What to Serve with French Dip Sandwiches – 7 Amazing Sides

I vividly remember the Fourth of July when I decided to make a side dish for our barbecue. I had just moved out of my parents’ house and was starting my own little family. I wanted to show off my cooking skills and impress my new in-laws.

So, I prepared a delicious side dish of green beans, but I didn’t realize that my father-in-law was such a food critic. He took one bite and said, “This is not a side dish for French Dip sandwiches.” I was so embarrassed.

My husband looked over at me and said, “Don’t worry, I’m sure your dish is great.”

I was so relieved that he was supportive, as I didn’t want to disappoint him or my new family.

Now, I want to help you avoid making the same mistakes I did. So since then, I’ve done my research, and I now know what side dishes are suitable for French Dip sandwiches. In this article, I will share with you a list of my favorite side dishes for your tasty French Dip. Keep reading to find out more.

Best Side Dishes for French Dip Sandwich

1. Tortilla Chips
2. Fresh Salad
3. Onion Rings
4. Sweet Potato Fries
5. Fruit Salad
6. Roasted Veggies
7. Potato Salad

Tortilla Chips

Whether you’re looking for a tasty way to add some crunch to your sandwich or a dipper for your favorite dip, these little disks of deliciousness are sure to do the trick. And when it comes to French Dip, there’s no better sidekick than a good ol’ bag of tortilla chips.

Sure, you could go the traditional route and serve your French Dip with a side of whatever. But let’s be honest, who wants a soggy sandwich? Tortilla chips, on the other hand, provide the perfect balance of crunch and absorbency. So whether you’re dunking your sandwich in au jus or piling on the toppings, you can be sure your tortilla chips will hold up to the task.

Not to mention, tortilla chips are incredibly easy to prepare. Simply open up a bag and presto! You’ve got yourself a side dish. No muss, no fuss. And if you’re feeling particularly fancy, you can even spice things up by adding a little bit of seasoning to your chips. Now that’s what we call elevated eats!

Quick Recipe: Tortilla Chips

• Ingredients: Tortilla chips, optional seasoning (e.g., paprika, garlic powder)
• Average Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Open a bag of tortilla chips.
  2. Optional: Sprinkle seasoning over chips for added flavor.

Fresh Salad

There’s nothing like a big, juicy French dip sandwich. But sometimes, all that bread and meat can be a little heavy. That’s where a fresh salad comes in! A light, refreshing salad is an excellent side dish for a French dip.

I’ll tell you, the cool, crisp veggies are the perfect contrast to the warm, savory meat. Plus, the healthy ingredients help to balance out the calories in the sandwich.

In addition, this salad is easy to prepare. Simply start with a bed of greens, then add your favorite veggies. I like to use cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onion. For the dressing, I like to use a simple balsamic vinaigrette.

If you’re looking for a heartier salad, you can also add some shredded chicken or crumbled bacon. Or, for a vegetarian option, you could add some grilled tofu or roasted vegetables. However you prepare it, this salad is sure to be a hit!

Quick Recipe: Fresh Salad

• Ingredients: Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, balsamic vinaigrette
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion in a bowl.
  2. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss.

Onion Rings

Next up on my list of side dishes is a classic, onion rings. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Onion rings are usually pretty greasy, and French dip is already pretty messy. But trust me, when done right, onion rings can be an excellent side dish for your sandwich.

In other words, what makes onion rings the perfect side dish for French dip is their combination of crunch and sweetness. The crispy breading provides a nice contrast to the tender meat, while the onions add a touch of sweetness that ties everything together.

Plus, when prepared properly, onion rings can actually be pretty healthy in particular when baked rather than fried. They’re packed with antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals that will give your body the boost it needs.

So go ahead and serve them alongside your French dip, or use them as a topping for your sandwich. You can also enjoy them as a snack or appetizer. However you enjoy them, onion rings are sure to add a little extra something to your meal.

Quick Recipe: Onion Rings

• Ingredients: Onion slices, flour, breadcrumbs, eggs
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Dip onion slices in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
  2. Bake or fry until golden brown.

Sweet Potato Fries

Following closely behind onion rings are sweet potato fries. And, in my opinion, they’re one of the best ways to round out a juicy French dip.

Honestly, sweet potato fries are an amazing compliment to this sandwich, and just like onion rings, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Plus when paired with the right dipping sauce, they can be absolutely irresistible.

Besides, preparation is foolproof. Simply slice up some sweet potatoes, toss them in a little oil, and bake them in the oven until they’re crispy.

If you’re looking for other ways to enjoy sweet potato fries, they also make a great side dish for burgers or chicken sandwiches. And of course, they’re always delicious on their own as a snack.

Quick Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

• Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Slice sweet potatoes into fries.
  2. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bake until crispy.

Fruit Salad

Up next is a side dish that might seem a little out of place, but trust me, it’s worth trying. I’m talking about fruit salad! I know what you’re thinking, how can fruit salad be a good side dish for French dip?

But hear me out. The sweetness of the fruits pairs well with the savory flavors of the meat, and the colorful presentation adds a touch of elegance to the dish. Plus, it’s a healthy option that will leave everyone feeling satisfied.

What’s more, fruit salad is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

So to prepare this mouthwatering dish, simply start by chopping up your favorite fruits into bite-sized pieces. I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart fruits, such as apples, grapes, strawberries, and pears. Then, add a handful of green grapes for color and texture. Finally, drizzle with a simple dressing of lemon juice and honey, and you’re ready to enjoy!

Also, If you’re looking for a more unique way to serve fruit salad, try combining it with yogurt or cottage cheese. The creamy texture provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the fruit, and it’s a healthy option too.

Quick Recipe: Fruit Salad

• Ingredients: Apples, grapes, strawberries, pears, lemon juice, honey
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Chop fruits into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Drizzle with a mixture of lemon juice and honey

Roasted Veggies

Yet another of my favorites is roasted veggies and they are a wonderful companion for a French dip.

Not only do they add a delicious and nutritious element to the dish, but they also help to balance out the richness of the meat. Typically, roasted veggies can be prepared in a variety of ways, but my personal favorite is to toss them in a bit of olive oil and rosemary before roasting in a hot oven.

Consequently, the result is tender and flavorful veggies that pair perfectly with the rich flavors of French Dip. From my experience, the key to making roasted veggies is to choose a mix of colorful vegetables, such as red peppers, yellow squash, green beans, or even Brussel sprouts but feel free to use whatever veggies you prefer.

In any case, other ways to enjoy roasted veggies include adding them to salads or using them as a topping for pizzas and pasta.

Quick Recipe: Roasted Veggies

• Ingredients: Red peppers, yellow squash, green beans, olive oil, rosemary
• Average Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Toss vegetables in olive oil and rosemary.
  2. Roast in a preheated oven until tender.

Potato Salad

Last but not least, potato salad is another side dish that makes an excellent accompaniment to French dip. In fact, there’s nothing quite like a heaping helping of potato salad to round out a perfect French Dip sandwich.

Make no mistake about it, the creamy, tangy flavors of the potato salad complements the rich, savory flavors of the sandwich perfectly. Plus, the potato salad helps to balance out the sandwich, making it a heartier and more filling meal.

So, whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch or a simple side dish to bring to a potluck, French Dip and potato salad are always a winning combination.

And best of all, this side dish is easy peasy lemon squeezy to make. See quick recipe below.

Quick Recipe: Potato Salad

• Ingredients: Boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Mix boiled potatoes with mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  2. Chill before serving.

FAQ

What goes well with a roast beef sandwich?

There are a few different side dishes that go well with a roast beef sandwich. Some favorites include pitas, flatbreads, roasted veggies, and bagels.

What does a French dip have on it?

A French dip is a type of sandwich that is typically made with roast beef, cheese, and au jus (a flavorful broth).

What can I serve with a French dip sandwich?

There are a variety of side dishes that go great with a French dip sandwich. Some favorites include roasted veggies, potato salad, and coleslaw.

Conclusion

All in all, there are a variety of side dishes that go great with a French dip sandwich. So, whether you’re looking for a healthy option or something to satisfy your sweet tooth, there’s sure to be a side dish on this list that you’ll love.

And now that you know all about the best side dishes for French dip, what are you waiting for? Go out and enjoy a delicious French dip sandwich today!