Sliders, those delightful mini-burgers, are a fantastic choice for parties and gatherings. Their bite-sized appeal and versatility make them a crowd-pleaser. But the question always arises: What To Serve With Sliders to create a complete and satisfying meal? If you’re looking to elevate your slider game and impress your guests, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered over 23 perfect side dish ideas that will complement your sliders and turn your party into a culinary success.
Sliders have been a staple at parties for years, offering a fun and flavorful alternative to full-sized burgers. Their charm lies in their adaptability – you can fill them with everything from classic beef patties to pulled pork, chicken, or even vegetarian options. But to truly make your slider spread shine, the right side dishes are essential.
Slider FAQs: Quick Bites of Knowledge
Before we dive into the side dish extravaganza, let’s address a few common questions about sliders themselves.
Can sliders be prepped ahead of time? Absolutely! Many slider components, like fillings and sauces, can be made in advance. You can even assemble sliders ahead of time and bake or grill them just before serving. For make-ahead convenience, consider freezing unbaked ham and cheese sliders. Wrap them tightly in foil and freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw and bake as directed when you’re ready to enjoy them.
What makes a slider different from a burger? Size is the most obvious difference. Sliders are smaller than burgers, making them perfect for appetizers or when you want to offer variety. Traditionally, sliders are also cooked on steamed buns, which gives them a unique, soft texture.
Why are they called sliders? The name “slider” likely refers to how easily these small burgers “slide” down, or perhaps how they “slide” across a griddle during cooking. Some also associate the name with their size, implying they are easy to eat in just a couple of bites.
Irresistible Slider Recipes to Get You Started
If you’re in need of slider inspiration, here are some top-notch recipes to kick off your party planning:
- Classic Ham and Cheese Sliders: These Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders baked on sweet Hawaiian rolls are a timeless favorite. The combination of savory ham, melted cheese, and sweet rolls is simply irresistible.
- Pepperoni Pizza Sliders: Combine two party favorites with Pepperoni Pizza Sliders. These are perfect for pizza lovers and offer all the flavors of pizza in a fun slider format.
- Cheesy Ground Beef Sliders: For a hearty option, Ground Beef Sliders with melted cheese are always a hit. They are versatile and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
- Pulled Pork Sliders: Smoky and flavorful, pulled pork sliders are a barbecue classic.
- Cheeseburger Sliders: Mini versions of the classic cheeseburger, complete with all the essential toppings.
- Sloppy Joe Sliders: Fun and messy, Sloppy Joe sliders bring a nostalgic comfort food element to your party.
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Spice things up with buffalo chicken sliders, perfect for game day or any casual gathering.
The Ultimate List: What to Serve with Sliders
Now, let’s get to the main event – the side dishes! To help you plan your menu, we’ve categorized these delicious pairings to suit different tastes and party styles.
Classic & Crowd-Pleasing Sides
These sides are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, offering familiar flavors and satisfying textures.
- Homemade French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries are the quintessential slider side. Whether you go for classic French fries or slightly sweeter sweet potato fries, they are always a welcome addition. Consider serving a variety of dipping sauces for extra fun.
- Potato Chips: For a super easy and always popular option, you can’t go wrong with potato chips. Offer a selection of flavors, from classic salted to BBQ or sour cream and onion.
- Classic Potato Salad: Creamy and comforting, potato salad is a picnic and party staple that pairs perfectly with sliders.
- Macaroni Salad: Another creamy salad favorite, macaroni salad offers a slightly different texture and flavor profile than potato salad, providing a nice variety.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans are a hearty side that complements the richness of sliders, especially pulled pork or beef sliders.
Crock pot baked beans in a bowl with a spoon tucked in.
Alt text: Bowl of slow cooker baked beans with a spoon, showcasing a classic and hearty side dish for sliders.
- Onion Rings: Crispy and flavorful, onion rings offer a satisfying crunch and a touch of indulgence.
- Tater Tots: These bite-sized potato nuggets are always a fun and easy side, especially popular with kids and adults alike.
Fresh & Lighter Options
Balance out the richness of sliders with these fresh and flavorful side dishes.
- Veggie Tray with Dip: Offer a healthy and refreshing option with a veggie tray. Include a variety of colorful vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, and broccoli, served with a creamy dip like ranch or hummus.
- Chopped Salad: A vibrant and customizable chopped salad provides a light and refreshing contrast to sliders.
Large red serving bowl filled with chopped salad and two small bowls beside it with dressing and pecans.
Alt text: A large bowl of colorful chopped salad with pecans and dressing served in separate small bowls, highlighting a fresh and customizable side dish.
- Crunchy Slaw: A refreshing coleslaw, whether creamy or vinegar-based, adds a cool and crunchy element that cuts through the richness of sliders. Consider a Mexican coleslaw for a zesty twist.
- Leafy Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a classic way to add freshness and balance to your slider meal.
- Fruit Salad: A sweet and refreshing fruit salad is a perfect palate cleanser and a lighter option, especially for summer parties.
Fruit salad with a twist in a serving bowl.
Alt text: Vibrant fruit salad with a twist served in a clear bowl, emphasizing a refreshing and sweet side dish option.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Summer gatherings and grilled corn on the cob go hand-in-hand. The smoky sweetness of grilled corn is a delicious complement to sliders.
3 grilled corn on the cobs with butter and chopped cilantro.
Alt text: Three grilled corn on the cobs topped with butter and chopped cilantro, showcasing a simple and flavorful summer side dish.
- Grilled Peach Salad: For a more sophisticated and summery salad, try a grilled peach salad. The sweetness of grilled peaches pairs beautifully with savory sliders.
Grilled peach salad with a dressing drizzled over the top on a rectangular white serving plate.
Alt text: Grilled peach salad with a light dressing drizzled over, presented on a white rectangular plate, highlighting a unique and flavorful salad option.
- Easy Mexican Coleslaw: Spice up your side dish selection with an easy Mexican coleslaw, bursting with fresh flavors.
Hearty & Satisfying Sides
If you’re looking for sides that are a bit more substantial, these options will add extra heartiness to your slider meal.
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy mac and cheese is ultimate comfort food and a satisfying side dish that complements sliders perfectly. Instant Pot mac and cheese makes it quick and easy!
- Loaded Baked Potato Bites: Miniature versions of loaded baked potatoes offer all the deliciousness of a baked potato in bite-sized form. Top them with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and chives.
- Hash Brown Potato Casserole: Creamy and cheesy hash brown casserole is a warm and comforting side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Twice Baked Potatoes: Elevate your potato game with twice-baked potatoes. These are extra flavorful and satisfying, and can even be prepped ahead of time.
- Cuban Black Beans and Rice: For a flavorful and slightly more exotic side, Cuban black beans and rice offer a delicious combination of savory and aromatic flavors.
- Yuca Fries: Offer a unique alternative to potato fries with yuca fries. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, yuca fries are a delicious Latin American side.
Yuca frieds in a container with a small bowl of dipping sauce.
Alt text: Yuca fries served in a container with a small bowl of dipping sauce, showcasing a crispy and unique side dish option.
Dips & Sauces: The Perfect Accompaniments
Don’t forget about dips and sauces! These can elevate your slider experience and add extra flavor to your side dishes.
- Warm Dips: Warm dips like Reuben dip or corn dip are perfect for serving with chips, crackers, or even veggies alongside your sliders. Slow cooker corn dip is a particularly easy and crowd-pleasing option.
Sauteed cabbage in a skillet.
Alt text: Sauteed cabbage in a skillet, presenting a quick and healthy vegetable side dish option.
- Refrigerator Sweet Pickles: Add a touch of tangy sweetness with refrigerator sweet pickles. Homemade pickles are surprisingly easy to make and offer a refreshing contrast to savory sliders.
Mason jar of refrigerated sweet pickles.
Alt text: Mason jar filled with homemade refrigerator sweet pickles, highlighting a tangy and refreshing side dish option.
- Tomato Soup: While perhaps not a traditional “side”, a simple tomato soup can be a surprisingly delightful pairing with sliders, especially on a cooler day. A 5-ingredient tomato soup is quick and easy to prepare.
Tomato soup in a bowl.
Alt text: A bowl of vibrant red tomato soup, showcasing a comforting and simple side dish option.
Crafting Your Slider Feast
When choosing what to serve with sliders, consider the type of sliders you’re making, the occasion, and your guests’ preferences. Aim for a variety of flavors and textures to create a balanced and satisfying meal. Don’t be afraid to mix and match from these categories to create your perfect slider spread!
From classic fries and potato salad to more adventurous options like yuca fries and grilled peach salad, there are endless possibilities for delicious slider side dishes. So get creative, have fun, and enjoy the process of creating a memorable slider feast for your next party!
