Picture it: the patties are sizzling, the buns are toasted, and the table is set, but your plate still looks a little bare. A great Burger deserves an equally great supporting cast. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard cookout or building the perfect weeknight dinner, the right sides can turn a “good enough” plate into a full-on fantastic meal. Below, we’re breaking down everything from classic crowd-pleasers to healthy, low-carb, and keto-friendly options. No matter what you’re craving, Schweid & Sons has the scoop on the very best sides for hamburgers.
Classic Sides to Make with Burgers
Some pairings are classics for a reason. When you’re deciding what sides go with Burgers, it’s hard to beat the tried-and-true favorites: crispy French fries, tangy coleslaw, or a scoop of creamy potato salad. These pairings work because they balance textures and flavors. The richness of a juicy patty pairs perfectly with something crunchy, cool, or tangy.
If you want to level up the classics, try:
- Sweet potato fries with a drizzle of honey and chili flakes
- Onion rings with a crispy beer batter
- Baked beans simmered with brown sugar and smoked paprika
- Mac and cheese for a comforting, indulgent side
Try any of these with an American classic cheeseburger, the no-frills favorite that fries, slaw, and baked beans were made for.
Grill Sides for Burgers
If you’re already firing up the grill for your patties, why not cook your sides right alongside them? Sides for grilled Burgers save time, add smoky flavor, and keep cleanup simple. Some go-to options include:
- Grilled corn on the cob brushed with butter and lime
- Charred asparagus with a squeeze of lemon
- Grilled zucchini and squash tossed in olive oil and herbs
- Grilled peaches or pineapple for a sweet, caramelized contrast
A few vegetables tossed in oil, salt, and pepper can go straight on the grates while your patties cook, making sides with grilled Burgers one of the easiest ways to get a full meal off a single fire. This approach is especially popular for summer parties, since everything comes off the grill hot and smoky at the same time with almost zero cleanup. Ta-da!
Looking for a Burger to pair with these sizzling sides? Our Backyard BBQ Burger was built for the grill, and its inherently smoky flavor perfectly matches grilled corn and charred veggies.
Healthy Veggie Sides for Burgers
Looking for lighter options that don’t skimp on flavor? You don’t have to choose between indulgence and nutrition. Healthy sides to Burgers can be just as satisfying as their heavier counterparts when done right. They add color, fiber, and freshness to the plate, cutting through the meaty richness.
Try some of our favorites:
- A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette
- Grilled vegetable skewers with peppers, mushrooms, and onions
- Cucumber and tomato salad with feta and fresh herbs
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
If you’re watching your intake, good news: these ideas also double as excellent low calorie sides for Burgers, since most vegetable-based dishes are naturally light. And if you’re wanting to lighten up the Burger itself, check out our guide to healthier ways to cook your Burger. In the meantime, check out our avocado Burgers, which have a lighter, fresher profile that won’t compete with a veggie-forward plate.
Low-Carb and Keto Sides for Burgers
If you’re cutting carbs or following a keto lifestyle, you don’t have to skip the sides—you just have to choose them wisely. Low carb sides for Burgers focus on vegetables, healthy fats, and protein instead of starchy fillers (so save the mac and cheese and beer-battered onion rings from the classics list for a non-keto night).
Some ideas worth trying:
- Cauliflower “potato” salad made with mayo and mustard
- Zucchini fries baked or air-fried until crispy
- Avocado salad with lime and cilantro
- Bacon-wrapped green beans for a savory, indulgent bite
These options prove that even keto sides for Burgers can be indulgent and satisfying without derailing your nutrition goals. Pair any of these with a juicy patty wrapped in a lighter bun alternative for a fully keto-friendly meal. For what it’s worth, we think they’d go splendidly with our California Burger, served protein-style.
Potato Sides for Burgers
No Burger side dish list would be complete without some kind of spuds. Potatoes are endlessly versatile—crispy, creamy, baked, or fried, there’s a version for everyone.
- Classic crispy fries, either thin-cut or steak-cut depending on your preference
- Loaded baked potatoes with cheese, bacon, and sour cream
- Potato salad with a tangy mustard or mayo base
- Smashed potatoes roasted until crispy on the edges
If you’re looking for another good pairing, we think the hearty and indulgent Bacon Cheddar Burger is the perfect fit for our favorite tater dishes. It’s like bringing your favorite diner home!
A Word on Cheese
Burgers and cheese are practically a package deal, so don’t stop at the patty. (Although, if you’re wondering, these are our favorite cheeses to pair with Burgers.) Let the rest of your table be as cheesy as a dad joke! A simple cheese board with sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, and a soft brie makes a great starter while everything’s on the grill.
Or lean into the theme with sides like cheesy fries, a warm bowl of queso for dipping, or an extra-sharp upgrade to classic mac and cheese. If you want to get a little “extra,” double down on the cheesy goodness with our Pimento Cheese Burgers. After all, sweet dreams are made of cheese!
What are Quick and Easy Sides for Burgers?
Sometimes you just need something simple that comes together fast. These quick and easy sides for Burgers are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cookouts when you don’t have time for elaborate prep.
- Chips and store-bought dip
- A simple green salad with bottled dressing
- Pickles and olives on a small platter
- Pre-made coleslaw from the grocery store
These no-fuss options prove that good sides don’t need to be complicated to be delicious. Pair with our speedy smashburger recipe to match the fast and fuss-free vibes!
Beyond Sides: The Best Extras for Your Burger Spread
Sauces, spreads, add-ons, and drinks deserve just as much attention as your sides. A few well-chosen extras can take your whole Burger spread from good to unforgettable. If you need more inspiration, check out our guide to the best Burger toppings.
In the meantime, try rounding out your table with extras like:
- Garlic aioli for a rich, creamy classic
- Chipotle aioli for a smoky, spicy kick
- Roasted red pepper aioli for a tangy, slightly sweet twist
- Smoky bacon for salty crunch
- A cold, crisp beer to beat the heat
Of course, there are tons of options here. Wondering about the best aioli for Burgers? Plain is always solid, but garlic, chipotle, and roasted red pepper varieties bring extra flavor to fries, veggies, or the Burger itself.
And don’t sleep on extra meat—the best bacon for Burgers is thick-cut and smoky enough to double as a garnish for other dishes on the table, too.
Finally, no cookout is complete without something cold to wash it all down. The best beer for Burgers tends to be light and refreshing rather than heavy, so it complements the meal instead of competing with it. We recommend pale ales, lagers, and wheat beers, maybe with an orange garnish if you’re feeling fancy.
P.S. If you need further proof that the extras can make the Burger, you need to check out our Bourbon Bacon-BBQ Cheeseburger. Between the stellar sauce, melty cheese, meaty booster, and crunchy onions, it’s the kind of Burger that calls for a cold beer and plenty of napkins.
Final Thoughts: What Sides Go with Burgers?
At the end of the day, the best sides with Burgers come down to personal preference and the occasion. Hosting a backyard bash? Lean into the classics like fries, slaw, and baked beans. Watching your carbs? Stick to the low-carb and keto-friendly options above. Want something fast and fuss-free? Grab a bag of chips and call it a day.
Whatever direction you go, pairing your Burger with the right side transforms a simple meal into a memorable one. And of course, no side dish—no matter how great—can save a mediocre patty. Start with quality beef, like Schweid & Sons Burgers, and build the rest of the plate around it. That’s the real secret to a great Burger night.
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