Burgers are a favorite for backyard cookouts, quick dinners, or a simple meal at home. Still, it’s the side dishes that make a burger meal feel complete. No matter how delicious a burger is on its own, the right side-the crispy fries, fresh salad, or tasty beans-can turn a good meal into a great one. Burger sides add variety, crunch, flavor, and balance. From the familiar taste of French fries to the zing of coleslaw or the pop of a summer salad, sides take your burger night to the next level.
What Are Burger Sides?
Burger sides are all the foods served next to a burger. These can be classic potato dishes, veggie sides, fresh salads, grilled veggies, or even heartier items like grains or pasta salads. Any recipe that tastes good next to a burger counts. Sides can be rich and comforting or light and healthy, and there are all kinds of options for any taste, style, or event.
Why Are Sides Important to the Burger Experience?
Sides are more than something to fill your plate. They make each bite more interesting and your meal more satisfying. Crunchy fries or chips add texture, while a cool slaw or tangy salad balances out the burger’s flavors. Sides with vegetables give a boost of freshness and nutrition. Every side gives you new tastes and feels to enjoy, making burger dinners less predictable and more fun.
Classic Sides Traditionally Served with Burgers
Some sides just belong with burgers, and these classics have been favorites for a long time. French fries top the list-crispy outside, soft inside, and always good for dipping. Onion rings are another standard, with their sweet onions and crunchy coating. Coleslaw brings a crisp, tangy bite that cuts through burger richness. Baked beans are sweet, hearty, and great for summer cookouts. When planning a burger meal, these sides are always a safe pick that nearly everyone likes.
Modern and Creative Side Dishes for Burgers
In recent years, people have started trying new and different sides with burgers. There are now lots of fresh options-think baked zucchini fries instead of regular fries, or a salad with watermelon and feta for a burst of sweetness. Grilled vegetables like corn or asparagus add color and flavor. You can also try grain salads and roasted cauliflower “steaks” if you want a side that’s healthy but still filling. With these modern sides, burgers can fit all kinds of tastes and diets.
Types of Burger Sides: Popular Categories
Burger sides come in many forms. Splitting them into categories makes it simple to choose what you want for your meal. Here’s a quick summary:
| Category | Typical Examples | Main Qualities |
|---|---|---|
| Potato-Based Sides | French fries, baked potatoes, potato wedges, chips | Crispy, soft, filling |
| Veggie-Based Sides | Roasted veggies, grilled vegetables | Fresh, nutrient-rich, flavorful |
| Salads and Fresh Sides | Coleslaw, garden salad, fruit salad | Light, crunchy, refreshing |
| Grains and Pasta Sides | Macaroni salad, quinoa bowls, pasta salad | Hearty, filling, customizable |
| Appetizer-Style Sides | Chicken wings, zucchini chips, jalapeño poppers | Bold, fun, shareable |
| Cold, Summer-Friendly Sides | Fruit salad, cucumber salad, cold slaws | Cool, sweet, easy to prepare ahead |
Potato-Based Sides
Potatoes are a burger side staple. You can serve them as fries, potato salad, chips, or even baked potatoes. Potatoes can be cooked so many ways-fried, baked, roasted, or even boiled and smashed-for a simple, popular match with burgers.
Veggie-Based Sides
If you’re after a lighter meal or want extra veggies, try roasted, grilled, or fresh vegetable sides. Choices include grilled asparagus, roasted carrots, or mixed veggie skewers. These bring out the natural sweetness and color in veggies and add a health boost to your plate.
Salads and Fresh Sides
Salads and simple, cold sides help lighten up your meal. Classic coleslaw, green salads, and fruit-based salads keep the burger from feeling too heavy and add a crisp, fresh flavor to every bite.
Grains and Pasta Sides
Pasta salads, or dishes made from grains like quinoa, are filling and easy to make in large amounts. You can mix in all sorts of ingredients and dressings, so they work for every occasion or flavor preference.
Appetizer-Style Burger Sides
Some of the best sides come from appetizer menus-think crispy zucchini chips, jalapeño poppers, or chicken wings. These sides let you try different flavors and are fun to share with a group.
Cold and Summer-Friendly Sides
On hot days, cool sides like fruit salad, cucumber salad, or cold slaw are popular. These can be made ahead of time and help keep your meal light and refreshing, especially for outdoor meals.
Best Potato Sides for Burgers
Potatoes are always a favorite with burgers. They come in many styles-choose your favorite or try something new:
- French Fries: Thin (shoestring), thick (steak), or sweet potato fries all work well. Sweet potato fries are often considered healthier, and air-frying them keeps things lighter.
- Potato Wedges / Oven-Baked Fries: Baked wedges are easy to season and healthier than deep-fried options.
- Onion Rings: Even though they’re not potatoes, onion rings are just as classic. Try homemade or oven-baked for extra crunch.
- Potato Chips: Homemade chips are easy-slice thin and fry or bake. You can season store-bought chips with spices, too.
- Loaded or Smashed Potatoes: Turn baked potatoes into salad-with cheese, bacon, and sour cream-or try smashed potatoes: boiled, flattened, then roasted for a crispy bite.
Veggie and Grilled Sides to Complement Burgers
If you want sides with more color and nutrition, try adding vegetables. Grilled and roasted veggies offer flavor and balanced nutrition:
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Serve simple, with salt and butter, or try Mexican-style (elote) with mayo, cheese, and lime.
- Roasted/Grilled Veggie Mix: Skewers with squash, tomatoes, peppers, and mushrooms are tasty and customizable. Roasted carrots tossed in spices can stand in for fries.
- Baked Veggie Fries or Chips: Zucchini, eggplant, or sweet potato “fries” are healthier choices and add a nice crunch.
- Sautéed or Grilled Mushrooms: Mushrooms add a savory, earthy flavor. Sauté or grill them for a hearty side or use as a burger topping.
- Blistered Tomatoes/Marinated Veggies: Oven-roasted or flash-fried tomatoes, or green beans in pesto, add both color and unique taste.
Fresh Salad and Slaw Sides for Burgers
Crunchy salads and tangy slaws cleanse your palate and lighten up a burger meal:
- Coleslaw: Whether creamy or tart, slaw adds a satisfying crunch. Use bagged slaw or make your own with cabbage and carrots.
- Potato Salad: Potato salad is creamy and filling. Try traditional mayo-based or lighter mustard and yogurt versions.
- Corn/Bean Salads: Mix beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado for a colorful, hearty salad that can be made ahead of time.
- Cucumber/Watermelon Salads: Fresh, light, sweet-sour flavors perfect for summer.
- Green Goddess or Broccoli Salads: Herb-filled salads or broccoli with sunflower seeds and cranberries bring extra flavor and nutrition.
Pasta, Grain, and Hearty Sides for Burgers
Sometimes you want something filling and satisfying to go with your burger. Try one of these:
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy, this side is pure comfort food.
- Pasta Salads: Cold pasta with Italian dressing, tomatoes, and cheese is easy to prepare in advance and goes with any burger.
- Bean Sides/Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans or mixed bean salads are classic at any cookout.
- Grain Salads: Quinoa, orzo, or other grains mixed with vegetables are healthy and filling.
- Succotash/Vegetable Mixes: Dishes with corn, beans, or mixed veggies add variety and nutrition.
Healthy and Light Burger Sides
If you want to keep your burger meal lighter, these sides help keep things fresh and low in calories:
- Green Salads: Simple salads with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and a light dressing cut through burger richness.
- Baked Veggie Chips: Kale chips, roasted cauliflower, or air-fried Brussels sprouts give a crisp, healthy crunch.
- Fruit Salads: Fresh or mixed fruits are cooling and sweet, especially in the summer.
- Low-Calorie/Vegan Sides: Many veggie and salad sides are already vegan and low-calorie. Air-fried green beans or baked zucchini fries can also fit these needs. Serve the burger itself on vegetables for a bread-free version.
Burger Sides Inspiration: Unique Ideas and Seasonal Options
If you want to try something different, use the season or global flavors for inspiration:
- Summer Sides: Grilled corn, watermelon salads, and veggie skewers go well with burgers at outdoor gatherings.
- Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-Free Sides: Macaroni and cheese (veggie), air-fried veggies (vegan), and most fresh or grilled vegetables (gluten-free) let everyone enjoy your meal.
- International Sides: Try za’atar fries (Middle Eastern spice blend), tomato and avocado salad (Persian style), or a cabbage salad with lemon (Lebanese style) for something new.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Side for Your Burger
Picking the right side makes your burger meal better. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Mix flavors and textures: Match rich burgers with crisp or tangy sides. Try something creamy along with something fresh and crunchy to keep bites interesting.
- Use seasonal ingredients: Pick fresh, in-season veggies and fruits for the best taste-like grilled corn in summer, root veggies in winter.
- Plan for dietary needs: Offer some sides that are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. Simple salads, beans, or grilled veggies work for many diets.
- Prepare ahead or keep it simple: Make salads and cold sides ahead to save time. Hot sides like baked beans or mac and cheese can be made in advance and warmed later. For fast options, use fresh fruit or grill extra veggies while you cook burgers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Burger Sides
Wondering what side to serve with your next burger? Here are quick answers to common questions:
What is the healthiest side for a burger?
Salads made with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, or cucumbers are your healthiest choices. Grilled vegetables and fruit salads are also great. Baked or air-fried veggie chips can satisfy a crunchy craving without as much fat as fries.
Which sides work best for cookouts and parties?
Pasta salads, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and grilled veggies are all good for parties because they’re easy to make in big batches and hold up well. Store-bought salads and chips are good back-ups if you’re short on time.
Should I use store-bought or homemade sides?
Homemade sides let you choose your ingredients and flavors, but store-bought is quicker, especially for large groups. You can always add your own touch to store-bought items by mixing in fresh herbs or extra seasoning.
How do you keep sides warm or fresh?
Keep hot sides in a low oven or slow cooker until it’s time to eat. Foil can help hold in heat. For cold sides, refrigerate until serving or use a cooler for outdoor events. For salads with dressing, add dressing just before eating to keep everything crisp and fresh.
