit of extra flavor.

Roasted sweet potatoes are pretty hard to screw up, so even if you’re not a great cook, you can still make them taste great.

Just be sure to use enough oil and seasonings, and cook them long enough so that they’re nice and soft on the inside.

11. Baked Sweet Potato

Tonight when you’re serving branzino, why not try a delicious baked sweet potato on the side?

This side dish is easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.

Plus, it’s a great way to add some extra vegetables to your meal.

When baking sweet potatoes, I like to add a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg for flavor.

You could also try other herbs and spices like rosemary or thyme.

If you’re looking for a little more sweetness, you could drizzle some honey on top before serving.

This side dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a dinner party.

It’s also a great option if you’re trying to eat more vegetables.

Give it a try tonight!

12. Cornbread

Cornbread and branzino might seem like an unlikely combination, but trust me, it works.

The cornbread is sweet and the fish is salty, and the two flavors compliment each other perfectly.

Plus, the cornbread is a nice change from the usual rice or potatoes.

Cornbread is also easy to make.

Just mix together some cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and milk.

Then pour it into a greased pan and bake it at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.

The texture of the cornbread is nice and moist, and the herbs and spices you can use to flavor it are endless.

I like to use a little bit of garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.

But you can really use whatever you like.

Rosemary, thyme, and sage would also be good.

This side dish is perfect for a casual dinner party or a family gathering.

It’s also great for a weeknight meal when you want something a little different.

13. Biscuits

I still remember the smell of my grandmother’s biscuits wafting through the house.

They were always so light and fluffy, and had just the right amount of salt.

I loved to help her make them, and would always sneak a little bit of the dough.

Now, I make biscuits myself and they always take me back to those memories.

They’re such a simple dish, but they’re so delicious.

And, they’re perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re serving them with a hearty stew or just some butter and honey, they’re always a hit.

If you’ve never made biscuits before, don’t be intimidated.

They’re actually quite easy.

And, if you want to get creative, you can always add different herbs and spices to the dough.

Just experiment until you find a combination you like.

14. Dinner Rolls

Dinner rolls and branzino together?

Yep, we’re doing it.

This recipe is easy and straightforward, but the results are impressive and delicious.

The key to perfect dinner rolls is all in the texture.

You want a light and fluffy roll, with a slightly crisp exterior.

And of course, they must be packed with flavor.

We like to use a mix of herbs and spices in our rolls, to really give them a boost.

But feel free to play around with different combinations to find what you like best.

These rolls are the perfect addition to any meal, and they’re sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

15. Garlic Bread

One of my favorite branzino side dishes is garlic bread.

It’s super easy to make and only requires a few ingredients: bread, garlic, butter, and salt.

I like to use a nice, crusty bread for this dish.

The garlic bread is delicious and has a great flavor.

The garlic really comes through and gives the bread a nice zing.

It’s also a great side dish for a variety of occasions.

If you’re looking to add a little something extra to your garlic bread, you can try adding some herbs or spices.

I like to add a little bit of Italian seasoning to mine.

This gives the bread an even more robust flavor.

16. A Simple Green Salad

Something as simple as a green salad can be a delicious and refreshing side dish.

I like to use a mix of lettuces, like romaine, arugula, and spinach.

Then, I add in some chopped vegetables, like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.

I top it off with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and a little bit of mustard.

This salad is light and flavorful, and it’s perfect for a summer meal.

If you want to add a little bit more flavor to your salad, you can try adding some herbs and spices.

A little bit of basil or oregano can really brighten up a salad.

And if you want a bit of a kick, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes.

This salad is also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge.

So, don’t be afraid to get creative!

This is one of those branzino sides that is healthy and flavorful, making it a perfect option for a summer meal.

17. Roasted Potatoes

I’m talking about regular old potatoes, roasted to perfection.

You can find them as a side dish at pretty much any restaurant, but they’re also easy to make at home.

There are a few things that make a good roasted potato: flavor, texture, and difficulty level.

First, let’s talk about flavor.

You can really use any herbs and spices you like, but I personally love using rosemary and garlic.

Just a few cloves of garlic and a sprig or two of rosemary go a long way.

As for texture, you want your potatoes to be nice and crispy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside.

The key to achieving this is to roast them at a high temperature.

I like to roast mine at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

As for difficulty level, this one is pretty easy.

Just make sure to cut your potatoes into even pieces so they cook evenly.

And that’s pretty much it!

These roasted potatoes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a fancier holiday meal.

And they go with just about anything. So go ahead and give them a try!

FAQ

What to Serve with Branzino Fillets?

Branzino fillets pair well with a variety of sides, such as roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, and even pasta. If you want to keep the meal light, you can serve the fillets with a simple salad. For a heartier meal, you can add a protein-rich side dish.

What to Serve with Grilled Branzino?

There are many things that go well with grilled branzino. For a light and healthy meal, try pairing it with a salad or roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for something more filling, try serving it with rice or pasta. And for a truly indulgent meal, serve grilled branzino with mashed potatoes and sautéed greens.

What to Serve with Whole Branzino?

There are many options when it comes to what to serve with whole branzino. Some sides that would go well with this dish include roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or some crusty bread. You could also serve it with a light pasta dish or some rice.

What to Serve with Roasted Branzino?

When serving roasted branzino, you can keep it simple with just a squeeze of lemon and some herbs like rosemary or thyme. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, fennel, or potatoes. If you want to add a bit more flavor, you can try serving it with a salsa verde or chimichurri sauce.

Why Is Branzino Served Whole?

Branzino is served whole because it is a very delicate fish. When you cook it whole, the skin protects the flesh and keeps it from drying out. This results in a moister, more flavorful fish. Additionally, cooking branzino whole ensures that the fish retains all of its healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

What Are the Best Vegetables to Serve with Branzino?

The best vegetables to serve with branzino are those that can stand up to the fish’s strong flavor. Good choices include artichokes, asparagus, carrots, fennel, leeks, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, squash, and tomatoes.

What Is the Best Sauce to Serve with Branzino?

There are many different types of sauces that can be served with branzino. If you want a light sauce, you can go for a lemon butter sauce or a white wine sauce. If you want a heavier sauce, you can opt for a tomato-based sauce or a cream sauce.