6 Easy-to-make Yet Delicious Side Dishes To Pair With Chicago Italian Beef Sandwiches

The Chicago Italian beef sandwich is a thing of legend.
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But what do you serve with this sandwich for the best meal in both appearance and taste?
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about serving one of these legendary sandwiches at home with the best side dishes that will help bring this classic dish to life.
Let’s check it out!
What are Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches?
A Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich is a French roll filled with thinly sliced roast beef, giardiniera (a mix of pickled vegetables), and provolone cheese.
The meat is cooked in a French dip style and served on the roll with au jus for dipping.
It is believed that the first Italian beef sandwich was created in Chicago, Illinois by Pasquale “Pat” DiNardo, who owned a sandwich shop called Al’s Beef.
DiNardo began selling Italian beef sandwiches at his store after learning how to make them while he was stationed in Italy during World War II.
6 best side dishes to serve with Chicago Italian beef sandwiches
Here are the six side dishes that go well with Chicago Italian beef sandwiches without any fuss:
Creamed Corn

Creamed corn is a delicious side dish that is easy to make and pairs well with Chicago Italian beef sandwiches.
It also pairs well with other sandwiches and dishes, making it a versatile option for your next dinner party or get-together.
Creamed corn is creamy and slightly sweet, which is so satisfying from the first bite.
It’s easy to make from scratch and can be made ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about last-minute preparations if you’re hosting a party or get-together.
Italian Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a great side dish for Italian beef sandwiches.
It’s also a good way to use up leftovers from another meal.
For example, if you’ve got some leftover lasagna or spaghetti sauce, toss it with some cooked pasta, and voila!
You’ve got yourself an easy-to-make side dish that goes great with your sandwich.
Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

If you are looking for a side dish to serve with your Italian beef sandwiches, look no further than macaroni and cheese.
There are many different ways to make it, but this recipe is one of the easiest methods out there.
It takes only 20 minutes and will leave you with creamy macaroni and cheese that is crispy on top.
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The best kind of cheese to use in this recipe is cheddar or Gruyere because they have a nice sharp flavor that pairs well with both beef and mustard.
You can also try mixing in some Parmesan if you like things extra cheesy!
To get those crispy edges on your macaroni without burning it, we recommend using clarified butter which has a higher smoke point than regular butter does (so it won’t burn).
And if all else fails?
Just add more milk!
Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a classic side dish for Italian beef sandwiches, and with good reason.
They’re easy to make, healthy, cheap, and versatile.
To get the best flavor from your vegetables, keep the cut uniform so they cook evenly.
If you have time, roast them in advance and then reheat them just before serving.
There are many ways to prepare roasted veggies: olive oil and garlic; butter or bacon fat; salt and pepper; cayenne pepper or chili powder; lemon juice/zest; basil pesto — the possibilities are endless!
Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a good alternative to regular fries, if you’re looking for something healthier or lower in calories.
They’re also lower in fat than regular fries, so if you’re trying to cut down on your intake of saturated fat—or just want to eat less fat overall—sweet potatoes are a good choice.
Plus, the potassium content in sweet potatoes can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Chips and Dip

Chips and dip are a classic pairing for different dishes.
They’re easy to make, they go with pretty much any meal, and they can be prepared in advance.
And if you want something more exciting than plain old chips? Try making your own!
If you prefer store-bought chips, no problem—they make a fine pairing with Chicago Italian beef sandwiches too.
Just be sure to pick up some of those curly ones: they tend to hold up better under the weight of all that juicy beef in your sandwich.
Dips are another thing entirely—you can get as creative here as you like with flavors and ingredients (or just use whatever is already in your fridge).
For example:
- Ranch dressing (whole milk or buttermilk) works great on its own or mixed into sour cream for extra tanginess; add chopped green onion or fresh parsley if desired.
- Guacamole pairs well with lime juice; try adding cilantro for an extra kick.
Conclusion
There are so many different Italian beef sandwich recipes, and they’re all delicious!
You can make them at home with fresh ingredients and it will taste even better than any restaurant version.
Plus, they’re easy to prepare and cook up quickly—perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests on the weekend.
You have also learned about the best side dishes that go perfectly with Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches, and we believe that all of these ideas are worth trying.
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