The French Dip sandwich, a symphony of savory beef, crusty bread, and that unforgettable au jus, is a culinary masterpiece in its own right. But even the most spectacular soloist needs a supportive ensemble. Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your French Dip experience from satisfying to extraordinary. This comprehensive guide will explore a plethora of delicious and complementary options to create a truly unforgettable meal.
Classic Sides: Timeless Companions
Sometimes, the tried-and-true options are the best. These classic sides are perennial favorites for a reason: they perfectly complement the rich flavors of a French Dip.
Potato Perfection: Fries and Chips
Let’s start with the potato. French fries are an obvious, but undeniably delicious, choice. The salty, crispy exterior provides a delightful textural contrast to the tender beef and soft bread. Opt for thick-cut fries for a heartier experience or go with thin, crispy fries for maximum crunch. Sweet potato fries offer a slightly sweeter counterpoint to the savory sandwich, creating an interesting flavor profile.
Potato chips, whether classic salted, BBQ, or kettle-cooked, offer another satisfying crunch. The simplicity of chips allows the French Dip’s flavors to shine. Look for chips with a robust flavor that can stand up to the richness of the beef.
Salads: A Refreshing Contrast
A crisp, refreshing salad can cut through the richness of the French Dip, providing a welcome balance to the meal.
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is an excellent choice. The acidity of the vinaigrette helps to cleanse the palate and prepare you for the next bite. Add some crumbled cheese, such as blue cheese or goat cheese, for an extra layer of flavor.
Coleslaw, with its creamy, tangy dressing, is another classic pairing. The coolness of the coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm sandwich. Experiment with different coleslaw variations, such as a vinegar-based slaw or a slaw with added fruit.
Soup: A Harmonious Pairing
Soup and sandwiches are a natural pairing, and the French Dip is no exception. Choose a soup that complements the beefy flavor of the sandwich without overpowering it.
Tomato soup is a classic choice. The acidity of the tomatoes balances the richness of the beef, while the creamy texture adds a comforting element.
French onion soup, with its caramelized onions and cheesy crouton, is a decadent and delicious option. The flavors are similar to the French Dip, creating a harmonious pairing.
Beyond the Classics: Exploring New Flavors
While classic sides are always a good choice, don’t be afraid to venture beyond the familiar. These options offer unique flavor profiles and textures that can elevate your French Dip experience.
Vegetable Delights: Roasted and Grilled
Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delicious and healthy side dish.
Roasted asparagus, with its slightly bitter flavor and tender texture, is a sophisticated choice. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for added flavor.
Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their nutty flavor and crispy edges, are another great option. Toss with bacon or pancetta for an extra layer of savory goodness.
Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, offer a smoky and flavorful accompaniment to the French Dip. The grilling process caramelizes the vegetables, bringing out their natural sweetness.
Starchy Sides: Hearty and Satisfying
For those who crave a more substantial side dish, these starchy options are sure to satisfy.
Mac and cheese, with its creamy, cheesy sauce and tender pasta, is a comforting and indulgent choice. Opt for a classic mac and cheese or get creative with different cheeses and toppings.
Pasta salad, with its variety of shapes, vegetables, and dressings, offers a refreshing and customizable side dish. Choose a vinaigrette-based dressing to cut through the richness of the sandwich.
Dips and Spreads: Adding Extra Flavor
Enhance the flavor of your French Dip with a complementary dip or spread.
Horseradish sauce adds a spicy kick to the sandwich, cutting through the richness of the beef and adding a welcome zing.
Garlic aioli, with its creamy texture and garlicky flavor, is another delicious option. The garlic complements the beef and adds a savory depth.
Global Inspirations: Adding International Flair
Take your French Dip experience on a culinary adventure with these globally inspired side dishes.
Asian Influences: Bright and Flavorful
Asian-inspired sides offer a refreshing and flavorful contrast to the rich French Dip.
Edamame, steamed and lightly salted, provides a simple and healthy side dish. The slightly sweet and nutty flavor of the edamame complements the savory beef.
Asian slaw, with its vibrant colors and tangy dressing, offers a refreshing and flavorful contrast to the sandwich. Use ingredients like shredded cabbage, carrots, and edamame, and dress with a sesame ginger vinaigrette.
Mediterranean Flavors: Fresh and Vibrant
Mediterranean-inspired sides are known for their fresh flavors and healthy ingredients.
Greek salad, with its fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese, is a light and refreshing option. The salty feta cheese and tangy dressing complement the savory beef.
Hummus, with its creamy texture and savory flavor, is a versatile and healthy side dish. Serve with pita bread or vegetables for dipping.
Latin American Twists: Spicy and Bold
Add a touch of heat and spice to your French Dip experience with these Latin American-inspired sides.
Elote, Mexican street corn, with its grilled corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder, is a flavorful and satisfying option. The creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors complement the rich beef.
Black bean salad, with its black beans, corn, bell peppers, and cilantro, is a refreshing and flavorful side dish. Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra zing.
Considerations for Choosing Sides
With so many delicious options to choose from, how do you decide which sides are right for your French Dip? Here are some factors to consider:
Flavor Profile: Complementary or Contrasting?
Do you want sides that complement the rich, savory flavors of the French Dip, or do you prefer a contrasting flavor profile? Complementary sides, such as French onion soup or horseradish sauce, enhance the existing flavors of the sandwich. Contrasting sides, such as a crisp green salad or Asian slaw, provide a refreshing balance.
Texture: Balancing Soft and Crunchy
Consider the texture of your sides. The French Dip is already relatively soft, so you may want to choose sides with some crunch, such as fries, chips, or roasted vegetables.
Dietary Restrictions: Accommodating Everyone
Be mindful of any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests. Offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options as needed.
Seasonality: Using Fresh, Local Ingredients
Whenever possible, choose sides that are in season. Fresh, local ingredients will always taste better and add a touch of seasonality to your meal.
Pairing Guide: Specific Sandwich Combinations
To help you make the perfect pairings, here’s a quick guide to some specific French Dip combinations and suggested side dishes:
Classic French Dip:
- French Fries
- Coleslaw
- Tomato Soup
- Horseradish Sauce
Spicy French Dip (with added jalapenos or spicy cheese):
- Coleslaw
- Black Bean Salad
- Elote
- Cucumber Salad
Vegetarian “French” Dip (using mushrooms or plant-based protein):
- Roasted Asparagus
- Greek Salad
- Quinoa Salad
- Hummus and Pita
Deluxe French Dip (with added cheese, caramelized onions, etc.):
- Simple Green Salad
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Garlic Aioli
The Final Verdict: Creating Your Perfect Meal
Ultimately, the best sides for a French Dip sandwich are the ones that you enjoy the most. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and textures to create your perfect meal. Consider the factors outlined above, but most importantly, trust your own taste buds. A well-chosen side dish can elevate your French Dip from a simple sandwich to a truly memorable culinary experience. So go ahead, explore the possibilities, and discover your favorite pairings! The world of French Dip sides is vast and delicious, waiting for you to explore its flavorful depths.
What makes a side dish a good pairing for a French Dip sandwich?
A great side dish for a French Dip complements the sandwich’s rich, savory flavors without overpowering them. Ideally, it should offer a contrasting texture, temperature, or flavor profile to balance the hearty nature of the beef and au jus. Consider sides that provide a refreshing element or a lighter counterpoint to the sandwich’s substantial character.
Furthermore, the side dish should be relatively easy to prepare and serve, allowing you to focus on enjoying the main course. It should also work well with the overall meal’s composition, both in terms of taste and presentation. A well-chosen side enhances the entire dining experience, elevating the French Dip from a simple sandwich to a more complete and satisfying meal.
Are fries the only acceptable side for a French Dip?
While classic, fries are certainly not the *only* acceptable side. While their salty, crispy nature complements the richness of the sandwich, limiting yourself to just fries means missing out on a world of flavor combinations. The best sides for a French Dip are versatile and cater to various palates, so broadening your horizons beyond fries can significantly improve your dining experience.
Consider the opportunity to explore other textural and flavor contrasts. For instance, a crisp salad with a vinaigrette can cut through the richness, while a hearty soup can create a comforting, cohesive meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your personal favorites; the best side is ultimately the one you enjoy the most.
What are some lighter side options to balance the richness of a French Dip?
To lighten the overall meal, consider incorporating fresh and vibrant side dishes. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich beef and au jus. The acidity in the dressing helps to cut through the fat and cleanse the palate, preventing the meal from feeling too heavy.
Another excellent option is a crisp coleslaw or a cucumber salad. These offer a cool and crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread and tender beef. You could also opt for a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, adding nutritional value and a touch of earthiness to the meal. These lighter sides ensure a balanced and enjoyable dining experience.
Can I serve soup with a French Dip, and if so, what kinds?
Yes, soup can be a wonderfully comforting and complementary side to a French Dip sandwich. The warm, savory liquid adds another layer of flavor and moisture to the meal, creating a cozy and satisfying experience. However, it’s crucial to choose a soup that won’t overpower the sandwich’s delicate flavors.
Ideal soup choices include French onion soup (a classic pairing), tomato soup, or a light vegetable broth-based soup. Avoid overly creamy or heavy soups, as they can become too rich when paired with the already substantial French Dip. Opt for soups that are flavorful but not overpowering, allowing the sandwich to remain the star of the show.
What about a side of potato salad? Does that pair well?
Potato salad can be a suitable pairing, depending on the style of potato salad. A creamy, mayonnaise-based potato salad might be too heavy alongside the rich French Dip. The similar textures and flavors could create a monotonous dining experience, lacking the contrast needed for a balanced meal.
However, a German-style potato salad, made with a vinaigrette dressing and often including bacon and onions, could work well. The tanginess of the vinegar cuts through the richness of the sandwich, and the smoky bacon adds a complementary savory note. The key is to choose a potato salad that offers a contrasting flavor profile to the French Dip.
What are some non-traditional side dishes that pair surprisingly well?
Venturing beyond the classics can lead to some surprisingly delightful pairings. Consider a side of roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze. The slight bitterness of the sprouts, combined with the sweetness of the glaze, creates a unique flavor contrast that complements the savory beef.
Another unexpected but delicious option is a side of macaroni and cheese. While seemingly indulgent, a well-made mac and cheese with a sharp cheddar provides a comforting and familiar flavor that complements the richness of the French Dip. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and avoid making it too heavy or greasy. These non-traditional sides can add a touch of excitement and sophistication to your meal.
What side dishes are best avoided when serving a French Dip?
Certain side dishes should be avoided as they either clash with or overpower the flavors of the French Dip. Creamy or overly rich dishes, such as macaroni and cheese with heavy cream sauce, can be too much when paired with the already rich and savory sandwich. Similarly, avoid sides with similar textures, like mashed potatoes, as they may result in a monotonous meal.
Additionally, strongly flavored sides like garlic bread or heavily spiced dishes can overwhelm the more subtle flavors of the beef and au jus. Choose sides that complement rather than compete with the French Dip, ensuring a balanced and harmonious dining experience. Focusing on lighter, fresher options is generally a safer bet.