Love a good meatball sub but don’t know what to eat with it? Keep reading to get some ideas for some quick and easy sides for meatball subs.
Quick and Easy Sides for Meatball Subs
Potato Chips
What could be more convenient than opening up a bag of your favorite potato chips? With a wide variety of flavors and textures, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your meatball sub.
Some popular potato chip options include classic Lay’s, crispy kettle-cooked chips, or tangy salt and vinegar chips.
Green Beans
Green beans are a delicious, healthy, and easy side dish for your meatball subs. They’re quick to prepare and can be made in a variety of ways.
One popular way to cook green beans is by sautéing them. First, trim the ends of the green beans and rinse them thoroughly. Next, heat a pan over medium heat and add some olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add the green beans and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they are cooked but still crisp. You can season them with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or garlic for added flavor.
If you prefer your green beans with a bit of crunch, you can roast them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss the trimmed and rinsed green beans in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 12-15 minutes or until they are tender and slightly browned.
Add some different flavors and textures to your green beans. For instance, you can:
- Mix them with cherry tomatoes and sliced onions for a colorful, tangy twist.
- Toss with some crumbled feta cheese and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a Mediterranean flair.
- Top with slivered almonds or pine nuts for an added crunch.
- Add a generous sprinkle of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for some heat.
Greek Salad
- To make a Greek salad, start by chopping up some cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, bell peppers, and kalamata olives.
- Crumble some feta cheese over the salad.
- For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over your salad and gently toss to combine everything.
Pasta
Pasta salad is perfect to eat alongside your meatball subs. All you need to do is cook your favorite pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. While your pasta is cooking, dice your favorite veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. Once the pasta is cooked and cooled, mix the veggies in and toss with some Italian dressing or your favorite vinaigrette. Finally, season to your liking and refrigerate until it’s time to serve.
If you’d rather have a hot pasta dish, you can go for a simple garlic and olive oil pasta. Cook spaghetti or linguine al dente and drain it. In a separate pan, heat olive oil with minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Toss the pasta in the pan with the garlic and oil and sprinkle with some salt, black pepper, and parsley. Add a little grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
A pesto pasta might be right up your alley if you prefer creamy pasta. Prepare fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even spaghetti. In the meantime, make basil pesto – a mix of fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil – or buy a ready-made jar from the store. Mix the pasta and pesto together until well coated, and sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese if desired.
Baby Carrots
Baby carrots are a perfect side dish for your meatball subs because they are healthy and add a burst of color and freshness to your meal.
First, wash and peel the baby carrots. If you prefer, you can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients. It’s up to you! Then, decide whether you’d like to serve them raw or cooked. Raw baby carrots make for a crisp, refreshing side, while cooked ones bring out their natural sweetness.
If you choose to cook the baby carrots, try one of these simple methods:
- Steam: Place the carrots in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover them, and let them steam for 5-8 minutes or until tender.
- Roast: Toss the baby carrots with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re tender and golden brown.
To add more flavor to your baby carrots, here are some ideas:
- Herb butter: Mix melted butter with your favorite chopped herbs (such as parsley, dill, or thyme) and drizzle over your cooked baby carrots.
- Honey-glazed: Combine 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Drizzle over the cooked baby carrots.
More Quick and Easy Sides for Meatball Subs
Brussel Sprouts
Brussels sprouts might not be the first side dish that comes to mind when you think of meatball subs, but they can actually be a great addition! Not only are they a delicious and healthy option, but their slightly bitter flavor profile also helps to balance out the richness of the meatballs and sauce.
To prepare your Brussels sprouts, start by washing and trimming the ends. You can then either slice them in half or keep them whole, depending on your preference. Next, toss them lightly in olive oil, salt, and pepper. If you’d like, you can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Once your sprouts are seasoned, spread them out on a baking sheet and roast them in the preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Stir them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to your Brussels sprouts a few minutes before they finish roasting, or sprinkle them with some grated Parmesan cheese once they’re out of the oven. This will not only add a delicious tanginess but also enhance the caramelization process and create an irresistible texture.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are a delicious and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with your meatball subs. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, calcium, and antioxidants. Preparing them is simple and quick, making them an ideal side.
To get started, you’ll need a bunch of fresh collard greens, a few cloves of garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Begin by thoroughly washing your collard greens and removing the stems. Then, cut the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Next, add the collard greens to the skillet. Sauté the greens until they become tender and bright in color, which should take around 5-7 minutes – make sure to occasionally stir them. For seasoning, sprinkle some salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are amazingly versatile and downright delicious. Start by choosing your favorite type of potatoes. You can go with the classic Russet potatoes or even try baby potatoes or sweet potatoes. Wash and peel your potatoes – unless you prefer the skin on.
Next, cut your potatoes into evenly sized chunks or wedges. This will ensure they cook evenly and have that perfect crunchy outside and fluffy inside. Toss your potato pieces in a bowl with some olive or vegetable oil, making sure they’re evenly coated. Add some salt if desired.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. While the oven heats, spread your seasoned potatoes on a lined baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between them for even cooking. Once your oven is ready, slide the tray into the oven and let the magic happen.
Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your potatoes, but generally, they should take around 25-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Use a fork to check for doneness.
Zucchini And Squash
A great side to complement your meatball subs is a simple yet delicious combination of zucchini and squash. To begin, you will need a few medium-sized zucchini and yellow squash. Wash and slice them into thin rounds, around 1/4-inch thick. In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini and squash to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and slightly golden.
Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. You can also add some herbs, such as chopped basil or parsley, for extra flavor.
If you prefer your veggies with a little crunch, you can make a quick breadcrumb topping. In a small pan, melt a tablespoon of butter and add a 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. Toast the breadcrumbs until they are golden brown, and then sprinkle them over the cooked zucchini and squash right before serving.
You can toss a handful of pine nuts or sliced almonds into the skillet for the last few minutes of cooking the vegetables. This will give the dish a nice crunch and also enhance its flavor.
French Fries
Crispy, golden French fries are the perfect companion for your meatball sub. You can heat up some store-bought fries or make your own.
To start, you’ll need to pick the right potatoes. Russet potatoes are ideal for making fries due to their high starch content. Grab a few and peel them, then cut them into desired thickness, ensuring each fry is uniform so they cook evenly.
Next, heat up your oil. You can use vegetable or peanut oil, as they both have a high smoke point, making them perfect for deep frying. Heat the oil to around 350°F, and make sure you don’t overcrowd your frying container.
When it’s time to cook the fries, use the double-fry method for an extra-crispy result. First, fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re soft but not yet golden. Then, remove the fries from the oil and let them rest on a paper towel for a few minutes. Crank up the oil temperature to 375°F and fry the potatoes again for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until they turn that perfect golden color.
Soup
When it comes to enjoying a delicious meatball sub, pairing it with a warm and comforting soup is always a good decision.
Classic Tomato Soup is a great option – simple to prepare, yet always satisfying. Just heat a can of your favorite tomato soup, or make one from scratch by combining crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, a little bit of sugar, and some basil in a pot. Then, allow it to simmer until the flavors meld. To add a hint of creaminess, swirl in some heavy cream right before serving. The tangy and smooth tomato soup provides a lovely contrast to the hearty meatball sub.
Another excellent choice is Minestrone Soup. To make it, combine diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in a pot. Cook the vegetables until softened, and then add in vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, and a blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. Allow the soup to simmer for about 30 minutes, and then mix in cooked pasta, canned beans, and chopped spinach. The blend of vegetables and pasta in the minestrone creates a delightful medley of flavors that pair well with the richness of a meatball sub.
FAQs – Sides for Meatball Subs
Which salads pair well with meatball subs?
You might want to try some fresh and crunchy salads to balance the flavors of your meatball subs. A classic choice is a Caesar salad, which combines romaine lettuce, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese. A simple garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions can also be a great pairing. For a slightly more inventive option, try a Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
Which types of fries go well with meatball subs?
Your meatball sub will go well with a variety of fries, depending on your preferences. Traditional French fries or crinkle-cut fries are always a hit. If you’re looking for something with a bit of extra flavor, try seasoned curly fries, garlic Parmesan fries, or even sweet potato fries.
Which dipping sauces complement meatball sandwiches?
A variety of dipping sauces can enhance your meatball sub experience. One option is to stick with the classic marinara sauce that typically accompanies meatballs. If you’d like to venture outside of the usual, consider trying a creamy garlic sauce, a tangy barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.