What Goes With Sloppy Joes

Let’s talk about the king of comfort food: the Sloppy Joe. It’s a glorious, saucy mess on a bun. But what do you actually serve with it?

You can’t just plop a Joe on a plate and call it a day. That would be a crime against dinner. The right sidekick makes the meal legendary.

Think of the Sloppy Joe as the loud, sweet, tangy star. Your side dish is the backup dancer. It needs to keep up, not get trampled.

The Crisp & Crunchy Crew

First up: potato chips. The king of crunch. A mountain of kettle chips provides the texture your messy Joe desperately needs.

But don't stop there. Pickles are a non-negotiable power move. A whole dill spear cuts through the sweetness like a tiny, green sword.

Want to get wild? Try coleslaw. The cold, vinegary shreds are a slap of freshness. It’s the perfect foil for that warm, beefy hug.

Why This Works

It’s all about contrast. The Joe is soft, the chips are hard. The Joe is warm, the coleslaw is cold. Your mouth will thank you for the workout.

Seriously, science backs this up. The crunch factor makes your brain happy. It’s called dynamic contrast, and it’s delicious.

The Starchy Sidekicks

French fries are the obvious choice. But are they the best choice? Only if you double-dip them right into the leftover sauce.

Don’t sleep on tater tots. These little golden nuggets are built for scooping. They are Sloppy Joe’s best friend in a crunchy, potato-y disguise.

What To Serve With Sloppy Joes - Kichen Q & A

For a power move, serve loaded baked potatoes. Split one open, pile on the Joe, add cheese. It’s a Sloppy Joe in three dimensions.

Fun fact: The Sloppy Joe was allegedly invented in a café in Sioux City, Iowa. The guy who invented it probably ate it with a fork. We don’t do that here.

The Vegetable (Yes, Really)

Okay, you need something green. Not to be healthy, but to survive. A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette works.

The acid in the dressing will reset your palate. You take a bite of salad, then go back for more Joe. It’s a cycle of deliciousness.

Roasted broccoli with lemon is another winner. The charred edges stand up to the sauce. It’s like broccoli finally joined the cool table.

The Quirky Facts

Did you know the Sloppy Joe was originally called a "loose meat sandwich"? Yes. People rebelled against the name. They wanted sloppy, not loose.

Also, the sandwich is illegal to eat while wearing white. That’s not a real law, but it should be. The evidence is on your shirt.

Sloppy Joe With What Side

In 1967, Manwich hit the shelves. They sold the idea of "a sandwich that's a meal." Pure marketing genius for a saucy mess.

The Drink Situation

You need a beverage that can handle the job. A cold beer is a prime candidate. The bubbles scrub your tongue clean.

Or go retro with a milkshake. A vanilla shake next to a Sloppy Joe? That’s a childhood dream come true. The sweet and savory dance is real.

Root beer is the dark horse champion. The sassafras notes magic themselves into the tomato sauce. It’s like they were born for each other.

The Cheesy Intervention

Let’s talk about cheese. A slice of American cheese on top? Yes, please. It melts into a gooey blanket of comfort.

Or sprinkle on some sharp cheddar. The tanginess holds its own against the sweet sauce. It’s a flavor battle royale, and everyone wins.

Why does cheese work? Fat loves acid. The cheese coats your tongue, the tomato sauce attacks. It’s a delicious war with no casualties.

What To Serve With Sloppy Joes: 25 Tasty Side Dishes For 2023

The Weird & Wonderful

Feeling brave? Try sweet potato fries. The natural sugar in the spud amplifies the sauce. It’s like dessert and dinner had a baby.

Another wild card: mac and cheese. Scoop up some Joe with a cheesy noodle. That’s not a side dish; that’s a lifestyle.

Corn on the cob, slathered in butter. The sweet kernels pop against the savory meat. It’s a summer picnic in your mouth.

Don’t forget onion rings. They are the crunchy, oniony towers of victory. Dip them in the leftover Joe sauce. Be a hero.

Final Pro Tips

Always serve extra napkins. Not because you need them. Because the mess is part of the experience.

Double up your buns. Use two bottom halves. It prevents the dreaded "soggy collapse" that ruins dinner.

The best Sloppy Joe side dish is whatever makes you smile. But also, tater tots. Always tater tots. You’re welcome.

So, what goes with Sloppy Joes? Everything. Just bring your appetite and a sense of adventure. And maybe a bib.