When it comes to planning a burger night, finding the perfect side dishes can be a challenge. You want something that complements the flavors and textures of your burgers without overpowering them. The good news is that there are countless options to choose from, whether you’re in the mood for something classic like potatoes or looking for a lighter alternative. Whatever your preference, I’ve got you covered with a selection of mouth-watering burger side dishes that will elevate your meal to the next level.
Potato Sides for Burgers
When considering the perfect accompaniment to your beloved burgers, one side dish stands out from the rest: potatoes. A timeless choice that pairs exquisitely with any main course, they bring a comforting familiarity to the table. However, just because this classic combination is tried and true doesn’t mean it has to be predictable. In fact, these potato sides are far from dull, offering a world of flavors and textures to explore.
Garlic Fries
Elevate your potato-fry game with a garlicky recipe that’s packed with aromatic flavor! A key to achieving the perfect fries is not peeling them – leave the skin on for a crisper, more delicious result. For a healthier twist, consider swapping traditional frying methods for an air fryer. This simple modification can make all the difference in terms of taste and nutrition.
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Compared to traditional fries, this recipe stands out for its health benefits, courtesy of two key factors: oven-baking instead of deep-frying, and the use of sweet potatoes, which are a nutritional powerhouse. The simplicity of tossing the sweet potato slices with half a teaspoon of corn flour before baking yields a satisfyingly crispy texture that’s sure to please.
Crispy Potato Wedges
Indulge in the harmonious union of flavors and textures as these delectable potato wedges, boasting a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, perfectly complement your burger experience. The subtle nuances of Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning elevate this sweet treat to new heights, while the satisfying crunch from baking to perfection is elevated by a tangy lemon aioli for dipping. Every bite is a masterclass in balancing flavors and textures, ensuring you’ll fall head over heels for this matchless side dish.
Greek Vegan Potato Salad
Delicately boiled potato slices take on a new dimension when tossed with the harmonious combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano. This flavorful medley is perfectly seasoned, making it an ideal accompaniment to juicy beef patties in burgers. The result is a satisfying bite that complements your meal nicely. Additionally, this side dish also pairs well with chili, offering a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.
Diced Air Fryer Roast Potatoes
With the Air Fryer’s innovative technology, the potato slices emerge with a satisfying crunch that doesn’t compromise on healthiness or taste. In fact, these seasoned diced potatoes make for an ideal accompaniment to any main course, particularly burgers, as they provide a guilt-free alternative to traditional French fries.
Spicy Potato Chips
Satisfy your craving for a bold flavor combination by indulging in these spicy potato chips. Infused with a blend of seven distinct spices, they provide a delightful contrast to the richness of a juicy burger. This unique snack has a special place at any Mexican-inspired meal, elevating it to a truly memorable dining experience.
Roasted Garlic Potatoes
The unassuming roasted potatoes, elevated by the pungency of garlic and the freshness of parsley, are a surefire way to win over any crowd. For added depth, don’t be afraid to get creative with your spice rack, incorporating paprika, chili powder, thyme, rosemary, or even turmeric to create a flavor profile that’s uniquely yours.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
When looking to cut through the richness of a meal, this refreshing summer salad is the perfect companion. By combining the tanginess of vinegar with the lightness of olive oil, you’ll create a palate cleanser that effortlessly balances out hearty and indulgent dishes. This quick and easy recipe can be whipped up in mere minutes – just 5 minutes to be exact! – making it an ideal choice for accompanying burgers or other heavy meals.
Honey Roasted Rainbow Carrots
Savory and sweet, these tender roasted carrot sticks are a versatile side dish that can complement any meal. Caramelized to perfection, they’re infused with a depth of flavor that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty lasagna or a simple weeknight dinner, these roasted root-veggie sticks are sure to become a new favorite. With their natural sweetness and subtle savory undertones, they’re an excellent choice for a side dish that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Beet and Mandarin Orange Salad with Ginger Lemon Dressing
Experience a symphony of flavors in this beet and mandarin salad, perfectly balanced to elevate your burger game. The combination of roasted beets, succulent mandarins, fresh mint, and crunchy almonds is elevated by a zesty ginger and citrus dressing, delivering a refreshing twist on traditional sides.
Simple Sweet Corn Salad
Indulge in the vibrant fusion of flavors and textures in this corn bowl, loaded with luscious cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and fragrant basil. The star attraction, however, is the satisfying crunch from the red onions, which add a depth of character to each bite. While parsley provides a subtle yet complementary accompaniment to the basil, feel free to substitute it with refreshing mint for an added layer of brightness.
Greek Cucumber Salad
In this unique twist on the classic salad, the addition of fresh mint, dill, lemon juice, and kalamata olives elevates the traditional trio of tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions to new heights. The harmonious combination of flavors is further enhanced by the tangy zip of red wine vinegar, which masterfully ties everything together. This delectable salad makes a perfect accompaniment to BBQ chicken, ensuring that your next backyard gathering will be a culinary success.
Grilled Onions
For those new to grilling onions, this recipe serves as the perfect introduction. With a range of options available, from grilled onion wedges to rings and even foil-wrapped whole onions, there’s something for every onion enthusiast. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – feel free to use red, yellow, or white onions, knowing that each type will bring its own unique texture to your quick and easy dinners.
Low Carb Sides
For those adhering to a low-carb lifestyle or seeking a satisfying yet carb-conscious accompaniment to their favorite burgers, there’s good news: many classic side options can be easily adapted to fit a lower-carb profile. From familiar favorites with subtle tweaks to innovative alternatives that just happen to be naturally low in carbs, here are the ultimate burger sides for those looking to keep things slim and satisfying.
Keto Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Indulge in the delightful combination of crispy, savory zucchini sticks that perfectly complement juicy burgers on a low-carb diet. By coating them in a parmesan and almond flour mixture, then air-frying until a golden crust forms, you’ll be treated to an irresistible side dish. Don’t hesitate to experiment with seasonings to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Spicy Keto Coleslaw
A refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw, this sugar-free and low-carb recipe combines the crunch of green cabbage, the subtle sweetness of fennel, and a spicy kick from chilies. The tangy mayo dressing infused with Tabasco sauce takes it to the next level, balancing out the flavors with a creamy and pungent taste profile reminiscent of anise or licorice. This shredded salad is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite fast-food dinner, and can also be paired well with slow-cooked brisket for a satisfying meal.
Keto Fries
For those struggling to resist the allure of French fries while adhering to a strict Keto diet, Jicama sticks offer a satisfying alternative that mimics the real deal’s texture and flavor profile with remarkable accuracy. The resulting snack is not only irresistibly crispy but also teeming with healthy fats that will leave you feeling full without compromising your dietary goals or risk of falling out of Ketosis. With these Keto fries, you can indulge in the pleasure of a crunchy treat while maintaining a steady state of ketosis.
Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings
While I relish the taste of classic Onion Rings, I’m also mindful of their high calorie count. That’s why I’m excited about this air-fried twist! By using pork rinds and almond flour, these keto rings offer a guilt-free alternative to traditional Onion Ring recipes. The best part? They’re cooked with air, not drenched in oil, making them a much healthier option for those looking to reduce their carb intake.
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Keto mac and cheese creation, boasting not only a low-carb and ingredient-friendly profile but also an unparalleled level of creaminess and buttery goodness. The combination of a savory beef patty and velvety cheddar sauce is nothing short of sublime, making for a satisfying and filling meal when paired with a generous helping of protein.
Air Fryer Keto Buffalo Cauliflower
For those who adore cauliflower but crave something different from the creamy recipes of the past, these roasted florets are sure to hit the spot. By generously seasoning them with a unique blend of buffalo and ranch spices, you’ll create a flavor profile that’s both bold and inviting. This side dish is particularly well-suited for pairing with a juicy burger, as its rich flavors will complement the meal nicely.
Low Calorie Sides for Burgers
For those who track their calorie intake rather than carbohydrate count, the following recipe suggestions are designed to delight both your waistline and your palate. The key is finding harmonious pairings that please the senses without compromising your dietary goals.
Southwest Pasta Salad
Experience the bold flavors of the Southwest with a pasta salad that’s equal parts creamy, zesty, spicy, and filling. This vibrant medley of corn, tomatoes, onions, and peppers is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite burger – or steak for that matter. A tangy jalapeno and lime dressing, enriched by rich mayo and sour cream, brings all the flavors together in a harmonious balance.
Healthy Stuffed Mushrooms
Imagine a culinary masterpiece that combines the richness of cream, the pungency of garlic, the savory essence of bacon, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and the earthy depth of mushrooms – all in perfect harmony. That’s exactly what this recipe delivers. By incorporating Danish blue cheese and cream cheese, we elevate the flavors to new heights. This dish is not only a showstopper as a standalone side but also pairs exquisitely with pasta, making it an ideal accompaniment for any Italian-inspired meal.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more! A creamy macaroni salad infused with the sweetness of pineapples is a game-changer. Imagine smoky ham, crunchy cucumbers and carrots, and juicy pineapple chunks all coming together in harmony, elevated by a tangy and sweet mayo and pineapple dressing that adds an exotic flair to this classic dish.
Baked Green Bean Fries
Ditch the guilt-inducing fries and indulge in a healthier alternative that still satisfies your cheeseburger cravings. Simply substitute the regular fries with crispy green bean ‘fries’ that offer a delightful textural contrast and a flavor profile that complements the savory patty perfectly.
Other Easy Sides for Burgers
When it comes to burger accompaniments, simplicity is often key. Here’s where I reveal my top four go-to sides that can be quickly prepared and elevate your meal to the next level:
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Imagine the harmonious union of roasted asparagus, infused with the pungency of garlic, wrapped snugly in crispy turkey bacon slices – a culinary delight that will surely tantalize your taste buds! Not only do these bite-sized morsels boast an effortless and speedy preparation process, but they also possess a remarkably low carbohydrate count. For this recipe, I highly recommend using turkey bacon for its added flavor profile, though feel free to substitute with whatever type of bacon you have on hand.
Ranch Parmesan Green Beans
Indulge in a culinary experience unlike any ordinary green bean side dish. This innovative creation boasts an unparalleled combination of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. The perfect harmony of crunch, cheesiness, tenderness, and expert seasoning culminates in a sensory explosion that will delight even the most discerning palate.What’s more, this delectable treat is astonishingly simple to prepare. Merely toss your green beans with a sprinkle of ranch seasoning, then roast them to perfection topped with an abundance of parmesan cheese and crispy bacon – and you’ll be rewarded with a culinary masterpiece that will impress even the most seasoned food connoisseurs.
Shrimp Macaroni Salad
This creamy macaroni salad boasts an irresistible flavor profile thanks to the harmonious blend of shrimp, celery, and green onions, all smothered in a rich mayo dressing. Moreover, its simplicity makes it a cinch to prepare, allowing for effortless indulgence.
While small salad shrimp are ideal for this recipe, feel free to opt for regular shrimp instead, simply chopping them into smaller pieces to achieve the desired texture.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
A deliciously creamy dill pickle pasta salad that’s not only satisfying but also incredibly convenient to prepare – perfect for busy home cooks. With a delightful balance of tangy and tasty flavors, this dish is sure to become a staple in your household. For those seeking a slightly lighter version, consider substituting half of the mayo with Greek yogurt, allowing you to still enjoy the richness without feeling too guilty.