What to Serve with Hamburgers – 17 Delicious Sides
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Wondering what to serve with hamburgers? Nothing says summer like the smell of a freshly-grilled hamburger. To make your next cookout a hit, you’ll need delicious side dishes that perfectly complement the juicy patties. From classic staples to creative twists, we have ideas for the best sides that will take your next burger night from ordinary to extraordinary.
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Classic Sides for Hamburgers
When it comes to serving sides with hamburgers, sometimes you just can’t beat the classics. These timeless favorites have been enjoyed at cookouts and backyard gatherings for years, and for good reason. They are tried-and-true options that never fail to satisfy. So, without further ado, here are five classic sides that will make your hamburgers shine.
1. French Fries
Is there anything more iconic than a juicy burger paired with crispy, golden, classic french fries? Whether you prefer them shoestring-thin or thick-cut and fluffy steak fries or potato wedges, french fries are a staple that adds that perfect crunch to your meal. Serve them up with a side of ketchup or try them loaded with cheese, bacon, and sour cream for a decadent twist.
2. Coleslaw
Tangy, refreshing, and creamy coleslaw is a classic side dish that brings a delightful crunch to your burger feast. Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing, coleslaw is the perfect counterpoint to the rich flavors of your burger. It also adds a pop of color to your plate, making it visually appealing as well.
3. Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky, and savory, baked beans are a hearty and flavorful side that pairs perfectly with hamburgers. Whether you opt for the traditional baked beans with bacon, hearty calico baked beans, or try a variation with different types of beans and spices, this classic side dish is a crowd-pleaser.
4. Corn on the Cob
When it’s summertime, corn on the cob is a must-have side dish for any barbecue. Grilled to perfection and slathered with butter and seasonings, grilled corn on the cob adds a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the juicy burgers.
For a Mexican twist you can also make elotes, Mexican street corn, to serve alongside your burger.
5. Classic Potato Salad
Creamy, tangy, and loaded with flavors, potato salad is a classic side that is always a hit. Made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, and various seasonings, potato salad adds a delicious and satisfying element to your burger feast. Whether you like it with pickles, bacon, or hard-boiled eggs, potato salad is a versatile side dish that can be customized to your liking.
6. Onion Rings
Deep-fried, air fried, or baked to make a healthy option, this easy side dish is a favorite burger pairing. Their crunchy yet savory texture complements the succulent flavors of hamburgers perfectly making it the perfect side for any burger.
7. Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad makes an ideal side for hamburgers due to its refreshing crunch and light, tangy flavor. It provides a contrast to the hearty burger, adding a cool and crisp element that balances the meal perfectly.
8. Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is that classic side dish that you always expect to see with burgers at a cookout! It features a delicious mix of veggies, rotini noodles, and a creamy Italian-style dressing. Perfectly tangy and Mediterranean-inspired, it’s the perfect addition to any get-together with savory burgers.
Try our Tuscan pasta salad, Amish pasta salad, BLT pasta salad, Chicken Bacon Ranch pasta salad, or Seafood pasta salad to start getting inspired!
9. Salad
Whether it is a traditional Caesar salad or a classic salad topped with Greek dressing, classic ranch, or my favorite poppyseed salad dressing, a salad is a wonderful and classic side for hamburgers.
Serving your burger with a salad keeps your meal light and gets those all-too-important veggies in. It’s also an easy prep side to leave you free to man the grill!
Unique Sides for Hamburgers
Now that we’ve covered the classic sides, let’s dive into some unique and unexpected side dish ideas to serve with your hamburgers. These easy sides are a great choice to take your cookout to a whole new level and impress your guests with their creativity and bold flavors.
10. Grilled Pineapple
Elevate your burgers with a touch of tropical sweetness by grilling pineapple slices. This is one of the best side dishes for a cookout-type meal. Add it to your burgers or serve on the side.
The heat from the grill caramelizes the sugars in the pineapple, creating a deliciously smoky and sweet accompaniment to your burgers. Place the pineapple slices on the grill for a few minutes on each side until they are slightly charred.
11. Sweet Potato Fries
While fries are a classic choice, why not mix it up with some sweet potato fries? These crispy and slightly sweet fries add a unique twist to your simple meal.
Slice sweet potatoes into thin strips, toss them with olive oil, salt, and your favorite seasonings, and bake them in the oven until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, like a spicy chipotle aioli for a flavorful kick and a great addition to other delicious recipes at your cookout.
12. Caprese Skewers
Take inspiration from the classic Italian Caprese salad and create bite-sized skewers with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella balls.
Drizzle them with a balsamic glaze for a tangy and refreshing side that perfectly complements the richness of your burgers. The combination of flavors and textures will make these skewers a hit at your next cookout.
13. Avocado Corn Salsa
Put a twist on traditional salsa with this creamy and flavorful avocado corn salsa. Dice ripe avocados, tomatoes, and red onions, and combine them with corn kernels, cilantro, lime juice, and a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
The creamy avocado and sweet corn add a refreshing element to your burgers, and the tangy lime juice ties all the flavors together.
14. Zucchini Chips
Zucchini Chips are a crunchy, savory side for hamburgers. They are made with thinly sliced zucchini, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, and baked until golden and crispy. These chips make an ideal accompaniment to your favorite burger, adding a unique flavor and texture.
15. Quinoa Salad
This delicious Quinoa Salad is perfect as a side dish for hamburgers. It is packed with heart-healthy ingredients like quinoa, fresh vegetables, extra virgin olive oil, and a hint of fresh lemon. It’s a great way to add a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment to your favorite hamburger.
16. Watermelon Salad
For a refreshing twist, try serving a watermelon salad alongside your burgers. The juicy sweetness of the watermelon pairs perfectly with the savory and smoky flavors of the burgers.
Toss cubed watermelon with feta cheese, fresh mint, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a burst of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. This easy recipe will probably become one of your favorite sides for cookouts!
17. Cowboy Caviar
A bright and tangy cowboy caviar is an easy make-ahead dish you can serve with your hamburger. This dish combines black beans, corn, tomato, avocado, cilantro, and a zesty lime dressing.
You make this dish ahead (leaving out the avocado) and chill it until ready to serve. It’s a tasty side that will perfectly complement your burger!
