Italian beef sandwiches, also known as Italian beef or Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches, are a recipe for preparing beef in an Italian American entree.
Although this dish was invented in America, it is still beloved and consumed worldwide today.
These sandwiches from Chicago are served hot or cold, but they have acquired a very distinct taste both ways.
Like the popularity of Italian cuisine in America, at some point, Italian beef sandwiches also became popular in different parts of the world because of their unique flavor.
It is not surprising that there are four main components to this recipe: meat, seasoning, slow cooking, and giardiniera.
Most people don’t think about serving anything other than Italian beef sandwiches when they have friends or family over to visit, but it’s always nice to have something else.
In this article, we will list different items that can be served with Italian beef sandwiches and some of the best choices.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Italian Beef Sandwiches?
Italian beef sandwiches are a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for sharing.
The sandwich itself contains very few vegetables and can be rather heavy without anything to accompany it.
But this doesn’t mean you have to serve the same things every time to your friends or family members, especially if they’ve already had Italian beef sandwiches before.
Another thing to consider is that everyone has their preference for food, which means each person may like different things.
This includes not only the main course but also side dishes.
What Types of Side Dishes Should You Consider?
When choosing side dishes for Italian beef sandwiches, there are several options to choose from.
First, since this dish is Italian-inspired, many side dishes can be used to compliment it.
For example, you could pair the beef with creamy polenta or some garlic bread for an accompaniment.
You can also serve beans or zucchini on the side of the sandwich if you’d like, and they go very well with Italian recipes in general.
Another option is to go with a salad as this can be lighter and balance out the heaviness of the beef.
If you’re looking for something very unique to serve, then consider having potatoes, as they can give your dish an exciting twist.
What to Serve with Italian Beef Sandwiches? 7 BEST Side Dishes
Below is a list of the top seven best side dishes that you can serve with Italian beef sandwiches.
Choose one or more items to serve with them and enjoy all the flavors.
1 – Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are very easy to make, and you can pick any vegetable that you like.
You don’t have to stick with the ones listed below, but they go well with Italian beef sandwiches.
Some good options include eggplant, zucchini, sweet potatoes, potatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
To roast vegetables, cut them into bite-sized pieces and toss them with some oil, salt, and pepper.
Roast them in the oven for around 25 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or until they are browned to your liking.
If you want to add some extra flavor, sprinkle on some Italian seasoning or oregano before serving.
2 – Creamy Polenta
One of the unique options for side dishes for Italian beef sandwiches is creamy polenta.
This dish consists of a creamy mixture formed into a firm shape and then cut into pieces.
It can be served plain, with a sauce or even in soup.
To make this dish stir together cornmeal, water, and salt in a pot on low heat while constantly stirring to avoid sticking.
Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, and add milk slowly while continuing to start.
Add in some extra flavors such as garlic, herbs, and cheese if desired, and serve warm.
It can be served with beef for an exciting taste.
3 – Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is another unique side dish that you may want to consider pairing with Italian beef sandwiches.
This recipe consists of French or Italian bread, garlic powder, butter, and Parmesan cheese.
Start by slicing the bread into pieces about half an inch thick and butter each slice on one side.
Sprinkle each slice with garlic powder and Parmesan cheese, then bake in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until golden brown.
4 – Hasselback Zucchini
Hasselback zucchini is a unique side dish that can be served with Italian beef sandwiches.
This recipe consists of zucchini, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
Start by slicing the zucchini into thin pieces lengthwise down to the stem but not cut through it.
Pour in some extra virgin olive oil, and then sprinkle Parmesan cheese and any other spices that you want on top.
Bake in the oven for around 25 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or until the cheese turns golden brown.
You can also add some bread crumbs for extra flavor, and they will get crispy when baked.
5 – Potato Salad
Potato salad is another interesting side dish that can be served with Italian beef sandwiches.
It consists of potatoes, onion, mayonnaise, and spices such as dill, mustard, or pickles.
To make this dish boil the peeled potatoes for around 20 minutes or until they are tender.
While waiting for them to cook, mix the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl.
Once the potatoes are done, cut them into cubes and mix them with the other ingredients.
This dish goes very well with Italian beef sandwiches as it is light enough to counterbalance some of the heaviness of the sandwich.
6 – Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad consists of macaroni noodles, mayonnaise, mustard, and various vegetables such as carrots or peas.
It is a unique dish that can be served with Italian beef sandwiches.
Cook the macaroni until it is tender, then drain and mix with the remaining ingredients in a bowl.
This side dish goes well with Italian beef sandwiches because of its creamy texture and light taste.
You may want to serve it with some additional chives or bell peppers sprinkled on top for extra flavor.
7 – Creamy Risotto
Risotto is a popular Italian dish consisting of rice that is slowly cooked and stirred with broth and cheese to form a creamy texture.
To make creamy risotto, start by sautéing the onion in butter until it turns translucent, then stir in the rice to coat each grain with fat.
When the rice has become slightly translucent, add a small amount of the broth and continue stirring until absorbed.
Continue this way until all of the broth has been used up and add in any other ingredients for extra flavors such as cheese, meats, or vegetables.
Serve this dish warm with Italian beef sandwiches for a unique combination of flavors perfect for fall.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Italian beef sandwiches are one of the most versatile hot sandwiches that you can make.
The ingredients used for this sandwich go well with many different side dishes, making it easy to plan a meal for family and friends.
Don’t forget to experiment by trying out some of these recipes or inventing your own.
They can be prepared in no time and with minimal effort, so there is no excuse not to try something new.
What to Serve with Italian Beef Sandwiches? 7 BEST Side Dishes
Ingredients
- Roasted Vegetables
- Creamy Polenta
- Garlic Bread
- Hasselback Zucchini
- Potato Salad
- Macaroni Salad
- Creamy Risotto
Instructions
- Choose your favorite recipe from the list of options.
- Organize all required ingredients and prepare a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less!
About The Author
