When you think of a French Dip sandwich, rich and savory flavors immediately come to mind. This classic sandwich, typically filled with thinly sliced roast beef and served with a side of au jus, is satisfying on its own. However, the right side dish can elevate your meal, offering a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Whether you prefer something crunchy, tangy, or refreshing, choosing the best sides for French Dip is essential to creating a well-rounded dining experience.
Table of Contents
Classic Sides
1. French Fries
French fries are a classic and almost expected side when serving a French Dip sandwich. Their crispiness provides a satisfying contrast to the tender, juicy beef. The salty exterior of the fries also enhances the savory flavors of the sandwich, making each bite more enjoyable. While regular fries are always a hit, you can add a twist by opting for garlic parmesan fries or even sweet potato fries. Garlic parmesan fries bring an extra layer of flavor with their garlicky, cheesy coating. On the other hand, sweet potato fries offer a slight sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory sandwich, adding a different dimension to the meal.
For those looking to step up their fry game, consider making them at home. Homemade fries, especially when cooked to golden perfection, are a treat that’s hard to beat. The key to achieving that perfect fry is to cut the potatoes evenly and ensure they are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. A quick soak in ice water before frying can help achieve this ideal texture. Whether you stick with the classic or try a variation, French fries are a surefire way to complement your French Dip.
2. Onion Rings
Onion rings are another excellent choice that pairs well with a French Dip sandwich. Their crunchy texture and slightly sweet flavor contrast nicely with the savory beef and au jus. The batter-coated onions, fried until golden brown, add a satisfying crunch that complements the soft bread and tender meat. If you want to add a bit of variety, try spicing up the batter with ingredients like paprika or chili powder, giving the onion rings a little kick.
Baking instead of frying can make onion rings a healthier option without sacrificing too much on taste or texture. Simply coat the onion rings in breadcrumbs after dipping them in a flour and egg mixture, then bake them until crispy. Whether you choose to fry or bake, onion rings offer a delightful crunch that enhances the overall eating experience when paired with a French Dip sandwich.
Refreshing Salads
3. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a versatile and refreshing side that pairs wonderfully with a French Dip sandwich. Its crisp texture and tangy flavor offer a welcome contrast to the rich, savory meat. Traditional coleslaw, made with cabbage and carrots in a creamy dressing, adds a nice crunch to your meal. However, you might want to consider a lighter, vinegar-based coleslaw, which brings a zesty tang that cuts through the sandwich’s richness.
You can also experiment with different variations to suit your taste. For instance, adding ingredients like apples or cranberries can introduce a sweet note, while a touch of mustard in the dressing can give the coleslaw a bit of a kick. Whether you prefer it creamy or tangy, coleslaw is a side that balances the heaviness of the French Dip, making each bite more enjoyable.
4. Cucumber Avocado Salad
For a lighter, more refreshing option, consider serving a cucumber avocado salad with your French Dip. This salad is simple yet flavorful, combining the crispness of cucumber with the creamy texture of avocado. The salad’s lightness complements the richness of the sandwich, providing a cooling counterpoint to the warm, savory beef.
To prepare this salad, toss sliced cucumbers and avocados with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add some chopped cilantro or mint for an extra burst of flavor. The result is a side dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying, enhancing the overall dining experience without overwhelming the palate.
Vegetable-Based Sides
5. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a nutritious and flavorful side that complements the savory richness of a French Dip sandwich. The beauty of roasted veggies lies in their versatility—you can mix and match a variety of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes. These vegetables, when roasted, develop a caramelized exterior that enhances their natural sweetness and adds a delightful texture contrast to the meal.
To prepare, simply toss the vegetables in olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, and roast them in the oven until tender and golden. The slight char from roasting adds a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the beefy goodness of the French Dip. You can also experiment with seasoning blends like rosemary and thyme or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added richness. Roasted vegetables not only balance the meal but also add a vibrant, colorful element to your plate.
6. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is another excellent vegetable side that offers a light, earthy complement to the French Dip sandwich. Asparagus spears, when grilled, become tender yet maintain a slight crunch, making them a great contrast to the soft, succulent beef. The grilling process also brings out the asparagus’s natural sweetness while adding a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall flavor profile of the meal.
To prepare, toss the asparagus with a bit of olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic, then grill until they have lovely char marks. This simple preparation highlights the asparagus’s natural flavors without overpowering them. Grilled asparagus is a side that feels fresh and light, offering a nice balance to the richness of the French Dip without adding unnecessary heaviness to the meal.
Savory Snacks
7. Homemade Potato Chips
Homemade potato chips are a simple yet satisfying side that pairs excellently with a French Dip sandwich. Their crispiness and salty flavor provide a perfect contrast to the tender, juicy beef. While store-bought chips are convenient, making them at home allows you to control the thickness, seasoning, and freshness, leading to a superior taste experience.
To prepare homemade potato chips, start by slicing potatoes thinly and uniformly—using a mandoline slicer works best for this. After slicing, soak the potato slices in ice-cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve that desirable crispiness. Once soaked, pat the slices dry, toss them in a bit of oil, and season with salt. Bake or fry the slices until golden brown and crispy. For an added twist, you can experiment with flavors like sea salt and vinegar or garlic and rosemary. These chips are not only delicious but also a fun and interactive side to prepare, making them a perfect accompaniment to your French Dip.
8. Pickles and Pickled Vegetables
Pickles and pickled vegetables are classic accompaniments to many sandwiches, and they work exceptionally well with a French Dip. The tanginess and crunch of pickles contrast beautifully with the richness of the sandwich, cutting through the heaviness and refreshing your palate between bites. Dill pickles are a popular choice, but pickled onions, carrots, or even jalapeños can add an extra kick and variety to your meal.
If you’re feeling adventurous, making your own pickles at home is straightforward and rewarding. Simply soak cucumbers or your chosen vegetables in a brine made from vinegar, water, salt, and your preferred spices. After a few days of marinating in the fridge, you’ll have a batch of fresh, homemade pickles ready to serve. Whether store-bought or homemade, pickles are a side that adds a burst of flavor and texture, enhancing the overall enjoyment of your French Dip.
Unexpected but Delicious Sides
9. Fruit Salad
Fruit salad might not be the first side you think of when pairing with a French Dip sandwich, but it offers a refreshing and sweet contrast that works surprisingly well. The natural sweetness and juiciness of fruits like apples, grapes, strawberries, and pears balance the savory, rich flavors of the sandwich. Additionally, the bright, vibrant colors of a fruit salad add visual appeal to your plate, making the meal more inviting.
To prepare, simply chop your favorite fruits into bite-sized pieces. For added flavor, drizzle a mixture of lemon juice and honey over the fruits to create a light dressing. This simple yet effective combination enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits while adding a touch of tartness that cuts through the heaviness of the sandwich. You can also experiment with seasonal fruits or even add a sprinkle of fresh mint for extra freshness. Fruit salad is not only a healthy side but also a palate cleanser, making it a delightful companion to the French Dip.
10. Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is another unexpected side that pairs well with a French Dip sandwich. The creamy texture of the macaroni salad contrasts nicely with the sandwich’s juicy beef, while the coolness of the dish provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, hearty sandwich. This classic side is versatile and can be customized to your liking, whether you prefer it with a traditional mayo-based dressing or something lighter like a vinaigrette.
To make a basic macaroni salad, cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then toss with a dressing made from mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and seasonings. Additions like chopped celery, onions, and bell peppers add crunch and flavor, while a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs can elevate the dish. The creamy and tangy flavors of the macaroni salad complement the savory notes of the French Dip, making it a well-rounded side that satisfies both your taste buds and your hunger.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right side dishes for your French Dip sandwich can transform a good meal into a great one. Whether you opt for classic choices like French fries and onion rings or something more unexpected like fruit salad or macaroni salad, the key is balance.
Read Also: Best Sides for Fried Catfish
Varsha