Although sloppy joes are already great on their own, pairing them with a delicious side is way better. This crowd-pleasing sandwich will definitely bring joy to your table!
And to make your meal even better, partner this with a variety of side dishes, from sweet to tangy and savory sides! With that, here are the 21 best side dishes for sloppy joes you need to try!
1. Crisp Potato Chips
We all know that a sandwich is always better with a side of something crispy and a simply delicious treat. So what’s a better combo than yummy sloppy joes with crispy potato chips on the side?
With the sweet and savory taste of this classic sandwich, paired with the slight saltiness of the potato chips, this combo is surely a hit for both adults and kids!
2. Onion Rings
Onion rings are among the most simple yet versatile dishes you can make. When cooking, you can tweak the ingredients and add or remove spices to your own liking.
But of course, using good quality and crisp onion, as well as following cooking instructions, is the best for this side. Thus, take note of this onion rings recipe from David for a perfect sloppy joe combo!
3. Baked Beans
What’s the most classic American side dish in history that goes well with sandwiches and barbecue? Yep, you are right, baked beans!
This tasty, sweet, and tangy goodness is too perfect that it can even take the spotlight of the show! Kidding aside, baked beans might not be as tempting but believe us; you’ll get what we are saying if you take a bite of this pure deliciousness!
4. Tater Tots
Deep-fried tater tots may not be the healthiest, but they are definitely one of the best finger food to ever exist.
With its golden brown and crispy exterior plus a creamy middle, anyone will surely find these tiny fluffs a champion! Not to mention that these goodies are easy to make at home, made with only simple ingredients yet a yummy treat when cooked.
5. Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
A bowl of baked mac and cheese is the top favorite of youngsters and even adults. You can pair it with almost anything, and it is also enjoyable even when eaten on its own.
The secret to this recipe is using the best combination of cheeses, like cheddar and gruyere, and giving it a nice melt when baked in the oven. Moreover, a nice char on top gives the dish a smoky taste.
6. Coleslaw
What’s better than a fresh, creamy, and delicious coleslaw to partner and balance the savoriness of sloppy joes?
This recipe is among the best ones you can find, and it is so easy that you can make it in minutes! Follow this homemade coleslaw recipe from The Cooking Foodie, and you’ll get the best dish to partner with any sandwich, barbecue, and burger!
7. Roasted Green Beans
Roasted green beans are one of the quickest-to-cook side dishes of all time. With only 20 minutes of prep and cooking time, this recipe from Kate will surely save you a lot of energy.
Moreover, this recipe will only need 3 key ingredients; green beans, olive oil, and salt. It is up to you if you want to add lemon, herbs, or parmesan cheese for more flavor.
8. Dill Pickles
Want something to freshen up your palate after a savory bite? Dill pickles are the perfect side for a flavorful sloppy joe.
This dish will easily clean your palate and balance off the sweetness and tanginess of the sandwich. Moreover, not only that it will bring more life to your food, but it is healthy as it is made with cucumber and has a low-calorie count.
9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted brussels sprouts are among the underappreciated sides since it is a vegetable, and most kids don’t like it.
However, this recipe from Erin will surely change everyone’s minds as it is tasty, rich, and crispy. They are perfect with almost anything from pizza and salad to pasta and creamy mashed potatoes. It is even more exceptional if served along with a yummy sloppy joe.
10. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
If you love bacon, then you will surely love this next recipe. Bacon-wrapped asparagus is truly a treat that even the young ones, who are picky eaters, will eat.
With the savory and delicious flavor of bacon along with its crispiness, wrapping it around the succulent body of asparagus is divine. You can serve this as an appetizer or serve this as a side along with your main dish.
11. Potato Salad
Nothing can beat a mother’s recipe like this potato salad from Sommer. This recipe has captured many hearts because of its deliciousness, and this will surely capture yours too.
With its soft texture and creamy dressing, you’ll have a hard time restricting yourself from having more! The secret to making this recipe the best is to use a starchy potato like Klondike Goldust potatoes for a tasty and quality result!
12. Baked Corn on the Cob
With only butter, salt, and pepper, who would have thought baked corn on the cob would taste heavenly? This recipe is simple yet gives a delicious side to any hearty dishes like sloppy joes.
You can even add garlic and herbs for extra flavor. Additionally, baked corn on the cob is easy to make and is versatile, which means you can serve it at any time, especially during summertime barbecues.
13. Sweet Potato Hash
Stuck choosing between a sweet and savory side dish? Then go for a sweet potato hash, as this will bring you the best of both worlds!
This quick and easy sweet potato hash recipe from Lisa is a great complimenting dish that you can serve as a side or for breakfast. The recipe consists of simple ingredients yet gives off nice, aromatic, and delicious flavors.
14. Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are another classic American favorites that are enjoyable, especially during summer. This delicious side gives a kick to any plain or sweet main dish.
Stuffed peppers are also versatile in that you can be extra with the seasoning depending on your liking, and you can choose any pepper of your preference. Remember that red pepper is the sweetest, and all peppers have a mild spicy kick.
15. Crispy Waffle Fries
Tired of that long, soggy fries that just don’t taste that good anymore? Well, why not go for crispy waffle fries? This is royalty among fries with its satisfying crunch and addicting flavor.
Crispy waffle fries are best when paired with burgers and sandwiches because it gives texture to your meal. And it compliments well with savory dishes since it doesn’t have an overwhelming flavor.
16. Mashed Cauliflower
Most of us know about mashed potato, but many aren’t aware of its low-carb alternative, mashed cauliflower.
Although its name doesn’t sound like a high-tier and quality dish, you won’t believe it, as this side is filled with flavor and is really creamy and soft to the mouth. Moreover, this recipe from Nagi isn’t packed with a bunch of butter, making it a light and healthy side.
17. Glazed Carrots
We love carrots, and giving them a sweet glaze makes them even better! By serving your sloppy joes with a plate of delicious glazed carrots, you’ll definitely have a yummier meal with everyone.
This recipe only calls for freshly cut carrots, butter, brown sugar, and parsley for garnish. Seriously, with only these simple ingredients, you won’t believe how tasty glazed carrots can be!
18. Pasta Salad
We will never get tired of quick and easy recipes because they give us convenience, so we will give you another one. Pasta salad is another great side and is a staple to many households.
They are simple, healthy, and packed with delicious flavors. With this pasta salad recipe, all you have to do is cook the pasta, make the dressing, cut the veggies, and mix them all together!
19. Steamed Broccoli
Greens are always needed for balance whenever we eat meat dishes, and in this case, we present you this simple yet delicious steamed broccoli recipe by Sarah from The Woks of Life.
This dish is a great side for meat sandwiches like sloppy joes that are packed with beef. Moreover, this recipe doesn’t require any strong flavors, thus, greatly compliments sloppy joes without competing with its pronounced taste.
20. Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Who wouldn’t enjoy a bowl of baked parmesan zucchini with their sloppy joes? These crisp, healthy, and tender sticks of joy are perfect for any meal, especially during family dinners.
Beware, these wedges of baked parmesan zucchini are so addicting that you’ll want more than one bowl of it! And this dish won’t give you any hassle as you can cook it in just a matter of minutes!
21. Macaroni Salad
Hands down, macaroni salad, is among the best complementing dish to partner with meat, sandwich, and anything savory.
Macaroni salad is a classic comfort food that has been around for ages and continues to be a favorite to many. With its thick, creamy, and flavorful dressing, everyone will surely love this when served along with your main dish, especially if it’s sloppy joes.
Summary
Bring your older self back to your childhood with a plate of delish sloppy joes along with any of these 21 best side dishes for sloppy joes. You and your family or guest will surely have a great and tasty meal with any of these combos!
Raelyn Fuller has been known as a food and wine enthusiast for her entire life. She is a Food Nutritionist student who works as a journalist for their university in their school newspaper. Right after creating her excellent blog, she was recruited by Birch Restaurant, where she gives her strong opinions about restaurants! Her favorite cuisines are Japanese, Mexican, and Korean!
