If you are looking for a way to doctor up sloppy joes, try one of these17 easy toppings for sloppy joes. Everything from pickles to potato chips and cole slaw to onion rings, there's sure to be something for everyone!
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Manwich Vs Sloppy Joes
Sometimes these terms are used interchangeably, but really a manwich is a type of sloppy joe. It refers to the brand that sells canned sloppy joes. Both share the same flavor profiles that come from tomato sauce (or Ketchup), brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Sloppy Joe vs Sloppy Jane
A sloppy joe is made with red meat, like beef or bison while a sloppy jane is made with chicken or, more commonly, turkey. You can easily make one or the other using your favorite sloppy joe recipe (ours is thisbison sloppy joes!). All of the toppings we suggest taste great with sloppy joes, sloppy janes, or manwiches.
So whether you are using a store-bought mix or homemade sloppy joes, are serving on hamburger buns or with rice for an easy dinner, we are going to cover 17 and the easiest and tastiest toppings for sloppy joes (or janes)!
17 easy toppings for sloppy joes (or janes)
1. homemade potato chips
Potato chips on your sloppy joe bring an irresistible crunch and a salty twist, elevating your sandwich with a satisfyingly crispy layer. These are also great for bringing to a party with sloppy joes in a slow cooker because a bag of potato chips is effortless.
2. high protein spinach artichoke dip
Top your sloppy joe with our famous spinach artichoke dip! It's made with tangy Greek yogurt and is filled with lots of gooey cheese. Along a similar vein, you could top sloppy joes with a classic potato salad too.
3. one avocado guacamole
Keep the game day recipes going by spooning some guacamole onto your sloppy joes. It provides a creamy, buttery richness that pairs beautifully with the saucy meat, adding depth and a hint of freshness.
4. any kind of cheese
Did someone say sloppy joe grilled cheese? Try adding pepper jack for a spicy twist, mozzarella cheese for lots of gooey goodness, or cheddar cheese for lots of creaminess.
photo credit: somethingaboutsandwiches.com
5. tortilla chips
This is one of my personal favorites because the crunch is the perfect pairing to the sloppy nature of sloppy joes. It also gives them a Tex-Mex feel when made with sloppy joes or janes that also have green bell pepper, black beans, and hot sauce.
6. frozen or homemade tater tots
Crispy tater tots bring an irresistible texture contrast to your sloppy joe, making each bite a playful combination of saucy goodness and crunchy bites.
photo credit: damndelicious.net
7. bacon
Crumbled bacon adds a smoky and savory kick to your sloppy joe, enhancing the overall richness and providing a delicious contrast in both flavor and texture. You can even top them with green beans and bacon, like from the recipe linked below!)
8. easy pickled carrots
Pickled carrots lend a zesty, tangy twist to your sloppy joe, balancing out the flavors with their vibrant crunch and a touch of acidity. Pickled carrots with a little chili sauce is one of the best things on sloppy janes!
photo credit: acoupleofcooks.com
9. greens
Try adding crunchy lettuce, spinach, or kale to your next sloppy joe for some extra veggies. It adds a bright, fresh element that is sometimes missing from this hearty dish.
10. crispy baked fries
Layering your sloppy joe with fries creates a comforting and filling combination, offering a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
photo credit: spendwithpennies.com
11. easy pickled jalapenos
Sliced jalapenos provide a spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the sloppy joe, adding a fiery element that tantalizes your taste buds.
Photo credit: loveandlemons.com
12. crispy potatoes
Crispy potatoes, whether in the form of sweet potato hash browns or russet potato wedges, provide a satisfying crunch that complements the saucy goodness of your sloppy joe. Crunchy and creamy is one of my favorite things!
13. fresh & colorful coleslaw
Fresh coleslaw complements your sloppy joe with a cool, refreshing crunch and a touch of sweetness, creating a harmonious contrast in flavors and textures. I especially like this topping when the sloppy joes incorporate barbecue sauce.
14. sauerkraut or kimchi
Another way to cut through the richness of sloppy joes or janes is with vinegar. Enter, fermented sauerkraut or kimchi (I know, it seems like an unexpected ingredient, but trust me). Give either one a try for a unique take on this classic sandwich.
photo credit: platingsandpairings.com
15. quick pickles
Tangy pickle slices add a refreshing crunch and a burst of acidity, balancing out the hearty and savory profile of your sloppy joe. Try sweet pickles, dill pickles, or any other favorites.
16. sour cream or Greek yogurt
Sour cream, Greek yogurt, or cream cheese are all a delicious compliment to the acidity of tomato paste-based sloppy joes. Try a dollop with your favorite spicy sloppy joes!
photo credit: budgetbytes.com
17. squash or sweet potato
Roasted or sautéed squash or sweet potatoes add a delightful earthy sweetness and a tender texture to your classic sloppy joe, creating a harmonious contrast of flavors and a nutritious twist. Try your sandwich with these air fryer butternut squash bites (the whole family will love the sweetness!).
We hope you found something you enjoy! Happy cooking!
