Need ideas for what to serve with Sloppy Joes? No stressing, I’ve gathered the best side dishes to pair with classic Sloppy Joe sandwiches to complete your meal.
What to Serve with Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are an easy-to-make comfort food made with simple, pantry ingredients. Chances are, if you grew up in the US, you probably have some cherished childhood memories of Sloppy Joe nights, often accompanied by tasty sides such as french fries, potato chips, or tater tots.
But if you need suggestions for what to serve with Sloppy Joes– pair the sandwiches hot and fresh with one of these delicious sides.
- 1. French Fries
- 2. Tater Tots
- 3. Southern Potato Salad
- 4. Roasted Potatoes
- 5. Sweet Potato Fries
- 6. Sweet Potato Wedges
- 7. Mashed Potatoes
- 8. Potato Chips
- 9. Arugula Spinach Salad
- 10. Broccoli Salad
- 11. Cucumber Carrot Salad
- 12. Caesar Salad
- 13. Purple Coleslaw Salad
- 14. Corn Salad
- 15. Pesto Ricotta Pasta Salad
- 16. English Pea Salad
- 17. Macaroni Salad
- 18. Fruit Salad
- 19. Carrot Fries
- 20. Acorn Squash
- 21. Corn on the Cob
- 22. Mashed Cauliflower
- 23. Pressgurka
- 24. Deviled Eggs
- 25. Baked Beans
- 26. Egg Salad
- 27. Mac and Cheese
- 28. Onion Rings
The Best Potato Sides for Sloppy Joes
1. French Fries
Crispy fries are a classic side dish for Sloppy Joes. Cook them from frozen in the air fryer until they turn golden brown, or try these fool-proof homemade French fries.
2. Tater Tots
Name a more iconic food duo than Tots and Joes. Go ahead, I’ll wait. Tater tots are the easiest side dish to serve with Sloppy Joes and a family favorite!
3. Southern Potato Salad
Southern potato salad features fork-tender potatoes tossed in a creamy, well-seasoned dressing, or you can try this healthy potato salad with yogurt for a lighter side.
Photo Credit: Jamil Ghar
4. Roasted Potatoes
Don’t skip on crispy roasted potatoes! The versatile side dish pairs with everything from grilled bison steak and grilled tandoori chicken to Sloppy Joes and sliders.
Photo Credit: Jamil Ghar
5. Sweet Potato Fries
Cooking frozen sweet potato fries in the air fryer is hands down my favorite way to enjoy the crispy side dish, and they taste great with sandwiches.
Photo Credit: Jamil Ghar
6. Sweet Potato Wedges
Air fryer sweet potato wedges make a delicious snack with your favorite dipping sauce or the perfect side for extra messy Sloppy Joes.
Photo Credit: Jamil Ghar
Dipping Sauce Ideas:
7. Mashed Potatoes
Jalapeño mashed potatoes add a spicy twist to classic mashed potatoes, perfect for holiday meals or quick family meals like Sloppy Joe sandwiches.
For those avoiding gluten or dairy, creamy gluten-free mashed potatoes are the perfect choice for soaking up every last bit of the Sloppy Joe goodness.
Feeling adventurous? Try mashed potato French fries for a fun twist!
Photo Credit: Jamil Ghar
8. Potato Chips
Homemade potato chips are actually easy to make, and they are a classic side dish for Sloppy Joes. I love the crunchiness of the chips with the sauciness of the sandwich.
If you’re short on time, your favorite store-bought potato chips will do.
Photo Credit: My Therapist Cooks
All You Need is a Fresh Salad
There’s something undeniably refreshing about pairing Sloppy Joes with a crisp salad. Opt for fresh greens like arugula, spinach leaves, and romaine lettuce, tossed in a simple vinaigrette, or spice it up with mix-ins like radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other veggies to balance the meal.
I love serving the sandwiches with a strawberry salad with goat cheese or blueberry goat cheese salad. Here are a few more of my go-to salad recipes:
9. Arugula Spinach Salad
Whip up a quick arugula and spinach salad when you need a side dish in a hurry. Toss it with your favorite salad dressing, and you’re good to go!
Photo Credit: Jamil Ghar
Salad Dressing Ideas:
- Sherry Shallot Dressing
- Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Sun Dried Tomato Dressing
- Avocado Green Goddess Dressing
- Miso Vinaigrette
- Fig Balsamic Dressing
- Honey Ginger Dressing
10. Broccoli Salad
Enjoy a classic broccoli salad with cranberries, crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and shredded cheddar cheese, all tossed in a sweet homemade dressing.
Photo Credit: Salad, Soup, and Sweets
11. Cucumber Carrot Salad
This refreshing cucumber and carrot salad with a bright, tangy dressing cuts through the richness of Sloppy Joes.
Photo Credit: Jamil Ghar
More Cucumber Sides for Sloppy Joes:
12. Caesar Salad
Classic Caesar salad with crisp homemade croutons is always a win, at least for me. It is my go-to side when I want something light and refreshing.
13. Purple Coleslaw Salad
Living in the South, it is rare to see shredded BBQ sandwiches without a side of tangy coleslaw, making this homemade purple coleslaw salad a perfect side for flavorful Sloppy Joes.
Try this Carolina-style vinegar coleslaw for another tasty variation.
Photo Credit: Jamil Ghar
14. Corn Salad
Simple corn salad is always a crowd-pleaser, but you can elevate the simple dish with this chili cheese Fritos corn salad?
For all you corn lovers, add a spoonful of pineapple corn salad to your sandwich–total game-changer!
Photo Credit: Whiskful Cooking
15. Pesto Ricotta Pasta Salad
If you’re looking for the perfect potluck side dish to serve with Sloppy Joes, pesto ricotta pasta salad is it.
The creamy pasta is loaded with cheesy pesto sauce, an ideal pairing for the hot, hearty sandwich.
For those avoiding gluten, try gluten-free pasta salad with pistachio pesto.
Photo Credit: Jamil Ghar
16. English Pea Salad
Old-fashioned English pea salad is a timeless favorite that’s quick to prepare, making it my go-to side dish when I am short on time.
Photo Credit: Entirely Elizabeth
17. Macaroni Salad
Southern macaroni salad is a staple for parties and gatherings. It is an ideal pairing for beef ribs, brisket in the oven, BBQ baked chicken legs, and a good ole Sloppy Joe!
Photo Credit: Quiche my Grits
18. Fruit Salad
Fresh fruit makes a perfect side for sandwiches—juicy oranges, berries, and crisp apple slices. Or whip up a quick fruit salad with sweet citrus dressing to balance the richness of homemade Sloppy Joes.
Watermelon beet salad is another tasty fruit salad option.
Photo Credit: I Heart Eating
Vegetable Side Dishes
No need to stress about what to serve with Sloppy Joes—there are so many great options! Pair them with crisp bell peppers, carrot sticks, celery, and juicy cherry tomatoes with dill pickle ranch dressing for dipping. Looking for more ideas? Here are more veggie sides to consider.
19. Carrot Fries
Make simple carrot fries in your oven or air fryer for a healthy and delicious side you can pair with anything.
Photo Credit: I Heart Vegetables
20. Acorn Squash
Air fryer acorn squash cooks in a fraction of the time and produces tender, caramelized squash.
With less time cooking, you can focus on perfecting the homemade Sloppy Joes.
More Air Fryer Vegetables:
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
- Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash
- Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash
21. Corn on the Cob
Few things are as satisfying as buttery corn on the cob, and learning how to make it is easy.
Follow my easy steps for how to cook corn on the cob on the stovetop, grill, microwave, and oven.
Photo Credit: Jamil Ghar
22. Mashed Cauliflower
Mashed cauliflower and Sloppy Joes are a match made in heaven! The creamy cauliflower is a great way to enjoy the messy goodness of the sandwiches.
Photo Credit: Jamil Ghar
23. Pressgurka
Pressgurka is a tangy Swedish pickled salad made from fresh cucumbers. The pickles pair perfectly with this IKEA Swedish meatballs recipe, Instant Pot pot roast, or a delicious Sloppy Joe.
And if you don’t want to make pickles from scratch, serve the sandwiches with store-bought dill pickles.
Photo Credit: Jamil Ghar
If you enjoy Sloppy Joes, try one of these quick dinner ideas!
More Sloppy Joe Side Dishes
24. Deviled Eggs
Sloppy Joes are a crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters, making them ideal for potlucks, barbecues, and picnics.
That’s why I love pairing them with deviled eggs.
Photo Credit: Jamil Ghar
25. Baked Beans
Photo Credit: Jamil Ghar
26. Egg Salad
Combine perfectly cooked Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, and simple seasoning to make a creamy egg salad.
Photo Credit: Jamil Ghar
27. Mac and Cheese
This one-pot Dutch oven mac and cheese recipe is a perfect main dish or an ultra-creamy side you can pair with almost anything.
28. Onion Rings
When planning sides for Sloppy Joes, crunchy onion rings are an absolute must.
Photo Credit: Feed Grump
What Can I Serve with Sandwiches Besides Chips?
Still deciding what to serve with Sloppy Joes? There’s no shortage of options!
Pair the sandwich with in-season fruit—berries, melon, oranges, grapes, pineapple, or crisp apple slices. Or you can whip up a vegetable crudite with dipping sauces like cottage cheese ranch dip or tahini yogurt sauce.
Cozy up with a steaming bowl of soup. Chicken noodles, creamy tomato, carrot pumpkin soup, red pepper gouda soup, or hearty Instant Pot potato soup would taste delicious with Sloppy Joes.
What is the Best Way to Serve Sloppy Joes?
When the Sloppy Joe mixture is piping hot, pile it onto your choice of a toasted sesame seed bun, buttery Texas toast, garlic bread, soft hamburger buns, or pillowy Hawaiian rolls (like the ones I use for brisket sliders).
Finish the sandwich with your favorite toppings—pickle slices, tangy vinegar coleslaw, pickled yellow onions, crispy bacon, thick tomato slices, sour cream, fried eggs, gooey cheese, or a drizzle of BBQ sauce; try pineapple barbecue sauce, Cheerwine BBQ sauce, raspberry chipotle BBQ sauce, or Carolina Gold BBQ sauce.