Meatball subs are undeniably satisfying. These hearty sandwiches, packed with juicy meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, are a comforting classic. But let’s be honest, they can be quite heavy on their own. To create a truly balanced and exceptional meal, you need the perfect side dishes to complement those flavorful subs.
If you’re wondering What To Serve With Meatball Subs, you’ve come to the right place! This guide dives into 25 fantastic side dish ideas, ranging from light and refreshing salads to comforting carbs and crispy fries. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or a fun game-day gathering, you’ll find inspiration here to create a complete and crowd-pleasing meal around your meatball subs. Let’s explore the best pairings to elevate your meatball sub experience!
For a super convenient meatball sub preparation, consider using Frozen Meatballs in the Air Fryer for perfectly cooked meatballs every time!
Quick & Tasty Side Dish Categories for Meatball Subs:
- Classic Carbs: Think beyond the bread! Crusty bread for dipping in sauce, flavorful garlic bread, fluffy mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles can add delightful textures and comforting elements.
- Veggies for Balance: Roast them, fry them, or steam them! Baked potatoes, roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, crispy zucchini fries, or classic French fries offer contrasting flavors and lighten the meal.
- Fresh Salads: A vibrant salad is key! Caesar salad, simple green salad, Caprese salad, or a refreshing watermelon salad provide acidity and freshness to cut through the richness of the subs.
- Cheese & More Toppings (For a Meatball Sub Bar!): Set up a fun topping bar with mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, sautéed peppers, mushrooms, and onions for customizable subs and extra side options.
Delicious Side Dish Recipes to Serve with Meatball Subs
Light & Refreshing Salads
A salad is often the perfect counterpoint to the richness of a meatball sub. The bright, crisp flavors and textures help balance the meal and cleanse the palate.
House Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette
Top view of a fork resting on the side of a wooden salad bowl with a house salad served in it and dressing in a mason jar on the side.
This simple House Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette is a fantastic and versatile choice. It comes together quickly with basic ingredients and offers a neutral yet flavorful profile that complements almost any main course. The red wine vinaigrette adds a tangy zest that cuts through the richness of the meatball sub beautifully. It’s a light, 10-minute side dish that’s always a winner.
Fresh Homemade Coleslaw
Spoon resting in a bowl of fresh homemade coleslaw.
For a creamy and crunchy contrast, Fresh Homemade Coleslaw is an excellent option. This recipe is quick, easy, and delivers a refreshing crispness that balances the savory meatball sub. The combination of fresh vegetables and creamy dressing provides a delightful textural and flavor contrast. Learn to make this classic side dish and enjoy its versatility!
German Cucumber Salad with Vinegar
German cucumber salad with red onions and vinegar served in a bowl.
Looking for a tangy and light side? German Cucumber Salad (Gurkensalat) is your answer. This traditional German salad features thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions in a refreshing vinegar dressing, generously flavored with fresh dill. The vinegar-based dressing provides a welcome acidity that cuts through the richness of the meatball sub, while the dill adds a fresh, herbaceous note. It’s a healthy and flavorful way to use up cucumbers.
Mediterranean Artichoke Salad
A bowl filled with the individual Mediterranean artichoke salad ingredients but not combined with the dressing in a small mason jar alongside it.
Embrace the Mediterranean diet with this pantry-friendly Mediterranean Artichoke Salad. Artichoke hearts, combined with other Mediterranean staples, create a flavorful and healthy side dish that pairs wonderfully with meatball subs. Its bright and briny flavors complement the savory and rich flavors of the sub, adding complexity to your meal.
Burrata Caprese Salad
A burrata caprese salad served in a bowl with halved cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinegar drizzled on top.
Elevate your side dish game with a Burrata Caprese Salad. This elegant salad combines creamy burrata cheese, fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze. The richness of the burrata and the sweetness of the balsamic beautifully complement the savory meatball sub, creating a sophisticated and flavorful pairing. It’s a light yet luxurious side that’s perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight upgrade.
Creamy Caesar Salad Recipe
This Creamy Caesar Salad is a classic for a reason. Its rich, creamy dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, and crunchy croutons offer a satisfying textural contrast to the softer meatball sub. The bold flavors of the Caesar dressing stand up well to the robust flavors of the meatballs and sauce, making it a truly complementary side. Prepare to share the recipe, as this Caesar salad is sure to be a hit!
Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta
Mediterranean white bean salad with feta cheese in a blue serving bowl with gold salad spoons resting on top.
For a heartier salad option that’s still fresh and flavorful, try Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta. Cannellini beans, feta cheese, bell peppers, and parsley are tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to create a vibrant and satisfying side. The protein from the beans makes it a more substantial salad, while the lemon and feta add brightness and tanginess that balance the meatball sub. It’s a great gluten-free and easily vegan-adaptable option.
Tomato and Onion Salad with Peppers
This Tomato and Onion Salad is incredibly easy and bursting with fresh summer flavors. Adding crunchy bell peppers to the classic tomato and onion combination enhances the texture and flavor of this simple salad. The bright acidity and freshness of this salad are perfect for cutting through the richness of meatball subs, especially during warmer months. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful win!
Hearty & Comforting Sides
Sometimes you want sides that are just as comforting as the meatball subs themselves. These options offer satisfying textures and flavors that complement the main dish without being too heavy.
Garlic Redskin Mashed Potatoes Recipe
No comfort meal is complete without creamy mashed potatoes! This Garlic Redskin Mashed Potatoes Recipe elevates classic mashed potatoes with garlic, green onions, and plenty of butter. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth side dish that’s both flavorful and comforting. The garlic adds a savory note that complements the meatballs, while the creamy texture is a perfect contrast to the chewy bread of the sub.
4 Ingredient Pasta Salad
4 Ingredient Pasta Salad in a serving bowl topped with tomatoes, cheese, and dressing.
Keep it simple and delicious with this 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad. Cooked directly in the dressing in an Instant Pot, this pasta salad is ready in under 30 minutes. Its ease and speed make it a perfect weeknight side. The tangy dressing and simple ingredients make it a crowd-pleasing side that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare alongside your meatball subs.
Check out this recipe
German Potato Salad
For a unique twist on potato salad, try German Potato Salad. This version features potatoes mixed with bacon, onions, and herbs, all tossed in a tangy vinegar-based dressing. The smoky bacon, sweet onions, and tart vinegar offer a complex flavor profile that complements the savory meatballs. Serve it warm or cold for a satisfying and flavorful side dish that goes beyond the usual potato salad.
Crispy & Fun Sides
Crispy sides offer textural excitement and are always a hit, especially with sandwiches like meatball subs.
Louisiana Voodoo Fries
Louisiana Voodoo Fries topped with a creamy white sauce in a parchment paper covered dish.
Take your fries to the next level with Louisiana Voodoo Fries. These cheesy Cajun ranch fries are loaded with flavor and incredibly addictive. The Cajun spices add a kick that complements the Italian flavors of the meatball sub, while the creamy ranch and cheese sauce make them utterly irresistible. Make them at home in just 30 minutes for a fun and flavorful side.
Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Hands pulling a cheesy garlic bread apart to show the melty cheese between the pieces.
Garlic bread is a natural pairing with Italian-inspired meatball subs. Air Fryer Garlic Bread makes it quick and easy to achieve perfectly crispy and cheesy garlic bread. The air fryer creates a crispy crust and a soft, garlicky interior. It’s a budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing side that’s perfect for soaking up extra meatball sub sauce!
Parmesan Truffle Fries
Elevate your fry game with restaurant-style Parmesan Truffle Fries. The luxurious aroma of truffle oil combined with crispy, double-fried chips and parmesan cheese is simply irresistible. The truffle flavor adds a sophisticated touch that elevates the entire meal, while the parmesan provides a salty, savory finish. Bring the restaurant experience home with this decadent side.
Sweet Potato Tots (Stovetop & Air Fryer)
Hand dunking a sweet potato tot into dressing in a small dish.
For a healthier and fun twist on fries, try Sweet Potato Tots. These allergen-free tots are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and naturally sweet. Sweet potato offers a nutritional boost compared to regular potatoes, and their slightly sweet flavor provides a nice contrast to the savory meatball sub. These teddy bear-shaped tots are especially fun for families with kids!
Salt & Vinegar Chips
For a crunchy and tangy side that requires minimal effort, Homemade Salt and Vinegar Chips are a fantastic choice. Making them from scratch allows you to control the flavor and crispiness. The addictive acidic and salty flavors of salt and vinegar chips provide a sharp contrast to the richness of the meatball sub, cleansing the palate and keeping you coming back for more.
Carrot Fries
These Carrot Fries are a surprisingly tasty and healthy alternative to traditional French fries. Baked with olive oil and ranch seasoning, they achieve a crisp exterior and offer a slightly sweet and savory flavor. Carrot fries are a great way to sneak in extra vegetables while satisfying that fry craving. They are simple to make and a lighter side option for your meatball sub meal.
Zucchini Fries
For another vegetable-based fry option, consider making zucchini fries. Lightly breaded and baked or air-fried, zucchini fries offer a crispy exterior and tender interior. They are a lighter and healthier alternative to potato fries and pair well with meatball subs. Consider serving them with a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch for extra flavor.
Roasted & Steamed Vegetables
Roasting or steaming vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and provides a healthy and flavorful side dish.
Easy Sheet Pan Caprese Asparagus
Sheet pan caprese asparagus served on a plate with balsamic glaze drizzled over top.
This Caprese Asparagus is a top-rated recipe for a reason. Roasted asparagus topped with melted cheese, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsamic vinaigrette is a flavor explosion. The roasted asparagus offers a tender-crisp texture, while the Caprese toppings add freshness and Italian-inspired flavors that complement the meatball sub perfectly. It’s an elegant and easy sheet pan side dish.
Spicy Italian Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Add a spicy kick to your vegetables with Spicy Italian Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, while Italian spices and a touch of heat elevate their flavor profile. These Brussels sprouts are a crowd-pleaser and offer a healthy and flavorful counterpoint to the richness of meatball subs.
Roasted Broccolini with Lemon and Garlic
Roasted broccolini is a simple yet delicious side dish. Cooked until just crisp-tender with garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon, it’s versatile and flavorful. The slight bitterness of broccolini is balanced by the lemon and garlic, creating a bright and savory side that complements the meatball sub without overpowering it. It’s an easy and healthy way to add greens to your meal.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
For a flavorful and slightly spicy vegetable side, try Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. These tangy, sweet, spicy, and savory cauliflower bites are incredibly addictive. The Buffalo sauce adds a zesty kick that contrasts nicely with the Italian flavors of the meatball sub. They are a fun and wholesome side dish, snack, or appetizer that’s sure to be a favorite.
Blackened Corn
Easy Blackened Corn is a simple summer side dish bursting with flavor. Corn on the cob seasoned with spices and cooked in butter until charred and lightly blackened offers a smoky sweetness that’s incredibly satisfying. The blackened corn adds a touch of summer barbecue flavor that can complement meatball subs, especially for a casual outdoor meal.
Pea Salad
Large serving bowl of pea salad with a spoon resting in it for serving.
This easy and healthy Pea Salad is a delightful and unexpected side dish. Made with green peas, bacon, red onion, cheddar cheese, and a light creamy dressing, it’s ready in under 15 minutes. The sweetness of the peas, the saltiness of the bacon, and the tanginess of the dressing create a balanced flavor profile that is surprisingly complementary to meatball subs. It’s a great option for potlucks or family gatherings.
Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Cream cheese stuffed peppers are a quick and easy appetizer or side dish that can also pair well with meatball subs. With just 4 ingredients and 20 minutes, you can whip up these creamy and slightly tangy peppers. The cream cheese filling adds richness and a contrasting texture to the meatball sub, while the peppers offer a touch of sweetness and freshness.
Roasted Cauliflower Soup
Creamy roasted cauliflower soup in a bowl with some roasted cauliflower florets garnished on top.
For a comforting and cozy side, especially on a chilly evening, consider Roasted Cauliflower Soup. This luscious, creamy, and flavorful soup is easy to make, gluten-free, and dairy-free. The roasted cauliflower provides a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and satisfying. While soup might seem unconventional with subs, a small bowl of creamy cauliflower soup can be a surprisingly delightful and warming starter or side.
Grinder Salad
Looking for a lighter, low-carb option that still captures the essence of a sub? Grinder Salad is your answer! This salad takes the classic Italian grinder sandwich and deconstructs it into a refreshing salad. Crispy lettuce, savory meats, and a tangy dressing combine to create a flavorful and textural experience that echoes the meatball sub but in a lighter format. It’s perfect as a side or even a lighter lunch option alongside a smaller meatball sub.
Check out this recipe
Complete Your Meatball Sub Meal
Meatball subs are a fantastic main course, and with the right side dishes, you can create a truly memorable and balanced meal. From refreshing salads to comforting carbs and crispy delights, these 25 side dish ideas offer something for everyone. Experiment with different pairings to find your perfect meatball sub accompaniment and enjoy your delicious and satisfying meal!
Pinterest image of what to eat with meatball subs with a photo of a meatball sub and some side dishes to pair with it.
What To Eat with Meatballs
Meatball subs are a filling, meaty dish, but plenty of sides help balance out the heaviness of the meal and leave you feeling fully satisfied. Here are 25 of my favorite sides to serve with meatball subs!
5 from 1 vote
Course: Side Dish
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Ingredients
(Refer to individual recipe links for ingredient lists.)
Instructions
- Choose what you want to serve with your meatball sub from the ideas above.
- Click the recipe links and prepare your chosen side dishes according to the instructions in each post.
- Assemble your meatball subs and enjoy your complete and delicious meal!
Notes
The Domestic Spoon’s recipes and photography copyright of The Domestic Spoon.
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