Roast beef on a bun is a quintessential sandwich that never seems to go out of style. The juicy, tender meat paired with a soft bun is a match made in heaven But what takes this sandwich from basic to brilliant are the accompaniments
The right condiments and sides can transform your roast beef on a bun from a mundane meal to a extraordinary culinary experience. In this article, we’ll explore creative options to elevate your roast beef sandwich to new heights.
Condiments – Adding a Flavor Boost
Condiments are a simple way to add excitement to your roast beef sandwich. Rather than just slapping on plain yellow mustard, get creative with gourmet spreads and sauces.
Horseradish Mayo – Mix together mayonnaise and prepared horseradish for a creamy, tangyspread. The heat from the horseradish cuts through the richness of the roast beef.
Chipotle Mayo – For a smoky, spicy twist combine mayo with pureed chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. It packs some heat without overpowering the other flavors.
Pesto – A basil or sundried tomato pesto adds a bright herbal flavor and creaminess. It’s an unexpected condiment that complements roast beef wonderfully.
Caramelized Onions – Sautéed onions with a sweet, jammy flavor balance out the beef’s richness. They also add great texture.
Blue Cheese Spread – The bold, funky flavor of blue cheese pairs perfectly with savory beef. Mix crumbled blue cheese into mayo or sour cream for an instant spread.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to unique condiment options. Get creative and make your own signature sauces to take your sandwich up a notch.
Pickles – A Tart, Tangy Crunch
No roast beef sandwich is complete without the bright acidity of pickle accompaniment. Pickles cut through the richness of the meat and provide a satisfying crunch.
Dill Pickle Chips – The quintessential pickle for any deli sandwich. Their sour tanginess offsets the beef perfectly.
Bread & Butter Pickles – For something a little sweeter, try bread and butter pickle chips. They have a milder tang than dill pickles.
Spicy Pickles – If you like heat, go for pickled jalapeños or banana peppers. Their fiery flavor adds a kick to the sandwich.
Quick Pickled Onions – Thinly sliced red onions quick pickled in vinegar and spices offer tangy flavor and crisp texture.
Kimchi – This Korean fermented cabbage packs serious heat. Its spicy flavor is a fun twist on traditional pickled toppings.
Don’t limit yourself to just cucumbers! Experiment with all types of pickled and brined veggies to liven up your roast beef sandwich.
Cheese – Ooey, Gooey Goodness
Melty cheese takes any sandwich from boring to brilliant. Cheese enhances the meaty flavors of roast beef and gives each bite an indulgent, ooey-gooey texture.
Cheddar – Sharp cheddar is a classic choice that pairs perfectly with beef thanks to its salty, savory flavor.
Swiss – With its nutty, slightly sweet taste, Swiss cheese nicely complements the roast beef.
Provolone – Its mild, milky flavor blends wonderfully with juicy slices of rare roast beef.
Blue Cheese – The boldness of blue cheese stands up to beef’s richness for a flavor-packed sandwich.
Pepper Jack – For a kick of heat, pepper jack adds a spicy zing that beef enthusiasts will love.
You really can’t go wrong with cheese on a roast beef sandwich. Pick your favorite or a combination and get ready for sandwich bliss!
Veggies – Freshness and Crunch
Don’t forget the veggies! Fresh vegetables add flavor, nutrition and satisfying crunch to your sandwich.
Lettuce – Crisp iceberg or romaine leaves provide texture and a refreshing contrast to the rich meat.
Tomatoes – Sliced tomatoes offer a juicy pop of sweetness and acidity to balance the beef.
Onions – Sliced red or white onions give a sharp bite and pleasant crunch with each bite.
Roasted Red Peppers – With their slight smokiness, roasted peppers make a sweet and tangy accompaniment.
Avocado – Creamy, buttery avocado slices pair amazingly well with savory roast beef.
When building your perfect roast beef sandwich, take advantage of fresh veggie toppings. They brighten up each bite.
Breads – The All-Important Vehicle
The bun or bread you choose is key, as it will either make or break your sandwich. Go beyond plain hamburger buns to bring your roast beef sandwich to the next level.
Pretzel Bun – The chewy texture and toasted exterior of a pretzel bun is fantastic with juicy roast beef.
Ciabatta – This crusty Italian bread has a fantastic hearty bite that complements the meat beautifully.
Focaccia – Herb-infused focaccia gives a gourmet twist to the traditional roast beef sandwich.
Potato Bun – The tender, sweet flavor of potato bread melts in your mouth along with the roast beef.
Brioche – This buttery, eggy French bread is pure decadence when paired with succulent rare roast beef.
With so many artisanal bread options available, treat your roast beef to a worthy bread vessel. You won’t regret it!
Sides – Go Beyond Chips and a Pickle
Why stop at just the sandwich? Elevating your sides can transform an everyday roast beef sandwich into a 5-star dining experience.
Salad – A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.
Soup – A bowl of steaming French onion or potato soup takes this meal to new levels of comfort.
Slaw – Crunchy, creamy coleslaw provides the perfect tangy counterpart to juicy roast beef.
Fruit – Fresh fruit like berries bring a bright note of sweetness and refreshment.
Vegetables – Roasted veggies, potato salad or pasta salad round out the meal wonderfully.
Chips – Go for premium chips like kettle-cooked or hand-cut for maximum crunch.
Take your sides up a notch to complement your gourmet roast beef sandwich. Thoughtfully chosen accompaniments make all the difference.
Elevate Your Roast Beef Experience
A truly exceptional roast beef sandwich is all about balance – juicy, rich meat offset by tangy, crunchy, and cooling flavors and textures. With the creative use of condiments, pickles, cheese, veggies, breads and sides, you can transform an everyday roast beef on a bun into a extraordinary culinary treat.
Don’t settle for a boring roast beef sandwich. With some imagination and a few special touches, you can elevate this sandwich to make it the star of any meal. Get creative with flavors and textures to take your roast beef experience to the next level. Your tastebuds will thank you!
Barbecued Roast Beef on a Bun – Food Wishes
FAQ
What side dishes go with beef on a bun?
What goes well with roast beef on a sandwich?
What is a good side dish for beef sandwiches?
What goes with roast beef on a bun?
Some ideas include: What side goes with beef on a bun? Yorkshire puddings, crispy roast potatoes, suet pudding, English mustard, or horseradish sauce, as well as vegetables like red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips, are typical traditional sides served with roast beef.
What is a good side dish for beef on a bun?
Typically served as a side dish for beef on a bun, this simple recipe can be made with either mayonnaise or a lighter yogurt-based dressing. Either way, you’ll love the combination of the sweet and sour flavor with the fresh cabbage. If you’re looking for a more traditional coleslaw recipe, try our Classic Coleslaw.
What to serve with roast beef sandwiches?
Yorkshire puddings, crispy roast potatoes, suet pudding, English mustard, or horseradish sauce, as well as vegetables like red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips, are typical traditional sides served with roast beef. What is a good side for roast beef sandwiches? Beef up dinner with these sides. Mom’s Scalloped Potatoes.
How do you eat a roast beef bun?
Butter each side of the buns with remaining butter and toast lightly. Top each bun with sliced roast beef, top with horseradish sauce, onions strings and top bun. Serve immediately. Store remaining roast beef wrapped in plastic wrap in refrigerator for up to 4 days.