Chances are, most of your meatball sub consumption has been paired with a bag of chips because where else would you get a meatball sub othere than your local sub shop or one of the big chains? Doritos Nacho Cheese are my chip of choice for the record.
But when you make a meatball sub at home with those leftover meatballs from pasta night, you can do more than those boring chips and actually have a quality side to level up the meatball sub experience.
Garlic Parmesan Fries
No, they’re not the healthiest side, and this meal alone could exceed your carb limits in only a few bites, but these are my favortie. Let’s be real, I’m not eating meatball subs to be health, and these fries are made to add to the experience. Seasoned with aromatic garlic powder and topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, offering a savory and indulgent twist to a classic side dish, these fries are perfect for pairing with meatball subs or enjoying on their own.
Garlic Bread
Ok, so you may slip into a carb coma after this, I know I do. Sometimes you can even use the Garlic bread for the meatball sub itself (pro moves only here at DineOnDimes). Slices of soft Italian bread slathered with garlic-infused butter and toasted until golden brown, providing a flavorful and comforting accompaniment to meatball subs, with each bite delivering a delightful crunch and burst of garlic goodness. I prefer garlic bread without cheese, but if I’m using it as the sub, cheese it up baby.
Italian Pasta Salad
I wish this counted as salad, sadly it does not. Al dente pasta tossed with vibrant cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, tangy black olives, and zesty Italian dressing, creating a refreshing and satisfying side dish that perfectly complements the rich flavors of meatball subs, while adding a delightful medley of textures and flavors to the meal.
Sweet Potato Fries
Honestly if you throw your frozen fries in the air fryer, they get the job done and that’s why they’re the easiest side to make on this list. Crispy sweet potato fries seasoned with a touch of salt and pepper, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fries and adding a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory meatball subs, creating a balanced and satisfying meal experience.
Caesar Salad
Yeah, I buried the salad and healthy stuff at the bottom. We both know what the preferred options on this list are. But hey, sometimes you’re on your healthy kick and don’t want to overdue it with the carbs. Caesar salads are classics, and oddly enough we don’t pair them with meatball subs too often. Crisp romaine lettuce leaves tossed with crunchy croutons, shaved Parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing, give a refreshing and classic side dish that complements the hearty flavors of meatball subs, while offering a burst of freshness and tangy indulgence with every bite.
Avocado Cucumber Salad
This salad is fancy, but a little pricier. But maybe you have some avocados that don’t have much time left to live. Creamy avocado slices and crisp cucumber chunks tossed with fresh herbs, tangy lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil, creating a light and refreshing salad that adds a burst of freshness and vibrant flavors to accompany the hearty meatball subs, make for a satisfying and well-balanced meal combination.