What to Serve with Italian Beef Sandwiches: 30+ Side Dishes
Looking for the perfect sides to serve with Italian beef sandwiches? You’re in the right place!
I’ve gathered over 30 mouthwatering side dishes that’ll make your sandwich meal complete.
From crispy fries to fresh salads, these side dishes add amazing flavors and textures to complement your savory Italian beef sandwich.
Let’s dive into these tasty options that’ll turn your simple sandwich into a feast!
What is Italian Beef Sandwich?
A Chicago classic featuring tender sliced roast beef slow-cooked with Italian seasonings and served on crusty bread. Often topped with cheese, giardiniera, or sweet peppers, this sandwich gained popularity in Chicago’s Italian-American community in the 1930s.
What to Serve with Italian Beef Sandwiches?
From crunchy salads to hearty soups, crispy potatoes to fresh vegetables, pasta dishes to tasty appetizers – these side dishes create the perfect meal. Let’s find these delicious options that’ll make your Italian beef sandwich even better!
Easy Salads
Fresh, crisp salad recipes provide a perfect contrast to the rich, savory flavors of Italian beef. These also help balance out your meal perfectly.
- Garden Salad: Fresh crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and classic dressing make this simple salad shine. The light, refreshing crunch provides a perfect balance to the rich beef
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy dressing with crunchy croutons and parmesan cheese. I love how the garlic and anchovy flavors complement the beef perfectly. Looking for more salad ideas? Check out what to serve with Caesar salad.
- Antipasto Salad: A colorful mix of Italian meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables. The tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of your sandwich beautifully.
- Roasted Heirloom Carrots Salad: Rainbow-colored carrots roasted with olive oil and herbs bring sweet, earthy flavors. Their tender-crisp texture adds excitement to every bite.
- Big Italian Salad: Loaded with pepperoncini, olives, cherry tomatoes, and Italian dressing, this hearty salad packs bold flavors. The tangy vinaigrette cuts through the rich beef perfectly.
- Creamy Broccoli Salad: Crunchy broccoli florets, crispy bacon, and sweet raisins in creamy dressing offer delightful texture contrasts. The combination of flavors makes every bite interesting.
- Caprese Salad: Sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette create an authentic Italian pairing. The flavors complement the savory beef perfectly. Looking for more pairing ideas? Find easy sides for Caprese salad.
Hearty Soups
When the weather turns cool, these warming soups make perfect companions to Italian beef sandwiches. Each brings unique flavors that complement the sandwich beautifully.
- Minestrone Soup: This classic Italian vegetable soup loaded with beans, pasta, and seasonal vegetables offers comfort in every spoonful. The light tomato broth works great with the sandwich. Need more soup ideas? Check out what to serve with minestrone.
- Italian Beef Soup: Transform extra Italian beef into a hearty soup with vegetables and pasta. The rich beef broth doubles down on those amazing flavors you love.
- Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage: Italian sausage and creamy beans create a filling soup that matches the sandwich’s boldness. The herbs and spices complement each other beautifully.
- French Onion Potato Soup: My mom’s favorite one! Sweet caramelized onions and tender potatoes in a rich broth topped with melty cheese. This twist on classic French onion soup adds extra comfort.
- Tomato Basil Soup: Smooth, creamy tomato soup with fresh basil makes dipping your sandwich pure joy. The bright flavors cut through the richness perfectly. For more tomato soup pairings, see what goes well with tomato soup.
Potato Side Dishes
These starchy sides bring comfort and satisfaction to every Italian beef sandwich meal. Perfect for soaking up juices.
- Garlic Parmesan Fries: Crispy fries tossed with garlic, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs make an irresistible side. The crunchy exterior and fluffy interior are pure potato perfection.
- Baked Potato Wedges: Seasoned with Italian herbs and roasted until golden brown, these wedges are crispy outside and fluffy inside. The savory seasonings match perfectly with Italian beef.
- Potato Salad: Creamy, tangy potato salad with fresh herbs and a zesty dressing brings a cool contrast to the hot sandwich. Every bite offers delightful texture and flavor combinations.
- Mashed Potatoes: Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes make the perfect bed for catching those flavorful beef juices. The creamy texture complements the tender meat wonderfully. For more potato inspiration, check out potato side dishes for steak.
- Potato Chips: Homemade seasoned potato chips provide a satisfying crunch and salty flavor. They’re perfect for scooping up any dropped beef and peppers from your sandwich. I don’t forget to add chips in my sandwich time, because it’s an easy side dish.
- Potato Au Gratin: Layers of thinly sliced potatoes in creamy cheese sauce create pure comfort food magic. The rich, cheesy goodness pairs beautifully with Italian beef.
Light Vegetable Sides
Fresh vegetables add color, nutrients, and bright flavors to balance the rich sandwich. So, these all veggies go great with Italian beef.
- Italian Style Roasted Vegetables: Colorful bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and potatoes roasted with olive oil and Italian seasoning create a Mediterranean flair. The caramelized edges add wonderful depth.
- Giardiniera Recipe: Homemade pickled vegetables bring authentic Chicago style. The tangy, spicy mix cuts through richness perfectly.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized sprouts tossed with balsamic glaze offer sweet and savory notes. Their slight bitterness cuts through the rich beef perfectly.
- KFC Coleslaw: Creamy, sweet, and tangy coleslaw provides a cool crunch and refreshing flavor. This classic side brings balance to the warm sandwich.
- Garlic Butter Green Beans: Fresh green beans sautéed in garlic butter until crisp-tender add elegant simplicity. The bright flavors complement the savory beef beautifully.
- Grilled Asparagus: Smoky grilled asparagus with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper brings sophisticated flair. The charred edges echo the sandwich’s savory notes.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quick-wilted spinach with garlic and olive oil offers healthy, flavorful simplicity. The tender greens soak up beef juices deliciously.
Pasta and Grain Sides
These hearty pasta and grain dishes bring Italian flair to your meal. Each option offers filling comfort that pairs perfectly with your sandwich.
- Italian Pasta Salad: Colorful rotini pasta tossed with Italian dressing, vegetables, and cheese creates a festive side. The zesty flavors brighten up your meal. Looking for pasta inspiration? Try what goes with pasta salad.
- Grandma’s Macaroni Salad: Tender elbow macaroni in a creamy dressing with crunchy vegetables offers nostalgic comfort. The cool, tangy flavors balance the warm sandwich.
- Baked Ziti: Cheesy, saucy pasta baked until bubbly and golden brown. The crispy edges and creamy center make every bite amazing. Want more pairing ideas? Check out side dishes for baked ziti.
- Creamy Polenta: Smooth, buttery cornmeal cooked to perfection soaks up those delicious beef juices. The creamy texture makes every bite better.
- Southern Baked Mac and Cheese: Ultra creamy, cheesy macaroni with a crispy top brings pure comfort. The rich cheese sauce complements the savory beef perfectly. For more mac and cheese pairings, see side dishes for mac and cheese.
- Creamy Risotto: Arborio rice slowly cooked with broth and parmesan cheese creates luxurious comfort. The rich, velvety texture pairs beautifully with Italian beef.
Bread and Appetizers
Start your meal right with these tasty appetizers and bread options that complement your Italian beef sandwich perfectly.
- Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites: Crispy, cheesy bread bites seasoned with garlic and herbs make perfect sandwich companions. The crunchy exterior gives way to soft, flavorful centers.
- Air Fryer Onion Rings: Crispy, golden onion rings with a perfectly seasoned coating bring crunch and flavor. The light, airy texture contrasts nicely with the hearty sandwich.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted Italian bread slathered with garlic butter and herbs creates classic comfort. Perfect for soaking up extra beef juices. Need more bread side ideas? See what to serve with garlic bread.
- Spinach and Ricotta Rolls: Flaky pastry filled with creamy ricotta and spinach adds elegant Italian flair. These savory bites complement the beef beautifully.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Tender mushroom caps filled with herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs offer savory bites. These little morsels pack big Italian flavor.
- Tomato Bruschetta: Crusty bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil brings bright flavors. The fresh ingredients balance the rich sandwich. For more ideas, check out what to serve with bruschetta.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect side dishes for Italian beef sandwiches makes your meal complete.
From crispy potatoes to fresh salads, hearty soups to pasta sides, these options enhance the sandwich’s rich flavors.
Mix and match different sides to create your perfect plate. Remember, the best side dishes complement without overwhelming the star of the show – that juicy, flavorful Italian beef.
Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, these sides will make your meal memorable.
