What Goes With Sloppy Joes? 30 Best Side Dishes

Knowing what goes with sloppy joes doesn’t seem like something that would be too difficult. In reality, though, it can be a bit tricky. This is because sloppy joes can be a complex and tricky thing to serve dishes alongside: they’re a simple meal, rarely served with a side. If you’re wondering what goes with sloppy joes. Don’t worry. In this article, I’m going to run through some of my favorite sloppy joe sides in detail, and give an honorable mention to some that I adore.

What to serve with sloppy joes

Throughout this quick list, I’m going to talk about the reasons that I like these sides for serving alongside sloppy joes and why you’ll love them too : )

1. Mac and cheese

Mac and cheese is, perhaps, the ultimate comfort food. The combination of delicious sloppy joes and some decadent, rich mac and cheese is something to behold.

Try switching things up a bit by adding some cinnamon to your mac and cheese. It sounds odd, but it really does taste incredible, especially if you use a sharp cheddar.

Alternatively, you could use some pickled jalapenos to bring some sharp fire to sloppy joe night – how tasty!

2. Aglio Olio Pasta

This is a simple pasta called many things by many people. Essentially, it’s just finely minced garlic and dried chili flakes fried until golden, and then tossed with spaghetti. It’s really simple, and yet so delicious – serve it with a generous sprinkle of good parmesan cheese, and the end result will be a side dish to remember.

3. Sweet potato fries

Sweet potato fries are an evolution of regular, white potato fries. They are often tossed and coated in a seasoned coating before being fried, baked, or even air fried! They’re a delicious option that people certainly love, and I can see why.

Try tossing your sweet potato fries in a mixture of cornflour, chipotle powder, smoked paprika, and garlic granules. When they bake, they’ll be crispy powerhouses of flavor!

4. Tater tots

Tater tots are beloved by everyone that tries them – smooth, rich, buttery, and creamy, they’re a beacon of warmth and deliciousness no matter where you eat them. I love to dunk them in some spicy sauce for a bit of a kick, but keeping them plain or serving them with garlic mayo could be great for a side dish to flavorsome sloppy joes.

5. Sauteed veggies

Veggies can be a bit of a minefield, especially if you’re catering to kids. However, if you add them to a pan with some butter, herbs, and a lot of heat, you can quickly make delicious and flavorsome sides for everyone to enjoy. I love to use basil to bring out the sweetness of veggies – give it a go!

6. Potato salad

Potato salad is one of those things that you either never eat or always eat. In truth, it’s something that I wish I ate more! It can be a great side for sloppy joes since it has such a smooth, calm flavor compared to powerful sloppy joes.

7. Coleslaw

Homemade coleslaw is just so insanely delicious. Whether it’s used on sandwiches, baked potatoes, or in any other setting, it can be a whirlwind of flavor and texture unlike anything else. Try making it yourself, and you’ll see how easy and tasty it can be.

8. Fresh fruit

For a quick lunch, sloppy joes and a few pieces of fruit can make a great combination. The heaviness of the meat and bread will fuel you for the rest of the day, while the sweet fruit can give you a brief boost now.

9. Chips

The texture of chips is so different from that of sloppy joes that the combination is something stunning. Crispy and powerfully flavorful, a bag of chips can easily boost the world of sloppy joes into the stratosphere.

10. Arugula Salad

Arugula is a really underappreciated herb. To sample it in all its glory, I’d recommend simply washing it, and tossing it with halved cherry tomatoes, some good olive oil, and a little bit of balsamic vinegar. Instantly, the flavor packs a punch and brings a smile to your face.

What vegetables go with sloppy joes?

1. Watermelon Cucumber Salad
2. Roasted broccoli
3. Glazed carrots
4. Corn on the cob
5. Zucchini Chips

Desserts that go with sloppy joes

1. Ice cream
2. Chocolate fudge cake
3. Fruit salad
4. Sorbet
5. Chocolate mousse

Appetizers that go with sloppy joes

1. Sweet chili prawns
2. Jalapeno poppers
3. Spanakopita pockets
4. Loaded potato skins
5. Garlic knots

Pasta sides that go with sloppy joes

1. Orzo salad
2. Macaroni salad
3. Creamy garlic shells
4. Pasta Primavera
5. Penne all’arriabata

FAQ

How to serve sloppy joes without bread?

The best way to serve sloppy joes without bread would be to use an alternative carb. This could be a tortilla wrapped around the filling or a bed of rice that the food is served on.

If you’re avoiding carbs overall, you could use lettuce leaves as a wrap, or thin slices of sweet potato, cooked by being run through your toaster. That last one might sound odd, but it is genuinely spectacular!

What can I add to sloppy joes?

To boost a sloppy joe, you’d be best served by adding some cheese to the mix – grated mozzarella or cheddar will bring a savory punch to the meal that really enhances it. Alternatively, you could add a few jalapenos or pickles to bring some sharpness to the meal.

What is the difference between a Manwich and a sloppy joe?

Technically, there is no difference! Manwich is a brand of sloppy joe sauce that got so popular the name became interchangeable with the meal itself. Nowadays, the brand isn’t around so much, but the name stuck.

Wrapping it up!

I hope that this article has given you a few insights into the world of making a great sloppy joe meal for your family. Bon Appetit!

Other side dish recipes you’d love!

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