When you know what to serve with tuna noodle casserole, it makes dinner time so much easier (and tastier!).
This dish is always a hit with my family, but I’ll be honest, I used to struggle with what sides to serve with it.
I didn’t want the same old green beans or carrots.
I wanted something that would complement the casserole and make the meal more exciting.
So if you are in the same boat, then you are in luck!
I’ve rounded up 12 of the best side dishes to serve with tuna noodle casserole.
From roasted vegetables to salad and everything in between, there is sure to be something on this list that your family will love.
What To Serve With Tuna Noodle Casserole? 12 Best Sides
A side dish is like the supporting actor in a movie; it doesn’t get the same attention as the main dish, but it’s essential to the overall experience.
When it comes to tuna noodle casserole, there are a number of great side dishes that can take the dish from good to great.
Here are 12 of the best side dishes for tuna noodle casserole:
1. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Any cheese lover will tell you that potatoes and cheese are a match made in heaven.
But when you add in the creaminess of scalloped potatoes, you’ve got a dish that is out-of-this-world delicious.
This side dish is the perfect complement to any casserole.
The cheesy potatoes add a richness and depth of flavor that takes the dish to the next level.
Pro Tip: For an extra cheesy scalloped potato dish, top with shredded cheese before baking.
2. Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
When you want something crispy and crunchy to go alongside your casserole, these baked zucchini chips are the perfect option.
They’re easy to make, and you can season them however you like.
I love to add a little bit of garlic powder and Parmesan cheese, but you could also go the savory route with some rosemary and thyme.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy chips, slice the zucchini thinly and bake for a longer period of time.
3. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
I love anything garlicky, so these roasted Brussels sprouts are right up my alley.
They’re the perfect side dish to a hearty casserole because they add a much needed pop of color and flavor.
The Parmesan cheese takes them over the top and makes them even more irresistible.
Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of Parmesan cheese, you can swap it out for another type of cheese like Gruyere or sharp cheddar.
4. Garlic Knots
These little guys are the perfect way to add a little something extra to your meal.
They’re garlicky and buttery and they go great with just about anything.
I love to serve them alongside a casserole or a big pot of soup.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can usually find pre-made garlic knots in the frozen section of your grocery store.
5. Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Not only is smashing potatoes a fun activity, but it also results in a crispy and delicious side dish.
These potatoes are the perfect addition to any casserole because they provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
Plus, they’re super easy to make!
Pro Tip: For extra crispy potatoes, coat them in olive oil before baking.
6. Cheesy Corn Fritters
These fritters are delicious (especially when dipped in ranch), and they add a great crunch to any meal.
I love to serve them alongside casseroles because they provide a contrast in texture and flavor.
The best part is that they’re so easy to make!
Pro Tip: Make a double batch of these fritters and freeze them for a quick and easy side dish on busy nights.
7. Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
This is a great side dish to serve with tuna noodle casserole or chicken pot pie.
It’s also a good way to sneak some veggies into your kids’ diet!
The best part about this dish is that it’s so easy to make.
You can even make it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
Pro Tip: If you want a little extra crunch, top the casserole with bread crumbs before baking.
8. Roasted Green Beans
Why not make a big batch of roasted green beans to have on hand throughout the week?
They make a great side dish alongside a casserole or roast, and they’re also tasty on their own as a snack.
I like to season mine with garlic, salt, and pepper, but you can really use any herbs or spices that you like.
Pro Tip: If you find that your green beans are getting too soft in the oven, try roasting them at a higher temperature for less time.
9. Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
These carrots will add color, texture, and flavor to any casserole.
The glaze is made with brown sugar, honey, and a touch of orange juice, which gives the carrots a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.
I love to use this dish as a way to add some extra veggies into my family’s diet.
Pro Tip: If you want to make this dish ahead of time, simply cook the carrots until they are tender. Then, store them in the fridge until you’re ready to glaze and bake them.
10. Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes Carrots and Zucchini
Nobody will go home hungry when you serve this hearty side dish alongside your casserole.
It’s packed with three different kinds of veggies, and it’s all roasted to perfection with garlic and herbs.
Plus, it’s so easy to make!
Just toss everything in a bowl with some olive oil and seasonings, then roast in the oven.
Pro Tip: If you want to save even more time, you can buy pre-cut potatoes at most grocery stores.
11. Spanish Rice
Spanish rice is the perfect side dish to any casserole because it’s packed with flavor, but it’s not too heavy.
The rice is perfectly cooked, and the veggies and seasonings give it a lovely depth of flavor.
Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to leave it out of the recipe.
12. The Creamiest Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, garlicky, and smooth, these are the mashed potatoes of your dreams.
They’re so good that they might just steal the show from whatever casserole you’re serving them with.
But that’s ok, because they’re easy to make and only require a few ingredients.
Plus, who doesn’t love a good mashed potato?
Pro Tip: For extra creamy potatoes, use half milk and half heavy cream.
What To Serve With Tuna Noodle Casserole? 12 Best Sides
Ingredients
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Garlic Knots
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Cheesy Corn Fritters
- Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
- Roasted Green Beans
- Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
- Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes Carrots and Zucchini
- Spanish Rice
- The Creamiest Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Instructions
- Pick your favorite side dish from this list to serve with your tuna noodle casserole.
- Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
- Enjoy in no time!