Burgers are a classic favorite for many people. They’re tasty, filling, and perfect for cookouts or casual meals. But what makes a burger even better? The right side dishes.
The best sides for burgers add flavor, texture, and balance to your meal. You have many options to choose from. Some sides are light and fresh, while others are rich and hearty. With the right sides, you can turn a simple burger into a complete and satisfying meal.
French fries are a classic burger side. They’re crispy, salty, and perfect for dipping. You can make them at home by cutting potatoes into thin strips and frying them in oil.
For a healthier option, try baking your fries in the oven. Toss the potato strips with a bit of oil and your favorite seasonings. Bake until golden and crispy.
You can also experiment with different potato varieties. Sweet potato fries offer a nice twist on the traditional side. They’re slightly sweet and packed with nutrients.
Don’t forget about dipping sauces. Ketchup is popular, but mayo, ranch, or even BBQ sauce can add extra flavor to your fries.
Sweet potato wedges are a tasty alternative to regular fries. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that complement burgers well.
To make them, cut sweet potatoes into wedges and toss with olive oil and spices. Popular seasonings include salt, pepper, and cumin. You can also add a spicy kick with chili powder or paprika.
Roast the wedges in the oven or air fryer until they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside. The cooking time is usually around 10 minutes in an air fryer or 20-25 minutes in a regular oven.
These wedges pair nicely with beef, chicken, or veggie burgers. Their natural sweetness balances out rich, savory flavors in your meal.
Onion rings are a tasty side dish that goes great with burgers. They add a satisfying crunch and savory flavor to your meal.
To make onion rings, slice large onions into rings and coat them in a batter. You can use beer batter or a mixture of flour, milk, and eggs.
Deep fry the battered rings until golden brown and crispy. Serve them hot alongside your burger for the best taste.
You can also try different seasonings in the batter. Add some paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor. Onion rings pair well with dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
Coleslaw is a classic burger side that adds a cool, crunchy contrast. You can make it easily at home with shredded cabbage and carrots. Mix in a creamy dressing of mayo, vinegar, and sugar for a tangy flavor.
For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayo. Add some chopped apples or raisins for extra sweetness. Coleslaw tastes great on the burger too, giving it a nice texture.
Make your coleslaw ahead of time and let it chill. This allows the flavors to blend together. Serve it cold alongside your hot, juicy burger for a perfect match.
Potato salad is a classic side dish that goes great with burgers. You can make it ahead of time, which is perfect for busy cookouts.
For a basic version, boil cubed potatoes until tender. Mix them with mayonnaise, mustard, chopped onions, and celery. Add salt and pepper to taste.
You can customize your potato salad by adding extras. Try crumbled bacon, chopped eggs, or diced pickles. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can add a nice touch too.
Serve your potato salad chilled. It’s a cool and creamy contrast to hot, juicy burgers.
Macaroni salad is a classic side dish that goes great with burgers. It’s creamy, tangy, and filling. You can make it ahead of time, which is perfect for barbecues.
To make macaroni salad, cook elbow pasta and let it cool. Mix it with mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar for dressing. Add chopped veggies like celery, onions, and bell peppers for crunch.
For extra flavor, try adding diced pickles or pimentos. Some people like to mix in cubed cheese or chopped hard-boiled eggs too. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to taste.
Chill your macaroni salad for at least an hour before serving. This lets the flavors blend together. It’s a crowd-pleasing side that complements the savory taste of burgers.
A garden salad is a fresh and light side for burgers. You can toss together crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers. Add some sliced red onions and bell peppers for extra flavor and crunch.
Dress your salad with a simple vinaigrette or a creamy ranch dressing. For added protein, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top.
This side dish brings a refreshing contrast to your burger. It adds color to your plate and helps balance out the richness of the meat.
Baked beans are a classic side dish for burgers. They offer a sweet and savory flavor that complements the meat perfectly.
You can choose canned baked beans for convenience. Heat them up and serve alongside your burger for a quick meal.
For a tastier option, try making homemade baked beans. Add bacon, onions, and your favorite BBQ sauce for extra flavor. Let them simmer until thick and rich.
Baked beans provide a good source of protein and fiber. They’re filling and satisfying, making your burger meal more complete.
Tater tots make a great side for burgers. These crispy potato bites add a satisfying crunch to your meal. They’re easy to prepare and loved by kids and adults alike.
You can bake or fry tater tots for different textures. Baking gives a lighter result, while frying creates an extra-crispy exterior. Season them with salt and pepper or try spices like paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor.
Serve tater tots hot alongside your burgers. They’re perfect for dipping in ketchup, mayo, or even cheese sauce. For a twist, top them with melted cheese and bacon bits.
Caesar salad is a classic side that goes great with burgers. You’ll love the mix of crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing. The creamy Caesar dressing adds richness to balance your burger’s flavors.
Crunchy croutons give a nice texture contrast to your juicy burger. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds a salty, savory touch.
This salad brings freshness to your meal. It’s light enough not to overpower the burger but satisfying enough to complete your plate. Caesar salad is an easy, crowd-pleasing choice for your next burger night.
Stuffed mushrooms make a delicious side dish for burgers. They offer a savory, earthy flavor that complements the meat perfectly.
To make them, remove the stems from large mushroom caps and fill with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese. Bake until golden and crispy on top.
You can customize the filling to match your burger flavors. Try adding bacon bits for a smoky taste or blue cheese for extra tang.
Stuffed mushrooms provide a great vegetable option that feels special and indulgent. They’re easy to eat alongside a burger and add variety to your plate.
Caprese salad brings a fresh Italian twist to your burger meal. This simple dish pairs juicy tomatoes with creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil.
The bright flavors of Caprese salad cut through the richness of burgers nicely. Its light and refreshing taste balances out heavier sides like fries or onion rings.
You can serve Caprese salad traditionally on a plate or get creative. Try threading the ingredients onto skewers for easy eating. Another option is chopping everything smaller and serving it as a dip with crusty bread.
For extra flavor, drizzle your Caprese salad with balsamic glaze or olive oil. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance the taste.
Deviled eggs make a tasty side dish for burgers. These creamy, tangy bites offer a nice contrast to juicy burgers.
You can prepare deviled eggs ahead of time and chill them until serving. This makes them perfect for cookouts or busy weeknight dinners.
Try adding different flavors to your deviled egg filling. Bacon bits, chives, or hot sauce can give them extra zing. You can also sprinkle paprika on top for a pop of color.
Deviled eggs are a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults enjoy. They’re easy to eat and pair well with other classic burger sides.
Cucumber salad is a refreshing side that goes great with burgers. You can make it quickly and easily. Just slice cucumbers thinly and mix them with red onion and dill.
For the dressing, combine vinegar, a bit of sugar, and salt. Pour it over the cucumbers and let them marinate for about 30 minutes before serving.
This light and crisp salad provides a nice contrast to rich, meaty burgers. Its cool crunch and tangy flavor help cleanse your palate between bites.
Greek salad is a fresh and tangy side dish that pairs well with burgers. You can make it with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and red onions.
Add some briny Kalamata olives and creamy feta cheese for extra flavor. Toss everything with a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.
This light and refreshing salad offers a nice contrast to hearty burgers. It adds a Mediterranean twist to your meal and provides a healthy balance of vegetables.
Parmesan truffle fries are a fancy twist on classic french fries. You can make them at home with just a few ingredients.
Cut potatoes into thin strips and soak them in cold water. This helps remove starch for crispier fries.
Toss the dried potato strips with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder. Spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the fries at 425°F for about 30 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking.
After baking, drizzle the hot fries with truffle oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. The truffle oil adds a rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with burgers.
Garlic Parmesan knots make a tasty side for burgers. You can make them from scratch or use store-bought biscuit dough for a quicker option.
To prepare, cut the dough into strips and tie each into a knot shape. Brush with melted butter mixed with garlic powder, dried herbs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake the knots until golden brown. The result is soft, garlicky bread bites with a crisp exterior and cheesy flavor.
These savory knots complement burgers well. Their small size makes them easy to eat alongside your main dish. The garlic and cheese flavors also pair nicely with most burger toppings.
Bacon-wrapped jalapeños make a tasty side for burgers. You can bake them in the oven at 350°F for a crispy texture. Cut jalapeños in half and remove the seeds to reduce spiciness.
Fill the peppers with cream cheese or feta for extra flavor. Wrap each half with a strip of bacon. Season with salt and pepper before cooking.
These spicy-savory bites pair well with juicy burgers. The bacon adds richness while the jalapeños bring heat. For less spice, use milder peppers like mini bell peppers instead.
Serve them hot as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish. They’re sure to be a hit at your next cookout or game day gathering.
Cheesy garlic bread is a tasty side dish for burgers. You can make it easily at home with a few simple ingredients. Start with a loaf of French bread or Italian bread.
Slice the bread in half lengthwise. Mix softened butter with minced garlic, herbs, and salt. Spread this mixture on the cut sides of the bread.
Top the garlic butter with shredded cheese. Mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses work well. Pop the bread in the oven until it’s toasty and the cheese melts.
The result is a crispy, garlicky, cheesy treat. It pairs great with burgers and adds extra flavor to your meal. You can slice it into smaller pieces for easy sharing.
Brussels sprouts with bacon make a tasty side dish for burgers. The sprouts become crispy and caramelized when roasted, while the bacon adds a salty crunch.
To prepare, toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and top with chopped bacon pieces.
Roast in a hot oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The sprouts should be golden brown and tender when done.
This side dish brings a nice balance of flavors and textures to complement your burger. The slight bitterness of the sprouts pairs well with the richness of the bacon and burger.
To make elote, grill corn until softened and blackened. Mix mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder for the sauce. Spread this mixture on the grilled corn.
Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro over the corn. The result is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that complement your burger nicely.
Elote adds a fun, hands-on element to your meal. Its bold taste and unique presentation make it a standout side dish for your next cookout.
Overview of Perfect Burger Sides
Great burger sides enhance the meal by adding variety and balance. They complement the main dish and make the experience more enjoyable.
Why Sides Matter
Sides make your burger meal complete. They add different tastes and textures to each bite. Good sides can make a simple burger feel like a special treat.
Sides also help fill you up. A burger alone might not be enough for a full meal. Adding sides gives you more food options and makes the meal more satisfying.
Some sides can make your burger healthier too. Fresh veggies or a light salad add nutrients to balance out the meat and bread.
Balancing Flavors and Textures
The best burger sides offer contrast. If your burger is rich and heavy, try a light, crisp side like a green salad or coleslaw. For a plain burger, add a flavorful side like BBQ baked beans or pasta salad.
Think about temperature too. Hot fries are great with a hot burger, but cold sides can be refreshing. Try a chilled watermelon cucumber salad on a hot day.
Texture matters as well. Crunchy pickles or crispy potato chips add a nice contrast to a soft bun. Creamy sides like potato salad can complement a crispy, grilled burger patty.
Mix and match flavors. Pair tangy sides with savory burgers. Sweet corn on the cob can balance spicy burger toppings. The goal is to create a well-rounded meal that keeps your taste buds excited.
Healthy Side Options for Burgers
Picking healthy sides for your burgers can boost nutrition and flavor. Try these tasty options to round out your meal.
Nutrient-Rich Choices
Swap fries for roasted veggies. Toss bite-sized pieces of zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms with olive oil and herbs. Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes.
Make a colorful salad. Mix leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. Add a light vinaigrette dressing.
Grill corn on the cob. Brush with a little olive oil and sprinkle with chili powder for extra flavor.
Try sweet potato wedges. Cut into thin wedges, toss with olive oil and spices, then bake until crispy.
Whip up a fruit salad. Combine fresh berries, melon chunks, and citrus segments for a refreshing side.
Portion Control Tips
Use smaller plates to naturally reduce portion sizes. This trick helps you eat less without feeling deprived.
Fill half your plate with veggies. This leaves less room for higher-calorie options.
Measure out sides before serving. Use measuring cups to dish out reasonable portions.
Share sides with others. Split larger portions with friends or family to avoid overeating.
Try the “palm” method. Keep protein servings about the size of your palm. Fill the rest of your plate with veggies and a small amount of whole grains.
Tips for Pairing Sides with Burgers
Picking the right sides can make your burger meal even better. The right pairings add flavor and balance to your plate.
Flavor Complements
Choose sides that add different tastes to your burger. Tangy coleslaw cuts through a rich, meaty patty. Crisp pickles give a nice crunch and sour bite. Sweet potato fries bring a touch of sweetness.
Try pairing spicy burgers with cooling sides like cucumber salad. For cheese-topped burgers, add acidic sides like vinegar-based potato salad. This helps balance the rich flavors.
Don’t forget about textures. Soft buns and juicy burgers go well with crunchy onion rings or crispy veggie sticks.
Seasonal Ingredients
Use fresh, in-season produce for the best-tasting sides. In summer, try grilled corn on the cob or a light tomato salad. These match well with classic beef burgers.
Fall calls for roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or squash. These hearty sides complement turkey or veggie burgers nicely.
In winter, warm sides like baked beans or chili fries hit the spot. For spring, think light and fresh. A crisp green salad or steamed asparagus works great with chicken or fish burgers.
Seasonal sides not only taste better but are often cheaper and more eco-friendly.
