Italian beef sandwiches are a classic comfort food that everyone loves. The thinly sliced, tender beef soaked in a flavorful broth is so satisfying. But what really takes this sandwich over the top is finding the perfect side dishes to serve alongside it.
The right sides can enhance the flavors of the sandwich and make it a full, hearty meal. After tasting dozens of sides with Italian beef over the years, I’ve rounded up my 25 favorite pairings. These dishes complement the sandwich perfectly and will have your guests raving.
Salads
Salads are a light and fresh way to balance the richness of Italian beef, Here are some awesome salad recipes to consider
BLT Salad
A BLT salad has crisp lettuce juicy cherry tomatoes smoky bacon, fresh avocado and a tangy ranch dressing. It’s a fun spin on the classic sandwich in salad form. The tomatoes and bacon pair so nicely with the Italian beef.
Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad
This colorful salad is a healthy option with shredded Brussels sprouts, kale, toasted pecans and craisins. It has a sweet and salty flavor from the maple dressing that complements the herby Italian beef.
Pomegranate Arugula Salad
Arugula and mixed greens are topped with sweet pomegranates, spicy maple walnuts and goat cheese in this gourmet salad. The fig balsamic dressing gives it a unique sweet and tart kick.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
This salad has tender spinach leaves, juicy strawberries, feta, candied almonds and a light citrus dressing. It’s fruity and refreshing, contrasting the heartiness of the Italian beef.
Soups
Warm up with a steaming bowl of soup served alongside or even spooned right on top of the Italian beef for a delicious one-two punch.
French Onion Soup
Sliced caramelized onions in a savory beef and red wine broth make classic French onion soup. The rich flavors enhance those in the Italian beef.
Tomato Mascarpone Soup
A smooth tomato soup with mascarpone cheese and fresh basil is comfort in a bowl. The creamy tomato base pairs perfectly with the Italian beef.
Beer Cheese Soup
Sharp cheddar, beer and spices make a addicting beer cheese soup. It can be made mild or spicy to complement the sandwich.
Butternut Squash Beer Soup
This soup has pureed butternut squash, cheese, pumpkin beer, broccoli and spinach. It’s a unique fall flavor pairing for Italian beef.
Starches
Carbs are a must for serving with Italian beef! Bake, fry or mash these delicious sides.
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Thinly sliced sweet potatoes baked in a creamy herb sauce make simple yet impressive scalloped sweet potatoes. The sweetness balances the sandwich.
Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges
Crisp-baked sweet potato wedges are seasoned with garlic, parmesan and Italian herbs. They’re tasty and lighter than fries.
Cheesy Potato Casserole
A cheesy potato casserole with caramelized onions, heavy cream and garlic is total comfort food alongside the Italian beef and peppers.
Baked Mac and Cheese
A classic baked mac and cheese with a crunchy parmesan topping can’t be beat. The cheesy noodles pair perfectly with the sandwich.
Parmesan Ranch Potatoes
Crispy ranch-seasoned smashed potatoes are loaded with parmesan cheese. Quick and delicious!
Vegetables
Fresh vegetable sides add color and nutrition. Saute, roast or enjoy them raw.
Sauteed Green Beans with Shallots and Bacon
Sauteed green beans are cooked with shallots, bacon and red pepper for a savory and slightly spicy flavor.
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower florets are tossed in garlic butter and parmesan. Simple but amazing!
Zucchini Casserole
Shredded zucchini and onions baked in a creamy cheese sauce forms a rich and satisfying casserole.
Tomato and Green Bean Salad
Blanched green beans, juicy tomatoes, chickpeas and feta cheese make this fresh Mediterranean salad.
Italian Roasted Vegetables
A sheet pan of carrots, zucchini, peppers, onions, garlic and herbs roasted to perfection.
Other Unique Pairings
Beyond typical sides, some out-of-the-box pairings also work well. These favorites include:
Cast Iron Pizza
A crispy cornmeal crust pizza right from the cast iron skillet with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil.
Popovers with Garlic Butter
Light and airy popover rolls served warm with homemade garlic butter for dipping.
Antipasto Salad
Mixed greens, salami, roasted peppers, cheese, olives and pepperoncini in a red wine vinaigrette.
Panzanella Bread Salad
A summery Italian bread salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, cucumbers, and a red wine dressing.
Ricotta and Spinach Calzones
Baked ricotta cheese and spinach stuffed into golden pizza dough pockets.
Pesto Pasta Salad
Pasta, tomatoes and mozzarella tossed in a fresh basil pesto vinaigrette.
Italian Sausage and Peppers
Seared spicy sausage and sauteed bell peppers and onions.
Understanding the Flavor Profile of Italian Beef Sandwiches
When we delve into the flavor profile of Italian beef sandwiches, we’re exploring a culinary tradition steeped in bold spices and succulent textures. At its core, Italian beef features thinly sliced roast beef simmered in a rich broth infused with garlic, oregano, and other Italian seasonings. This cooking process not only tenderizes the beef but also imbues it with a profound depth of flavor that is both bold and subtly intricate. The meat is often dipped back into this seasoned broth before being piled onto an Italian-style roll, ensuring every bite carries the juicy, savory taste that makes this sandwich a crowd-pleaser.
The magic of the Italian beef sandwich doesn’t stop with the meat; the choice of toppings plays a key role in its flavor profile. Traditional toppings include sweet peppers or zesty giardiniera, a relish of pickled vegetables that adds a crunchy contrast to the tender beef. These components not only enhance the flavors but also introduce a play of textures that elevates the eating experience, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite. Understanding this complex layering of flavors and textures is vital as it guides us in selecting complementary side dishes that will enhance, rather than overpower, the sandwich’s rich character.
Top Side Dishes to Complement Italian Beef Sandwiches
Selecting the perfect side dishes to accompany our Italian beef sandwiches involves considering both harmony and contrast to balance the meal. Here, simplicity often reigns supreme, letting the robust flavors of the sandwich shine through while providing a satisfying meal experience. Here are top picks we recommend:
1. Garlic Parmesan Fries: A savory spin on traditional fries, these are tossed with garlic and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. The garlic enhances the beef’s richness, while the Parmesan adds a subtle nuttiness and crisp texture.
2. Coleslaw: Offering a creamy texture with a tangy kick, coleslaw cuts through the richness of the Italian beef. Its crispness refreshes the palate, making it a light yet flavorful complement.
3. Sweet Corn Salad: This side stands out for its simplicity and freshness. Sweet corn with a hint of lime and cilantro can lighten the meal’s overall intensity and add a different kind of sweetness that contrasts well with the savory beef.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchinis, and carrots, roasted to perfection. This not only brings out the natural sugars of the vegetables but also adds an earthy element to balance the robust flavors of the sandwich.
5. Pickle Spears: No list of sides would be complete without the quintessential pickle spear. Its sharp tang and crunch are the ideal palate cleansers between bites of meaty richness.
Each of these side dishes serves to complement the complex flavor profile of an Italian beef sandwich, enhancing the dining experience without overcomplicating the meal. By considering both complementary and contrasting elements, we ensure that each component on the plate has a role to play in creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.
Johnnie’s Iconic Italian Beef Is A Delicious Mess Of Beef And Gravy | Legendary Eats | Insider Food
FAQ
What’s a good side to have with Italian beef?
- Garlic Parmesan Fries: A savory spin on traditional fries, these are tossed with garlic and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. …
- Coleslaw: Offering a creamy texture with a tangy kick, coleslaw cuts through the richness of the Italian beef.
What is a good side for an Italian sandwich?
- French Fries. …
- Grilled Vegetables. …
- Coleslaw. …
- Stuffed Mushrooms. …
- Onion Rings. …
- Grilled Asparagus. …
- Cauliflower Pizza Bowl. …
- Exceptional Ingredients and Authentic Flavors by Bricco Salumeria.
What goes on Italian beef sandwiches?
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Bonappeteachhttps://www.bonappeteach.comAuthentic Chicago Italian Beef Recipe – BonappeteachNov 7, 2022 — This recipe requires four major components that must all work together: the roasted beef, the au jus, the perfect bun, and the giardiniera/ sweet bel…
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Serious Eatshttps://www.seriouseats.comHomemade Italian Beef Recipe – Serious EatsItalian beefs are topped with “hot” and/or “sweet peppers,” which is code for giardiniera and roasted green peppers. … After loading up your sandwich with bee…
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Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.orgItalian beef – WikipediaCommon toppings are a choice between spicy giardiniera (called “hot”) or mild bell peppers (called “sweet”). … Traditionally the sandwich is either ordered “s…
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The Kitchnhttps://www.thekitchn.comItalian Beef Recipe (Slow Cooker Version) – The KitchnDec 31, 2021 — Italian beef should be cut as thin as possible and served in a warm hoagie roll. The rolls can be toasted with a few slices of provolone or mozzarel…
What does Italian beef come with?
Traditionally the sandwich is either ordered “sweet” with grilled or boiled bell peppers, or “hot” with spicy giardiniera. The sandwich can also be topped with cheese (mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar cheese) which is growing in popularity.