The Ultimate Guide to Sides for Burgers: Elevate Your Burger Night

Whenever burger night rolls around, the sides are just as exciting as the main event! This is your go-to guide, packed with over 45 delicious Sides To Serve With Burgers, perfectly complementing any burger you can dream up. We’re talking crispy fries, zesty slaws, and comforting potato salads – the burger sidekicks that always get an invite to my plate.

Classic burger night spread with various sides

Jump to Side Dish Categories

Inside this ultimate list of side dish ideas, you’ll also discover some topping inspiration to transform your burger from simply good to absolutely unforgettable. Plus, for the adventurous burger lover, we’re exploring different burger variations to keep your burger game strong. So, whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking up a storm inside, let’s make sure every burger is paired with the perfect side!

Expert Tips for Perfect Burger Sides

Before diving into specific side dishes, let’s cover some essential tips to ensure your burger meal is a success:

Embrace Seasonal Produce: Maximize flavor and freshness by using vegetables that are in season. Seasonal produce is not only tastier but also more budget-friendly, adding vibrant and healthy options to your burger feast.
Make-Ahead Magic: Hosting a larger gathering? Choose side dishes that can be prepared in advance. Preparing a few sides a day or two ahead of time frees you up on cookout day, making the whole experience more relaxed and enjoyable.
Guest Participation: Don’t hesitate to ask guests to contribute by bringing a side dish. It lightens your workload and makes everyone feel involved in the fun!
Variety is Key: Aim for a diverse spread of sides. Offer a mix of fresh salads, hearty cold dishes, and warm options to cater to different tastes and dietary needs.
Simplicity Wins: Side dishes don’t need to be complicated to be delicious. Often, the best sides for burgers are quick and easy. They complement the burgers without overshadowing them, enhancing the overall flavor and texture of the meal.

Crafting Your Burger Meal Menu

Planning the perfect burger meal involves more than just the patty. Here’s a step-by-step guide to menu success:

Burger Patty Selection: Decide on your burger base. Will it be classic beef, or a lighter option like a chickpea or turkey burger? The type of patty influences the best side pairings. For example, salmon burgers might pair exceptionally well with lighter, brighter sides.
Bun Considerations: Choose your buns wisely. Hamburger buns are traditional, but explore whole wheat, brioche, or even lettuce wraps for low-carb options to suit different preferences.
Condiment Bar Prep: Prepare a tempting array of condiments. Think beyond the basics – offer classic ketchup and mustard, but also consider mayonnaise, spicy mayo, aioli, or unique options like tzatziki to add exciting flavor layers.
Fresh Veggie Fixings: Don’t skimp on fresh vegetable toppings! Offer a colorful selection of traditional and unique options like ripe tomatoes, sliced onions, crisp lettuce, and creamy avocados. These add essential juiciness, flavor, and texture to every bite.
Side Dish Decisions: Now for the fun part – selecting your sides to serve with burgers! Explore the following categories of 47 mouthwatering and healthy options to create a balanced and satisfying meal with something for everyone.

Explore Different Burger Styles

Before we dive into sides, consider mixing up your burger game with these fun variations:

Classic Beef Burgers: The timeless choice, perfect for showcasing quality beef and your favorite toppings.
Turkey Burgers: A leaner alternative that’s still packed with flavor, especially when seasoned well.
Chicken Burgers: Versatile and delicious, chicken burgers can be customized with various spices and toppings.
Salmon Burgers: A healthy and flavorful option, often paired with lighter, brighter sides and sauces.
Veggie Burgers: From black bean to chickpea to portobello mushroom, veggie burgers offer endless plant-based possibilities.
Lamb Burgers: For a richer, more robust flavor, lamb burgers are a delicious departure from beef.

Best Burger Sides & Toppings: Your Ultimate List

Get ready to explore a mega-list of quick, easy, and incredibly tasty sides, condiments, and toppings that will take your burger experience to the next level! Mix and match to your heart’s content, or keep it simple – the choice is yours!

Condiments and Toppings to Elevate Your Burger

Classic Condiments: Ketchup, Mustard, Mayonnaise – The tried and true for a reason.
Spicy Mayo or Aioli: Add a creamy kick with homemade spicy mayo or garlic-infused aioli.
Avocado Crema: Cool and creamy, avocado crema brings a fresh and vibrant element.
Pickles (Homemade or Store-Bought): Tangy pickles offer a satisfying crunch and acidity.
Pickled Red Onions: Sweet and tangy, pickled red onions add a pop of color and flavor.
Caramelized Onions: Sweet and savory, caramelized onions bring depth and richness.
Grilled Onions: Smoky and sweet, grilled onions are a classic burger topping.
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: Meaty and flavorful, grilled portobello mushrooms add a vegetarian option and earthy taste.

Potato Sides: Burger’s Best Friend

Variety of potato side dishes for burgers

Air Fryer Baked Potato: Crispy skin and fluffy inside, a healthier take on the classic baked potato.
Air Fryer French Fries: Perfectly crispy and golden brown, homemade fries are always a treat.
Air Fryer Potatoes: Versatile and quick, air fryer potatoes are a simple and satisfying side.
Oven Baked Potato Chips: Crunchy and flavorful, homemade potato chips are surprisingly easy to make.
Baked Potato Wedges: Hearty and flavorful, baked potato wedges are great for dipping.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet and savory, baked sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular fries.
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes: Elegant and flavorful, hasselback sweet potatoes are a visually appealing side.
Grilled Potatoes: Smoky and tender, grilled potatoes are perfect for cookouts.
Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes: Crispy and flavorful, smashed potatoes are a crowd-pleaser.

Salads and Slaws: Fresh & Zesty Burger Companions

Red Cabbage Slaw: Crunchy and tangy, red cabbage slaw is a refreshing counterpoint to burgers.
Healthy Coleslaw: Light and creamy (but mayo-free!), healthy coleslaw is a guilt-free classic.
Chopped Green Goddess Salad: Fresh and vibrant, green goddess salad brings a burst of flavor.
Fresh Garden Salad: Simple and customizable, a garden salad is always a welcome addition.
Corn Tomato Avocado Salad: Summer in a bowl, this salad is fresh, colorful, and flavorful.
Broccoli Salad: Creamy and crunchy, broccoli salad is a satisfying and flavorful side.
Lebanese Cabbage Salad: Light and refreshing, Lebanese cabbage salad is a vibrant and tangy option.
Spinach Strawberry Salad: Sweet and savory, spinach strawberry salad is a delightful and unexpected side.
Watermelon Feta Salad: Sweet and salty, watermelon feta salad is the perfect summer salad.

Cold Hearty Sides: Make-Ahead Winners

Selection of cold hearty side dishes for burgers

Mustard Potato Salad: Tangy and creamy, mustard potato salad is a classic cookout side.
Healthy Egg Salad: Lightened up with Greek yogurt, healthy egg salad is a protein-packed option.
Red Kidney Bean Salad: Hearty and flavorful, red kidney bean salad is a satisfying vegetarian side.
Italian Pasta Salad: Cold and zesty, Italian pasta salad is a crowd-pleasing make-ahead dish.
Vegan Macaroni Salad: Creamy and tangy, vegan macaroni salad is a plant-based twist on a classic.
Macaroni Egg Salad: A comforting classic, macaroni egg salad is perfect for picnics and BBQs.
Chickpea Salad: Fresh and flavorful, chickpea salad is a quick and easy vegan side.
Cauliflower Potato Salad: Low-carb and flavorful, cauliflower potato salad is a healthy alternative.

Warm Sides: Comforting & Delicious

Creamed Corn: Sweet and creamy, creamed corn is a comforting and classic side.
Sautéed Mushrooms with Garlic: Earthy and savory, sautéed mushrooms are a flavorful warm side or topping.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Rich and cheesy, baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food side.
Instant Pot Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky, Instant Pot baked beans are a flavorful and easy side.
Roasted Cauliflower Au Gratin: Cheesy and decadent, roasted cauliflower au gratin is a sophisticated side.

Healthy Sides: Light & Nutritious Choices

Assortment of healthy side dishes for burgers

Zucchini Salad: Fresh and vibrant, zucchini salad is a light and flavorful summer side.
Grilled Romaine Lettuce: Smoky and slightly charred, grilled romaine lettuce is a unique and healthy side.
Baked Zucchini Fries: Crispy and flavorful, baked zucchini fries are a healthier alternative to potato fries.
Air Fryer Broccoli: Crispy and tender, air fryer broccoli is a quick and easy veggie side.
Grilled Veggie Kabobs: Colorful and smoky, grilled veggie kabobs are a fun and healthy side.
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks: Hearty and flavorful, roasted cauliflower steaks are a versatile vegan side.
Rutabaga Fries: Low-carb and surprisingly delicious, rutabaga fries are a healthy alternative to potato fries.

Tips for Keeping Food Warm at Your Burger Cookout

Oven: Set your oven to 200°F (93°C) to keep dishes warm without further cooking them.
Aluminum Foil: Wrap food in aluminum foil to retain heat, moisture, flavor, and texture.
Crock Pots and Instant Pots: Use these appliances to keep sides warm, even if you didn’t cook in them.
Insulated Coolers: Coolers keep food hot as well as cold! Line with foil for extra heat retention.

Storing Leftover Burger Sides

Recipe Instructions First: Always check specific recipe instructions for storage guidelines.
Separate Wet and Dry: Store wet ingredients (tomatoes, onions, dressings) separately from drier components to maintain freshness.
Freezing for Longevity: Many sides are freezer-friendly for longer storage. Refer to individual recipes for freezing tips.
Guest Leftover Packs: Provide guests with compartmentalized containers to take home balanced meal leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Burger Sides

What are good sides for burgers besides fries?
Beyond fries, delicious burger sides include baked beans, mac and cheese, coleslaw, simple salads, grilled vegetables, onion rings, or corn on the cob.

What are some quick and easy sides for burgers when I’m short on time?
For quick sides, consider coleslaw (using pre-shredded cabbage), simple salads, potato chips, or veggie sticks.

How can I prepare burger sides in advance for a BBQ or party?
Many sides like salads, slaws, and pasta salads can be made a day ahead (store dressings separately). Hot sides can often be prepped and reheated. Check individual recipes for make-ahead instructions.

This roundup of simple, flavorful, and healthy sides to serve with burgers is designed to inspire you to get creative this grilling season. While fries are fantastic, there’s a whole world of delicious side dishes waiting to elevate your burger experience! Explore these quick and easy sides for burgers and discover your new favorites!

Explore More Recipes

For more recipe inspiration, check out these related collections: Best Summer Grilling Recipes, Delicious Non-Boring Salad Recipes, Grilling Tips for Beginners, and Easy No-Bake Summer Desserts.

If you found this guide to What to Serve with Burgers helpful, or if you try any of the recipes from Feel Good Foodie, please rate the recipes! Your feedback helps others and is greatly appreciated. Share your burger creations on Instagram – we’d love to see them!