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What to Serve With Sloppy Joes: 15 Best Side Dishes

Elevate your sloppy joes with the perfect side dishes. Classic French fries offer a crispy contrast, while creamy coleslaw adds a tangy crunch. Baked beans bring a hearty, smoky flavor. For a chilled option, try macaroni salad. Potato chips provide a satisfying crunch, and garlic bread adds a savory touch. Creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables are comforting choices. Sweet potato fries and cornbread offer a sweet twist. Fresh garden salad, crispy onion rings, tangy pickle spears, flavorful pasta salad, and grilled corn on the cob are all fantastic options too. Explore these combinations to create a delightful meal.

Classic French Fries

crispy golden delicious fries

Classic French fries, with their crispy exterior and fluffy interior, serve as a quintessential side dish for sloppy joes.

Different seasoning options, like garlic powder, paprika, or even truffle salt, add unique flavors.

Cooking techniques vary from deep-frying to baking, each producing delicious results.

These methods guarantee your fries are the perfect complement, bringing a delightful contrast to your sloppy joes.

Creamy Coleslaw

tasty picnic side dish

Creamy coleslaw, with its invigorating crunch and tangy dressing, provides a perfect balance to the rich flavors of sloppy joes.

The combination of shredded carrots and cabbage, mixed with a vinegar dressing, adds a revitalizing element to your meal.

This classic side dish not only brings vibrant colors to your plate but also enhances the overall dining experience with its delightful texture and taste.

Baked Beans

instant pot recipe needed

Shifting from the invigorating crunch of coleslaw, baked beans offer a hearty and savory complement to sloppy joes with their rich, smoky flavor. Flavor variations abound, from classic brown sugar to spicy jalapeño.

Serving suggestions include pairing them with cornbread or a simple green salad. Their warm, comforting taste makes them a perfect addition to any sloppy joe meal.

Macaroni Salad

delicious summertime picnic dish

Macaroni salad, with its blend of tender pasta and crisp vegetables, provides an invigorating and versatile side dish for sloppy joes. Offering various flavor variations, you can experiment with ingredients like tangy pickles or creamy cheese.

Preparation tips include chilling the salad before serving to enhance flavors and ensuring the pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture.

Potato Chips

crunchy snack in bag

Complementing the creamy texture of macaroni salad, potato chips offer a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the savory richness of sloppy joes.

With various potato varieties like russet, Yukon gold, and sweet potatoes, these chips can be customized to fit any palate.

Pair them with favorite chip dips such as ranch, guacamole, or salsa to enhance the dining experience.

Corn on the Cob

summer barbecue favorite dish

Grilled to perfection, corn on the cob provides a sweet and smoky contrast to the tangy and savory flavors of sloppy joes.

For the best results, use these grilling tips: soak the corn in water for 15 minutes, then grill over medium heat.

Try seasoning ideas like butter with garlic, smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavors.

Sweet Potato Fries

delicious and crispy snack

Sweet potato fries offer a crispy and slightly sweet alternative that pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors of sloppy joes. They come with added health benefits, being rich in vitamins and fiber.

Seasoning variations like cinnamon, paprika, or garlic can enhance their taste, providing a delightful contrast to the savory meat. This side dish is both nutritious and flavorful, making it a perfect match.

Garden Salad

text summary in four words fresh produce in abundance

A garden salad guarantees a fresh and crunchy contrast to the hearty flavors of sloppy joes, making it an excellent side dish choice.

Incorporating seasonal veggies guarantees vibrant flavors and peak nutrition.

Enhance this simple yet delightful salad with a homemade dressing, adding a personal touch that elevates the dining experience.

This combination of textures and tastes harmonizes beautifully with the richness of sloppy joes.

Onion Rings

deep fried crispy deliciousness

Crispy onion rings provide a delightful crunch and savory complement to the rich, saucy flavors of sloppy joes. Their golden, crispy batter offers a satisfying texture that contrasts perfectly with the softness of the sandwich.

Pair these delicious rings with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tangy ketchup or creamy ranch, to elevate your meal and add an extra layer of flavor.

Pickle Spears

crunchy tangy snack option

Pickle spears provide an invigorating, tangy contrast to the hearty and savory flavors of sloppy joes. Offering a crisp bite, they enhance the meal's overall texture.

Homemade pickles allow you to customize the level of tartness and spice, while exploring different pickle varieties, such as dill or bread-and-butter, adds a delightful dimension.

This simple side dish guarantees a balanced and flavorful dining experience.

Pasta Salad

refreshing summer pasta dish

Complementing the tangy crunch of pickle spears, pasta salad offers a versatile and invigorating side that pairs well with the robust flavors of sloppy joes.

The delightful mix of flavor combinations, from zesty Italian dressing to creamy mayonnaise, and ingredient variations, like crunchy vegetables and tender pasta, creates a revitalizing balance.

This side dish adds color and texture to your meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Garlic Bread

craving garlic bread now

Garlic bread provides a savory, aromatic accompaniment that perfectly enhances the hearty flavors of sloppy joes.

The combination of cheesy garlic and herb butter on crispy bread creates a delightful contrast to the meaty filling.

The rich, buttery notes and the sharpness of the garlic bring out the best in the main dish, making each bite a flavorful experience.

Mashed Potatoes

thanksgiving dinner comfort food

After enjoying the savory taste of garlic bread, another excellent side dish to contemplate for sloppy joes is mashed potatoes.

This classic comfort food offers delightful flavor combinations and a creamy texture contrast. The smooth and buttery potatoes perfectly complement the hearty and slightly tangy sloppy joe mixture, creating a balanced and satisfying meal that appeals to both the palate and the senses.

Roasted Vegetables

vibrant colors and flavors

Roasted vegetables guarantee a nutritious and colorful side dish that pairs well with the robust flavors of sloppy joes. Opt for a seasonal selection of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini.

For seasoning tips, toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of rosemary or thyme. This combination guarantees a deliciously balanced and vibrant addition to your meal.

Are the Best Side Dishes for Skirt Steak also Suitable for Serving with Sloppy Joes?

When it comes to serving with Sloppy Joes, the best side dishes for skirt steak may not always be the perfect fit. While skirt steak is often paired with veggies or a refreshing salad, Sloppy Joes might be better off with classic comfort foods like coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, or potato salad.

Cornbread

southern comfort food classic

Cornbread offers a warm, slightly sweet complement to the savory and tangy flavors of sloppy joes.

Cornbread variations such as jalapeño, cheddar, or honey add unique twists to the classic recipe, enhancing the meal's overall appeal.

Popular cornbread toppings like butter, honey, or even a sprinkle of herbs provide additional layers of flavor, making it an ideal side dish for sloppy joes.