No matter what the occasion, burgers are always a great comfort food choice that can bring people together for a fun family cookout or even a more intimate build-your-own burger date night. When it comes to burgers, we often fall back on familiar side dishes, but if you’re looking to mix things up and try something new, we’ve got you covered with 24 delicious side dish recipes to sink your teeth into.
Many of these tasty options can be easily adapted to suit vegetarian and vegan diets by making simple substitutions or omitting certain ingredients altogether.
Sweet Potato Fries
Versatile sweet potatoes can be a healthier alternative to French fries, offering a lighter and more nutritious option for those looking to make a change in their snacking habits. They’re also incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only a few simple steps – simply shop for the freshest ones, peel them, and bake with your preferred seasonings. The sweet potatoes shown here are generously coated with smoked paprika, garlic salt, and black pepper for added flavor.
If you want something slightly spicier, consider adding cajun seasoning or chilli flakes to give it an extra kick.
Coleslaw
Burgers and coleslaw have been a classic combination for decades, bringing together the perfect balance of textures and flavors in a single dish. The simplicity of its ingredients is part of its enduring appeal – crispy cabbage, creamy dressing, and vibrant colors all combine to create something truly hard to resist.
One of the best things about coleslaw is its adaptability, with easy variations such as swapping out cabbage for apple or mayonnaise for yoghurt allowing cooks to put their own unique spin on a timeless classic.
Homemade French Fries
Generally speaking, when people think of burgers, the first thing that comes to mind is a side of crispy french fries. While it’s easy to order them at a restaurant or grab a packet from a fast-food joint, making french fries at home can be a great way to take control of your meal and make it healthier. Baking is often easier than deep frying, as not everyone has access to an air fryer or deep-fat fryer in their kitchen.
The good news is that baked french fries are still just as crispy and delicious as their fried counterparts.
Potato Salad
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just looking for a delicious side dish to accompany your favorite burgers, this southern-inspired potato salad is an excellent choice. While store-bought options are readily available, making it yourself allows for complete customization and a higher level of quality. With its perfect balance of tangy flavor and smooth texture, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Garden Salad
You can’t go wrong pairing a salad with a burger – the light and refreshing taste is the perfect counterbalance to the richness of carbs and meat. In addition to being incredibly tasty, salads are also packed with nutritious ingredients. The combination used here includes green onions, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, mixed greens, and creamy avocado, all topped with a generous crumbling of tangy feta cheese.
Barbecue Baked Beans
Unlock the full flavor potential of your baked beans by infusing them with a smoky twist that’s perfect for outdoor cookouts. By combining the sweet and syrupy flavors of traditional baked beans with the rich, savory notes of BBQ sauce, paprika, and chipotle peppers in adobo, you’ll create a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new. This longer recipe is well worth the extra effort, as it yields a truly unforgettable taste experience that’s ideal for sharing with friends and family.
Onion Rings
Love at first bite is what these crispy coated onion rings will bring to any meal. Drawing inspiration from a renowned drive-in restaurant’s recipe, they have earned their reputation as professional-grade onion rings. Lacking any gimmicks or secret ingredients, the simple yet effective method of coating in breadcrumbs and frying yields the best results.
Irrespective of whether you incorporate them into your burgers or serve them on the side, these mouthwatering treats are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Corn On The Cob
Lighting up the grill to cook corn is one of the quintessential summer experiences, evoking a sense of warmth and relaxation that’s hard to beat. The process itself is straightforward and uncomplicated, resulting in a delicious smoky flavor that perfectly complements a juicy burger. While it may seem effortless, crafting the BBQ butter is a simple yet crucial step, which can be easily achieved by melting ingredients in a pan or pulsing them through a food processor.
Mac And Cheese
Achieving the ultimate comfort food experience requires a recipe that hits all the right notes, and this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Suitable for all ages, it makes an excellent side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite burger. The combination of cheddar cheese and Gruyere yields a rich and full-flavored dish that’s at its best when served hot.
Quinoa Salad
Taking center stage in many modern meals, quinoa is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including vegan burgers or as a nutritious accompaniment to traditional burgers. The addition of a zesty lemon dressing and crumbled feta cheese (optional) elevates this dish into a refreshing side salad that’s effortless to prepare.
Its convenience lies in its ability to be scaled up for large gatherings or scaled down for smaller occasions, making it an excellent choice for parties of any size.
Jalapeno Poppers
Years ago, I discovered that Jalapeno poppers are a game-changer for spice enthusiasts who want to elevate their burger nights. Not only do they add an exciting crunch and flavor to your meal, but they can also be enjoyed as a standalone pre-dinner snack. If you prefer milder flavors, it’s easy to adjust the heat level of these poppers by carefully removing the seeds and inner membranes from the jalapenos, thereby reducing their intense spiciness.
Pesto Pasta Salad
Zeroing in on the flavors, pesto pasta salad has become a staple for many individuals, regardless of whether it’s served as a side dish or paired with a burger. This versatile recipe can easily be scaled up to satisfy a large crowd and makes an excellent summer side dish (notably featured in ’30 Simple Side Dishes To Beat The Heat This Summer’).
For those who prefer to avoid store-bought pesto, making your own is a simple process that allows you to utilize any leftover basil leaves, thereby reducing food waste.
Grilled Pineapple
Highlighting the versatility of grilled pineapple is essential, as it elevates numerous grilled and fried dishes with its unique flavor profile. Adding a tangy twist, the sweetness of the pineapple pairs well with various seasonings, though this recipe specifically utilizes cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar to bring out the best flavors.
Grilled Asparagus
Finding the perfect way to cook asparagus is a great challenge, especially during warm months when grilling is at its peak. The key to tender and flavorful spears lies in cooking them until they’re just right, bringing out their natural sweetness and packed nutrients. To give your asparagus an extra boost of flavor, try drizzling it with fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese – a delightful alternative to fries or onion rings that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Mexican Bean Dip
Versatile dips are an excellent accompaniment to any meal, offering endless pairing possibilities. Whether it’s a leftover burger bun or an extra patty, there’s always something to dip into. This bean dip stands out for its perfect balance of creamy and spicy flavors, creating the ideal dipping experience.
Potato Wedges
Giving in to your cravings for something crispy and savory? Why not try making your own potato wedges from scratch? This healthier alternative to store-bought frozen wedges is packed with flavor and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. To make them, simply season the wedges with smoked paprika, oregano, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an unbeatable combination that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Roasted Vegetables
Lush and vibrant, just like a summer evening in Italy, this roasted vegetable side dish is a true delight. Drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean region, the combination of fresh garlic, oregano, and thyme creates a harmonious balance that will transport your taste buds to the Amalfi coast. Pairing this with any type of burger is effortless, as the tender vegetables complement each other perfectly.
To bring out their full flavor potential, it’s essential to ensure the vegetables develop a satisfying char, allowing their natural flavors to deepen and intensify.
Halloumi Skewers
Understandably, halloumi’s natural saltiness is a major part of its charm – it’s what draws people in and keeps them coming back for more. To amplify this flavor, we’ve added a sweet and sour marinade featuring honey, lime juice, and a touch of chilli heat. This sweet and tangy combination perfectly complements the cheese’s salty nature, creating a delightful balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more. The best part?
You can enjoy it as a satisfying side dish for burgers – simply grab a skewer and take a bite whenever you like, or slide it onto your bun for an easy upgrade to your meal.
Grilled Zucchini
Versatility is one of the key reasons why zucchini stands out as an exceptional accompaniment in many different dishes. Whether it’s part of a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, incorporating firm, in-season vegetables is essential for achieving optimal flavor and texture. The olive oil-balsamic marinade plays a significant role in bringing out the natural sweetness of the zucchini while adding a delightful tanginess to each bite.
This simple yet effective technique helps to prevent overcooking and results in a tender yet crisp zucchini round, making it an ideal complement to various cuisines.
Directions
Zeroing in on your culinary adventure, start by selecting one of the recipes provided. Next, click on the desired recipe’s name and be directed to its corresponding website. From there, gather all the necessary ingredients and proceed with cooking the meal. Once you’ve prepared the dish, take a moment to appreciate your hard work and don’t forget to leave a review, sharing your thoughts and experiences with others.
