While sandwiches are undoubtedly a top-notch option for a satisfying and flavorful lunch, they can be elevated to new heights with the perfect accompaniment – the right side dish.
With so many possibilities to choose from, it’s not always easy to decide which one to pair with your sandwich. That’s why we’ve curated a list of 18 exceptional side dishes that will take your sandwich game to the next level.
Cheese Straws
For those who can’t get enough of their daily dose of cheddar, cheese straws are an absolute delight. The sharpness of the cheddar infuses each crumbly strand with a tangy flavor that’s simply irresistible. What’s more, this recipe requires only five ingredients to bring it all together, making it an incredibly convenient and budget-friendly option for any cheese lover.
This side dish is particularly well-suited to pair with sandwiches featuring ham or, of course, even more cheese – the perfect complement to a satisfying meal.
Vegetable Chips
While potatoes are the most well-known option for making chips, they’re not the only game in town. A variety of vegetables can be used to create delicious and crispy chips. Sweet potatoes, beets, squash, and zucchini are all great options that offer a tasty twist on traditional potato chips. And the best part is that these homemade veggie chips can be enjoyed as a snack on their own or added to your favorite sandwich for a satisfying crunch.
Fruit Salad
For a deliciously healthy and sweet side dish that’s sure to please kids and adults alike, look no further than a vibrant fruit salad. This colorful concoction is the perfect addition to lunch boxes, school events, or even just a quick snack. To bring this delightful recipe to life, simply follow these easy steps. The end result will be a mouthwatering medley of juicy flavors that’s almost too beautiful to eat – almost.
With a combination of sweet strawberries, tangy blueberries, and refreshing oranges, you’ll want to devour the entire bowl (but don’t worry, we won’t tell if you do!). Enjoy your fruit salad as a side dish alongside your favorite sandwich or as a sweet treat all its own.
Chicken Soup
As the fall and winter seasons descend upon us, there’s no better companion to a warm meal than a steaming bowl of chicken soup. This comforting dish not only provides a sense of coziness, but also offers a wealth of health benefits from its nutrient-rich ingredients, such as carrots, onions, and celery. When paired with a crusty sandwich, the flavors of this homemade recipe are elevated to new heights, making it an unbeatable combination for a satisfying meal.
Onion Rings
While onion rings may not boast a stellar nutritional profile, their undeniable allure makes them a popular choice to accompany sandwiches. For those seeking a superior crunch and flavor, this exceptional recipe is sure to impress. The crispy outcome is perfect for indulging in your favorite dipping sauces, such as classic tomato ketchup.
Yogurts
When it comes to sweet treats, yogurt is an excellent option that pairs perfectly with sandwiches. Not only does it provide a delightful dessert after your meal, but its smooth and creamy texture also makes it a great accompaniment to your favorite snacks. To create this indulgent treat at home, follow the simple recipe provided. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of homemade yogurt that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Take it to the next level by serving it with a selection of fresh berries and crunchy granola for a truly decadent experience.
French Fries
French fries are an excellent accompaniment to any sandwich if you’re craving something salty. Their popularity stems from their irresistible taste, which is elevated by this recipe. By incorporating flavorful elements such as garlic powder and dill, this version takes the humble French fry to the next level, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw adds a satisfying crunch to any meal, providing a delightful contrast in texture. This refreshing condiment pairs perfectly with sandwiches and other savory dishes. The simplicity of the recipe is another major draw – it takes just 20 minutes to prepare and yields a tangy, creamy result that’s sure to please. The addition of honey is a clever touch, introducing a subtle sweetness that complements the dish nicely.
Perhaps best of all, this coleslaw recipe boasts a vibrant color palette, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Garden Salad
While many side dishes are often associated with unhealthy indulgence, garden salads offer a nutritious and refreshing alternative. By incorporating a variety of colorful vegetables into your salad, you can easily meet your daily vegetable intake goals.
One of the best things about making a garden salad is that it’s incredibly versatile.
The recipe above provides a solid foundation for a delicious and healthy side dish, but feel free to get creative by adding your own favorite vegetables or experimenting with different combinations. Whether you’re looking for a light and revitalizing accompaniment to your sandwiches or seeking a tasty way to use up leftover veggies, garden salads are an excellent choice.
Macaroni And Cheese
If you’re a cheese enthusiast, macaroni and cheese is an excellent side dish to consider. The creamy sauce not only enhances the overall moisture content of the meal but also provides a rich, velvety texture that’s sure to please.
This comforting dish boasts a plethora of cheesy flavors, courtesy of parmesan and cheddar cheese. These two staples combine to create a luxuriously rich taste experience that’s simply irresistible.
To add some much-needed crunch to the pasta, a paprika-seasoned breadcrumb topping is sprinkled on top, providing a delightful textural contrast to the soft noodles.
Corn On The Cob
Corn on the cob – a culinary delight that’s hard to resist! Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and simple or looking to elevate your meal game, roasted corn on the cob is an excellent choice. Not only does it pair beautifully with a variety of dishes, including burgers and sandwiches, but its natural sweetness is also perfectly balanced by the savory flavors of black pepper, salt, and garlic. The best part?
This oven-roasted recipe requires minimal effort, leaving you with more time to enjoy the delicious experience.
Baked Beans
Indulge in the warmth of comfort food by whipping up a batch of baked beans – an endeavour well worth your while if you have the time. This comforting dish is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, thanks to its simplicity in using a rich tomato sauce as the base. The addition of onion and garlic powder infuses the beans with an array of flavours that will leave you craving more.
These delectable beans pair exquisitely with cheese or BBQ sandwiches, which only gain further allure when dipped into the beans’ juicy goodness – the bread will absorb the savoury flavours, creating a truly indulgent experience.
Tomato Soup
When the temperature drops, there’s no better way to warm up than with a steaming bowl of tomato soup accompanying your sandwich. This classic comfort food is a staple for many, and for good reason – it instantly coaxes warmth into your bones. For us, nothing beats dipping a crispy grilled cheese sandwich into a rich and creamy tomato soup.
But what really takes this dish to the next level is the subtle sweetness that comes from adding a touch of sugar, perfectly balancing out the tanginess of the tomatoes. With its soothing properties, it’s no wonder why tomato soup remains one of our go-to comfort foods.
Fried Potatoes
For a satisfying side dish that complements sandwiches perfectly, fried potatoes are an excellent choice. Their crispy texture provides a delightful contrast to the softness of the sandwich.
To achieve fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors, it’s essential to get the cooking technique right. Adding fresh herbs takes this humble side dish to the next level, giving it a sense of indulgence. Thyme, oregano, or rosemary are all great options for elevating the flavor profile.
Simply follow the recipe to create a delicious and satisfying accompaniment to your favorite sandwiches.
Pasta Salad
For those who crave pasta but prioritize health, a pasta salad is an ideal solution. This satisfying side dish offers a substantial serving that will keep hunger at bay. By combining carbs, meat, cheese, and vegetables, the salad provides a well-rounded complement to a variety of sandwiches. A tangy dressing brings all these flavors together in perfect harmony.
One of its greatest advantages is its make-ahead versatility – you can prepare it the night before and take it to work for lunch, ensuring a healthy and convenient meal option.
Peas
Peas are often touted as one of the simplest side dishes to prepare, requiring mere minutes to get ready. Their versatility is another major plus – they pair seamlessly with a wide range of meals, making them an excellent accompaniment to sandwiches, in particular. What’s more, this humble legume provides a nutritious and satisfying addition to any meal.
But what if we told you that by incorporating just a few key ingredients, you can elevate the flavor profile of peas without adding significant prep time? That’s exactly what this recipe achieves, infusing its peas with garlic, herbs, and onions for an added depth of taste. And the best part? This entire process still takes just 15 minutes from start to finish.
Buttered Noodles
As we move on to the next culinary delight, buttered noodles prove themselves to be an outstanding accompaniment for any meal. Their comforting warmth and filling nature make them a perfect choice when you’re hankering for something hearty and hot. Furthermore, the incorporation of parmesan cheese lends a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the subtle tang of butter. Meanwhile, the infusion of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and basil adds a bright, revitalizing quality to the dish.
Not only do these herbs elevate the taste, but they also contribute to a visually appealing presentation.
Final Thoughts
Sandwiches and their supporting cast of side dishes are a match made in heaven. The versatility of sandwiches means they can be paired with an array of accompaniments, each one elevating the overall dining experience.
Why not try creating one of these side dishes to add an extra layer of flavor and interest to your sandwich? From classic combinations like chips and salad to more adventurous pairings, the possibilities are endless.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.