A roast beef sandwich is a beloved classic for good reason – tender juicy roast beef paired with bread is simple perfection. But the right side dish can take your roast beef sandwich from great to spectacular. The key is picking sides that complement and balance the flavors of the sandwich.
When determining what goes well with roast beef sandwiches opt for sides that provide contrasting textures and flavors. Crispy crunchy, or creamy 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 side dishes that complement roast beef sandwiches flawlessly:
Crunchy Pickles
Tangy dill pickles or bread-and-butter pickles provide texture contrast and a bright acidic punch that cuts through the richness of roast beef. The crunch also helps cleanse the palate between bites of sandwich.
Coleslaw
Cool, crisp coleslaw is a classic sandwich companion. The cabbage’s subtle peppery taste and scruchy texture balances the sandwich perfectly. Make it creamy or vinegary to suit your tastes.
Crispy Fries
What goes better with a sandwich than fries? Golden fries provide the perfect 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. Drizzle with lemon for brightness.
Cottage Cheese
Creamy, tangy cottage cheese makes a lighter counterpoint to a hearty roast beef sandwich. Its cool, smooth texture contrasts the warm meat.
Pasta Salad
A scoop of pasta salad provides a flavorful fiber-filled side. Rotini with vegetables in a lemony vinaigrette is fresh and lively next to a roast beef sandwich.
Potato Chips
Crunchy rippled potato chips beg to be crushed and tucked into roast beef sandwiches. Their salty crispness pairs perfectly and adds another dimension of texture.
Creamy Slaw
For the best of both worlds, a cooler creamy coleslaw with a mayo or sour cream based dressing provides cool creaminess alongside a roast beef sandwich.
Macaroni Salad
A mayo-coated macaroni salad with bell peppers, onions, and celery offers a tasty crunch. The pasta soaks up sandwich drippings nicely.
Tomato Slices
Fresh sliced tomatoes offer brightness and refreshment alongside a rich sandwich. Bonus points if you pick juicy heirloom or cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness.
Fruit Salad
A fruit salad of berries, melon, and citrus provides a sweet, lively contrast to savoriness. 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.