Looking for the best sides to serve with burgers? Whether it’s smoky BBQ baked beans, crispy sweet potato fries, creamy coleslaw, or gooey mac and cheese, we’ve got plenty of delicious options!
A hamburger is classic comfort food—simple in concept (a juicy beef patty between soft buns), yet so satisfying when cooked just right.
For me, you can’t go wrong with good old-fashioned French fries. But sometimes, it’s fun to mix things up! In this article, I’ll share 25 amazing sides that rival, or even outshine, traditional fries.
So if you’re hosting a burger night, these tasty sides will take your meal to the next level—because a great burger deserves a great side!
Contents
25. Baked Zucchini Fries – Best of Sides to Serve with Burgers!
For zucchini fries that turn crispy and golden in the air fryer, we coat them in a cheesy, herby panko crust. Dip them into warm marinara sauce, and you’ve got a bite that’s bursting with flavor!
This recipe uses panko breadcrumbs to give the zucchini a crunchy exterior with a garlicky, cheesy kick—no deep fryer required! Unlike zucchini fritters, these fries are air-fried to crispy perfection.
No air fryer? No problem! We’ve got oven instructions, too, so you can still enjoy these irresistible zucchini fries however you like.
24. Air Fryer French Fries – Easy Burger Side Dish
Fries are one of those snacks I could eat anytime, anywhere. But let’s be real—sometimes, I’m just not in the mood for the oil and mess that comes with deep-frying. That’s where the air fryer saves the day!
These air fryer French fries turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside—no giant vat of oil required. And keeping the skins on?
Not only does it give them that homemade feel I love, but it also saves time (because seriously, who’s got time for peeling?). Quick, easy, and totally delicious!
23. Red Skin Potato Salad with Crispy Bacon
This red skin potato salad is the perfect side dish for any lunch, dinner, or backyard cookout.
Packed with crispy bacon, crunchy celery, tangy dill pickle, and a creamy mayo-mustard dressing, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—and bonus, it’s gluten-free!
The best part? You can prep some of it ahead of time to make things even easier.
Every time I serve this at a gathering, someone always asks for the recipe. That’s how good it is. Once you try it, you’ll see why!
22. Vegan Macaroni Salad to Serve with Burgers
This vegan macaroni salad is creamy, tangy, and packed with crunchy veggies—plus, it’s super easy to make!
Toss al dente macaroni with crisp carrots, celery, and sweet red peppers, then coat it all in a flavorful vegan mayo dressing that’s so good, you’ll keep going back for more.
Want to add some extra protein? Throw in a handful of beans, and you’ve got a perfectly balanced, satisfying dish. Whether for picnics, barbecues, or meal prep, this vegan mac salad is a must-try!
21. Easy Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe (with No Husk or Foil)
This Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe is as simple as it gets—no husk, no foil, just pure smoky, charred goodness!
All you have to do is place the corn directly on the grill, rotate it every few minutes, and in just 20 minutes, it’s ready to enjoy. It’s an easy, gluten-free summer side that pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, steaks, and more.
Sure, you could grill it with the husks or wrap it in foil, but honestly? You don’t need to. Skipping that extra step keeps things effortless, and the result is just as delicious.
Simple, flavorful, and straight off the grill—just the way summer corn should be!
20. Watermelon Salad with Lime Dressing
This watermelon salad is a refreshing summer favorite, packed with crisp cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh mint, all tossed in a zesty lime dressing. It’s simple, slightly unexpected, and guaranteed to get rave reviews!
Think of it as the ultimate sweet-meets-savory combo. The juicy watermelon brings natural sweetness, the feta adds a creamy, salty bite, and the lime and mint tie it all together with a burst of freshness.
It’s the perfect side to balance out a rich, juicy burger or any summer meal. Light, vibrant, and ridiculously easy to make—this one’s a must-try!
19. Pickled Veggies – Serve with Burgers on Cookout
Cool, crisp, and briny, fridge pickles are one of summer’s simplest joys. And if you’ve got an abundance of fresh veggies from the market or your garden, quick pickling is the perfect way to preserve them!
Carrots, cucumbers, beets—or a mix of all three—pickled veggies add the perfect tangy crunch to any meal, especially burgers.
And the best part? They’re so easy to make! Just simmer them in a vinegar mixture for 10 minutes, let them cool, and they’re ready to enjoy. Simple, delicious, and totally worth it!
18. Healthy Melon and Cucumber Salad
Stay cool and refreshed with this cantaloupe and cucumber salad! It’s light, healthy, and the perfect balance of sweet and crisp—ideal as a side dish or a light lunch.
Imagine this: soft, juicy cantaloupe paired with crisp, refreshing cucumber, all drizzled with a touch of olive oil and seasoned simply with salt and pepper. The result? A bright, fresh salad that complements the richness of a savory burger like a dream.
It’s effortless, hydrating, and exactly what you need on a warm day. Give it a try—you’ll love the contrast of flavors!
17. Corn and Avocado Salad with Lettuce
Whoever first paired corn and avocado deserves a medal. Seriously—their colors, textures, and flavors are already amazing on their own, but together? Absolute perfection!
Now, take that combo, toss in some crisp romaine lettuce and peppery radishes, and coat it all in a creamy, flavorful dressing. The result? A refreshing, vibrant salad that’s next-level delicious.
It’s crunchy, creamy, and packed with fresh, summery goodness. One bite, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making this all along!
16. Easy to Prepare Steamed Asparagus
Steamed asparagus drizzled with melted butter, lemon juice, and garlic? Simple, delicious, and absolutely unbeatable.
If you’re looking to keep things low-carb, this crunchy, nutrient-packed veggie is the perfect choice. It’s light, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to prepare—ideal for a quick side dish!
And let’s be real—since asparagus is already good for you, adding a little butter won’t hurt. In fact, it makes everything better! Just a touch of fat enhances the flavor and gives it that extra indulgent bite. Healthy, tasty, and effortlessly elegant!
15. Mac and Cheese – Ultimate Comfort Food!
Trisha Yearwood’s crockpot mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and totally irresistible!
It’s the perfect dish for potlucks, family gatherings, BBQs, football parties, and holidays. And let’s be honest—if you’re already making something this indulgent, you might as well go all in!
Mac and cheese pairs perfectly with burgers since both are hearty, rich, and packed with flavor. Together, they make the kind of meal that satisfies every craving. So grab a plate and dig in!
14. Crispy Grilled Potatoes
These crispy grilled potatoes are seasoned to perfection and cooked in foil for an easy, flavorful side—no need to heat up your kitchen!
Since you’re already firing up the grill for burger patties, why not throw some potatoes on there too? They’re super simple to make—just coat them in the best potato seasoning, wrap them in foil, and let the grill work its magic.
For the ultimate finishing touch, top them with a rich chive and sour cream butter. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—grilled potatoes are the perfect burger sidekick!
13. Crunchy & Juicy Fried Pickles
Pickle slices, spears, or chips—coat them in seasoned breadcrumbs, fry them to crispy, golden perfection, and boom—you’ve got an irresistible snack!
While fried pickles are usually served as an appetizer, they’re also an amazing side for burgers. That crunch, that tangy juiciness, and when you dip them in ranch? Pure magic.
They’re savory, refreshing, and give you that same satisfying dipping action as fries—just with an extra punch of flavor. If you haven’t tried fried pickles with your burger yet, now’s the time!
12. Amazing Potato Salad
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy potatoes without making French fries, a good old-fashioned potato salad is the way to go! It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Of course, there are a million different ways to make it, but if you grew up in the Midwest or South—or spent any time at backyard BBQs, church dinners, or summer picnics—you know exactly what I mean when I say classic creamy potato salad.
It’s the kind of side dish that brings back memories, and no burger night feels complete without it!
11. Potato Wedges – Comfort Potato Side to go with Burgers
Think of them as French fries’ chunkier, juicier cousin! These Crispy Garlic Baked Potato Wedges deliver all the crispy goodness you crave—without the extra grease and calories from frying.
Packed with bold flavors, they’re just as popular as fries and make the perfect appetizer or snack! Plus, baking them at home means you get that fresh, homemade taste that store-bought wedges just can’t compete with.
Want to make them yourself? I’ve got the simple how-to so you can whip up a batch in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look back!
10. Avocado Fruit Salad
Avocado—aka the fruit of the millennials—is rich, creamy, and seriously good for you!
For a quick and refreshing side, just slice up some avocado, toss it with onions and tomatoes, and drizzle it all with a zesty lime dressing. It’s easy-peasy, vibrant, and adds a pop of color to your meal!
This avocado salad keeps things fresh by swapping green onions for the usual cilantro, giving it a bold flavor without turning into un-mashed guac. It’s simple, delicious, and the perfect addition to any plate!
9. Creamed Cheesy Spinach
You might think this dish would be a hard sell for kids, but trust me—you’d be surprised how much they love the combo of spinach, cream, cheese, and butter!
It’s the ultimate way to sneak some veggies into their diet without complaints. The rich, creamy texture makes it feel indulgent, so even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist.
If you’ve got holiday dinner skeptics at the table, this classic side is practically guaranteed to turn them into spinach fans for life!
8. Zucchini Chips – Good Side for Burgers
Give your burger a crispy, healthy sidekick with these baked zucchini chips! They’re ridiculously easy to make—no deep frying required.
Just slice up some fresh zucchini, toss with olive oil, and coat in a delicious mix of breadcrumbs, oregano, and parmesan. Then pop them in the oven at 425–450°F for about 15 minutes, and voilà—golden, crunchy perfection!
So, the next time you have way too much zucchini sitting around, you know what to do—bake up a batch of zucchini chips! You won’t regret it.
7. Juicy and Delicious Roasted Tomatoes
Tomatoes are already sweet, juicy, and delicious, but roast them in the oven? They get even better!
Just drizzle some olive oil over plump cherry tomatoes, sprinkle on fresh basil, season with salt and pepper, and pop them in the oven. Easy breezy!
Want to take them up a notch? Top them with feta and Parmesan for an extra boost of flavor.
Any fresh tomato works for this recipe—the juicier, the better! Roma tomatoes and cherry tomatoes are top choices, and when combined with balsamic, olive oil, basil, and Parmesan, you get the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
Absolute perfection!
6. Creamy Refreshing Coleslaw
This creamy, refreshing side dish is the perfect match for hamburgers! It’s got just the right crunch, a delicious balance of flavors, and best of all—it’s super easy to make.
All you need to do is chop up some cabbage and carrots, then toss them with mayo, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Simple, right?
Want to give it a fun twist? Try adding pineapple tidbits for a touch of sweetness and a summery vibe. It’s light, crisp, and guaranteed to be a hit at any cookout!
5. Onion Rings – Best Side for Burger
Here’s another awesome alternative to regular French fries—crispy, golden onion rings! When it comes to burger sides, you can’t go wrong with this fried favorite.
They’re the perfect mix of sweet and savory, soft and crispy, bringing just the right balance of flavor and texture to complement a juicy burger.
Want restaurant-quality onion rings at home? Our simple recipe makes it easy! Crunchy, golden brown, and packed with that satisfying, savory taste—once you try these homemade onion rings, you’ll never settle for store-bought again!
4. Easy to Make Sweet Potato Fries
We all know that classic French fries are the ultimate burger sidekick, but let’s not forget about sweet potato fries!
Baking them instead of frying keeps them lighter on calories while still delivering that perfect sweet, savory, and satisfying crunch. Want to take them up a notch? Sprinkle on some garlic powder and rosemary for extra flavor!
And the best part? They’re super easy to make! Just peel a few sweet potatoes, slice them into wedges or rounds, toss with olive oil and spices, and bake at a high temp until golden and crispy. So good!
3. Quinoa Salad – Perfect Side for Hamburgers
If you’re looking for a lighter side dish, quinoa salad is the way to go! Just toss together fluffy quinoa, crisp broccoli, colorful peppers, and your favorite veggies.
Drizzle it all with a tangy red wine vinaigrette, and boom—you’ve got a salad that’s fresh, flavorful, and packed with texture.
What makes this one of the best quinoa salad recipes? It’s loaded with goodies! I love adding a mix of crunchy veggies, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chickpeas for extra staying power. It’s healthy, satisfying, and absolutely delicious!
2. Pasta Salad Recipe – Easy Side for Burgers
Pasta salad is the ultimate light, tangy, and refreshing side—perfect alongside a juicy burger! Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make and great for feeding a crowd.
Just grab a large bowl and toss together cooked rotini pasta, juicy grape tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and briny olives.
For the dressing? Keep it simple with Greek dressing and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, mix it all up, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let those flavors meld.
Fast… Easy… and delicious!
1. Barbecue Baked Beans – Best Hamburger Side
Simple, easy, and packed with bold flavor—this is classic cookout food at its best!
These baked beans with ground beef have that perfect sweet, savory, and smoky combo that pairs beautifully with a juicy cheeseburger.
Every bite is rich, hearty, and loaded with that deep BBQ flavor we all love. They’re sweet, filling, and guaranteed to be a hit at any cookout!
25 Delicious Sides to Serve with Burgers: Elevate Your BBQ Game!
Elevate your BBQ game with 25 delicious sides to serve with burgers! Discover perfect pairings, from classic fries to creative slaws and grilled veggies.
Ingredients
- Baked Zucchini Fries
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Red Skin Potato Salad with Crispy Bacon
- Vegan Macaroni Salad
- Easy Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe (with No Husk or Foil)
- Watermelon Salad
- Pickled Veggies
- Melon and Cucumber Salad
- Corn and Avocado Salad
- Steamed Asparagus
- Mac and Cheese
- Grilled Potatoes
- Fried Pickles
- Potato Salad
- Potato Wedges
- Avocado Salad
- Creamed Spinach
- Zucchini Chips
- Roasted Tomatoes
- Coleslaw
- Onion Rings
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Quinoa Salad
- Pasta Salad
- Barbecue Baked Beans
Instructions
- Choose any Sides to Serve with Burgers from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Sides to Serve with Burgers and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.