What To Serve With French Dip Sandwiches (29 BEST Ideas!)

The French dip sandwich, despite its name, isn’t traditionally French; it’s an American creation.

Its story begins in early 20th century Los Angeles, attributed to either Philippe Mathieu or the Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet.

Aircraft engineers and visitors to Los Angeles later helped spread its fame.

Two main components define the French dip sandwich: thinly sliced roast beef and a French roll or baguette.

Au jus — a term that means “with juice” — refers to the beef broth used for dipping the sandwich.

The bread’s exterior must withstand dipping while the interior stays soft enough to absorb the flavoursome jus.

Creating the perfect French dip involves precise culinary techniques.

The beef is usually roasted until it achieves the desired level of doneness.

When slicing, it’s crucial to cut against the grain for tenderness.

The bread is often toasted lightly, and the au jus is simmered, sometimes with added flavours like garlic, onion, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce. 

Just need some quick ideas for accompaniments?

No worries! 

Some of the best side dishes for French dip sandwiches include horseradish sauce, coleslaw, garden salad, potato salad, roasted veggies, potato chips, quinoa salad, gherkins, and pickled onions.

Read on for more ideas and serving suggestions…  

Classic Accompaniments

What truly brings out the charm of a French dip sandwich is the proper accompaniment.

Here are some classic add-ons to enhance your experience.

Dipping Sauces

Your French dip sandwich deserves a great au jus.

That’s the deliciously savoury juice collected from the roasted meat, often seasoned with garlic, onions, and a splash of wine.

Consider elevating it further with a side of horseradish sauce for a spicy kick, or offer a creamy béarnaise as a rich alternative.

Side Salads

A crisp garden salad is a refreshing contrast to your sandwich.

Opt for a light dressing like a vinaigrette to keep it from overpowering the main dish.

For something with tang, add a classic coleslaw or a potato salad seasoned with fresh herbs.

These sides are not only delicious but also add a variety of textures to your meal.

Hearty Sides

Pairing your French dip sandwich with a hearty side can elevate your meal to a satisfying feast.

Choose from a variety of robust options that complement the rich flavours of the sandwich.

Roasted Vegetables

Roast an assortment of vegetables to add a healthy and flavourful kick to your meal.

Popular choices include:

• Carrots: sweetness enhances the savoury sandwich.
• Parsnips: earthy tones providing a pleasant contrast.
• Bell peppers: they add a bright splash of colour and taste.

A simple olive oil, salt, and pepper seasoning is all you need.

Potato Dishes

Potatoes are a classic choice for what to serve with French dip sandwiches, offering a comforting and filling addition.

Here are some top picks:

• Chips: Thinly slice and fry for a crunchy texture.
• Mashed Potato: Creamy and smooth, a classic side.
• Dauphinoise Potatoes: Thinly layered with garlic and cream, then baked.

Each potato dish complements the sandwich’s juicy meat with its starchy goodness.

Grain Salads

Grain salads bring a refreshing and substantial element to your plate.

Here’s how you can prepare them:

1. Choose a grain base: Quinoa, bulgur wheat, or farro.
2. Mix in fresh vegetables: Diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and spring onions.
3. Dress with a vinaigrette: A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

These salads offer a wonderful contrast of textures and are particularly satisfying.

Creative Pairings

Looking for something creative when it comes to what to serve with French dip sandwiches? 

I’ve got you covered… 

Pickled Vegetables

Pairing your sandwich with pickled vegetables adds a delightful crunch and zesty tang, balancing the meal’s profile.

Consider these options:

• Gherkins: Small and tangy, providing a sharp contrast.
• Pickled onions: Their bite and slight sweetness cut through the richness.

Cheese Selections

A thoughtful selection of cheeses can accentuate the flavours in your French dip sandwich.

Here are cheese varieties that mesh well:

• Comté: Smooth, with a nutty flavour.
• Aged Cheddar: Offers a deep, tangy taste that stands up to the hearty sandwich.

Fruit Complements

Fresh fruit can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the heavy sandwich.

These fruits are particularly apt choices:

• Grapes: Their juicy burst counters the salty beef.
• Apple slices: Their crisp texture and subtle sweetness offer a palate-cleansing effect.

Drinks That Pair Well

When choosing a drink to accompany your French dip sandwich, you’ll want to consider complementing the rich flavours of the meat and the salty depth of the au jus.

Beers and Ales

For the beer enthusiasts, a good pairing can enhance the overall dining experience.

Look for:

• Amber ales: Offer a balance with their malty sweetness and hoppy bitterness.
• Porters: Their robust flavours stand up well to the hearty sandwich.

Wines

If you prefer wine, select one that can cut through the richness of the sandwich:

• Syrah: Features peppery notes that can highlight the meat’s flavours.
• Pinot Noir: An option with bright acidity to cleanse the palate.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

For a non-alcoholic choice, consider drinks that offer a refreshing counterpoint:

• Iced tea: Classic and smooth, it provides a gentle contrast.
• Sparkling water: Its crispness cleanses the palate.

Desserts to Finish

After savouring the rich flavours of a French dip sandwich, a sweet dessert is a delightful way to round off your dining experience.

Sweet Pastries

Indulge in a selection of sweet pastries, such as buttery croissants or pain au chocolat, both of which are kissed with sweetness and pair wonderfully with your meal.

A daintier option could be palmiers, with their caramelised sugar layers that yield a satisfying crunch.

Chocolate Delights

For chocolate lovers, a chocolate tart makes a decadent choice, its silky filling and crumbly base creating a symphony of textures.

Alternatively, chocolate éclairs, stuffed with cream and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze, are bite-sized treats that are both elegant and irresistible.

Fruit Desserts

Brighten your palate with fruit desserts like a zesty lemon tart—its vibrant citrus flavour cuts through the richness of the sandwich.

Or, opt for a fruit crumble, with its mix of tart and sweet fruits beneath a layer of golden, buttery topping.

What’s your favourite choice for what to serve with French dip sandwiches? 

Leave a comment below and share your thoughts and ideas. 

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