25 Tasty Side Dishes for Meatball Subs -

Looking for the perfect side dish for meatball sub sandwiches? Look no further! I’ve collected 25 recipes, from unique potato sides, to salads and veggies. These side dishes for meatball subs will have you and your family craving more!

What sides go well with meatball subs?

Standard side dishes that are served with meatball subs include french fries or salad. But what if you want to take your meal to the next level? There are many creative side dishes that will work just as well, if not better! Things like:

homemade potato chips
grilled corn salad
macaroni and cheese
onion rings
parmesan noodles

What to Serve With Meatball Subs

I’m about to show you 20+ recipes that include the ones above (plus many more!) I’ve split this post into 5 categories that you can jump to below if desired.

Potato Sides

Sides that use potatoes are a classic pairing with meatball sub sandwiches. So let’s look at some classic and unique ways to make them shine together!

Homemade French Fries

First up, check out this Homemade French Fries recipe. This deliciously classic side makes the perfect addition to just about any dish! The crispy outside paired with the soft, airy inside will ensure them to be a hit no matter how you decide to serve them! Another thing I love about this recipe in particular is that it’s super simple and only requires three ingredients, so it’s a money saver and it’s great for when you’re on a time crunch!

Recipe From: Sustain my Cooking Habit

Parmesan Thyme Roasted Potatoes

Are you looking for something a little more elevated? If so, I think you’ll like this Parmesan Thyme Roasted Potatoes recipe! This simple recipe pairs several different flavor pallets together to create a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dish. You can serve these alongside a yummy meatball sub, or even set them out as a fun, unique snack!

Recipe From: Simply Stacie

I bet these potatoes would also go great with quiche too!

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Have you seen this recipe before? It’s called the Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. This unique dish is super quick and easy to make! It’s also completely dairy, gluten, soy, etc. free, so it’s a great dish to serve if you have food allergies in the house. They pair well with most dishes and they’re super easy to customize with different seasonings, toppings, and sauces!

Recipe From: The Allergen Free Kitchen

Loaded Ranch Potato Salad

Next, check out the Loaded Ranch Potato Salad! This dish is super quick, easy, and full of yummy goodness. The ranch, bacon, and green onion dressing add a delicious twist on a classic potato salad. I also love how versatile this dish is! It can be paired with just about any dish, used for potlucks, or set out for any occasion.

Recipe From: Budget Delicious

Easy Baked Sweet Potato Chips

Are you looking for a more classic side dish? If so, I think you’ll enjoy this Easy Baked Sweet Potato Chips recipe! These guys are incredibly easy to prep and bake. Seriously, they only take 20 minutes total! You can also play around with the seasonings according to your own personal taste. Serve these up with barbecue sauce, sour cream, salsa, etc. for a fun, yummy side dish!

Recipe From: Encore More

Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Here’s a more unique recipe: the Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes! Generally speaking, mashed potatoes can take forever to make. Between the peeling, boiling or roasting, and mashing, it can take over an hour sometimes. That’s where the instant pot comes in handy! Not only does it cut the time, but it cooks them perfectly and makes it super quick and easy to mash. Since it’s pretty plain on its own, this recipe also opens up a lot of room for experimenting with different flavor combos!

Recipe From: MJ and Hungry Man

Note: this recipe would also go great with Pot Roast!

Hot Honey Butter Tater Tots

Here’s another one of my favorites: the Hot Honey Butter Tots! This recipe is seriously easy to make, Just fry, bake, or air fry some tots and drench them in sweet buttery goodness! Not only are they easy, but they make the perfect snack or side to just about any dish. This recipe is sure to be a hit in your house!

Recipe From: Your Better Kitchen

Homemade BBQ Chips

The last potato side I’d like to show you is this Homemade BBQ Chips Recipe. These chips are absolutely delicious and relatively simple to make. Depending on your preference, you can bake or fry them and serve them up with a meatball sub for a delicious meal that everyone will love!

Recipe From: Chocolate Moosey

Salads that Go With Meatball Subs

Next, here are some delicious side salad recipes! These will go beyond plain old lettuce to make a truly satisfying side for your meatball subs.

Iceburg Wedge Salad

First up, check out the Iceburg Wedge Salad! This recipe is so easy to make. It’s flavorful, yet refreshing, and will add the perfect last-minute addition to any meal. Another great thing about this one is that since it’s made in individual wedges, it’s easy to adjust, so depending on each person’s tastes, you can add as much or as little dressing and toppings as you’d like!

Recipe From: Sustain My Cooking Habit

Antipasto Salad

Are you looking to add some variety to your meal? If so, I think you might enjoy this Antipasto Salad recipe! This salad is filled with all kinds of yummy, Italian flavors like tortellini, peppers, olives, cheese, meat, etc., so it goes along perfectly with a meatball sub! You can serve this up as a unique appetizer/first course, or as a fun side dish.

Recipe From: Saporito Kitchen

Lemon Orzo Salad

Here’s another unique one: the Lemon Orzo Salad! This salad is light, easy to make, and adds the perfect hint of freshness to your main dish. Another thing I love about this recipe is that it’s full of gourmet flavors, so it tastes and appears way more complicated than it really is! This dish is also super versatile and would go along with just about any meal and be perfect for any event!

Recipe From: Rainbow Plant Life

Grilled Corn Salad

Another one of my favorite side salads is this Grilled Corn Salad! This salad is quick and simple (seriously, it only takes about 30 minutes to make!), yet it’s packed with delicious flavor! This recipe would be especially fun for a summer barbecue or picnic, but it really pairs well with just about any dish!

Recipe From: Rainbow Plant Life

Fresh Caprese Salad

Next, check out this Fresh Caprese Salad! This recipe takes a fun twist on a classic appetizer. Instead of basil or arugula, there’s fresh spinach, and instead of a traditional olive oil dress, this one uses a balsamic vinaigrette for a fun punch of flavor! This would make a great snacking food to set out, or it would be perfect as a side dish!

Recipe From: SonShine Kitchen

Italian Chopped Salad

Here’s another Italian Salad: the Italian Chopped Salad! This salad is super easy to make and eat, making it the perfect last minute appetizer or side dish! Another thing I love about this recipe is how easy it is to substitute ingredients according to your flavor preference. All you have to do is chop it up and mix it in! However you choose to make it, this salad is bound to become a hit!

Recipe From: This Mama Loves

Bruschetta Pasta Salad

The last salad recipe I’d like to show you is this Bruschetta Pasta Salad! This salad is fresh, light, and flavorful, making it the perfect side salad for a heartier meal! You can use just about whatever dressing you’d like, but the avocado balsamic dressing gives it such a beautiful tangy, yet sweet flavor. This salad is also perfect for any event!

Recipe From: Joyous Apron

More Veggie Sides

Are you looking for some more colorful, veggie-type sides? If so, I’ve got you covered with these next few recipes!

Pesto Brussel Sprouts

To start off, check out these Pesto Brussel Sprouts! This recipe is quick, packed with flavor, and will liven up any meal! The brussel sprouts on their own are delicious and roasted to crispy perfection. Add the pesto sauce, and it creates a well rounded, elegant dish that everyone will love. (I might have to make this to go along with my Crockpot Garlic Parm Chicken Pasta soon!)

Recipe From: Through the Fibro Fog

Easy Sheet Pan Caprese Asparagus

Next up, check out the Easy Sheet Pan Caprese! This recipe is similar to the Fresh Caprese Salad, except this one has fresh basil, melted cheese, and rests on a bed of delicious, roasted asparagus. This one only uses 8 ingredients and one sheet pan, so it’s super easy to whip up and requires little cleanup!

Recipe From: Marley’s Menu

Zucchini Fritte

Are you looking for something a little more crispy? Check out this Zucchini Fritte recipe! This recipe is so easy to make and full of delicious, fried goodness! This recipe is super quick and affordable, and scrumptious, even little ones will love it! If you’re looking for a healthier twist on a fried side, this recipe is perfect!

Recipe From: Lynn’s Way of Life

Garlic Butter Green Beans

The next recipe I’d like to show you is this Garlic Butter Green Beans dish! This dish is so easy to make, healthy, yet incredibly delicious. The beautifully crisp steamed green beans paired with the scrumptious garlic butter makes it the perfect, light, yet delicious side to any meal!

Recipe From: am Jar Kitchen

These green beans would also be amazing with chicken alfredo!

Buttered Cabbage

Lastly, meet the Buttered Cabbage recipe! I love the simplicity of this one. It only requires 3 ingredients, and can be whipped up in under 15 minutes! It’s super cost effective, and, since it’s so simple, it pairs well with just about any dish. Additionally, it’s a great way to add a healthy element to your main dish!

Recipe From: You Say Potatoes

More Unique Sides

Last but not least, here are a few more recipes I loved that didn’t necessarily fit in a specific category. If you’re looking for something more unique, you should find something tasty!

Air Fryer Onion Rings

First up is a super easy one: Air Fryer Onion Rings! These guys are quick, easy, affordable, and they’re delicious! Using the air fryer as opposed to using the oven gives them a crispier, fresher taste and it’s healthier than frying them in oil. They’re also really versatile and can be paired with different dips and seasonings depending on your tastes!

Recipe From: The Littlest Crumbs

Cavatappi Mac and Cheese

Next up, check out this Cavatappi Mac and Cheese recipe. This side is just one of those delicious comfort foods that you really can’t go wrong with. With its crispy bread crumb crust and delightful creamy interior, it really is the perfect dish to serve with just about any meal. Unlike most mac and cheese recipes, though, this one is easier and you can experiment with what types of of cheeses you use!

Recipe From: Ugly Duckling Bakery

Tomato and Mascarpone Soup

There’s nothing quite like a fresh, homemade soup. This Tomato Mascarpone Soup is no exception! This recipe only takes about 45 minutes and is perfect for casual week nights or even a dinner night with guests. The tender tomatoes paired with fresh basil makes the perfect comfort food to pair with bread, sandwiches, etc.!

Recipe From: Saporito Kitchen

Smoked Baked Beans With Bacon and Brown Sugar

Next, let me show you this Smoked Baked Beans With Bacon Recipe! This recipe features a delicious blend of bacon, beans, brown sugar, and peppers for a rich, smoky flavor. This recipe is great because it makes a fantastic side dish, but it can also be served as a stand-alone meal.

Recipe From: Bensa Bacon Lovers

Baked Parmesan Zucchini Sticks

Have you seen this recipe before? It’s called Baked Parmesan Zucchini Sticks. I love how this dish gives the appearance that it’s decadent and time-consuming, when in reality it’s simple and only takes about 30 minutes to make! Since it uses minimal ingredients, it’s fairly cost effective as well. This recipe tastes delicious paired with your favorite dip and makes the perfect, healthy snack alternative!

Recipe From: iFoodReal

Easy Parmesan Noodles

Lastly, check out these Easy Parmesan Noodles! This unique recipe is super quick, simple, and versatile. If you’re in need of a last-minute side dish, this one is perfect! This recipe pairs Parmesan, parsley, garlic, and butter for a delicious, irresistible flavor. It’s the perfect recipe to add some versatility from your regular potato and rice sides and pairs well with just about any main dish!

Recipe From: From Valerie’s Kitchen

FAQ About Meatball Subs

There is more that goes into making a meatball sandwich besides side dishes…let’s talk about some common questions people have about making this meal!

What chips go with a meatball sub?

Salted potato chips are always a classic chip choice to go with meatball subs. However, BBQ chips or cheese chips can also be good depending on your preference.

What is the best cheese for meatball subs?

The most common cheese to go on meatball subs is mozzarella. However, provolone is another awesome choice. And you can always sprinkle on an addition of parmesan for extra tastiness.

How do you keep meatball subs from getting soggy?

The best way to keep meatball sub sandwiches from getting soggy is to use toasted bread! Also, it is recommended to eat these sandwiches right away. They won’t be as good if left sitting out, or if saved for later.

Conclusion

When you need a side dish to go with your meatball sandwich, you have tons of options! Chips, salads, fries, veggies…you can take your pick depending on what is best for you and your family. If you’re serving a crowd, make sure you’re not too hard on yourself by choosing a time-consuming recipe. Good luck!