If you're planning burgers for dinner, complete the ensemble with an exciting side. Fries might be the ultimate combination with burgers but this doesn't mean you can't try something new every now and then.
With different types of burgers come the opportunity to pair them with different types of side dishes. So, if you're looking for ideas on what to pair with your favorite burgers, try these 17 sides for burgers that will instantly amp up your burger night.
How could we not start with the traditional pairing? Sweet Potato Fries are a perfect sidekick for burgers. Sliced into slender batons, these vibrant orange fries boast a slightly sweet flavor and a crisp exterior that complements the juiciness of a burger patty. You can either bake or fry your sweet potatoes based on how you like them.
Add slight seasoning on top and you've a flavorful side to go with your juicy burger.
These golden-fried halos of crispy joy are the undisputed champions of burger sidekicks. The crunch on a good onion ring complements the soft patty of the burger. The onions also have a slightly sweet flavor which goes well with the savory emsemble.
So, next time you're grilling up some burgers, don't forget the onion rings. They're the perfect partner in crime, ready to take your burger game to the next level.
In this dish, the asparagus is cooked until tender-crisp, then tossed in a sweet and savory glaze. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the asparagus, and it also helps to caramelize the edges of the asparagus, giving them a crispy texture.
When paired with a savory burger, the asparagus provides a sweet taste as well as a bright crunch which makes them a great addition to your plate. This also works well if you prefer something healthy to go with your burger.
Coleslaw is possibly the most popular side dish that goes with plenty of different mains. This vibrant cabbage salad, adorned with shredded carrots and a creamy dressing—often a harmonious blend of mayo, vinegar, and a hint of sweetness—offers a welcome contrast to the hearty flavors of a burger.
The crunch of fresh vegetables and the creamy texture of the dressing create a delightful balance, cutting through the richness of the burger. Coleslaw also imparts a cool, tangy essence that complements the savory satisfaction of a well-crafted burger.
This one is for those individuals who prefer something light to go with heavy burgers. Caprese salad rises above all other salads because of its simplicity of flavor. The salad is prepared with sliced tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves that are arranged in a colorful mosaic, celebrating the essence of summer.
The dressing on the salad is often a balsamic glaze which cuts down the richness of the cheese. Its light and crisp profile serve as a refreshing counterpoint to the savory intensity of a burger.
These aren't your average nachos; these are loaded nachos, a mixture of textures and tastes designed to tantalize your taste buds at every bite. Each chip, piled high with this glorious mess, becomes a miniature flavor bomb. The gooey cheese stretches with each bite, contrasting with the crisp chips and the satisfying crunch of fresh vegetables.
These loaded nachos are the perfect sidekick to your juicy burger. They add textural contrast, flavor complexity, and a touch of messiness that makes every bite an adventure.
Homemade Baked Beans are a simple way to elevate your burger experience with their rich, hearty flavor and comforting appeal. Slow-cooked to perfection, navy beans mingle with a savory blend of molasses, brown sugar, mustard, and smoky bacon.
This side dish delivers a sweet and savory balance, creating a luscious sauce that clings to each bean. The result is a spoonful of tender beans, suffused with a deep, caramelized gravy that complements each bite you take of the burger. As a classic and soul-warming choice, baked beans bring nostalgia to the burger table while also enhancing the overall dining experience.
The next dish on our list is the fiery jalapeno poppers. To make the dish, fresh jalapeños are halved and filled with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, and sometimes bacon. Similar to the fried, these are also baked to create the traditional crunch often paired with a juicy burger. In addition to the crunch, these poppers also provide a subtle kick to go with the savory burger.
This is a popular choice for those seeking a bold and indulgent side to elevate their burger experience.
Ah, the classic combo – juicy, savory burger nestled next to a comforting bowl of mac and cheese. It's a culinary marriage of creamy and cheesy bliss with hearty, meaty satisfaction. Once you take a bite of your burger, you delve into the mac and cheese. The pasta is a perfect foil to the burger's chew due to its soft texture.
It is then coated in a velvety cheese sauce that ensures that there is richness clinging to every strand. Every forkful is a warm hug for your taste buds, a reminder of childhood comfort food elevated to delicious new heights.
Often considered a quintessential summer delight, corn on the con also stands to be a contender for the best burger side. The juicy kernels burst with sweetness, harmonizing with the savory flavors of a well-grilled patty.
Whether lightly buttered, sprinkled with salt, or charred on the grill, this side has a burst of freshness and a satisfying crunch. The smoky essence from grilling enhances the corn's natural sweetness which makes sense to pair with a savory burger.
Now is the time for something nutritious to go with your burger. Red potatoes, skin-on, are boiled until tender are tossed with a medley of colorful vegetables like crunchy celery, radishes, and green onions. The star of the show is the creamy dressing, which is made with a blend of Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and a hint of olive oil.
Fresh herbs like dill and chives contribute a burst of freshness. This revitalized potato salad is a great option if you're planning a heavy burger or something plant-based.
It's always a good idea to pair something meaty and heavy with something light. In this case, this something light is a platter made with grilled vegetables. Assorted vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, are expertly grilled to impart a smoky depth and caramelized sweetness. The charring enhances their natural flavors resulting in contrasting textures and tastes.
As you chew on the veggies after you take a big bite of your burger, it becomes apparent that there is freshness and a garden-fresh allure with this combination that makes perfect sense.
As a wholesome alternative to traditional potato tots, Cauliflower tater tots are a nutritious twist on the classic side dish. Grated cauliflower is combined with breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings before being shaped into bite-sized tots and baked until golden. The result is a crunchy exterior that gives way to a tender and flavorful interior.
These tots not only provide a deliciously addictive accompaniment to burgers but also present a low-carb, veggie-packed option for those seeking a lighter and health-conscious alternative to the traditional potato version.
While we are on the health train, why not try zucchini fries instead of those plain old starchy potato fries? This inventive alternative offers a similar crunch while being packed with vitamins and lower in calories. These fries are a guilt-free addition to your burger that ensure that you add a vegetable-forward dimension to your burger meal.
To make these fries, start with fresh zucchini spears that are lightly coated in a seasoned breadcrumb or parmesan crust, then baked or air-fried until golden and crispy.
Corn fritters are an elegant side dish for burgers. These are made with sweet corn kernels mixed in a batter made with flour and eggs. For flavor, you can add in your favorite spices. Once it's ready, fry them up until golden, and voila! You've got yourself a side dish that will steal the spotlight.
So ditch the boring fries and give corn fritters a try. They're sure to become your new burger BFF.
Yes, Brussels sprouts might not seem like a great thing to accompany your savory burger. But when it is cooked with crispy bacon and your favorite set of spices, the humble vegetable is transformed into a flavorful side dish. The Brussels sprouts are cooked along with the bacon which allows the sprouts to soak up the flavorful fat released from the bacon.
Similar to many other Brussels sprouts recipes, this recipe is also a healthier take on the traditional vegetable that adds a certain tough of sophistication to your classic burger experience.
This one is for times when you're looking to impress your guests at the barbecue or potlucks. The dish begins with a savory filling with is made with egg yolks, cream, mustard, pickle relish, and some paprika. The filling is then placed on top of the cooked egg to create a visually stunning dish.
You can also bring variations to your side dish with our deviled egg recipes that will allow you to customize your favorite recipe. The stark flavors of the eggs help cut through the burger's fat to make it a wholesome experience.
