If you’re serving up everyone’s favorite messy delight, the Sloppy Joes, then you’ll want the perfect accompaniments to make it a complete meal. From crispy fries to creamy coleslaw, there are plenty of options to take your Sloppy Joe experience to the next level. In this article, we’ll explore some tasty and satisfying side dishes that will undoubtedly elevate your Sloppy Joe game. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, having a family dinner, or just craving some comfort food, we’ve got you covered with these delectable pairings. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and discover the perfect combination of flavors to complement those irresistible sloppy sandwiches.
Side Dishes
Fries
Fries are a classic side dish that pair perfectly with Sloppy Joes. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these golden sticks of deliciousness add a satisfying crunch to your meal. Whether you prefer regular fries, seasoned fries, or sweet potato fries, they all make an excellent accompaniment to the savory flavors of Sloppy Joes.
Cole Slaw
If you’re looking for a refreshing and crunchy side dish to balance out the richness of Sloppy Joes, cole slaw is the way to go. Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing, cole slaw provides a light and cool contrast to the hearty Sloppy Joes. The crisp texture and zesty flavors of the cole slaw perfectly complement the meaty and saucy Sloppy Joes.
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a popular side dish that pairs wonderfully with Sloppy Joes. The sweet and smoky flavors of the beans add a depth of taste to your meal. The soft and tender beans are cooked in a rich sauce, often with hints of bacon and molasses, creating a harmonious combination with the Sloppy Joes. The sweet and savory combination is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic and versatile side dish that goes well with many main courses, including Sloppy Joes. Made with boiled potatoes and a creamy dressing, potato salad provides a satisfying and creamy texture that complements the bold flavors of the Sloppy Joes. You can customize your potato salad with additional ingredients like onions, celery, pickles, or even bacon, adding extra layers of flavor to your meal.
Corn on the Cob
When it comes to a summer meal like Sloppy Joes, corn on the cob is a fantastic choice. Grilled or boiled, corn on the cob provides a natural sweetness and a juicy crunch that balances out the richness of the Sloppy Joes. Slathered with butter and sprinkled with a pinch of salt, corn on the cob adds a burst of summery flavors to your plate.
Vegetable Options
Grilled Veggies
Grilled vegetables are a delicious and healthy option to serve alongside Sloppy Joes. Fire up the grill and cook an assortment of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms. The smoky char from the grill adds a depth of flavor to the vegetables, making them a perfect complement to the Sloppy Joes. Serve them as a medley or individually, and let their natural flavors shine.
Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli is a simple yet nutritious choice to balance out your Sloppy Joes. Lightly steamed until tender-crisp, broccoli retains its vibrant green color and offers a fresh and slightly crunchy texture. The mild bitterness of broccoli complements the rich and savory Sloppy Joes, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower is a delicious and versatile vegetable side dish that pairs well with Sloppy Joes. When roasted, cauliflower takes on a nutty and slightly caramelized flavor, bringing a unique taste to the table. The hearty texture of roasted cauliflower adds substance to your meal, making it a great choice for those looking for a satisfying vegetable option.
Salads
Green Salad
A simple green salad is a refreshing addition to any Sloppy Joe meal. Made with fresh lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and other crisp vegetables, a green salad provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of Sloppy Joes. Drizzle with your favorite dressing, and you have a healthy and flavorful accompaniment to your meal.
Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a versatile side dish that can be customized to your liking. Toss cooked pasta with an assortment of colorful vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, and feta cheese. Dress it with a tangy vinaigrette or creamy dressing, and you have a vibrant and satisfying salad that can be enjoyed alongside your Sloppy Joes.
Cucumber Salad
Cool and refreshing, cucumber salad is a great option to serve with Sloppy Joes. Thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in a tangy dressing create a crisp and zesty side dish that complements the bold flavors of the Sloppy Joes. The refreshing flavors of cucumber provide a pleasant contrast to the hearty and saucy Sloppy Joes.
Breads and Rolls
Hamburger Buns
Hamburger buns are the classic choice for serving Sloppy Joes. Soft and slightly sweet, these buns provide the perfect vessel for holding the delicious Sloppy Joe mixture. Toast them lightly to add an extra bit of crunch and warmth to your meal. With their sturdy yet tender texture, hamburger buns are a trusty and familiar accompaniment to Sloppy Joes.
Slider Buns
If you prefer smaller portions or want to serve Sloppy Joes as appetizers, slider buns are a great choice. These mini buns are perfect for creating bite-sized Sloppy Joes that are easy to handle and enjoy. Just like their larger counterparts, slider buns are soft and delicious, providing the ideal base for your Sloppy Joe creation.
Toasted Garlic Bread
For a flavorful twist, consider serving your Sloppy Joes with toasted garlic bread. Spread softened butter mixed with minced garlic over thick slices of bread, then toast them until golden brown. The aromatic garlic and buttery goodness add an extra layer of taste that complements the savory Sloppy Joes. The crispy texture of the bread pairs perfectly with the meaty and saucy Sloppy Joes.
Cheesy Goodness
Cheese Fries
Indulge in a cheesy treat by serving Sloppy Joes with cheese fries. Top your favorite fries with a generous amount of melted cheese and let them become gooey and irresistible. The combination of crispy fries and melty cheese creates a comforting and satisfying side dish that perfectly complements the Sloppy Joes. Kick it up a notch with toppings like bacon, green onions, or jalapenos for a delicious flavor explosion.
Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
For a more elegant side dish, try cheese stuffed mushrooms alongside your Sloppy Joes. These bite-sized appetizers are filled with a creamy and flavorful cheese mixture, creating a delightful contrast to the hearty Sloppy Joes. Baked until golden and bubbly, cheese stuffed mushrooms make a sophisticated addition to your meal and are sure to impress your guests.
Cheesy Breadsticks
If you’re a fan of bread and cheese, cheesy breadsticks are a must-try side dish with Sloppy Joes. With their soft and chewy texture and melted cheese topping, these breadsticks are a delicious and comforting addition to your plate. Pull them apart and dip them in a side of marinara sauce or enjoy them on their own, and let the cheesy goodness take your Sloppy Joe experience to the next level.
Pickles and Pickled Vegetables
Dill Pickles
Dill pickles are a classic accompaniment to Sloppy Joes. The crunchy texture and tangy flavor of dill pickles cut through the richness of the Sloppy Joes, adding a refreshing and zesty element to your meal. Serve them as a side or stack them on top of your Sloppy Joe for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.
Pickled Jalapenos
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, pickled jalapenos are a fantastic choice to serve alongside Sloppy Joes. These fiery pepper slices add a spicy kick and a tangy twist to your meal. The heat from the jalapenos cuts through the richness of the Sloppy Joes, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Feel free to adjust the amount of pickled jalapenos according to your heat tolerance.
Pickled Beets
For a unique and colorful addition to your plate, consider serving pickled beets with Sloppy Joes. The earthy and slightly sweet flavors of pickled beets provide a contrast to the bold and savory Sloppy Joes. The vibrant purple hue adds visual appeal to your meal, making it a feast for both the taste buds and the eyes.
Savory Soups
Tomato Soup
When it comes to comfort food, Sloppy Joes and tomato soup are a match made in heaven. The rich and hearty flavors of Sloppy Joes pair perfectly with a warm and comforting bowl of tomato soup. Dip your sandwich in the soup or enjoy them side by side, and let the flavors intertwine for a satisfying and cozy meal.
Vegetable Soup
If you’re looking for a lighter and more nutritious option, vegetable soup is a great choice to serve with Sloppy Joes. Packed with a variety of vegetables, this soup provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. The combination of flavors from the vegetables complements the savory Sloppy Joes, creating a wholesome and balanced meal.
French Onion Soup
For a gourmet twist, consider serving Sloppy Joes with a classic French onion soup. Topped with a cheesy and toasted bread crouton, this rich and flavorful soup adds a touch of elegance to your Sloppy Joe meal. The savory and sweet caramelized onions in the soup perfectly complement the robust flavors of the Sloppy Joes, turning your meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.
Crispy Onion Rings
Crispy onion rings are a crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs wonderfully with Sloppy Joes. These battered and deep-fried golden rings provide a crunchy and flavorful texture that complements the soft and saucy Sloppy Joes. Whether you make them from scratch or opt for store-bought, onion rings add a fun and delicious element to your meal.
Appetizers and Snacks
Chips and Salsa
For a quick and easy snack option, serve Sloppy Joes with a side of chips and salsa. The crisp and salty chips are perfect for scooping up the saucy Sloppy Joe mixture. Pair them with your favorite salsa for an extra kick of flavor. Whether it’s mild or spicy, the salsa adds a zesty and refreshing element to your Sloppy Joe experience.
Stuffed Jalapenos
If you’re hosting a game day party or simply enjoy a bit of spice, stuffed jalapenos are a fantastic appetizer to serve with Sloppy Joes. These fiery little peppers are filled with a creamy cheese mixture, creating a perfect balance of heat and flavor. The cheesy filling helps mellow out the spiciness of the jalapenos, making them a crowd-pleasing choice for your Sloppy Joe spread.
Chicken Wings
For a finger-licking good time, serve Sloppy Joes with a plate of chicken wings. Whether they are baked, grilled, or fried, chicken wings are a classic game day favorite that pairs well with the saucy Sloppy Joes. Brush them with your favorite sauce, be it barbecue, buffalo, or teriyaki, and enjoy the combination of juicy wings and flavorful Sloppy Joes.
Fruit Options
Watermelon Slices
When the weather is warm and you’re craving something refreshing, watermelon slices are the perfect fruity side dish for Sloppy Joes. These juicy and sweet slices provide a burst of hydration and a natural sweetness that complements the savory Sloppy Joes. Cool and satisfying, watermelon slices are a great way to balance out the richness of your meal.
Pineapple Chunks
For a tropical twist, serve Sloppy Joes with pineapple chunks. The sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple adds a bright and refreshing element to the rich and saucy Sloppy Joes. Whether you grill the pineapple for a caramelized taste or serve it cold for a juicy bite, pineapple is a fantastic fruit option to bring a touch of paradise to your plate.
Grapes
Grapes are a versatile and easy fruit option to serve alongside Sloppy Joes. Bite-sized and refreshing, grapes provide a burst of natural sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the Sloppy Joes. Whether you prefer green, red, or black grapes, their juiciness and mild flavor make them a simple yet enjoyable addition to your meal.
With these diverse side dish options, you can create a mouthwatering spread to enhance the flavors of your Sloppy Joes. From classic choices like fries and cole slaw to more adventurous options like cheese stuffed mushrooms and roasted cauliflower, there is something for every palate. So next time you serve up Sloppy Joes, make sure to choose the perfect side dish to complete your meal. Bon appétit!
