A roast beef sandwich is an iconic meal for good reason. When you’ve got tender, juicy slices of roast beef stacked high between two slices of bread, it’s simple perfection. But the right side can take your roast beef sandwich from great to spectacular.
The key to picking sides that complement roast beef sandwiches is opting for dishes that provide contrasting textures and flavors. Crispy, crunchy sides pair wonderfully to play off the tender meat. Choose fresh flavors that won’t overpower the beef. And don’t be afraid to add a spicy kick or tangy accent to liven things up.
Here are 12 sensational sides that complement roast beef sandwiches flawlessly
Pickles
Dill pickles or bread-and-butter pickles offer a bright acidic crunch that cuts through the richness of the roast beef. The texture contrast helps cleanse the palate between bites of sandwich too.
Coleslaw
Cool crisp coleslaw is a classic partner for roast beef sandwiches. The subtle peppery taste of the cabbage and its scruchy texture balance the sandwich perfectly. Make it creamy or vinegary to suit your tastes.
French Fries
What goes better with a sandwich than fries? Golden fries deliver the ideal crunchy, salty accompaniment. Shoestring, waffle, or sweet potato fries all pair wonderfully.
Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli florets have a pleasant charred flavor and a slight crunch. Their bitterness plays off roast beef’s richness. A drizzle of lemon adds brightness.
Cottage Cheese
Creamy, tangy cottage cheese makes a lighter counterpoint to a hearty roast beef sandwich. Its cool, smooth texture contrasts the warm sliced meat.
Pasta Salad
A scoop of pasta salad provides a flavorful fiber-filled side. Rotini with vegetables in a lemony vinaigrette tastes fresh and lively alongside the sandwich.
Potato Chips
Crunchy rippled potato chips are made to be crushed and tucked into roast beef sandwiches. Their salty crispness complements the roast beef flawlessly.
Creamy Coleslaw
For the best of both worlds, a cooler creamy coleslaw with a mayo or sour cream based dressing provides a smooth creaminess next to the sandwich.
Macaroni Salad
A mayo-coated macaroni salad with bell peppers, onions, and celery offers a tasty crunch. The pasta happily soaks up any sandwich drippings.
Tomato Slices
Fresh sliced tomatoes offer brightness and refreshment alongside the rich sandwich. Juicy heirloom or cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness are ideal.
Fruit Salad
A fruit salad of berries, melon, and citrus provides a sweet, lively contrast to the sandwich’s savory taste. The refreshing fruits cleanse the palate beautifully.
Deviled Eggs
Done right, deviled eggs can be tangy, creamy, and spicy – all flavors that complement a roast beef sandwich wonderfully. Garnish with paprika or chili flakes for an extra kick.
With so many delicious options, from pickles to pasta, you can enjoy roast beef sandwiches night after night and never get bored. Mix and match different sides for the perfect medley of flavors, textures, and colors on your plate. A sensational sandwich deserves an equally sensational sidekick.
What Type of Bread to Use?
The first thing to decide on is bread for this recipe. This alone can go several different ways and really there are no bad choices. The bread that I would recommend using would be:
- Ciabatta
- French
- Sourdough
- Croissant
- White Bread
What are Good Condiments to Use?
Here are some additional condiments you can add to the top of your roast beef sandwich:
- Mayonnaise
- Freshly grated horseradish (yes, you can use it prepared in a jar)
- Sea salt and pepper
- Worcestershire sauce
- Aioli
- Mustard
- Chimichurri
The 2 Secret Ingredients for the Best Roast Beef Sandwich Recipe are…
FAQ
What is good with a roast beef sandwich?
- Mayonnaise.
- Freshly grated horseradish (yes, you can use it prepared in a jar)
- Sea salt and pepper.
- Worcestershire sauce.
- Aioli.
- Mustard.
- Chimichurri.
What are good sides for roast beef?
roast potatoes, roast parsnips, Yorkshire pudding, buttered carrots, a green veg such as spring cabbage or beans, good rich gravy made from the meat juices, with horseradish sauce or good, strong English mustard.
What condiment goes well with a roast beef sandwich?
When roast beef sandwiches are on the menu for the week’s lunches, slather on some Whipped Horseradish Cream or Creamy Garlic Sauce for something new. Roast beef is synonymous with comfort, and these roast beef sauce recipes make it even more delicious.
What is traditionally served with roast beef?
Roast Beef is best served with roast potatoes, and a selection of freshly steamed seasonal vegetables, such as carrots, cabbage and broccoli.