What Sides To Have With Burgers: The Best Side Dishes for Burger Night

Burgers are the ultimate comfort food—juicy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. While a perfectly cooked burger can be enjoyed on its own, pairing it with the right sides takes the meal to a whole new level. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, a casual family dinner, or just craving a satisfying meal, choosing the best side dish for burgers can enhance the flavors and make your meal even more enjoyable. Wondering what sides to have with burgers? Keep reading!

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best sides to have with burgers, from classic favorites to creative, nutrient-packed options.

What Sides To Have With Burgers

When choosing a side dish for burgers, it’s important to consider factors like texture, flavor balance, and personal preference. Some sides add a crunchy contrast, while others bring a refreshing or creamy element to balance out the richness of a juicy burger. Whether you’re a fan of crispy french fries, smoky grilled veggies, or a zesty pasta salad, there’s something here for everyone.

What Is A Good Side Dish For Burgers?

The best side dish for burgers should complement the burger’s flavor and texture. Some people prefer a classic pairing like potato chips or onion rings, while others enjoy a fresher option like grilled vegetables or a simple side of fresh avocado slices. Below are a few things to consider when choosing the perfect burger side.

Texture Contrast

A good side dish should offer a different texture to balance out the juicy burger. If you have a soft burger bun, a crispy side like french fries or potato chips can provide the perfect crunch. If your burger has a smoky, grilled flavor, a creamy potato salad or baked beans can add a smooth contrast.

Flavor Balance

The best sides for burgers should enhance the burger’s taste rather than overpower it. A salty pasta salad with a hint of lime juice, for example, can add a refreshing bite to a rich, cheesy burger. Similarly, sweet sides like sweet potato fries or corn on the cob can create a delicious contrast to a savory, umami-packed burger.

Nutrient Balance

If you want to add more nutrients to your meal, consider pairing your burger with a side that includes vegetables, fiber, or healthy fats. Grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers, a fresh pasta salad, or a simple side of fresh avocado slices can help round out your meal.

Personal Preference

At the end of the day, the best side for your burger is the one you enjoy the most! Whether you love crunchy onion rings, smoky grilled vegetables, or a creamy potato salad, go with what satisfies your cravings.

What Side Dishes Go With Burgers?

French Fries

A classic choice, french fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Whether you prefer them thin and crispy, thick-cut, or seasoned with garlic and herbs, fries always pair well with a juicy burger. Try dipping them in ketchup, aioli, or even a bit of lime juice for extra zing.

Onion Rings

Crunchy, golden-brown onion rings are another classic burger side. The crispy batter and sweet onion flavor provide a perfect contrast to the burger’s savory meatiness. Enjoy them with ranch dressing or barbecue sauce for extra flavor.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers add a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to your meal. They’re a healthier option that brings freshness and nutrients, balancing out the richness of the burger.

Sweet Potato Fries

For a slightly sweeter take on classic fries, sweet potato fries offer a delicious contrast to a juicy burger. They have a crispy exterior and a soft, naturally sweet center. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins and fiber.

Corn on the Cob

A summertime favorite, corn on the cob is sweet, juicy, and pairs wonderfully with a smoky grilled burger. Slather it with butter and sprinkle on some salt and pepper, or try adding a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty kick.

Pasta Salad

A cold, tangy pasta salad made with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and a light vinaigrette is a great way to add a refreshing touch to your meal. The acidity in the dressing helps cut through the burger’s richness, making every bite more enjoyable. I love this easy pasta salad recipe!

Potato Salad

Creamy and comforting, potato salad is a barbecue and burger night essential. Whether it’s a classic mayonnaise-based version or a lighter mustard and vinegar variety, this dish adds a smooth, flavorful contrast to your burger.

Air Fryer Potato Chips

If you love potato chips but want a healthier option, try making them in an air fryer. They come out crispy and delicious, with far less oil than traditional frying methods. Plus, they make a fantastic crunchy side for burgers.

Baked Beans

Sweet and smoky baked beans add a rich, hearty touch to your burger meal. The combination of beans, brown sugar, and barbecue sauce creates a delicious depth of flavor that pairs well with grilled meats.

Fresh Avocado Slices

If you love creamy, fresh flavors, adding fresh avocado slices as a side can be a simple yet delicious option. It’s a great way to add healthy fats to your meal while keeping it light and refreshing.

Coleslaw

A refreshing and crunchy side, coleslaw adds a tangy contrast to a juicy burger. Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy or vinegar-based dressing, coleslaw brings both texture and a burst of flavor. It pairs well with BBQ burgers, grilled chicken burgers, and even spicy burger varieties.

Mac and Cheese

For the ultimate comfort food pairing, creamy mac and cheese is a fantastic choice. The rich, cheesy goodness complements the savory flavors of a burger, making every bite extra indulgent. This side works well with classic beef burgers, bacon burgers, and even spicy jalapeño burgers.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a healthier yet flavorful side dish for burgers, roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with garlic and parmesan offer a crispy, caramelized texture with a savory bite. These work especially well with turkey burgers, veggie burgers, and blue cheese-topped burgers.

Cucumber Salad

A light and refreshing simple side, cucumber salad is made with sliced cucumbers, red onion, and a tangy dressing featuring vinegar, olive oil, and lime juice. This crisp and cool side dish is perfect for balancing out the richness of a burger, especially during warm-weather cookouts.

Jalapeño Poppers

If you love a little heat, jalapeño poppers stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon are a fantastic burger companion. The creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors make them a great match for classic cheeseburgers, BBQ burgers, and spicy southwest-style burgers.

Looking for more side dish inspiration? Check out these sides for chicken tenders and good side dishes for wings for more delicious ideas!

No matter what you choose, the best side dish for burgers is the one that complements the flavors and textures of your meal while satisfying your personal taste. Whether you go classic with french fries and onion rings or opt for a fresh and healthy approach with grilled veggies, there’s no wrong way to complete your burger night!

Save this post for the next time you’re wondering what sides to have with burgers for your burger night!