Meatball subs, a classic Italian-American comfort food, are a staple in many restaurants and households. The combination of juicy meatballs, savory marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese on a crusty sub roll is a match made in heaven. But, what about the sides? A great side dish can elevate the entire meal and provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor to the richness of the meatball sub. In this article, we’ll explore some popular and delicious side options that pair perfectly with meatball subs.
Classic Italian Sides
When it comes to traditional Italian cuisine, there are a few side dishes that are a natural fit with meatball subs.
Garlic Knots
Garlic knots are a popular side dish in Italian restaurants, and for good reason. These soft, buttery knots of dough, infused with garlic and herbs, are the perfect accompaniment to a meatball sub. They’re easy to make at home, too! Simply knot pieces of pizza dough, drizzle with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese, and bake until golden brown.
Breadsticks
Breadsticks are another classic Italian side that pairs well with meatball subs. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, breadsticks can be flavored with herbs, spices, or cheese for added flavor. Serve them alongside your meatball sub for a satisfying crunch.
Veggie Delights
If you’re looking for a lighter option to balance out the richness of the meatball sub, consider one of these veggie-packed sides.
Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli is a tasty and healthy side dish that complements the savory flavors of the meatball sub. Simply toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender and caramelized. Add some garlic, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini is a refreshing summer side dish that pairs perfectly with the warm, comforting flavors of the meatball sub. Brush zucchini slices with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, and grill until tender and lightly charred.
Creamy Delights
If you’re in the mood for something rich and indulgent, try one of these creamy side dishes.
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the meatball sub. Boil diced potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, garlic, and parmesan cheese.
Sauteed Spinach with Garlic and Cream
Sauteed spinach with garlic and cream is a decadent side dish that will satisfy your cravings. Simply saute chopped spinach with garlic, then stir in heavy cream and cook until the cream has reduced and the spinach is tender. Serve alongside your meatball sub for a rich and indulgent treat.
Crunchy Salads
If you’re looking for a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting flavors of the meatball sub, try one of these crunchy salads.
Italian Coleslaw
Italian coleslaw is a tangy and crunchy side dish that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the meatball sub. Simply combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions with Italian dressing and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Caprese Salad
A Caprese salad is a classic Italian salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. It’s a light and refreshing side dish that provides a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the meatball sub. Simply alternate slices of mozzarella, tomato, and basil on a platter, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, and serve.
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Garlic Knots | Soft, buttery knots of dough infused with garlic and herbs |
| Breadsticks | Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, flavored with herbs, spices, or cheese |
| Roasted Broccoli | Tender and caramelized broccoli florets roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper |
| Grilled Zucchini | Refreshingly tender and lightly charred zucchini slices grilled with olive oil and herbs |
| Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Comforting mashed potatoes infused with garlic, butter, and parmesan cheese |
| Sauteed Spinach with Garlic and Cream | Decadent sauteed spinach with garlic and heavy cream |
| Italian Coleslaw | Tangy and crunchy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions, dressed with Italian dressing |
| Caprese Salad | Refreshing salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, dressed with olive oil and balsamic glaze |
In conclusion, the perfect side dish to serve with meatball subs is a matter of personal preference. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Italian side, a veggie-packed option, a creamy delight, or a crunchy salad, there’s a side dish out there to complement the rich flavors of the meatball sub. Experiment with different options to find your new favorite combination!
What is a good side dish to serve with meatball subs?
A good side dish to serve with meatball subs depends on personal preferences, dietary restrictions, and the overall flavor profile desired. Some popular options include crispy salads, roasted vegetables, creamy pasta salads, garlic knots, and crunchy onion rings. The key is to find a side that complements the rich flavors of the meatballs without overpowering them.
Consider a refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to cut the richness of the meatballs. Alternatively, roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes can provide a satisfying contrast in texture and flavor. Whatever side dish you choose, make sure it’s easy to grab and go, as meatball subs are often served at casual gatherings or picnics.
Can I serve a side of pasta with meatball subs?
Serving a side of pasta with meatball subs may seem redundant, but it can work well if done thoughtfully. A small side of pasta, such as a simple spaghetti or ziti with marinara sauce, can complement the meatballs without overwhelming the dish. Just be sure not to overdo it, as the meatball sub is already a filling and satisfying meal.
A better approach might be to serve a pasta salad, which adds variety in texture and flavor. A cold pasta salad with vegetables, herbs, and a light dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the hot, savory meatballs. Just be mindful of the portion size, as a large pasta salad can be overwhelming.
What are some healthy side options for meatball subs?
If you’re looking for healthier side options for meatball subs, consider sides that are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini are excellent choices. A side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is another great option.
Another idea is to serve a side of sautéed greens like spinach, kale, or collard greens with garlic and lemon. This side dish is not only healthy but also packed with flavor and can help cut the richness of the meatballs. You can also consider a side of sliced fresh fruit, such as apples or oranges, for a light and refreshing contrast.
Can I serve onion rings with meatball subs?
Onion rings can be a great side dish for meatball subs, especially if you’re looking for something crunchy and savory. The key is to make sure the onion rings are not too greasy or overpowering, as you want to be able to taste the meatballs.
To make onion rings work, try baking them in the oven instead of deep-frying. This will help reduce the calorie count and make them a slightly healthier option. You can also season the onion rings with herbs and spices to give them an extra boost of flavor.
What about garlic knots as a side dish?
Garlic knots are an excellent side dish for meatball subs, especially if you’re looking for something comforting and indulgent. The key is to make sure the garlic knots are not too large or overpowering, as you want to be able to enjoy the meatballs.
To make garlic knots work, try serving them in bite-sized pieces and tossing them in a mixture of melted butter, garlic, and parsley. This will help them complement the meatballs without overwhelming them. You can also consider serving garlic knots as a snack before the meal, allowing everyone to graze and socialize.
Can I serve a side of fries with meatball subs?
Serving a side of fries with meatball subs can work, but it’s not the most inspired choice. Fries can be a bit too similar in texture and flavor to the meatballs, and may not provide enough contrast to make the dish interesting.
If you do choose to serve fries, consider making them from scratch and seasoning them with herbs and spices. This will help them stand out from the meatballs and add some extra flavor to the dish. You can also try serving sweet potato fries or zucchini fries for a healthier and more interesting twist.
What about a side salad with Italian dressing?
A side salad with Italian dressing can be a great choice for meatball subs, especially if you’re looking for something light and refreshing. The key is to make sure the salad is not too overdressed, as you want to be able to taste the meatballs.
To make a side salad with Italian dressing work, try using a light vinaigrette and adding some crunchy elements like croutons or chopped nuts. You can also consider adding some sliced meats or cheeses to make the salad more substantial. Just be mindful of the portion size, as a large salad can be overwhelming.