When it comes to burgers, there’s no denying the appeal of a classic family gathering or a fun night in with friends. But let’s face it – sometimes we crave something more than just the usual suspects when it comes to sides. That’s why we’ve rounded up 24 mouth-watering options that are sure to take your burger game to the next level.
Before diving into these mouth-watering sides, check out these essential kitchen tools that will help you cook faster, cleaner, and tastier – because great sides deserve great gear.
Must-Have Tools to Level Up Your Burger Night
Grilled Pineapple
Elevate the flavors in your meals by incorporating grilled pineapple as a topping or side dish. Its sweet and tangy essence complements a variety of grilled and fried dishes, adding a delightful twist.
While you can experiment with different seasonings, this recipe showcases a unique blend of cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar that brings out the best in this sweet treat.
To achieve those perfect grill marks and caramelization, you’ll love using Cuisinel Cast Iron Square Grill Pan.
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- PRECISION HEAT DISTRIBUTION: This cast iron skillet has a smooth finish to help provide even heat distribution for improved cooking and frying, even on grills, stoves or induction cooktops
Grilled Asparagus
Savory asparagus spears grilled to perfection make for a nutritious side dish that’s bursting with vitamins and minerals. When the weather warms up, it’s easy to toss asparagus on the grill alongside other summer staples. For a flavorful twist on traditional fries or onion rings, simply drizzle fresh lemon juice and sprinkle a touch of parmesan cheese over your grilled asparagus.
Mexican Bean Dip
One of the best things about dips is their versatility – they can be paired with an array of meal components to elevate the overall dining experience. Whether you’ve got leftover burger bun or patty, a dip is the perfect way to make use of those stray bites. The bean dip presented here boasts a creamy and spicy profile, resulting in a rich and satisfying dipping experience.
While it does require a slightly longer cooking time compared to other recipes, planning ahead can help ensure a stress-free preparation process.
Potato Wedges
Looking for a satisfying snack that’s a cut above your average french fry? Why not give homemade potato wedges a try?
These tasty treats are a far cry from their frozen counterparts, offering a healthier and more flavorful alternative. To elevate them to the next level, simply season with a blend of smoked paprika, oregano, and parmesan cheese for a reaction that’s sure to impress.
For even, crispy results every time, consider investing in Chefman 12-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven.
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- LOW-TO-HIGH HEAT RANGE: This all-in-one convection oven offers a wide temperature range from 95-450°F with rapid air heating elements. The new Hi-Fry option is the smart way to add a crisp finish when you crave that extra crunch.
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Roasted Vegetables
Indulge in the rustic charm of Italy with a roasted vegetable side dish that combines the pungency of fresh garlic, the earthy aroma of oregano and thyme.
This harmonious blend will transport you to the sun-kissed Amalfi coast. With its tender texture and deep flavors, this dish pairs effortlessly with any burger, allowing each component to shine in perfect harmony.
Grill like a pro and slice with precision – these top-rated gadgets make prepping your burger sides a breeze.
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Halloumi Skewers
Indulge in the delightful combination of Greek halloumi cheese, sweetened by honey, zesty lime, and a hint of chilli heat. This harmonious blend yields a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors that will leave you craving more. What’s more, this delectable side dish is ideal for accompanying a burger, allowing you to savor each bite at your leisure or easily add it to your bun whenever the mood strikes.
Grilled Zucchini
Zucchini’s versatility shines when paired with a summer barbecue. The ideal firmness of in-season veggies makes them a perfect accompaniment to these warm-weather gatherings.
A well-crafted olive oil-balsamic marinade is the key to bringing out the best in this vegetable, allowing it to caramelize and develop a tangy flavor that complements the smoky notes often found at barbecues.
A quality vegetable slicer makes prep a breeze — try Gramercy Adjustable Mandoline Food Slicer.
- Adjustable Mandoline Slicer: This mandoline slicer has an adjustable blade that allows you to slice different fruits and vegetables with ease.
- Dishwasher Safe: The slicer is made of durable stainless steel and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- Swap Cutting Modes: The slicer has a dial that allows you to easily switch between different cutting modes like slicing, dicing, and julienne.
- Cut-Resistant Gloves: The slicer comes with one pair of cut-resistant gloves to protect your hands while slicing.
- Versatile Kitchen Tool: This mandoline slicer is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to slice a variety of fruits and vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and onions.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potatoes offer a nutritious alternative to traditional french fries, boasting a quicker preparation time and ease of use. Simply shop for fresh sweet potatoes, peel them, and bake with your preferred seasonings. For a flavorful twist, consider coating them in smoked paprika, garlic salt, and black pepper. If you prefer a spicier option, try adding cajun seasoning or chilli flakes to give your sweet potatoes an added kick.
Coleslaw
For decades, coleslaw has been a trusted companion to burgers, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. This classic condiment is incredibly versatile, with simple ingredients that can be easily customized to suit individual tastes. One of the best things about coleslaw is its adaptability – try substituting apples for cabbage or yogurt for mayonnaise to create unique variations that are all your own.
Potato Salad
Indulge in a quintessential southern-inspired potato salad that pairs exquisitely with burgers and other hearty summer favorites. While it’s easy to find store-bought potato salad, taking the initiative to create your own yields an unparalleled punch of flavor and velvety texture. This crowd-pleasing dish is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Garden Salad
Salads provide the perfect foil to burgers by offering a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of carbs and meat. This harmonious union is further enhanced by the nutritional benefits that salads offer. In this recipe, a medley of green onions, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, mixed greens, and creamy avocado are expertly combined with a sprinkle of tangy feta for added depth.
Barbecue Baked Beans
Transform your baked beans into a savory outdoor cookout favorite by infusing them with a smoky twist. This unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors is perfect for sharing and is sure to please a crowd. By combining the rich flavors of syrup, BBQ sauce, paprika, and chipotle, you’ll create a barbecue taste sensation that’s well worth the extra effort. Try this recipe out and enjoy!
Onion Rings
Indulge in the irresistible crunch of these expertly crafted onion rings, inspired by a renowned drive-in restaurant’s secret recipe. With no elaborate batter required, simply coat thinly sliced onions in breadcrumbs and fry until golden for an unbeatable snacking experience. Whether you’re looking to elevate your burger game or serve them as a satisfying side dish, these addictive onion rings are sure to delight the crowd.
Corn On The Cob
Savoring the essence of summer, there’s nothing quite like grilling corn on the barbecue. The process is straightforward and effortless, yielding a tantalizing smoky flavor that perfectly complements your burger. While the core effort lies in crafting the BBQ butter, even this step can be effortlessly executed using a pan and food processor. Whether you’re in the midst of a backyard cookout or a casual gathering, grilled corn on the barbecue is sure to delight.
Mac And Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe, perfect for all ages.
Its warm, inviting aroma will make your mouth water, making it an ideal accompaniment to your favorite burger.
The harmonious blend of cheddar and Gruyère cheeses yields a rich, full-bodied flavor that’s best savored hot, straight from the oven.
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Quinoa Salad
Quinoa’s versatility shines when paired with a vegan burger or serving as a healthier alternative to traditional sides alongside a regular burger. When combined with a refreshing lemon dressing and crumbled feta cheese (a delightful optional addition), this quinoa-based salad takes on a tangy flavor profile that’s sure to please. Moreover, its effortless preparation makes it an ideal choice for feeding larger groups, as you can easily scale up the recipe to accommodate any gathering size.
Jalapeno Poppers
Elevate your burger night with Jalapeno poppers, a delightful treat that combines crispy, creamy, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re looking for a tasty accompaniment or a pre-dinner snack, this recipe is sure to please even the most adventurous eaters. For those who prefer a milder flavor, simply remove the seeds and inner membranes of the jalapenos to reduce the heat level.
Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto pasta salad has earned its spot as a beloved dish among many, whether it’s served alongside a burger or taking center stage as a summer side dish. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for feeding a crowd. Not only can pesto pasta salad be prepared in large quantities, but it also offers the benefit of being a refreshing option during the warmest months (see related article ’30 Simple Side Dishes To Beat The Heat This Summer’).
While store-bought pesto is always an available option, making your own at home is surprisingly effortless and provides a wonderful opportunity to repurpose any leftover herbs. You can access the recipe by clicking on the link below.
Don’t just cook amazing food – serve it in style. These serving essentials will take your burger night presentation to the next level.
Must-Have Dishes & Serving Sets
Final Thoughts
With a multitude of side dish options, deciding what to pair with your burgers can be an exciting experience. The best part is that you have the freedom to combine dishes to cater to diverse tastes at your dinner table. By exploring these versatile options, you’re sure to find the perfect accompaniment for your next burger gathering.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.