Alright, so shredded beef sandwiches are kind of our jam. We're talking messy, juicy, and oh-so-satisfying, made from slow-cooked, shredded braised beef (often chuck roast) for maximum tenderness.
Now, the pressing question on everyone's mind: What do you serve alongside these meaty wonders?
You want sides that can stand up to all that goodness.
Our mission is simple. We're here to fill those plates with the best pairings possible.
Ever try coleslaw with a spicy kick? Or how about crispy fries that never fail to impress?
We've conjured up a list to make your meal complete. We've sampled, we've nibbled, and now we're sharing the love.
Having a bit of everything is how we roll.
Who's hungry?
Top 13 Side Dishes for Shredded Beef Sandwiches
Here are our top picks for side dishes to serve with your shredded beef sandwiches:
1 - Garlic Parmesan Fries
Ever felt like fries needed a little oomph? Garlic Parmesan fries might just be it.
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. That's how we like 'em.
A sprinkle of parmesan cheese (aged Parmigiano-Reggiano) adds that savory touch.
Who doesn't enjoy garlic? We do.
It makes everything better. Plus, these fries pair well with pretty much anything.
Try dipping them in a simple aioli or ketchup, or pair them with garlic butter shrimp side ideas.
Make them for a cozy night in or when friends come over. Simple, tasty, and oh-so-satisfying.
2 - Tangy Coleslaw
If you're not serving coleslaw with your shredded beef sandwiches, you're missing out. This dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of flavors.
The tangy kick from the vinegar (apple cider vinegar) goes with the savory beef in a way that will leave your palate singing.
Plus, it's an easy dish to make ahead of time and let chill in the fridge until dinner time. So why not add some crunch to your meal?
3 - Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Who knew these little green dudes could taste so good? We've roasted them to perfection.
They've got that earthy, slightly nutty flavor with a crispy crunch. Pair them with your sandwich for some balance.
Try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It adds a sweet note.
We swear its sheer awesome. Feeling adventurous?
Toss in some crispy bacon bits.
Forget about plain old veggies. This is how we roll.
Turn these sprouts into something special. It's a Brussels sprout revolution for us.
4 - Sweet Potato Chips
Feeling snacky? Sweet potato chips are crispy, savory slices of joy, made from thinly sliced orange-fleshed sweet potatoes.
Healthier than regular chips, they're a great swap for crunch lovers. We found baking them gives a better texture-a little less oil, a lot more crisp.
Sprinkle some sea salt, maybe paprika, for a hint of heat. We like them with a bit of dip, like a yogurt-based one.
Slice thin, bake till golden, and serve alongside sweet potato soup sides for cozy meals.
5 - Pickled Red Onions
Ever tried onions straight out of a jar? We have.
Tangy, slightly sweet, they make any sandwich awesome. They add crunch without being overpowering.
Easy to make at home, just vinegar and some sugar (use a 1:1 vinegar-to-water ratio).
Chill in the fridge for a couple of hours.
Great with tacos too, and pair nicely with braised red cabbage side options.
Plus, they brighten up the plate. They're versatile and cheap.
Seriously, why not?
6 - Grilled Corn on the Cob
The slightly charred exterior, with juicy corn kernels (sweet, starchy kernels) bursting in your mouth. Grilled corn on the cob is a summer staple that never fails to satisfy.
Slather on some butter, sprinkle some salt, and you're good to go, or try grilled salmon side pairings for summer.
Try grilling them in foil packets with garlic butter for extra flavor. It's like popcorn on a stick!
But better.
7 - Cucumber and Red Onion Salad
Why does cucumber salad taste so fresh? It's the mix of crunchy cucumbers with tangy red onions.
We've got that zesty bite from the vinaigrette. This combo adds brightness to any meal.
Slice your cucumbers thin (English cucumbers work well). Douse them in a light dressing.
Chill for extra freshness. The key ingredient?
Patience, as flavors intertwine. Serve as a side or snack, as one does.
A touch of herbs can go far. Think cilantro or dill.
Personal touch, major impact.
8 - Macaroni Salad
Ever looked at pasta and thought, why not cold? Our macaroni salad is the lazy day cousin of hot dishes.
It's all about that creamy dressing, mixed with crunchy bits of veggies.
Add a splash of vinegar (apple cider vinegar) for zing.
We toss in a little bit of everything. Peppers for color, maybe celery for crunch.
Mayo holds it all together, like a hug in a bowl. Best part?
Tastes even better the next day, if it lasts.
9 - Baked Beans
They're a classic, loaded with flavors we crave at every BBQ.
We get that smoky-sweet vibe, often from smoked paprika or molasses, and they cling to our sandwiches like old friends. Ever tried adding a hint of mustard or BBQ sauce?
We do that for a blast of tangy zest.
Keep them warm on the stove; they vanish quick. Straightforward warmth in every spoonful right there.
10 - Crispy Zucchini Fries
For us, eating zucchini in fry form is more palatable. Our trick?
Little panko crumbs for extra crunch (use about ½ cup panko per 2 zucchinis).
Dip them in marinara, ranch-you can't go wrong. They're a light and tasty option if you want to balance out all that heavy beefiness from your sandwiches.
Zucchinis are low key veggies; they just fit right in with the rest of your meal without causing any fuss. Everyone's happy!
11 - Roasted Broccoli with Lemon
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Roasted broccoli is a staple for us. It's a dish you can't really mess up.
We get crispy, tender tips with some charred bits in between. Plus, that squeeze of lemon juice (about ½ lemon for 4 servings) adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the beef.
Pair it with your sandwich for a pop of color on your plate. And hey, you're getting those greens in too!
12 - Herbed Potato Salad
Ever thought of potatoes getting a herb makeover? We have.
Imagine potatoes with parsley, dill, and chives-all mingling with mayonnaise (use waxy Yukon Gold potatoes). We've got crunch from celery and zing from a touch of lemon.
A little Dijon mustard adds a hint of boldness.
Our trick? Boil potatoes until just tender, then chill.
Mixing while warm? It absorbs flavors better.
Best served cold, this salad shines in warm weather.
Simple, satisfying, and perfect for any gathering.
13 - Creamy Avocado Dip
Last on our list, the Creamy Avocado Dip. We whip this baby with ripe avocados (Hass avocados) and a pinch of lime.
It's smooth with a dash of zing.
Chips are its bestie, but veggies dig it too. It mingles well with almost everything.
Serve it chilled for that fresh kick. Guac's cooler cousin, isn't it?
Just a gentle blend and serve.
Try adding cilantro or jalapeños. We keep it simple, letting flavors shine.
Less is often more.
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.
