French dip sandwiches are a beloved classic, featuring tender roast beef and melted cheese nestled in a crusty roll, all enhanced by a flavorful au jus for dipping. While the sandwich itself is incredibly satisfying, choosing the right side dishes can elevate your meal from good to outstanding. If you’re wondering What To Serve With French Dip, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will explore a variety of delectable side dishes that perfectly complement the rich and savory flavors of a French dip sandwich, ensuring a balanced and complete dining experience.
Classic & Crowd-Pleasing Sides
When considering what to serve with french dip, starting with classic, crowd-pleasing options is always a safe bet. These sides are familiar, comforting, and designed to enhance the sandwich without overshadowing it.
French Fries
It’s hard to argue with the timeless appeal of French fries alongside a sandwich. The crispy, salty potatoes offer a delightful textural contrast to the soft bread and tender beef of the French dip. Whether you prefer classic fries, steak fries, or even seasoned fries, they are a guaranteed win.
French dip sandwich with french fries on the side.
Onion Rings
For another crispy and satisfying option, consider onion rings. The sweet and savory flavor of fried onions pairs beautifully with the savory beef and au jus. Their crunchy texture also provides a pleasant contrast, similar to french fries.
Coleslaw
A creamy and tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the French dip. The cool, crisp cabbage and mayonnaise-based dressing cut through the savory flavors, cleansing the palate and adding brightness to the meal.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a hearty and fulfilling side dish that complements French dip sandwiches wonderfully. Whether you prefer a classic mayonnaise-based potato salad or a German-style potato salad with a vinegar dressing, its creamy texture and comforting flavors make it a fantastic pairing. A chilled potato salad is especially refreshing alongside a warm French dip.
Fresh & Lighter Side Dish Options
If you’re looking for lighter options to balance the richness of the French dip, fresh salads and vegetable-based sides are excellent choices. These sides add vibrancy, nutrients, and a refreshing contrast to the hearty sandwich.
Green Salad
A simple green salad is a versatile and healthy side dish. A mix of crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing and palate-cleansing counterpoint to the rich French dip. You can customize your green salad with your favorite vegetables and dressings to suit your taste.
Caesar Salad
For a slightly more substantial salad, a Caesar salad is a fantastic choice. The romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors that complement the savory French dip without being too heavy.
Cucumber Salad
A refreshing cucumber salad, whether creamy or vinegar-based, is an excellent side dish for French dip. The cool, crisp cucumbers offer a light and hydrating element that balances the richness of the sandwich. A simple cucumber and dill salad is particularly refreshing.
Fruit Salad
For a truly light and unexpected side, consider a fruit salad. The sweetness and acidity of fresh fruits like berries, melon, and grapes can provide a surprising and delightful contrast to the savory French dip. This is a great option for warmer weather or if you want to keep the meal on the lighter side.
Heartier & More Substantial Sides
If you’re aiming for a more substantial and filling meal, consider heartier side dishes that can stand up to the richness of the French dip. These options are perfect for colder weather or when you want a truly satisfying comfort food experience.
Mac and Cheese
Creamy and cheesy mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that pairs wonderfully with French dip sandwiches. The rich cheese sauce and tender macaroni provide a satisfying and indulgent side that complements the savory beef and au jus beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts offer a healthy and flavorful side dish. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and creates a slightly caramelized exterior that is delicious alongside a French dip. You can season them simply with salt, pepper, and herbs, or add a touch of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Soup
Soup can be a surprisingly excellent side dish for French dip sandwiches, especially on a chilly day. A light tomato soup offers a comforting and slightly acidic counterpoint to the rich sandwich. French onion soup, with its caramelized onions and savory broth, can also be a complementary pairing, though it might be a bit rich to serve alongside a French dip.
French dip sandwich served with au jus and a side salad.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Sides
When deciding what to serve with french dip, consider these factors to make the best choices:
- Balance: Aim for a balance of flavors and textures. If your French dip is rich and savory, consider a lighter and fresher side dish to balance it out.
- Season: Think about the season. Lighter salads and fruit salads are great for warmer months, while heartier sides like roasted vegetables and mac and cheese are perfect for colder weather.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best side dish is one that you and your guests will enjoy. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different pairings to find your favorites.
- Ease of Preparation: Consider how much time and effort you want to put into your side dishes. Some sides, like a simple green salad or coleslaw, are quick and easy to prepare, while others, like mac and cheese or roasted vegetables, may require more time.
Conclusion
French dip sandwiches are a versatile and delicious meal that can be enhanced by a variety of side dishes. From classic fries and coleslaw to fresh salads and hearty mac and cheese, the options are plentiful. By considering your preferences, the season, and the desired balance of your meal, you can easily choose the perfect side dishes to complement your French dip sandwiches and create a truly satisfying dining experience. So next time you’re planning to serve French dip, explore these side dish ideas and discover your new favorite pairings!
