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What to Serve With Barbecue Beef Sandwiches: 15 Best Side Dishes

To elevate your barbecue beef sandwiches, consider pairing them with classic coleslaw for a crisp and tangy contrast, or tangy pickles to introduce a sharp, acidic bite. Grilled corn salad brings a smoky sweetness, while sweet potato fries offer a delightful balance of sweetness and crunch. Baked beans add a hearty and rich flavor that complements the tender beef. For a vibrant touch, try fresh fruit salad or roasted vegetables. Green bean casserole and garlic bread can also enhance your meal with their flavors. Explore more to find out how these sides can complete your barbecue feast.

Classic Coleslaw

tangy cabbage and dressing

A quintessential companion to barbecue beef sandwiches, classic coleslaw offers an invigorating and tangy contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.

The crispness of shredded cabbage combined with a zesty vinegar dressing creates an invigorating side dish.

This pairing not only adds texture but also balances the rich flavors of the beef, making each bite more enjoyable and satisfying.

Tangy Pickles

perfectly pickled cucumbers

Complementing the invigorating crunch of classic coleslaw, tangy pickles introduce a sharp, acidic bite that cuts through the richness of barbecue beef sandwiches.

These pickles, made from fermented vegetables using brine techniques, offer a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.

Their zesty, invigorating taste enhances the savory profile of the main dish, creating a balanced and satisfying dining experience.

Grilled Corn Salad

fresh summer side dish

Grilled corn salad introduces a smoky sweetness that pairs exquisitely with the robust flavors of barbecue beef sandwiches.

For delightful flavor variations, consider adding cherry tomatoes, red onions, or avocados.

Serving tips include chilling the salad for an hour before serving to enhance its invigorating qualities.

This vibrant side dish not only complements the meal but also adds a festive touch to your table.

Sweet Potato Fries

delicious and crispy snack

Sweet potato fries provide a delightful balance of sweetness and crispiness that enhances the savory profile of barbecue beef sandwiches. Rich in health benefits, they are packed with vitamins and fiber.

For best results, cut the fries evenly and bake at a high temperature to achieve that perfect crunch. A sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of paprika can elevate their flavor.

Baked Beans

beans in tomato sauce

Baked beans offer a hearty and flavorful side dish that pairs exceptionally well with barbecue beef sandwiches. Rooted in barbecue traditions, baked beans meld seamlessly with smoky, tangy flavor combinations.

The rich, savory beans provide a satisfying contrast to the tender beef, creating a well-rounded meal. Their slightly sweet and smoky taste enhances the overall barbecue experience, making them a perfect accompaniment.

Potato Salad

tasty picnic side dish

Complementing the hearty richness of baked beans, potato salad offers a creamy and tangy counterbalance that enhances the barbecue beef sandwich experience.

With its creamy dressing, often featuring a mustard base, this side dish provides a delightful contrast to the smoky flavors of the beef.

The blend of tender potatoes and zesty seasonings creates a harmonious pairing that elevates the overall meal.

Macaroni and Cheese

delicious comfort food favorite

Macaroni and cheese, with its velvety cheese sauce and tender pasta, serves as a comforting and indulgent side dish that pairs perfectly with barbecue beef sandwiches.

Using a blend of cheese varieties, such as cheddar and Gruyère, enhances its rich flavor.

For best results, follow preparation tips like cooking the pasta al dente and ensuring a smooth, lump-free sauce.

Cornbread

golden brown cornbread delight

Cornbread, with its slightly sweet and crumbly texture, offers a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of barbecue beef sandwiches.

For a spicy kick, jalapeno cornbread adds an exciting twist. Pair it with honey butter to enhance the sweetness and create a harmonious blend of flavors.

This combination provides a comforting and flavorful side that complements the savory notes of the main dish perfectly.

Cucumber Salad

refreshing summer side dish

Often regarded as an invigorating counterpart to the hearty barbecue beef sandwiches, cucumber salad brings a crisp and tangy element to the meal.

This side dish can be prepared with an Asian twist by adding soy sauce and sesame oil, or with a creamy dressing that combines yogurt and dill.

Both versions provide a revitalizing balance, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Onion Rings

crispy battered onion rings

Onion rings, with their crispy golden exterior and tender interior, serve as an irresistible accompaniment to barbecue beef sandwiches. Crafted with a homemade batter, these rings provide a delightful crunch that complements the savory flavors of the sandwich.

Pair them with various dipping sauces for added zest, making each bite a flavorful experience. Perfect for any barbecue gathering, they are a must-try.

Deviled Eggs

easter brunch appetizer favorite

Deviled eggs, with their creamy and tangy filling, offer a classic and flavorful side dish that pairs seamlessly with barbecue beef sandwiches.

Creative variations, such as adding bacon bits or herbs, can elevate this beloved treat.

For serving suggestions, arrange them on a platter with fresh greens or sprinkle with paprika for a touch of color.

Their rich taste complements the smoky flavors perfectly.

Fresh Fruit Salad

healthy summer picnic option

A lively fresh fruit salad provides an invigorating and healthy contrast to the rich flavors of barbecue beef sandwiches.

Utilizing seasonal varieties like berries, melons, and citrus fruits, the salad offers a revitalizing burst of taste.

Dressing options, such as a light honey-lime drizzle or a simple mint garnish, elevate the natural sweetness of the fruits, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Green Bean Casserole

thanksgiving staple side dish

Green bean casserole, a classic comfort food, pairs wonderfully with barbecue beef sandwiches by adding a creamy, savory component to the meal.

This holiday favorite features tender green beans enveloped in a rich sauce, topped with a crunchy topping that adds texture and flavor.

It's an inviting side dish that balances the smoky, robust taste of the sandwiches, making your meal both satisfying and delightful.

Roasted Vegetables

healthy and delicious dinner

For a lighter yet equally flavorful accompaniment to barbecue beef sandwiches, consider serving a medley of roasted vegetables.

Utilize a seasonal selection to enhance taste, creating delightful flavor combinations. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini.

This simple yet nutritious side dish adds a burst of color and texture, perfectly complementing the rich, savory beef.

Can the Same Side Dishes Be Served With Both Barbecue Beef and Cuban Sandwiches?

When it comes to serving side dishes with barbecue beef and Cuban sandwiches, the best side dishes for Cuban sandwiches can also pair well with barbecue beef. Some versatile options include plantain chips, black beans and rice, yuca fries, or a refreshing Cuban avocado salad. These sides can complement both dishes perfectly.

Garlic Bread

garlic bread cravings satisfied

Garlic bread, with its buttery texture and robust flavor, serves as an excellent side dish to complement barbecue beef sandwiches.

The buttery spread melds perfectly with the crispy bread, while the garlic aroma enhances the savory profile of the meal.

This combination creates a delightful contrast that accentuates the smoky, tender beef, making each bite more enjoyable and satisfying.