25 Side Dishes for Burgers That Go Way Beyond Fries
Pair yours with creamy coleslaw, crispy onion rings, and more.
Every time you fire up the grill, throwing on a few patties is practically a must. Whether you’re hosting a backyard summer BBQ or planning an easy weeknight dinner, homemade burgers are always a winner. That’s true if you’re serving up kid-friendly cheeseburger sliders or more creative burger-inspired dishes piled high with crunchy burger toppings and delectable sauces. “First of all, I love a good burger,” Ree says. “Second of all, I don’t want to eat a burger unless it’s a good burger.” That said, the all-American sandwich is only half the fun! To really elevate the mouthwatering flavors, you’ll need some delicious side dishes.
The first side that probably comes to mind is a heaping plate of French fries. Since burger and fries are a classic combination, our list of the best sides for burgers includes many different variations, such as wedges coated in parmesan and slices cooked in an air fryer. But you’ll also find plenty of other potato recipes, such as potato salads, roasted potatoes, potato chips, and sweet potato fries.
Beyond fries, though, there are so many other equally delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with burgers. If you’re craving the same crispy crunch as French fries, onion rings and carrot fries will deliver a similar sensory experience—while keeping things interesting on your plate. But if you’re hoping to lighten up the greasiness of your grilled patties, a vegetable side like crunchy coleslaw, sweet corn on the cob, fresh salads, and grilled veggies will get the job done. Pick your favorite and get grilling!
Dill Pickle Slaw
Crunchy coleslaw dressed in dill pickle brine is the perfect complement to juicy burgers, especially ones piled high with tangy pickles. This side dish comes together in 10 minutes, and you can prepare it the night before.
Get Ree’s Dill Pickle Slaw recipe.
Cowboy Pasta Salad
A meal fit for a cowboy requires a side that’s just as hearty. This pasta salad is packed with wholesome toppings like kielbasa, cheese, and black-eyed peas, yet the lime vinaigrette keeps things light and summery.
Get Ree’s Cowboy Pasta Salad recipe.
Grilled Corn with Hot Honey Butter
Burgers with a side of corn on the cob is the ultimate summer meal. After grilling the kernels, smear each ear with hot honey butter for an even bigger flavor boost.
Get Ree’s Grilled Corn with Hot Honey Butter recipe.
Southern Fried Okra
Covered in a crispy, golden crust, this veggie dish is anything but boring! It’ll give you the same satisfaction as French fries, but without the heaviness.
Get the Southern Fried Okra recipe.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
If you’re grilling burgers, make your job easier by throwing sweet potatoes on the grill, too. Just slice them in rounds, coat them in spices, sear them on the grill, and toss them in herby garlic butter.
Get the Grilled Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Mushroom Salad
Mushrooms bring a savory, earthy flair to grilled beef, while tomatoes add a bright, juicy texture that naturally cuts through the richness of the fatty main. What’s more, this side dish for burgers will keep for up to five days in the fridge!
Get the Mushroom Salad recipe.
Smashed Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic side dish for burgers, but to switch things up, try boiling, flattening, and roasting the potatoes before combining them with smoky bacon, fresh herbs, and a creamy dressing.
Get Ree’s Smashed Potato Salad recipe.
Grilled Zucchini
For an easy summer dinner, you can’t go wrong with burgers and a side of grilled zucchini. Not only can you prepare both dishes on the grill, but you can also enjoy a contrast of flavors: Zesty lemon salt will offset the greasy burgers.
Get Ree’s Grilled Zucchini recipe.
Caprese Pasta Salad
A summer cookout with burgers and the "works" should definitely include this seasonal pasta salad. The juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil are the stars of the show.
Get the Caprese Pasta Salad recipe.
Air Fryer French Fries
Keep burger night simple with French fries that are so easy to make. The air fryer gets them nice and crispy without having to heat up a pot of oil. Just don't forget the ketchup.
Get the Air Fryer French Fries recipe.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is one of the most versatile sides around. You can keep them simple with a sprinkle of salt or spice things up with a garlic-chive butter. Either way, you'll want to know how to grill your corn for that perfect char.
Get the Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Looking to skip the starches on burger night? Instead of dishing out potatoes, grill a rainbow of summer veggies like squash, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, and mushrooms for a nutritious pairing.
Get the Grilled Veggie Skewers recipe.
Air Fryer Parmesan Steak Fries
Don't be fooled by the name—these fries are just as delicious alongside burgers as they are a good side for steak. The cheesy parmesan coating and Italian seasoning will have you going back for more.
Get Ree's Air Fryer Parmesan Steak Fries recipe.
Coleslaw
You can't go wrong with a classic coleslaw. The simple dish is crunchy and fresh with a creamy dressing that's ready in just 10 minutes.
Get the Coleslaw recipe.
Homemade Potato Chips
Resisting cracking open that bag of store-bought chips will be easier than ever once you learn how to make these hot, crispy potato chips. A mandoline is the secret to thinly sliced potatoes, which are then deep-fried and dusted with a savory spice mix.
Get Ree's Homemade Potato Chips recipe.
Onion Rings
Just like at your favorite restaurant, these onion rings have a satisfying crunch. They're easy to make at home with a long soak in buttermilk and an easy flour dredge.
Get the Onion Rings recipe.
Cucumber Salad
Looking for something light to pair with a decadent cheeseburger? This cucumber salad is a refreshing way to balance out the meal. You can also make it up to a day in advance.
Get the Cucumber Salad recipe.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
They're healthy, they're crispy, and they're so easy to make. These fries have the perfect balance of sweet and savory thanks to the ground cumin and cayenne pepper seasoning.
Get the Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries recipe.
Corn Salad
This summer salad is anything but boring! The charred corn is paired with avocado, queso fresco, jalapeño, and a tangy and smoky chipotle-lime dressing.
Get the Corn Salad recipe.
Fried Zucchini
No, those aren't French fries you see: They're zucchini sticks that are crunchy and fried. It's a great way to use up that summer produce.
Get the Fried Zucchini recipe.
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