Italian beef sandwiches are a classic comfort food in Chicago, and rightly so! There’s nothing quite like sitting down with a hot, juicy sandwich and a side of perfectly seasoned fries. However, finding the ideal sides to accompany such a perfect sandwich can be quite a task. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the perfect sides to complete your Italian sandwich pairings meal, making your dinner experience that much better.
Fries:
Fries are the quintessential side dish for any sandwich, and Italian beef is no exception. Crispy french fries, dusted with a sprinkling of salt and paprika, are the perfect pairing for a juicy Italian beef sandwich. Don’t forget to try out different varieties such as seasoned or curly fries, to mix things up and add an extra layer of flavor to your meal!
Giardiniera:
No Italian beef sandwich is complete without giardiniera. This pickled vegetable mixture has become synonymous with the classic sandwich, and for a good reason. Giardiniera adds a tangy zip to the savory sandwich, and it’s perfect on the side, mixed in with your fries or even piled on top of your sandwich itself. The variation of spices used in giardiniera is what makes it so unique, and you can always adjust the heat level to your preference.
Pasta Salad:
A great compliment to any Italian dish is a pastasalad! Adding a tasty pasta salad to the mix brings carbs and veggies to the plate and makes it a little lighter. You can also mix it up with different kinds of pastas such as rotini or bow tie, adding some flavor with some olive oil and vinegar dressing. Pasta salad is furthermore a perfect option for summertime BBQs as it offers an easy make-ahead side option.
Garlic Bread:
Garlic bread is an excellent side dish, which is great for mopping up any extra sauce left behind after your sandwich is gone. Most importantly, you can make it right at home with just a handful of ingredients. Spread garlic butter over crusty French bread and put it in the broiler until golden brown for the ideal garlic bread. There is nothing quite like biting into a piece of warm, buttery garlic bread.
Onion Rings:
Onion rings, when made correctly, are the perfect side dish to make your meal that much more special. The crispy, crunchy exterior of a homemade onion ring paired with a juicy, beefy sandwich creates an excellent combination of flavors and textures. Whether you make them using a beer batter or Panko breadcrumbs, it doesn’t matter. Onion rings are the perfect side dish to complete your Italian beef sandwich meal.
Conclusion:
There you have it – the perfect sides to complete your Italian beef sandwich meal. Whether you’re looking for something classic or something new, this list offers some of the best options to add to your meal. From fries to pasta salad, garlic bread to onion rings, these sides will surely satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling full and happy all night long. So, have some fun and mix it up every now and then, you never know what might become your new favorite side dish.
