Hey there, burger lovers! I’m so excited to share my favorite burger buddies with you today! As a total burger fanatic, I’ve tried tons of sides over the years. While I love classic fries (who doesn’t?), there’s a whole world of tasty options that can make your burger night extra special.

In my house, burger night is a big deal. My kids get super excited when I announce we’re having burgers for dinner, and they love helping me prepare all the sides. I’ve gathered 15 amazing sides that go perfectly with any burger – beef, chicken, turkey, or veggie!

I’ll also share some cool kitchen tools that make preparing these sides much easier (some are must-haves in my kitchen!). Let’s turn your next burger night into something really special!

Why Great Burger Sides Matter

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The right side dish can turn an ordinary burger meal into something truly special. I’ve learned that the perfect burger companion should:

• Balance the richness of the burger
• Add different textures to your meal
• Bring new flavors to the table
• Be simple to prepare while your burgers cook

Good sides make your burger plate look more colorful and exciting too! My family always gets more excited about dinner when there’s variety on their plates.

15 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Burgers

1. Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Mayo

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A healthier twist on regular fries that brings a touch of sweetness to your burger meal. The spicy mayo dip adds a perfect kick!

Ingredients:

• 3 large sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Cut sweet potatoes into ½-inch sticks.
2. Toss with oil and spices in a bowl.
3. Spread on a baking sheet without crowding.
4. Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Mix mayo, hot sauce, and lemon juice for the dip.

These fries bake up perfectly crispy when you use a good quality baking sheet with enough space between the fries!

2. Crispy Onion Rings

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These light and crunchy onion rings are so much better than store-bought and make a perfect burger side!

Ingredients:

• 2 large onions
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Slice onions into ½-inch rings and separate.
2. Soak in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
3. Mix flour and spices in a shallow dish.
4. Coat each ring in the flour mixture.
5. Fry in hot oil (350°F) until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per batch).
6. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.

For safe and easy frying, I use this temperature-controlled deep fryer that keeps the oil at just the right heat.

3. Creamy Coleslaw

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This fresh and crunchy coleslaw brings a cool contrast to hot burgers. It’s one of the best burger sides for summer cookouts!

Ingredients:

• ½ cabbage, finely shredded
• 2 carrots, grated
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon celery seed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix cabbage, carrots, and onion in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together the mayo, vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss until coated.
4. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

My food processor with shredding attachment makes prepping the vegetables super quick and easy!

4. Baked Beans with Bacon

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These hearty beans have been a hit at all my family cookouts. The bacon adds a smoky flavor that goes perfectly with burgers!

Ingredients:

• 2 (15 oz) cans pork and beans
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Cook bacon in a skillet until almost crisp.
2. Add onion and cook until soft.
3. Add remaining ingredients and stir well.
4. Transfer to a baking dish.
5. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until bubbly.

I like to prepare this in my cast iron dutch oven for even heating and that classic baked beans flavor.

5. Grilled Corn on the Cob

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Sweet and smoky grilled corn brings summer vibes to any burger meal! This is a simple side that everyone loves.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husks removed
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chili powder, lime juice, or grated parmesan

Instructions:

1. Brush corn with 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Place directly on a hot grill.
3. Turn every 2-3 minutes until charred in spots (about 10-15 minutes total).
4. Remove from grill and brush with remaining butter.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional toppings.

These corn holders make eating grilled corn so much easier and less messy!

6. Mediterranean Pasta Salad (Low Carb Burger Side)

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This colorful pasta salad uses veggie pasta for a lower-carb option that’s packed with fresh flavors.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz chickpea or veggie pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup kalamata olives, halved
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. Combine all vegetables and feta in a large bowl.
3. Add cooled pasta.
4. Whisk together oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss to coat.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This salad spinner helps get my vegetables perfectly dry for crisp, not soggy, pasta salad.

7. Crispy Zucchini Fries (Veggie Sides for Burgers)

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These crunchy veggie fries are a healthy alternative to regular fries but just as delicious!

Ingredients:

• 3 medium zucchini
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cut zucchini into sticks about ½-inch thick.
2. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, one with panko, parmesan, and seasonings.
3. Dip each zucchini stick in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

This 3-piece breading station set makes the coating process super neat and organized!

8. Loaded Potato Salad

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This hearty potato salad is like having a loaded baked potato as a side for your burger!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs red potatoes, cubed
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3 green onions, sliced
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and cool.
2. Mix sour cream, mayo, and ranch seasoning in a large bowl.
3. Add cooled potatoes, bacon, cheese, and green onions.
4. Gently toss until evenly coated.
5. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

My potato masher helps gently crush some of the potatoes for the perfect texture in this salad.

9. Grilled Vegetable Skewers

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These colorful veggie skewers are the perfect healthy side to balance out burger night!

Ingredients:

• 1 red bell pepper, chunked
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chunked
• 1 zucchini, sliced thick
• 1 yellow squash, sliced thick
• 1 red onion, chunked
• 8 oz mushrooms, whole
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Thread vegetables onto skewers, alternating colors.
2. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with seasonings.
3. Grill over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Remove from grill when vegetables are tender with light char marks.

These stainless steel skewers are reusable and won’t burn like wooden ones – a must-have for grilling!

10. Mac and Cheese Bites

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These cheesy bites are a fun twist on classic mac and cheese that kids and adults both love with burgers!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Make cheese sauce: Melt butter, stir in flour, gradually add milk, then stir in cheese until melted.
2. Mix sauce with cooked macaroni.
3. Cool mixture, then stir in egg and spices.
4. Spoon into greased mini muffin tin, top with breadcrumbs.
5. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.

This mini muffin tin creates perfectly portioned mac and cheese bites every time!

11. Pickle Slaw (Best Burger Sides Dishes)

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This tangy slaw adds a perfect crunch to complement your burgers!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• ½ cup dill pickles, chopped
• ¼ cup pickle juice
• 2 tablespoons mayo
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon celery seed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix cabbage and chopped pickles in a bowl.
2. Whisk together pickle juice, mayo, mustard, sugar, and seasonings.
3. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss well.
4. Serve immediately or chill for stronger flavor.

This vegetable chopper makes preparing the cabbage and pickles super quick!

12. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower (Easy Burger Side Dishes)

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These spicy cauliflower bites are a surprising hit with burger lovers looking for something different!

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• ¼ cup flour
• ¼ cup buffalo sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping

Instructions:

1. Toss cauliflower in sauce mixture until well coated.
2. Place in air fryer basket in a single layer.
3. Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
4. Serve hot with dressing for dipping.

My air fryer makes these crispy without using much oil – one of my favorite kitchen tools for quick sides!

13. Cucumber Tomato Salad (Low Carb Burger Sides)

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This fresh, light salad is perfect for hot summer days and is a healthy option that takes just minutes to make!

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, sliced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and basil in a bowl.
2. Whisk together oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss gently.
4. Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours.

This handy mandoline slicer makes perfect, uniform cucumber and onion slices every time!

14. Stuffed Mushrooms (Side Dish With Hamburgers Ideas)

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These savory mushrooms make an elegant side that pairs wonderfully with gourmet burgers!

Ingredients:

• 16 large mushrooms, stems removed
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons bacon bits
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Clean mushrooms and remove stems.
2. Mix cream cheese, breadcrumbs, green onions, bacon bits, garlic, and seasonings.
3. Fill each mushroom cap with mixture.
4. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
5. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

This mushroom cleaning brush makes prepping mushrooms quick and easy!

15. Avocado & Black Bean Salad (Chicken Burger Side Dish)

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This protein-packed salad offers a southwestern flair that goes perfectly with chicken burgers!

Ingredients:

• 2 avocados, diced
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine avocados, black beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro in a bowl.
2. Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, and spices.
3. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently.
4. Serve immediately.

This avocado slicer makes prepping avocados safe and mess-free!

Planning Your Burger Night

Planning a perfect burger night is easy with a little preparation! Here are my favorite tips:

• Prep ahead: Many sides can be made the day before (like coleslaw and pasta salad)
• Choose variety: Pick sides with different flavors and textures
• Consider cooking methods: If your grill is full of burgers, choose sides that cook in the oven or require no cooking
• Balance your meal: Include at least one veggie side for a more balanced dinner
• Think about timing: Make sure everything is ready at the same time

I keep all my burger night recipes organized in my free Recipe Planner that helps time everything perfectly!

Smart Shopping for Burger Sides

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Save money and time with these smart shopping tips:

• Buy vegetables in season for the best flavor and price
• Look for sales on frozen vegetables – they work great in many side dishes
• Keep pantry staples on hand (beans, pasta, spices) to make sides anytime
• Buy cheese in blocks and shred it yourself – it’s cheaper and melts better
• Use store loyalty apps to find deals on burger night ingredients

I store all my fresh produce in these produce saver containers that help everything stay fresh longer!

Must-Have Tools for Amazing Burger Sides

These kitchen tools make preparing burger sides so much easier:

• Air fryer: Makes crispy sides with little oil (perfect for fries and onion rings)
• Food processor: Quickly shreds cabbage and chops vegetables
• Grill basket: Keeps small vegetables from falling through grill grates
• Mandoline slicer: Creates perfectly even vegetable slices
• Good knife set: Makes prep work faster and safer
• Mixing bowl set: Different sizes for all your side dish needs

The multipurpose kitchen gadget set I use has most of these tools in one affordable package!

More Burger-Friendly Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these burger sides, you might also like these related recipes:

• Homemade Burger Buns
• 10-Minute Burger Sauces
• Stuffed Burger Patties
• Veggie Burger Recipe

What’s your favorite side to serve with burgers? Drop a comment below and let me know!

Don’t forget to save this post on Pinterest for your next burger night! Just click the Pin button to save these yummy ideas.

Final Thoughts on Burger Sides

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Burgers are so much more than just the patty and bun! The right sides can turn a simple burger into a complete meal that everyone will talk about.

I hope these 15 sides have given you some fresh ideas for your next burger night. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a backyard BBQ, these sides will make your meal extra special.

Remember, the best burger sides are ones that you and your family enjoy, so feel free to add your own twist to any of these recipes!

Happy cooking and see you next time!