If you want to turn this lunch favorite into a full meal, you’ll need these side dishes for sandwiches.
They’re crunchy, salty, light, and scrumptious.
Sandwiches are amazing. You can’t go wrong with two pieces of bread with a sweet or savory filling!
They look good; they taste great, and they’re super easy to make.
When it comes to the best sides, it’s important to consider the sandwich’s flavor and texture profile.
Remember: just because one side pairs well with one type of sandwich doesn’t mean it’s great with all of them.
Of course, everyone knows that a grilled cheese pairs perfectly with tomato soup. But there are many other sandwich combos that are just as flavorful.
Here are 15 sides dishes for sandwiches that are guaranteed to impress everybody!
1. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Ah, grilled cheese and tomato soup: one of the most iconic pairings known to man.
There’s a reason why this partnership is so popular: they make each other better.
Sure, they both taste fantastic on their own, but together? They form a wonderful explosion of flavors!
Rich, creamy, cheesy, and tangy — so much goodness!
2. Fruit Salad
Looking for something that will excite the kids? How about a fruit salad and sandwich combo?
Fruit salad is wonderful with all sorts of sandwiches!
Crisp and refreshing fruits coated in Greek yogurt — it’s a great way of balancing out any savory sandwich.
Fruit salad is so fun, colorful, and yummy, so it appeals to kids.
Pack it with their sandwich for school, and you’ll surely find an empty lunch box when they get home.
3. Homemade Potato Chips
Chips go perfectly with cold sandwiches. The distinct crunch provides a beautiful contrast in texture that can’t be beat!
There’s no better way to round out a meal. Just open your favorite bag and you’re all set!
Or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, try making your own! That way, you can add as much salt or seasoning as you like.
4. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich with Baked Beans
Barbecue pulled pork in between two slices of bread plus a heaping bowl of baked beans: now that’s what I call dinner!
Is there a more comforting meal than this?
The smokiness of the barbeque, the tenderness of the pork, and the heartiness of the beans form a heavenly harmony.
5. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is crunchy and refreshing, making it the perfect side to any sandwich.
I love the vibrance it adds to the plate as well. Cabbage plus carrots in a bowl? It may seem simple, but the color combo is just so pretty!
You can make it even more colorful by adding purple cabbage as well.
Just be sure to use the dressing that complements your sandwich.
For instance, if your sandwich is rich and creamy already, I suggest you use a vinegar-based dressing.
Otherwise, a classic mayo dressing is ideal!
6. Sweet Potato Fries
All fries taste great with sandwiches, but sweet potato fries are even better!
There’s just something about the sweetness and crispness of the fries that makes them taste so good with sandwiches.
With a savory sandwich, sweet potato fries do a wonderful job of giving it a flavor contrast.
7. Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is near and dear to my heart. Growing up, my mom made this for us all the time.
I used to love gobbling up one bowl after another of this rich and creamy salad!
Now, what I love even more is to pair it with a sweet ham sandwich. These two dishes balance each other out beautifully, for a super satisfying meal.
8. Grilled Cheese and Chili
Feeling extra low? Double up on comfort food with a heartwarming grilled cheese and chili combo!
If this doesn’t turn your bad mood around, I don’t know what will.
Just the thought of dipping that cheesy, toasty sandwich in a hot bowl of chili is giving me happy vibes!
9. Ham and Cheese Sandwich with Potato Soup
Looking for something hearty to go with your ham and cheese sandwich? Go for a rich, creamy, and starchy potato soup!
Think about it: cheese, potatoes, and ham? What a terrific trifecta of flavors! This one’s a sure crowd-pleaser.
10. Ham and Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Bisque
If you want a lighter, more refreshing soup with a ham and cheese sandwich, opt for a tomato bisque.
This pairing gives you a perfect balance of flavors.
The sweetness and tanginess from the bisque and the richness and savoriness from the sandwich are the dream team!
11. Smoked Turkey Panini with Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato soup is always great with sandwiches.
Apart from grilled cheese and ham and cheese, a smoked turkey panini will also work well with the soup.
Instead of the usual ingredients, you can also give this classic soup a twist with a bit of basil! It adds a nice, earthy flavor, plus a pop of color!
12. Reuben Sandwich and Matzo Ball Soup
Reuben sandwiches are awesome, but not everyone can take their intense umami flavor.
If you’re among those folks, you’ll want to pair it with a matzo ball soup.
Not familiar? Matzo ball soup is made with cracker meal-based dumplings swimming in a clear chicken broth.
It’s perfect for the Reuben because not only do the dumplings tone down the richness of the sandwich, but the chicken broth also blends wonderfully with it.
13. Turkey Club and Butternut Squash Soup
A turkey club sandwich and butternut squash soup: it’s the perfect Thanksgiving leftover meal!
This combo works so well because it’s reminiscent of fall and also has a nice balance of flavor.
This sweet, thick, and creamy soup does a fine job of enhancing the mild bird.
14. Grilled Ham and Cheese with Mac and Cheese
Cheese, cheese, and more cheese! That’s what this pairing is all about.
There’s no such thing as too much cheese! Together, a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and mac and cheese are a drool-worthy dish.
15. Green Salad
Do you know what I love about green salad? It’s tasty, refreshing, nutritious, and it also makes a wonderful side dish to almost any entree!
No matter what type of sandwich you’re making, a simple green salad will do wonders at elevating its flavors.
For the salad, use whatever ingredients and dressing you want! Just keep in mind that a balance of flavors and textures is key to the perfect meal.
What’s your favorite side dish for sandwiches? Or your favorite soup and sandwich combos?
Let me know in the comments below 🙂