So you’ve decided to prepare a delectable osso buco for your next dinner party or family gathering. But now you find yourself wondering, what should I serve with this flavorful dish? Look no further, as we have compiled a list of mouthwatering accompaniments that will perfectly complement the rich and tender veal shanks. From creamy polenta to refreshing gremolata, we’ve got you covered with an array of options that will elevate your osso buco experience to new heights. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the wonderful world of osso buco pairings.
Salads
Green salad
A classic green salad is a versatile and refreshing choice to serve alongside Osso Buco. This simple salad usually consists of mixed greens, such as lettuce or spinach, topped with your favorite vegetables and a light dressing. The crispness and freshness of the greens will complement the richness of the Osso Buco, creating a well-balanced meal.
Caprese salad
With its colorful presentation and vibrant flavors, Caprese salad is a perfect accompaniment to Osso Buco. Made with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves, this Italian classic brings together the best of summer’s bounty. The combination of creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil provides a light and tangy contrast to the hearty Osso Buco.
Arugula salad
For those who prefer a peppery kick in their salad, arugula salad is an excellent choice. The slightly bitter and nutty flavor of arugula pairs beautifully with the tender and flavorful meat of the Osso Buco. Consider adding some roasted pine nuts or shaved Parmesan cheese to enhance the taste and texture of this delightful salad.
Side Dishes
Polenta
Creamy and decadent, polenta is a classic Italian side dish that complements Osso Buco perfectly. Made from cornmeal and cooked to a smooth consistency, this versatile dish can be served soft or firm. The creamy texture and subtle corn flavor of polenta create a wonderful contrast to the richness of the braised meat, making it an indulgent addition to your meal.
Mashed potatoes
There’s no denying the comforting appeal of creamy mashed potatoes. This timeless side dish pairs exceptionally well with Osso Buco, allowing you to savor the succulent meat with a velvety and buttery accompaniment. The creamy, smooth texture and mild flavor of mashed potatoes act as a perfect canvas for the flavors of the Osso Buco to shine.
Risotto
Risotto, known for its creamy and satisfying texture, is a fantastic side dish to serve alongside Osso Buco. This Italian rice dish, cooked slowly with broth until it reaches a creamy consistency, can be customized with various flavors such as mushrooms, saffron, or Parmesan cheese. The creamy risotto harmonizes with the tender meat, creating a luxurious dining experience.
Baked vegetables
For a lighter option, baked vegetables provide a delicious and nutritious side dish to complement the richness of Osso Buco. Roasting vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant enhances their natural sweetness and adds a caramelized flavor. The vibrant colors and robust flavors of the roasted vegetables create a visually appealing and flavorful addition to your meal.
Bread and Rolls
Crusty bread
No Italian meal is complete without the presence of crusty bread. A freshly baked, warm loaf of crusty bread is the perfect vessel for sopping up the savory juices from Osso Buco. The crisp crust and soft interior of the bread provide a delightful contrast in texture and offer a satisfying way to enjoy every last bit of the dish.
Garlic bread
When it comes to flavor-packed bread options, garlic bread steals the show. Slices of bread slathered with garlic butter and toasted until golden brown create a fragrant and irresistible side dish. The aromatic garlic infuses the bread with its savory essence, adding an extra layer of deliciousness when paired with the luscious Osso Buco.
Focaccia
Focaccia, a fluffy and flavorful Italian bread, is an excellent choice to complement Osso Buco. This flatbread is typically topped with olive oil, salt, and herbs, creating a savory and aromatic base. The soft and airy texture of focaccia pairs well with the tender meat, making it a delightful side to mop up the delicious sauce of the Osso Buco.
Dinner rolls
If you prefer individual-sized portions of bread, dinner rolls are a great option. These soft and fluffy rolls are perfect for creating bite-sized sandwiches with the Osso Buco. The small size of the rolls allows you to enjoy each bite of the meat without overwhelming your plate, making it an ideal choice for a more refined dining experience.
Vegetable Sides
Roasted carrots
Roasted carrots make a beautiful and vibrant side dish for Osso Buco. The natural sweetness of the carrots intensifies during roasting, creating a caramelized exterior and a tender center. The earthy notes of roasted carrots complement the rich flavors of the Osso Buco, adding a touch of brightness and color to the plate.
Sautéed spinach
For a nutritious and flavorful vegetable side, sautéed spinach is an excellent choice. This leafy green vegetable is quickly cooked in a hot pan with a bit of olive oil and garlic, resulting in a vibrant and tender side dish. The fresh and earthy flavor of spinach pairs well with the richness of the Osso Buco, creating a well-balanced and healthful meal.
Grilled asparagus
Grilled asparagus adds a smoky and slightly charred element to your Osso Buco dinner. The tender spears of asparagus, seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, develop a wonderful flavor and texture when cooked on a hot grill. The vibrant green color, satisfying crunch, and subtle bitterness of grilled asparagus complement the succulent meat beautifully.
Steamed green beans
For a light and refreshing vegetable side, steamed green beans are a simple yet satisfying option. Steaming the green beans preserves their vibrant color and crisp texture, allowing their natural flavor to shine through. The tender-crisp green beans offer a fresh contrast to the rich and hearty Osso Buco, creating a well-rounded and colorful plate.
Pasta
Rigatoni
When it comes to pairing pasta with Osso Buco, rigatoni is an excellent choice. The ridged and tube-like shape of rigatoni allows it to hold the rich and flavorful sauce of the Osso Buco, ensuring each bite is packed with deliciousness. The hearty texture and large size of rigatoni make it an ideal companion to the tender meat and robust flavors of the dish.
Tagliatelle
Tagliatelle, a long and flat pasta similar to fettuccine, is a classic choice to serve alongside Osso Buco. The wide and ribbon-like noodles provide a substantial base for the luscious meat and sauce, capturing the flavors with every twirl of the fork. The delicate and silky texture of tagliatelle adds elegance to the dish, making it a sophisticated pairing.
Gnocchi
The pillowy softness of homemade gnocchi is a delightful match for Osso Buco. These small dumplings, made from potatoes and flour, offer a comforting and rich component to the meal. The tender and silky texture of the gnocchi pairs well with the velvety sauce of the Osso Buco, creating a memorable dining experience.
Pappardelle
For pasta lovers seeking a wider and more substantial option, pappardelle is an excellent choice. These broad and flat noodles provide a sturdy base for the robust flavors of the Osso Buco, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful bite every time. The wide surface area of pappardelle captures and holds onto the luscious sauce, creating an indulgent combination of pasta and meat.
Wine Pairings
Barolo
Known as the “king of wines,” Barolo is a classic and bold red wine from the Piedmont region of Italy. Its full-bodied nature and high tannin content pair beautifully with the rich and robust flavors of Osso Buco. The complex aromas of dark fruits, earth, and spices found in Barolo complement the braised meat, elevating the overall dining experience.
Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico, a red wine from the Chianti region in Tuscany, is a timeless choice to enjoy with Osso Buco. This medium-bodied wine offers a balance of bright acidity, red fruit flavors, and herbal notes. The fruity and acidic profile of Chianti Classico provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory Osso Buco, making it a versatile pairing.
Brunello di Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino, a prestigious red wine from Tuscany, is an excellent choice for those seeking an elegant and full-bodied pairing with Osso Buco. This wine is known for its rich and complex aromas of dark fruits, leather, and earth. The intense flavors and velvety texture of Brunello di Montalcino harmonize with the depth and richness of the Osso Buco, creating a luxurious dining experience.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo, the grape variety behind iconic wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco, offers a fantastic option to complement the flavors of Osso Buco. This red wine exhibits bold tannins, high acidity, and complex aromas of red fruits, rose petals, and tar. The powerful and structured nature of Nebbiolo pairs well with the intense flavors of the braised meat, providing a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.
Desserts
Tiramisu
Tiramisu, a classic Italian dessert, is a crowd-pleasing choice to follow Osso Buco. Layers of delicate ladyfingers soaked in coffee liqueur and layered with mascarpone cream create a heavenly combination. The creamy and light texture of tiramisu provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Osso Buco, making it a delightful ending to your meal.
Panna cotta
Panna cotta, a silky and custard-like dessert, offers a refreshing and elegant option after indulging in Osso Buco. This creamy dessert is typically flavored with vanilla and set with gelatin, resulting in a smooth and delicate texture. The subtle sweetness and velvety mouthfeel of panna cotta act as a soothing palate cleanser, providing a light and satisfying conclusion to your meal.
Affogato
Affogato, meaning “drowned” in Italian, is a simple yet decadent dessert that combines the best of both worlds: coffee and ice cream. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is topped with a shot of hot espresso, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors. The rich and bold notes of espresso harmonize with the sweet and creamy ice cream, offering a delightful finale to your Osso Buco feast.
Cannoli
Cannoli, a beloved Sicilian dessert, is a delightful option to end your Osso Buco meal on a sweet note. These crispy pastry shells, filled with a sweet and creamy ricotta filling, offer a harmonious combination of textures and flavors. The light and airy shell complements the richness of the ricotta filling, creating a satisfying and indulgent treat.
Appetizers
Bruschetta
Bruschetta, a classic Italian appetizer, is an excellent way to kick off your Osso Buco dinner. Slices of crusty bread are toasted and topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic, creating a burst of summery flavors. The crunchy bread and vibrant toppings provide a light and refreshing start to your meal, preparing your palate for the hearty flavors to come.
Antipasto platter
An antipasto platter is a fantastic way to showcase a variety of Italian ingredients and flavors before digging into the Osso Buco. An array of cured meats, such as prosciutto and salami, alongside marinated vegetables, olives, and cheeses, creates a diverse and satisfying spread. The combination of different tastes and textures on the antipasto platter sets the stage for the delicious main course.
Prosciutto-wrapped melon
Prosciutto-wrapped melon, a simple yet elegant appetizer, provides a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors. Slices of ripe melon, such as cantaloupe or honeydew, are wrapped with thin slices of prosciutto, creating a harmonious contrast. The sweetness of the melon balances the savory richness of the prosciutto, offering a light and refreshing start to your Osso Buco dinner.
Cheese
Parmigiano-Reggiano
Parmigiano-Reggiano, often referred to as the “king of cheeses,” is a staple in Italian cuisine. This hard and grainy cheese boasts a rich and nutty flavor profile, making it a versatile choice to enjoy with Osso Buco. Grated or shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano adds a delightful touch of umami and saltiness to the dish, enhancing its overall taste.
Gorgonzola
For those who enjoy a bolder and more pungent flavor, Gorgonzola cheese is an excellent option to pair with Osso Buco. This blue cheese offers a creamy and tangy taste, adding a distinct and intense element to the dish. Crumbled Gorgonzola can be sprinkled over the Osso Buco, melting into the sauce and enriching the flavors with its unique character.
Burrata
Burrata, a soft and creamy cheese from Southern Italy, brings a luxurious touch to your Osso Buco dining experience. The outer layer of this cheese is mozzarella, while the center is filled with a combination of mozzarella and cream, creating a luscious and velvety texture. The creamy and mild flavors of burrata provide a delightful contrast to the richness of the Osso Buco, elevating the meal to a new level of indulgence.
Fontina
Fontina cheese, with its nutty and earthy flavor, is a delightful addition to Osso Buco. This semi-soft cheese melts beautifully, spreading its rich and creamy texture throughout the dish. Whether scattered on top of the braised meat or incorporated into a gratin topping, Fontina cheese adds depth and richness to the flavors, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
Herbs and Spices
Gremolata
Gremolata, a condiment made from finely chopped parsley, garlic, and lemon zest, provides a bright and refreshing burst of flavor when paired with Osso Buco. The freshness and acidity of gremolata balance the richness of the dish, cutting through the braised meat with its vibrant and zesty characteristics. Sprinkle a generous amount of gremolata over the Osso Buco just before serving to enhance its flavors.
Thyme
Thyme, with its fragrant and earthy notes, is an herb that pairs exceptionally well with Osso Buco. The mild and slightly minty flavor of thyme complements the rich and savory flavors of the dish, enhancing its taste profile. Whether added during the braising process or sprinkled on top as a garnish, thyme adds a delightful touch of freshness to the Osso Buco.
Rosemary
Rosemary, with its woody and pine-like aroma, brings a distinctive flavor to Osso Buco. The robust and savory notes of rosemary harmonize with the braised meat, infusing it with a delightful herbal essence. Whether used as a seasoning during the cooking process or as a garnish, rosemary adds depth and complexity to the dish, creating a memorable dining experience.
Bay leaves
Bay leaves, with their subtle and floral flavors, are often added to braised dishes like Osso Buco to impart a subtle but distinctive taste. These aromatic leaves contribute a lovely depth and complexity to the rich flavors of the dish. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving, as they are meant to infuse the flavors during cooking, rather than being consumed directly.
In conclusion, whether you’re hosting a special gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, serving Osso Buco with a well thought-out selection of salads, side dishes, bread and rolls, vegetable sides, pasta, wine pairings, desserts, appetizers, cheese, and herbs and spices will elevate the dining experience. By carefully considering the flavors, textures, and complementary elements, you can create a perfectly balanced and memorable meal that showcases the best of Italian cuisine and brings joy to everyone at the table.
