What to Serve with Burgers

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Whenever I plan a burger night, I can’t help but get just as excited about what to serve with the burgers! That’s why I’ve put together this go-to list with over 45 sides to serve with burgers that complement every type of burger you can imagine. Think crispy fries, tangy slaws, and potato salads—these are the kinds of burger sides that have a standing invitation to my plate.

In this list of side ideas, you’ll also find my personal collection of toppings that can take a burger from good to ‘can’t-stop-talking-about-it’. Plus, I’m sharing different burger varieties for those who love trying new spins on classic favorites. So whether you’re firing up the grill or cooking indoors, let’s make sure your burgers are always paired with the best sides!

Tips for Making Sides to Serve With Burgers

1. Use seasonal produce. Take advantage of seasonal vegetables to create fresh, flavorful, and healthy sides to serve with your burgers. It adds variety to your meal and is also more cost-efficient.
2. Choose make-ahead side dishes. If you’re doing a large cookout, consider a few recipes that can be made a day or two ahead of time so you’re not in the kitchen all day.
3. Make it a joint effort. You can also ask your guests to bring a side to take some of the cooking off your hands. They will love being a part of the fun day, and it’ll take some pressure off of you.
4. Have a variety of sides. If you’re planning food for a fun weekend, plan a mix of fresh salads, hearty cold sides, and hot dishes, so there’s something to satisfy everyone’s taste preferences and diet restrictions.
5. Simple is best! Side dishes don’t have to be complicated. In fact, quick and easy sides for burgers are often the best. They don’t steal the show from the burgers and instead make a wonderful accompaniment in flavor, taste, and texture.

How to Plan a Menu for a Burger Meal

• Choose your burger patties. Are you doing a traditional beef burger or going with a vegan option like chickpea? Some sides are better paired with salmon burgers rather than beef or poultry, so starting with this will help you gauge what sides to serve with burgers.
• Select bun options. Choose the type of buns you’ll use for your burgers. Traditional options include hamburger buns, but you can also go with whole wheat buns, brioche, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
• Plan your condiments. Based on the type of burgers you’re making, have a spread of condiments ready to go. This may include mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, or something unique like tzatziki.
• Fresh veggies – Don’t forget to have a nice selection of all traditional and unique vegetable toppings like tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and avocados. They add juiciness, flavor, and texture to your burger.
• Decide what sides to serve with burgers. This is the fun part. Go through this collection of 47 delicious and healthy sides to serve with burgers and put together a well-balanced meal that has something fresh, hearty, and comforting.

Different Types of Burgers to Make

• Homemade Beef Burgers – Wonderfully juicy and perfectly seasoned, these take just minutes to make and are quick to grill outside or on the stovetop. If you want something even simpler, try air fryer hamburgers – perfect for busy weeknights and taste amazing!
• Ground Chicken Burgers – These delicious ground chicken burgers are an excellent alternative to beef burgers and offer a lighter option that doesn’t lack flavor. Seasoned with minced onions, herbs, and spices, they are so good!
• Salmon Burgers – Made with just a few ingredients, salmon burgers are nutrient-dense, packed with protein, and a fun twist to your burger game. Serve them on a toasted bun with simple condiments for a satisfying and nourishing meal.
• Grilled Turkey Burgers – Juicy, tender, and oh-so-good, these grilled turkey burgers go great with just about anything. So, if you’re looking for something that is as versatile as your classic beef burger but with a leaner twist, these turkey burgers are the perfect choice.
• Grilled Chicken Burger with Yogurt – If you haven’t added yogurt to chicken, you’re missing out. It adds a tangy flavor and incredible juiciness that makes the burger so tender, perfectly moist, and oh-so-delicious!
• Lamb Burger – If you want a truly creative and unique take on a burger, look no further than this lamb version. Serve it with tangy tzatziki sauce, zesty pickled onions, and crisp cucumbers for a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
• Quinoa Burger – This meatless option is a tasty departure from the ordinary. Made with quinoa and black beans that actually hold the burger patties well during grilling. Each quinoa patty offers 10 grams of protein, so you’ll be satisfied and nourished.
• Chickpea Burger – Bursting with Mediterranean flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and feta, these chickpea burgers are another delicious meatless option that your vegetarian friends will love you for!
• Black Bean Burger – This black bean burger is made with Southwest flavors, including salsa, cumin, and red onion. It’s a tasty and satisfying alternative to traditional meat burgers and is as nutritious as it is delicious!

Best Topping & Sides to Serve with Burgers

Alright, here we go! Below, you will find a mega list of quick and easy sides, condiments, and toppings that pop! You can mix and match all the things, or just keep it simple with whatever looks good!

Condiments and Toppings for Burgers

• Homemade Mayonnaise – Delicious, quick and easy to make, and a total classic on burgers. Make a simple mayonnaise with just eggs, oil, mustard, and lemon juice.
• Spicy Mayo – A blend of mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice makes the perfect condiment. Whether spread on a burger bun or used as a dipping sauce for fries, it adds a spicy twist to your spread.
• Aioli – This garlicky spread or dip elevates all your simple sides to serve with burgers. It’s easily made in the food processor and adds a touch of creamy and garlicky goodness to your plate.
• Avocado Crema – Made with Greek yogurt, fresh avocado, lime, and garlic, this is a sauce that goes well on top of all types of burgers. This crema is a must when making an avocado burger.
• Pickles – With minimal ingredients and short prep time, you can make the best-tasting homemade pickles that’ll be the perfect accompaniment to all the quick and easy sides for burgers.
• Pickled Red Onions – Add tangy flavor and an irresistible crunch to your burgers. I offer a quick method and slow version so you can enjoy gourmet-style burgers either way.
• Caramelized Onions – Looking for that silky, sweet, and savory topping that takes your burgers to the next level? Caramelized onions is the way to go. All you need is onions, oil, and a hot pan.
• Grilled Onions – The char from the grill paired with the subtle sweetness of the onion is a flavor combination that will have you and your guests drooling.
• Portobello Mushrooms – Marinated with a flavorful balsamic glaze, you can use these mushroom caps to replace buns or just serve them next to other quick and easy sides for burgers.

Potato Sides to Serve with Burgers

• Grilled Baked Potatoes – Let your grill do double duty and throw some russets along with the burgers. Grilled baked potatoes have crispy skin and are easy, convenient, and so good!
• Air Fryer French Fries – With very little oil needed, these air fryer French fries will become one of your go-to healthy sides to serve with burgers. They always come out crispy.
• Air Fryer Potatoes – These are a healthier alternative to deep fried potatoes but still have that crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Quick to prepare and ready to serve in less than 30 minutes, making it one of the best quick and easy sides for burgers.
• Oven Baked Potato Chips – Looking to pair your burgers with a classic potato chip? Try these. They are crispy, flavorful, made with just a handful of ingredients, and baked in your oven.
• Baked Potato Wedges – Perfectly seasoned, these homemade oven-baked potato wedges are one of those simple sides to serve with burgers that never disappoint. Crispy yet fluffy and addicting.
• Baked Sweet Potato Fries – If you’re looking for healthy sides to serve with burgers that hit the spot for comfort food – these fries are your answer. They’re quick to prepare with the right texture and flavor.
• Hasselback Sweet Potatoes – You’ll love this unique way to serve sweet potatoes. Each slice is brushed with a butter spread, creating soft potato slices and crispy golden edges.
• Grilled Baby Potatoes – These tasty, savory, crispy baby potatoes do not disappoint. They’re seasoned with a smokey char on the outside and creamy and smooth on the inside.
• Garlic Smashed Potatoes – Seasoned with garlic and rosemary and roasted in the oven, these crispy smashed potatoes will become your new favorite side to serve with your classic burger.

Salads and Slaws to Serve with Burgers

• Red Cabbage Slaw – The vibrant red cabbage paired with a zesty vinaigrette creates a delicious and one of the best simple sides to serve with burgers. It’s easy, tasty, and oh-so-good!
• Healthy Coleslaw – You won’t regret adding this classic side dish to your menu of quick and easy sides for burgers. It’s tangy, creamy, mayo-free coleslaw made with Greek yogurt and so incredibly delicious!
• Chopped Green Goddess Salad – Made with crisp green cabbage, cucumbers, and a simple homemade green goddess dressing, this salad is a refreshing and vibrant addition to your burger spread.
• Fresh Garden Salad – Make your cookout simple with this house salad. It serves as a great base, made with a combination of crunchy fresh vegetables and romaine lettuce tossed in a light, zesty citrus vinaigrette.
• Corn Tomato Avocado Salad – This ridiculously simple yet so very flavorful recipe is quick, easy, and will be one of your favorite healthy sides to serve with burgers. It has all the summer favorites in one salad bowl!
• Broccoli Salad – This creamy broccoli salad combines tender-crisp florets, toasted sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries together in a sweet and tangy dressing. So next time you’re wondering what to serve with burgers besides fries, remember this fresh yet hearty salad.
• Lebanese Cabbage Salad – This is one of the best quick and easy sides for burgers because it comes together in 10 minutes and adds a burst of fresh flavors to your cookout.
• Spinach Strawberry Salad – You’ll love the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in this salad. It features salty feta, crunchy almonds, and sweet strawberries on a bed of crisp spinach and drizzled with fresh basil vinaigrette.
• Watermelon Feta Salad – Colorful and refreshing, this summer salad has that irresistible sweet-and-salty taste that makes this simple salad so festive for cookouts, potlucks, picnics, or just a weekday burger night at home.

Cold Hearty Sides to Serve with Burgers

• Mustard Potato Salad – If you’re looking for healthy sides to serve with burgers that still have that comforting flavor and texture, you’ll love this lightened-up potato salad. The dressing is egg and mayo-free, made with Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard.
• Healthy Egg Salad – Figuring out what sides to serve with burgers doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes a classic egg salad is all you need for a satisfying and balanced meal.
• Red Kidney Bean Salad – Made with basic pantry ingredients and three types of beans: chickpeas, lentils, and red kidney beans. This bean salad is rich in flavor, texture, and nutrition.
• Italian Pasta Salad – Next time you’re wondering what to serve with burgers besides fries, consider this simple yet so delicious pasta salad.
• Vegan Macaroni Salad – This salad has the perfect combination of crunchy veggies like carrots, celery, and sweet bell peppers, paired with al dente macaroni noodles and tossed in a tangy vegan mayo dressing.
• Macaroni Egg Salad – Creamy, delicious, and tangy thanks to that yogurt-based dressing (instead of mayo!). Made with eggs, celery, red onions, pickles, and macaroni – this salad is a total crowd-pleaser!
• Chickpea Salad – Loaded with fresh veggies, texture, and nutrition, this salad is one of my go-to’s when I’m looking for quick and easy sides for burgers.
• Cauliflower Potato Salad – Whether you’re trying to eat low-carb or just want to switch up your potato salad, this cauliflower salad will be a game-changer.

Warm Sides to Serve with Burgers

• Creamed Corn – If you’re looking for simple sides to serve with burgers that don’t require a lot of hands-on time, this creamed corn recipe is your answer. It’s quickly made on the stovetop in one skillet and everyone loves it!
• Sauteed Mushrooms with Garlic – Whether you tuck it into or next to it, sauteed mushrooms make one of my favorite quick and easy sides for burgers.
• Baked Macaroni and Cheese – When planning what sides to serve with burgers, this classic comfort food is always a winning choice, offering a combination of cheesy goodness and nostalgic appeal that’s hard to resist.
• Instant Pot Baked Beans – With the help of your pressure cooker, you get smoky and sweet baked beans that are hands-down one of the best quick and easy sides for burgers.
• Roasted Cauliflower Au Gratin – This is a modern twist on a classic that will be one of your favorite simple sides to serve with burgers. Flavorful, comforting, and sophisticated, making it a unique addition to your burger spread.

Healthy Sides to Serve with Burgers

• Zucchini Salad – Simple and quick, this raw zucchini salad is fresh, vibrant, full of texture and of course, nutrition.
• Grilled Romaine Lettuce – Sometimes we overthink side dishes, and a simple platter of grilled romaine hearts is in order! It’s smoky, lightly charred, and brushed with a lemon vinaigrette that pairs wonderfully with a juicy burger.
• Baked Zucchini Fries – If you’re wondering what to serve with burgers besides French fries, give these zucchini fries a try.
• Air Fryer Broccoli – Crispy florets, tender stems, and the perfect amount of seasoning, this is one of my favorite simple sides to serve with burgers. Easy, delicious, and picky-eater-approved!
• Grilled Veggie Kabobs – No cookout is complete without a tasty side of seasonal veggies. These grilled vegetables are a fun and easy way to give your burger night a healthier spin.
• Roasted Cauliflower Steaks – When it comes to burgers, you don’t always think of cauliflower as an excellent pairing. But these cauliflower steaks topped with flavorful chimichurri sauce is a must next time you’re searching for what sides to serve with burgers.
• Rutabaga Fries – Figuring out what to serve with burgers besides fries doesn’t have to be boring. These rutabaga fries have the shape and consistency just like a potato but with less carbs.

How To Keep Food Warm

• Oven: As long as you’re not cooking anything in the oven, you can set it to 200°F and store dishes in there to keep them warm.
• Aluminum foil: If your oven is not free, you can simply use aluminum foil, which has reflective properties that protect the food from light and oxygen. The foil reflects the thermal energy back to the food, which maintains the moisture, flavor, and texture.
• Crock Pots and Instant Pots: Think of recipes that can be made in your crock pot or instant pot that will keep warm during the cookout. You can even use them to keep foods warm even if you don’t cook in them.
• Insulated coolers: You can use a cooler to keep food hot as well as cold. The insulation technology that keeps out the heat to maintain cold foods also works to trap heat in and keep food hot for hours at a time. You can even line the cooler with aluminum foil for even better results.

How To Store All the Leftovers

• Follow the recipe instructions. Some dishes need to be refrigerated immediately, while others are fine to keep at room temperature for a few hours. It’s always best to consider the storage instructions provided in the individual recipe post to ensure food safety and maintain freshness.
• Store dry and wet foods separately. Store wet foods like sliced tomatoes and onions separately from the cooked burger patties. Same with salads – if possible, serve the salad dressing on the side to keep the salad fresh longer.
• Freeze for longer storage. Many recipes are freezer-friendly, providing the convenience of having ready-made meals on hand for busy weeknights. Follow the individual recipe recommendations for freezing instructions.
• Pack a complete meal for your guest. If you’re having a burger cookout with friends, consider creating a well-balanced meal for your guests to take home with them using compartmentalized containers.

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope this roundup of simple, flavorful, and healthy sides to serve with burgers inspires you to try something new and exciting this grilling season. You don’t always have to settle for French fries (although they are a very delicious classic choice). But if you ever wanted to know what to serve with burgers besides fries, try one or a few of these new quick and easy sides for burgers that will certainly become your new favorites!

Full List of Recipes

Check out the picture cards for all the recipes listed above. You can click on any of the recipes cards to take you directly to those recipes.

For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Best Summer Grilling Recipes, Delicious Non-Boring Salad Recipes, Grilling Tips for Beginners, and Easy No-Bake Summer Desserts.

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