French Dip sandwiches are a beloved comfort food known for their savory, tender beef slices served on a crusty roll with a side of au jus for dipping. While the sandwich alone is hearty and satisfying, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal to a new level of indulgence. Whether you’re looking for classic, crunchy sides like fries, healthier vegetable options, or hearty starches, there are plenty of dishes that pair perfectly with French Dip sandwiches.
In this article, we’ll explore the best sides for French Dip sandwiches, from crispy fries to vibrant salads, ensuring your next meal is well-rounded and memorable.
Appetizers and Snacks
Starting your meal with appetizers or snack-style sides can set the perfect tone. Not only do these smaller bites enhance the flavor experience, but they also offer great textural contrast to the tender beef sandwich.
1. Homemade French Fries
Crispy, golden homemade French fries are a classic pairing for French Dip sandwiches. They are the ideal combination of crunchy and fluffy, making them a great choice for dipping into the au jus. The trick to achieving the perfect fry lies in the double-frying method. This involves frying the potatoes twice—once at a lower temperature to cook the inside and then again at a higher temperature to create that crispy outer layer.
For a lighter, more health-conscious version, consider using an air fryer to make the fries. You can follow this Air Fryer French Fries Recipe to achieve the same crispiness with less oil.
2. Beer-Battered Onion Rings
Beer-battered onion rings are another fantastic side for French Dip sandwiches. The light, crispy batter contrasts nicely with the soft, juicy beef, creating an irresistible bite. Beer adds a subtle richness to the batter, making the onion rings extra fluffy.
For those who love DIY cooking projects, you can try making French’s Fried Onions from Scratch. These crispy onions are an excellent addition to your meal and can even be sprinkled inside your sandwich for an extra crunch.
3. Zucchini Chips
For a healthier, low-carb alternative to regular potato chips, zucchini chips are an excellent choice. They are light, crispy, and provide the perfect crunch to complement the tender, savory French Dip sandwich. To ensure your zucchini chips are crispy rather than soggy, make sure to pat the zucchini slices dry before frying or baking.
4. Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges
Baked garlic parmesan sweet potato wedges offer a sweet and savory twist on traditional fries. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes is enhanced by the garlic parmesan coating, providing a deliciously crispy side dish that pairs beautifully with the rich, beefy flavor of the French Dip sandwich. Pair these wedges with a garlic aioli dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Soups to Pair with French Dip Sandwiches
While traditional au jus is the classic dipping sauce for French Dip sandwiches, pairing your sandwich with a flavorful soup can elevate your meal. Soups not only add variety but also help balance the richness of the beef with comforting, warm flavors.
1. French Onion Soup
French onion soup is an indulgent option that perfectly complements the flavors of a French Dip sandwich. Made with caramelized onions and rich beef broth, this soup mirrors the savory notes of the sandwich. For a fun twist, skip the traditional au jus and dip your sandwich directly into the soup instead. The melted cheese and deep onion flavors provide an extra layer of indulgence.
2. Cheddar Cheese Soup
For a creamy, decadent side, serve a bowl of cheddar cheese soup with your French Dip sandwich. The sharp, tangy cheese in the soup adds a layer of richness that complements the savory beef perfectly. It’s an excellent alternative for those who prefer a thicker, heartier dip over the traditional au jus.
3. Cauliflower Soup
Looking for something on the lighter side? Cauliflower soup is a healthy, low-carb option that’s still packed with flavor. Roasting the cauliflower before blending it into a soup brings out its natural sweetness and nuttiness, making it a great pairing with the sandwich. This soup provides a lighter alternative to heavier sides while still complementing the rich flavors of the sandwich.
Toppings to Elevate Your French Dip Sandwich
Toppings can make all the difference when it comes to flavor and texture. Adding toppings like sautéed mushrooms, pickled vegetables, or caramelized onions can turn a standard sandwich into a gourmet meal.
1. Giardiniera
Giardiniera, an Italian pickled vegetable mix, is an exciting addition to your French Dip sandwich. The tangy, spicy vegetables cut through the richness of the beef, adding a burst of freshness to each bite. You can make your own giardiniera at home, or find a good store-bought version to add a flavorful twist to your meal.
2. Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms cooked in garlic butter are another excellent topping for your French Dip sandwich. The mushrooms’ earthy, umami flavor pairs beautifully with the savory beef, while their tender texture complements the crusty bread of the sandwich.
For the best flavor, cook the mushrooms over high heat until they are well caramelized. This enhances their natural umami and ensures they are bursting with flavor.
3. Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions are a classic topping for French Dip sandwiches. Their sweetness enhances the savory flavor of the beef, while the onions’ soft texture adds a delightful contrast to the sandwich’s crunchy bread. To achieve perfect caramelization, cook the onions low and slow until they turn a deep golden brown.
Vegetable Side Dishes
If you’re looking to add more vegetables to your meal, these vegetable sides provide a healthy balance to the rich, beefy French Dip sandwich.
1. Green Bean Almondine
Green bean almondine is a simple yet elegant side dish made with blanched green beans and toasted almonds. The light, crisp texture of the green beans and the nutty flavor of the almonds pair well with the hearty beef in the French Dip sandwich. This French-inspired side dish adds a healthy and refreshing contrast to your meal.
2. Boiled Corn on the Cob
For a simple, classic vegetable side, try serving boiled corn on the cob with your French Dip sandwich. Boiling the corn in a butter bath enhances its sweetness and adds a rich, satisfying flavor that complements the savory beef. Plus, corn on the cob is a fun, hands-on side that makes any meal more enjoyable.
3. Smashed Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
For a creative twist on Brussels sprouts, try smashed parmesan Brussels sprouts. Boiling the Brussels sprouts first, then smashing and roasting them, creates a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside tender. The addition of parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty flavor that pairs well with the rich beef in the French Dip sandwich.
4. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is another great vegetable side to pair with French Dip sandwiches. The smoky, charred flavor of the asparagus contrasts beautifully with the tender, savory beef, adding a fresh, earthy note to your meal.
Hearty Starch Sides
If you want to make your meal more filling, these hearty starch sides are perfect for rounding out your plate.
1. Macaroni Salad
A creamy macaroni salad is a comfort food staple that pairs well with French Dip sandwiches. Made with tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy mayo dressing, this classic side provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory beef. The creamy texture of the salad also complements the sandwich’s crusty bread, making each bite more satisfying.
2. Red Potato Salad
If you prefer a potato-based side, red potato salad is an excellent choice. This salad, made with fresh dill, pickles, and a tangy mayo-sour cream dressing, offers a creamy and flavorful side that pairs well with the beef in the French Dip sandwich. The tanginess of the dressing cuts through the richness of the sandwich, creating a well-balanced meal.
3. Rosemary Garlic Potatoes
Rosemary garlic potatoes, roasted to crispy perfection, are a fantastic side dish for French Dip sandwiches. The fragrant rosemary and garlic flavors add depth to the potatoes, while their crispy texture contrasts nicely with the tender beef in the sandwich.
4. Garlic-Herb Potato Salad
For a lighter version of potato salad, try a garlic-herb potato salad. Made with olive oil, fresh herbs, and lemon juice, this salad offers a refreshing, dairy-free alternative that pairs well with the rich flavors of the sandwich.
Salads for a Light Balance
If you’re looking for a lighter option to balance the richness of the sandwich, these salads offer a refreshing contrast.
1. Buttermilk Coleslaw
Buttermilk coleslaw is a creamy, tangy side that provides a crunchy contrast to the tender beef in the French Dip sandwich. The combination of buttermilk, mayo, and sour cream creates a rich dressing that complements the savory flavors of the sandwich. Add a bit of horseradish for an extra kick.
2. Kale Caesar Salad
A kale Caesar salad offers a healthier twist on the traditional Caesar salad. The addition of kale provides a nutrient boost, while the creamy Greek yogurt dressing keeps the salad light and flavorful. This salad is a perfect side for those looking for a lighter accompaniment to their meal.
3. Mediterranean-Style Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a refreshing, crunchy side that pairs well with the richness of the French Dip sandwich. The crisp cucumber slices, peppery radishes, and tangy lemon dressing provide a fresh, vibrant contrast to the sandwich’s bold flavors.
4. Apple Spinach Salad
For a fruity option, try an apple spinach salad. The sweetness of the apples contrasts beautifully with the savory beef, while the fresh spinach adds a light, crisp texture. This salad is a great choice for balancing out the richness of the sandwich.
Conclusion
French Dip sandwiches are a delicious, comforting meal, but the right side dishes can take them to the next level. Whether you’re looking for classic sides like crispy fries and onion rings, healthier options like zucchini chips and grilled asparagus, or hearty starches like macaroni salad and rosemary garlic potatoes, there’s a side dish to suit every palate. By adding a variety of textures and flavors to your meal, you can create a well-rounded, satisfying dining experience.
If you’re looking for more ideas, check out this recipe for a delicious French Dip Sandwich or learn more about what a French Dip is made of here. Enjoy your next French Dip sandwich with one of these amazing sides and elevate your meal to something truly special!