Ah, Sloppy Joes, the messy, saucy sandwiches that bring back all the school lunch memories (ground beef in a sweet‑tangy tomato sauce served on a soft bun). Who doesn't love a meal that comes with built-in napkin admission?
Let's just say there's more to life than soggy bread and a can of soda.
We're here to help you kick those ho-hum sides to the curb. From crispy fries to crunchy slaw, there are plenty of delicious options to complement that sweet, tangy goodness.
Grab your bib, and let's get into the good stuff!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Sloppy Joes
Here are our top picks for the best side dishes to serve with Sloppy Joes:
1 - Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries (Ipomoea batatas) bring a sweet twist to our regular fry routine. They're crispy on the outside and tender within, hitting all the right spots.
Their natural sweetness adds a nice contrast to savory dips. We get a hint of earthiness too, making them more than just a side dish.
We also love drizzling a bit of seasoning on top for an extra flavour kick, and if you want alternatives try sweet chili sauce substitutes for drizzling.
2 - Coleslaw
Coleslaw is our crunchy friend at the table. It's a cool mix of cabbage and carrots (usually green cabbage and shredded carrots), all dressed up in a tangy sauce.
Every bite is refreshingly crisp, cutting through the richness of Sloppy Joes like a pro.
We love adding a bit of extra seasoning for some zing. Sweetness from the dressing shines through, making it a tasty contrast.
It's like that perfect sidekick that holds its own, never overshadowing the main event.
3 - Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is like summer on a stick, and for cooking or baking needs consider corn flour substitutes for home cooks.
Each bite is tender, and the char from grilling over charcoal adds a smoky touch.
We love slathering it with butter and a sprinkle of salt. It's simple yet so satisfying.
Coleslaw adds a nice crunch. This dish goes well with the saucy Sloppy Joe.
The cool crunch goes with the rich filling just right.
4 - Dill Pickles
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Dill pickles are your crunchy, zesty companions at the table. They pack a punch of tangy goodness (from lactic acid fermentation) that cuts through the richness of Sloppy Joes.
Each bite snaps with that satisfying crunch we crave.
We love their briny flavor, especially when paired with barbecued meats. They bring a refreshing burst that balances the meal beautifully.
Dill pickles also add a nice, bright green pop on our plates.
5 - Baked Beans
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Baked beans are a classic side that makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and you can find complementary baked beans side dishes for backyard meals.
These beans are usually infused with brown sugar and a hint of mustard (often using navy beans). We love how they cling onto the Sloppy Joes, adding a filling vibe to the meal.
Every spoonful brings a pop of flavour that perfectly balances the sauciness. They're filling and totally easy to serve-what's not to love?
6 - Potato Chips
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Potato chips (thinly sliced, fried potatoes) are that crunchy joy we all crave. They're salty, crispy, and absolutely addictive.
Everyone has their favorite brand, but we definitely love the classic flavor.
You can munch on them alone or use them to scoop up leftover Sloppy Joe goo, or try them as sweet potato soup side ideas.
They bring a satisfying crunch that makes every bite a treat. Those crispy edges paired with that salty goodness?
Total bliss.
7 - Macaroni Salad
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Macaroni salad is the ultimate picnic side-creamy, crunchy, and just the right hint of tang, and for more options see macaroni salad side dishes for cookouts.
It's like a comforting hug for our palate.
The addition of veggies adds a fresh crunch (like bell pepper and celery) that goes with the smoothness. Every forkful feels like a classic summer BBQ.
It's the kind of side that gets better as it sits, making leftovers just as enjoyable.
8 - Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
We love garlic parmesan roasted cauliflower. It's full of flavor and crunch.
The roasted edges get a nice golden brown and a hit of garlic that's hard to resist.
Each bite brings a wonderful mix of savory from the cheese and a subtle earthiness from the cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis). You get the creaminess of the parmesan coating every piece.
It's a side that brings a tasty twist to any meal, especially Sloppy Joes.
9 - Crispy Onion Rings
Onion rings are a total blast. They give you that crispy texture we crave, along with a sweet onion flavor (usually from yellow or sweet onions).
The crunchiness goes well with a Sloppy Joe, adding that satisfying contrast.
These rings have a savory punch from the batter with a hint of garlic. We love dipping them in our favorite sauce for an extra kick.
They're a fun way to jazz up any meal and make us feel like we're at a carnival!
10 - Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Cucumber and tomato salad is a light, refreshing option. We enjoy it for its crisp, cool textures.
The juicy tomatoes (ripe tomatoes) mix well with the crunchy cucumbers (English cucumbers). Together, they create a bright flavor that complements Sloppy Joes perfectly.
A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt makes it even better.
This salad is an easy way to add some freshness to our plate.
11 - Buttered Cornbread
Buttered cornbread is like a warm hug on your plate. This fluffy goodness is sweet and buttery, making it a comforting side.
The texture is perfectly crumbly, yet it holds together well when you scoop it up (often from a 1:1 ratio of cornmeal to flour). We love how it goes with the saucy Sloppy Joe, soaking up all that delicious flavour.
A hint of corn makes it classic, while a drizzle of honey can take it to another level.
12 - Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are like little bites of nostalgia. They're creamy and tangy, with a touch of mustard and paprika giving them a zing we all crave (usually made with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard).
The yolk filling maintains a rich texture that's just pleasant. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can brighten up each bite.
These treats are simple to whip up and are a hit at any gathering.
Plus, they're easy to eat-no mess, just pure eggy goodness.
13 - Fried Zucchini Sticks
Fried zucchini sticks are a fun way to enjoy veggies without feeling guilty. They have this crispy coating that crunches just right.
Inside, you'll find tender zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) that's subtly sweet.
We love dipping them in ranch or marinara for extra flavor. They're perfect for snacking, and they disappear fast!
A sprinkle of parmesan on top gives them a savory twist, making it hard to stop at just one.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
