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Home - Recipes - Side Dishes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

What to Serve with Pastrami Sandwiches? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Pastrami Sandwiches pairs well with Crispy French Fries, Dill Pickles, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Sauerkraut, and Macaroni Salad.

Crispy French Fries pairs well because it adds sweetness that rounds out the plate.

For a lighter option, try Macaroni Salad. Macaroni Salad is a lighter option if you want something less heavy on the table.

Ever find yourself staring at a pastrami sandwich, thinking, "What on Earth goes with this?

Choosing the right side dish can improve your pastrami meal from good to unforgettable. Sure, you could go with the usual suspects - chips or a pickle.

But aren't we all a bit bored of the same old sides?

Our team embarked on a mission. A quest to find the perfect partners for that spicy, smoky stack of deliciousness.

It wasn't easy.

There were disagreements, taste tests, and more than a few food comas.

But we made it. And we're excited to share our discoveries with you.

Get ready for sides that will make your pastrami sandwich weep with joy.

Table of Contents

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  • 7 Best Side Options for Pastrami Sandwiches
    • 1 - Crispy French Fries
    • 2 - Dill Pickles
    • 3 - Roasted Sweet Potatoes
    • 4 - Sauerkraut
    • 5 - Macaroni Salad
    • 6 - Baked Beans
    • 7 - Mac and Cheese
  • Frequently Asked Questions

7 Best Side Options for Pastrami Sandwiches

what to serve with pastrami sandwiches best side dishes Save for Later!

The pastrami sandwich is a classic.

There's nothing more satisfying than the taste of this popular dish.

The combination of crunchy bread, creamy cheese, and tender meat are enough to make anyone feel better on a bad day.

While diving into this sandwich is all well and good, it can be nice to switch things up sometimes.

Presenting pastrami sandwiches as part of a full meal can encourage unexpected flavor combinations.

This makes for a more interesting meal that will be exciting to eat.

So with that said, here are the seven best side dishes to serve with pastrami sandwiches.

Side DishKey Characteristics
Crispy French FriesClassic and satisfying, provides a crispy accompaniment to the pastrami
Dill PicklesTangy and crunchy, adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of pastrami
Roasted Sweet PotatoesSweet and savory, goes with the smoky flavors of the pastrami
SauerkrautTangy and zesty, enhances the flavors of the pastrami with its acidity
Macaroni SaladCreamy and tangy, offers a cool and refreshing counterpart to the pastrami
Baked Beansfilling and flavorful, pairs well with the smoky and salty pastrami
Mac and CheeseRich and indulgent, provides a comforting and cheesy addition to the sandwich

Here is a closer look at each side dish in more detail:

1 - Crispy French Fries

crispy french fries Save for Later!

What goes better with pastrami than French fries? Remember that crispy fries are always the answer when you need a side dish for your sandwich.

There's nothing quite like the crunch you get from eating these delicious golden delights.

This is why they make such an excellent addition to any meal, especially something as tasty as a pastrami sandwich.

Feel free to get creative.

There are plenty of ways to make these fries delicious.

It's all about the seasonings.

Add some grated cheese for an extra tasty twist, or sprinkle some chili powder on top if you like your food spicy.

The choice is up to you.

2 - Dill Pickles

dill pickles Save for Later!

Everyone loves these tangy, crunchy treats.

But did you know that they make for a fantastic side dish? These two classic flavors create an instant flavor explosion when combined with pastrami.

This pickle and pastrami pairing is loved by kids and adults alike.

It's the perfect dish to serve at your next backyard barbecue.

It's also delicious with some rye bread on the side.

You can even use it as a topping for your sandwich to make something truly special.

Serve these up alongside your pastrami sandwiches at your next family dinner or neighborhood potluck and watch them disappear.

3 - Roasted Sweet Potatoes

roasted sweet potatoes Save for Later!

Dinner isn't complete without a delicious side dish.

This roasted sweet potato and pastrami pairing are both healthy and yummy.

The sweet potatoes in this dish offer up an amazing sweetness that goes well with the salty flavor of the meat.

Its crunchy texture holds up well when paired with just about any sandwich, but we think that it works best with the delicious pastrami.

It's easy to make this dish yourself at home.

All you need is a few simple ingredients and about thirty minutes of cooking time.

You'll know that it's done when the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly browned on the outside.

You can serve this simple dish as a side with your sandwich or, if you're feeling creative, use it as the basis for a unique and wonderful meal.

4 - Sauerkraut

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This tangy cabbage dish is popular throughout Europe and America.

Serve it alongside some tempting pastrami sandwiches, and those at your next event will be begging for more.

And why not? It's full of that tart flavor that makes it special, and it goes perfectly with salty meat.

You can get creative when preparing this dish by using different types of cabbage to change up the flavor, even adding some potatoes for a heartier taste.

But no matter what you do, it's sure to be delicious.

Don't forget about other dishes that are popular in Europe.

Check out our article on what to serve with Polish pierogis if you want to learn how to make an amazing side dish pairing.

5 - Macaroni Salad

macaroni salad Save for Later!

This classic side dish combines two delicious favorites into one scrumptious meal.

Although it may seem like an unusual pairing, adding macaroni salad to your pastrami sandwich is a great way to spice up this meal.

The creamy pasta combined with the crunchy meat creates a wonderful texture that will delight anyone who tries it.

This awesome dish is really easy to make.

All you need are some simple ingredients and about an hour.

It's important that you let the pasta sit in the fridge for at least four hours before adding the vegetables and meat so that everything can absorb all of those awesome flavors.

6 - Baked Beans

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Another delicious side dish that goes great with pastrami sandwiches is baked beans.

This tasty bean and meat pairing is full of wonderful flavor, and it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

It only takes a few ingredients and about an hour to make this recipe perfect for when you want something delicious in a hurry.

It's also a great dish to make with your family and children as it's incredibly easy to prepare.

Baked beans are a great dish for any occasion.

Whether you're entertaining guests at home or taking a dish to someone's event, baked beans are just what you need.

7 - Mac and Cheese

mac and cheese Save for Later!

This classic comfort food is the perfect side for your sandwich.

It adds something special that takes this meal from good to downright amazing.

It gives the whole meal a creamy, cheesy flavor that mingles perfectly with the pastrami.

This side dish is really easy to make, and all you need are some simple ingredients - no special skills required.

You can dress it up by adding some vegetables or meats of your choice to create something unusual.

Mac and cheese is a great dish to make for you and your family, especially if you want something yummy but quick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best side dish for Pastrami Sandwiches?

Crispy French Fries is the most popular choice because it goes with the flavors and textures of Pastrami Sandwiches without overpowering the plate. Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.

What is the easiest side to pull together on a weeknight?

Steam or roast a vegetable while the main dish finishes. Crispy French Fries is the simplest option since it needs minimal prep.

Toss with olive oil and salt and it is ready in the same time the entrée takes to cook.

What texture should the side dish add?

Aim for a contrast - if the main dish is soft and saucy, a crispy or firm side adds welcome variety. If it is already textured, a smooth or creamy option rounds things out.

How far ahead can you prep the sides?

Most grain and roasted vegetable sides can be prepped a day ahead.

Store separately and reheat before serving.

Fresh salads and anything with a sauce are better made same-day.

Explore more: This post is part of our Side Dish Pairing Guide.
Andrew Gray

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Restaurant industry veteran sharing real recipes, honest substitutes, and tips that actually work in a home kitchen.

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