French dip sandwiches are a timeless comfort food—rich, savory, and satisfying. Pairing them with the right sides transforms a simple meal into a memorable feast. Below you’ll find a variety of salads, roasted vegetables, pasta salads, potato and fry options, and a few unique sides to serve alongside French dip sandwiches. Use the table of contents to jump to the section you want.
If you’re preparing French dip sandwiches at home, consider a slow-cooker version for tender, shreddable beef. The slow-cooker method steeps the meat in beef broth, red wine notes, Worcestershire and aromatic herbs, then the beef is served on toasted rolls with melted provolone and a side of au jus for dipping.
Table of Contents
- Salad
- Veggies
- Pasta Salad
- Potatoes + Fries
- Unique
- FAQS
- More Slow Cooker Recipes
Salad
Strawberry Spring Mix Salad
This bright spring mix salad combines fresh strawberries, tangy feta, sugared almonds, and a sweet poppyseed dressing. It offers a fruity contrast to the savory richness of a French dip, making each bite feel balanced and fresh.
Easy Green Salad + 5 Dressing Recipes
A basic green salad with a selection of dressings is a classic choice. Crisp greens, cucumber, and tomato with a simple vinaigrette add a refreshing counterpoint to rich roast beef sandwiches.
Apple Spinach Salad
Spinach, crisp apples, feta, and a balsamic vinaigrette offer bright acidity and texture. This salad is quick to assemble and keeps the plate feeling light alongside a hearty sandwich.
Kale Crunch Salad
A crunchy kale salad with toasted seeds and a bold dressing stands up well next to bold flavors like au jus and melted cheese. It’s a great way to add fiber and color to your meal.
Veggies
Roasted Green Beans and Carrots
Roasted green beans and carrots finished with garlic brown butter, grated parmesan, and a touch of lemon zest make a flavorful, nontraditional veggie side. Roasting concentrates sweetness and adds a satisfying texture.
Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
Sweet and spicy honey-sriracha glaze on pan-seared sprouts creates caramelized edges and bold flavor—an excellent match for the savory beef in French dip sandwiches.
Air Fryer Broccoli
Quick air-fried broccoli gets crisp edges and tender florets in minutes. Season with lemon and parmesan for a bright, easy side.
Roasted Zucchini with Parmesan
Sliced zucchini tossed with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan becomes tender and savory when roasted. It’s a simple, tasty vegetable to complement a meaty sandwich.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Mushrooms sautéed in garlic butter bring earthy richness and pair exceptionally well with beef and melted cheese. Serve them on the side or piled onto the sandwich.
Pasta Salad
Healthy Italian Pasta Salad
A light Italian pasta salad with fresh vegetables and a vinaigrette is an ideal cold side. It’s easy to make ahead, adds color to the plate, and balances the warm, saucy sandwich.
Caesar Pasta Salad
This twist on Caesar flavors—crisp romaine-style additions with pasta and a savory dressing—offers familiar umami notes that echo the beefy sandwich.
Greek Pasta Salad
With feta, olives, cucumber, and a bright dressing, Greek pasta salad provides a tangy, Mediterranean counterpoint that contrasts nicely with warm roast beef.
Potatoes + Fries
Garlic Parsley Potatoes
Herby garlic parsley potatoes—roasted or pan-seared—are buttery and satisfying. They soak up flavors and pair especially well with beefy, saucy sandwiches.
Classic Southern Potato Salad
A creamy Southern-style potato salad is a picnic favorite. Its cool creaminess contrasts with the warm, savory French dip experience.
Oven-Baked Potato Wedges
Crispy oven-baked potato wedges are simple, seasoned, and universally loved—an easy and satisfying starch for sandwich nights.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
For a slightly sweet and crisp alternative, air fryer sweet potato fries add color and a different texture that complements the savory beef.
Unique
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Lightly breaded zucchini fries offer a veggie-forward crunchy option. Serve with garlic aioli or a tangy dip to round out the plate.
Oven-Baked Plantain Chips
Oven-baked plantain chips provide a crisp, slightly tropical alternative to traditional fries—great for dipping into au jus or a creamy sauce.
Fried Pickles
Crispy fried pickles bring tang and crunch. They make a playful, briny contrast to the richness of beef and melted cheese.
FAQS
French dip sandwiches are served with au jus—a flavorful beef broth for dipping—whereas a Philly cheesesteak features thinly sliced beef topped with melted cheese (often provolone or a cheese sauce) and sometimes peppers or onions, served on a long roll. The Philly focuses on melted cheese and toppings, while the French dip emphasizes the beef flavor and dipping jus.
Whether you prefer a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, a chilled pasta salad, or a plate of fries, there are plenty of side dishes that pair beautifully with French dip sandwiches. Choose contrasts in texture and acidity to balance the sandwich’s rich, savory profile.
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