What to Serve with Meatball Subs: 30+ Easy Side Dishes
Who doesn’t love a good meatball sub? When you’re wondering what to serve with meatball subs, I’ve got you covered!
These amazing sandwiches deserve perfect sidekicks. I love how the right sides can turn a simple sub into a fantastic meal.
You’ll find everything from crispy potatoes to fresh salads here. The best part? These sides complement the rich, saucy goodness of your sub.
Let’s make your meatball sub experience even better with these tasty companions.
What is a Meatball Sub?
Picture this: tender meatballs nestled in a soft roll, smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melty cheese. That’s the magic of a meatball sub! Some folks add peppers and onions, while others keep it simple. It’s comfort food that makes everyone smile.
What to Serve with Meatball Subs?
You’re in for a treat! I’ve gathered sides ranging from crispy potatoes to fresh salads, roasted veggies, and crunchy snacks. Don’t forget the pasta options and refreshing drinks.
Potato Dishes
Potatoes and meatball subs are like best friends! These starchy sides soak up extra sauce and add that satisfying crunch or creaminess your meal needs.
- Garlic Parmesan Fries: My family goes crazy for these crispy fries! Tossed with fresh garlic and Parmesan, they’re the perfect match for your sub. The cheese ties everything together beautifully.
- Potato Chips: Sometimes simple is best! Crunchy chips add texture and salt to balance your saucy sub. I love serving kettle-cooked chips for extra crunch.
- German Potato Salad: Warm, tangy potatoes with bacon bits create an amazing contrast to your sub. The vinegar-based dressing cuts through the rich meatballs perfectly.
- Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges: These thick-cut wedges are crispy outside, and fluffy inside. You’ll love how the garlic and cheese complement your sub’s Italian flavors.
- Roasted Fingerling Potatoes: Small, crispy, and packed with flavor. These little potatoes get super crispy and make perfect bite-sized companions.
Fresh Salads
Need something light and fresh with your hearty sub? Salads bring color, crunch, and fresh flavors to your plate. They balance out the rich meatballs perfectly.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing and crunchy croutons make this a classic choice. I love how the parmesan cheese ties it back to Italian flavors.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and sweet basil create magic together. You’ll love how this salad matches your sub’s Italian roots.
- Creamy Coleslaw: Cool, crunchy cabbage in creamy dressing adds texture and tang. The cool crunch helps cut through the warm, rich sub.
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: Light, refreshing, and super easy to make. The cool cucumbers and dill dressing bring a fresh twist to your meal.
- Beet Salad: Sweet, earthy beets with goat cheese add beautiful color and flavor. Your plate will look amazing with this bright side dish.
- Italian Green Salad: Simple mixed greens with Italian dressing make the perfect match. You get fresh crunch without overshadowing your main dish.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting brings out natural sweetness and adds depth to your meal. These veggie sides complement your sub with their caramelized goodness.
- Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables: Colorful mix of zucchini, peppers, and eggplant with herbs. The Mediterranean flavors match your sub perfectly.
- Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Sweet and tangy sprouts get super crispy. My kids even ask for seconds of these little flavor bombs!
- Italian Roasted Peppers: Sweet bell peppers become silky and rich when roasted. They’re like having a bonus topping for your sub.
- Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Crispy edges and lots of garlic make this broccoli irresistible. The florets catch all that tasty garlic flavor.
- Parmesan Garlic Roasted Green Beans: Crispy, cheesy, and totally addictive. These beans disappear fast at my dinner table!
Simple Crispy and Crunchy Sides
Looking for that perfect crunch? These sides add exciting textures and flavors to your meal. From classic favorites to creative twists, these crunchy bites will make your sub even better.
- Onion Rings: Golden-brown circles of happiness! These crispy, battered onion rings bring sweet and savory crunch. I love dipping them in marinara sauce left from my sub.
- Air Fryer Zucchini Chips: Light, crispy, and surprisingly addictive. These healthy chips get super crunchy in the air fryer with just a sprinkle of seasonings.
- Homemade Doritos: Seasoned tortilla chips with bold flavors make snacking fun. You’ll love how these zesty triangles complement your sub’s Italian seasonings.
- Dill Pickles: Tangy, crunchy, and refreshing! These briny bites cut through the richness of your meatball sub. My kids always fight over the last pickle.
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries: Crispy outside, tender inside, these veggie fries are guilt-free and delicious. The Italian seasoning makes them perfect sub companions.
- Crispy Green Beans: These crunchy beans get a crispy coating that’s hard to resist. They’re like nature’s French fries with extra nutrients!
Bread and Appetizers
Start your meal right with these warm, cheesy starters. They bring an extra Italian flair to your meatball sub experience.
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted bread with buttery garlic goodness. The air fryer gives it amazing crispy edges while keeping the middle soft.
- Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers: Sweet mini peppers filled with creamy, herbed cheese create perfect bites. They’re colorful and packed with flavor.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Juicy mushroom caps filled with savory breadcrumbs and cheese. These little bites disappear fast at my family gatherings!
- Italian Breadsticks: Crispy, seasoned breadsticks that are perfect for sauce-dipping. You’ll love how they complement your sub’s Italian flavors.
- Mozzarella Sticks: Golden-brown outside, stretchy cheese inside. These crowd-pleasers add extra cheesy goodness to your meal.
Pasta Dishes
Want more Italian comfort? These pasta sides bring extra satisfaction to your meal. From cold pasta salads to warm, cheesy dishes, these options double your Italian food joy.
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy pasta that’s pure comfort food. The rich cheese sauce creates a perfect partner for your meatball sub. Everyone loves this classic combination!
- Italian Pasta Salad: Tri-color rotini tossed with Italian dressing, vegetables, and cheese. This chilled pasta brings fresh flavors and makes enough to feed a crowd.
- Easy Weeknight Spaghetti: Simple buttered spaghetti with garlic and herbs. Sometimes basic is best, and this light pasta lets your meatball sub shine.
- Buttered Noodles: Perfectly cooked egg noodles tossed with butter and Parmesan. This simple side dish never fails to please and complements your sub beautifully.
Beverages for Meatball Subs
The right drink makes your meal complete! From refreshing sodas to adult beverages, these drinks pair perfectly with your meatball sub experience.
- Beer: A cold, crisp lager or amber ale cuts through the richness of your meatball sub. The maltiness complements the savory meat perfectly.
- Wine: A medium-bodied red like Chianti brings out the Italian flavors. The acidity helps balance the rich sauce and cheese in your sub.
- Italian Soda Varieties: Fizzy fruit-flavored sodas with a splash of cream. These sweet, bubbly drinks add a fun Italian-American twist to your meal.
- Sangria: Fresh fruit-filled red wine punch that’s perfect for parties. The fruity flavors and wine combine for a festive drink that everyone loves.
Final Thoughts
Your meatball sub deserves great company! Mix and match these sides to create your perfect meal.
Try a crunchy side with a fresh salad, or pair pasta with roasted veggies. The possibilities are endless!
Remember, the best combinations are the ones you enjoy most. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual dinner, these sides will make your meatball sub shine.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite pairings. I hope these suggestions help you create the perfect meatball sub experience.
From crispy potatoes to refreshing drinks, you’ve got plenty of options to make your meal special. Enjoy these delicious combinations!
