Wondering what to serve with sloppy joes? This guide lists the best side dishes to pair with sloppy joe sandwiches. From classic comfort foods to lighter salads and roasted vegetables, these easy options work well for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
If you need a reliable Sloppy Joe recipe, try the Easy Sloppy Joe’s recipe referenced here. It works with any ground meat or plant-based crumbles and is naturally gluten-free. Sloppy joes are typically made with a tangy tomato-based sauce—ketchup or tomatoes, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Serve the filling on hamburger buns, ciabatta rolls, or use it in a mashed potato crust for a fun Sloppy Joe pie. Popular toppings include sliced red onion, cheese, and pickles.
Sides For Sloppy Joe’s:
Sloppy joes pair nicely with crunchy pickles and a variety of sides. Below are organized ideas by category—potatoes, salads, and vegetables—so you can pick a few that suit the occasion and crowd.
Potato Sides:
1. Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese – Rich, creamy mashed potatoes benefit from a scoop of cream cheese for extra smoothness and flavor. They’re comforting and pair well with the saucy meat.
Mashed Potatoes
2. Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes – Twice-baked potatoes stuffed with cheese and bacon are a hearty side; top with sour cream and chives for extra appeal.
Baked Potatoes
3. Bacon Potato Roses – Thinly sliced potatoes wrapped in bacon and roasted until crisp make an attractive, indulgent side.
Potato Roses
4. Pan-Fried Sweet Potatoes – Sliced sweet potatoes pan-fried until crisp offer a slightly sweeter contrast to the savory sloppy joe filling.
Pan Fried Sweet Potatoes
5. Roasted Potato Wedges – Simple seasoned wedges roasted until crispy are excellent for dipping and are always a crowd-pleaser.
Roasted Potato Wedges
6. Baked French Fries – A lower-fat option, baked fries still deliver crunch and pair nicely with sloppy joe sandwiches.
7. Waffle Fries – Frozen waffle fries crisped in the air fryer make a convenient and fun side.
8. Air-Fried Fingerling Potatoes – Small fingerlings roasted with Italian seasonings have great texture and flavor.
Fingerling Potatoes
9. Tater Tot Poutine – For a playful, indulgent side, top crispy tater tots with gravy, cheese, and scallions.
10. Potato Salad with Eggs – A classic creamy potato-and-egg salad provides a cool balance to the warm sandwich.
Salad Sides:
1. German Potato Salad – A tangy, warm potato salad with bacon and vinegar is excellent in warmer months or alongside rich mains.
2. Mango Coleslaw – Fresh mango adds sweet contrast to crunchy cabbage for a bright, tropical slaw that pairs well with saucy burgers.
3. Loaded Baked Potato Salad – All the flavors of a loaded baked potato—bacon, cheddar, and chives—turned into a creamy salad.
Potato Salad
4. Kale and Apple Salad – Tender kale tossed with crisp apples and a light vinaigrette offers a wholesome, kid-friendly option.
Kale and Apple Salad
5. Deli-Style Macaroni Salad – A creamy pasta salad is a classic deli favorite that pairs perfectly with sandwiches.
Macaroni Salad
6. Wild Rice Salad with Orange and Pomegranate – A hearty, slightly sweet grain salad that brings bright citrus and pomegranate notes.
7. Italian Spaghetti Salad – Cold pasta tossed with vegetables and Italian dressing is a kid-friendly, flavorful option.
8. Black Bean Salad – A protein-rich bean salad adds freshness and texture to a sandwich meal.
9. Fruit Salad – A simple mixed fruit salad, lightly dressed with orange juice, offers a refreshing contrast.
10. Tossed Salad – A basic green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber is always an easy crowd-pleaser.
11. Strawberry Spinach Salad – Fresh strawberries brighten baby spinach and make a colorful, seasonal side.
Veggie Sides:
1. Beer-Battered Onion Rings (Gluten Free) – Crispy onion rings are a classic indulgence that match perfectly with sloppy joes.
Beer Battered Onion Rings
2. Air Fryer Roasted Green Beans – Simple roasted green beans with Italian seasonings make a healthy, flavorful side.
Roasted Green Beans
3. Brown Sugar Cinnamon Carrots – Sweetly glazed carrots with cinnamon are an easy side that appeals to kids and adults alike.
Brown Sugar Carrots
4. Roasted Butternut Squash – Sweet roasted squash, seasoned with garlic and thyme, can be oven- or air-fryer roasted for a cozy side.
Butternut Squash
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon – Crispy roasted Brussels with bacon and leeks turn a humble vegetable into a favorite.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
6. Make-Ahead Corn Salad – Grilled or roasted corn, avocado, and a lime dressing make a bright, make-ahead side for summer meals.
7. Lemon Roasted Broccoli – Roasted broccoli finished with lemon is simple, crisp, and versatile.
8. Grilled Zucchini – Quick-grilled zucchini makes a light, smoky complement to sandwiches.
9. Mashed Rutabagas – Mashed rutabagas with parmesan offer a savory alternative to potatoes with rich flavor.
Mashed Rutabagas
What sides do you love with sloppy Joe’s?
We’d love to hear what you serve alongside sloppy joes. Share your favorite combinations in the comments—classic comfort sides, quick salads, or anything creative that works for your family or gatherings.