The BEST Burger Sides | Julie Blanner

If you love summer side dishes as much as we do, your burger sides might be more important than the burger itself! When you’re serving up a classic summer barbeque, this is an excellent round-up of what to serve with burgers.

I’ve got some incredibly delicious ideas to round out your meal – with both simple ingredients and options to make ahead, saving you time and money.

Choose your flavor! There’s something for everyone here, with 30 hamburger sides for barbeques and beyond.

White salad bowl filled with colorful cabbage salad and wooden serving spoons.

Is there anything more indicative of an American summer than a casual meal of burgers and hotdogs or brats? You might argue that it’s actually not summer at all until you’ve gathered with friends and family to enjoy this simple meal.

We are big fans of burgers around here! In fact, you can find a wide variety of burger guides and recipes, from How to Cook Burgers on the Stove, to The Best Juicy Burger, How to Make Burgers in the Oven, and Bacon Burgers on the Grill.

Find everything you want to know in The Ultimate All American Burger Guide.

White plate with a cast iron burger stacked with lettuce, red onions and cheese.

But what about the burger sides? Do you know what to serve with burgers? I’ve got it covered with this delicious round-up of ideas you’re going to crave.

Read on for inspiration that covers the best classic burger sides and more than a few options you might not have considered! Use the drop down Table of Contents menu to navigate this post with ease.

Burger Sides

What goes with burgers? Well, the easy answer is all the things. However, we all know some of the classics that are expected at these summertime soirées when you’re grilling burgers.

When I think of the best Burger side dishes, I think of the following:

Cold, refreshing salads: think pasta salads, coleslaw and green salads!
Handhelds… like the best deviled eggs ever.
Corn! What could be better than fresh corn on the cob served with your burgers and brats?
Potatoes – be it classic French fries, grilled bakers, potato salad or so much more, these can’t be missed!

A close up shot of a cast iron burger stacked with lettuce, red onions and cheese in a round up of what to serve with burgers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best sides for a cookout?

When you’re hosting a summertime bbq, there are a few classics you can’t skip! Think corn on the cob, potato salad, cabbage salad, and of course pasta salad.

What potatoes go with burgers besides fries?

Fries might be a classic answer, but so many potato dishes serve beautifully with burgers. You can choose potato salad, smashed potatoes, or even throw some baked potatoes on the grill, too!

Wondering how to get your burger temperature just right? Don’t skip this free printable Meat Temperature Chart! I’ve also got tips about how to set up a Burger Bar, and even our favorite Gourmet Burger recipe (see this drool-worthy burger below).

Tips

Check with guests about restrictions and allergies so you can accommodate.
Serve a few vegetarian sides to cover a variety of lifestyles!
Choose one item from each category for a fabulous array of burger sides – a pasta salad, a potato dish, a classic, a healthier option and a handheld.

White surface, white place featuring a gourmet burger on a brioche bun.

What to Serve with Burgers

Here it is – an incredible array of burger sides! Each recipe link will take you to a post with a printable recipe card, making it so easy to plan your menu.

Pasta Salads

The ultimate summertime side dish, pasta salad serves a crowd (often inexpensively!) and offers bold flavor your guests will love. I’ve got an incredible array of Pasta Salad Recipes, so don’t skip this Pasta Salad Guide if you’re looking for more!

Italian Pasta Salad – I’ve integrated my favorite Italian Dressing and favorite Italian Salad into this easy, full of flavor Italian Pasta Salad recipe. We love pasta salad in our house, especially in the summer!
The Best Spaghetti Salad – Spaghetti salad is an incredibly flexible, fast pasta salad recipe that is such a crowd pleaser! Tossed in a savory homemade Italian dressing, its a fresh take on a tomato and cucumber salad.
Incredible Veggie Pasta Salad – This veggie pasta salad recipe is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and overflowing with nutrients thanks to an array of fresh sautéed veggies. It’s a vegetarian pasta salad side dish or an incredible lunch you can feel good about!
Light and Easy Pasta Salad Recipe | Bow Tie Pasta Salad – This is my most popular and refreshing pasta salad recipe, perfect for summer picnics and outings. This bow tie pasta salad is tossed with an amazing, light and zesty dressing.
Basil Lemon Pasta S alad – Lemon basil recipes are perfect for spring and summer get togethers or for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner. This lemon pasta salad is no exception! It’s perfect for picnics and parties.

pasta salad topped with basil parmesan and pine nuts

Potatoes to Serve with Burgers

No matter which way you make them, potatoes and burgers go hand in hand. Of course, there are the classic french fries, but potato salad is perfect for summer gatherings as you can make it ahead and it’s so easy to transport.

Grilled Sweet Potatoes – These quick and easy grilled sweet potatoes in foil make an excellent side dish for all your favorite barbeque entrees! They are healthy, savory and so easy to customize to every individual’s tastes.
Potato Salad with Egg – There is that one little secret that makes this classic potato salad with egg so amazing…and lucky for you, I don’t believe in keeping secrets.
Grilled Baked Potatoes – These grilled baked potatoes are such an incredible side dish for all your summer grilling adventures! Baked potatoes on the grill are so much better than your oven – they have a perfectly moist, soft and fluffy interior but are incredibly crispy and salty on the outside.
Truffle Fries – Easy Oven Baked Gourmet Fries – Baking your Truffle Fries prevents your home from smelling like grease and makes them so much healthier. Get the recipe for this crispy, classic burger side!
Healthy Sweet Potato Fries – Skip the deep fryer with these Healthy Sweet Potato Fries, ready in less than 30 minutes. If you love sweet potatoes, these Gourmet Fries will blow you away!
Loaded Smashed Red Potatoes – Smashed Red Potatoes make the perfect burger side dish or party appetizer to serve a crowd. These pretty little potatoes are so good, and perfect for entertaining, any time of year!

Classic Hamburger Sides

Light and crispy onion rings, and side dishes that speak to the fresh produce available all summer long, don’t miss these classic summer side dishes to serve with burgers and more.

Classic Cabbage Salad – This delicious, refreshing Cabbage salad recipe is the perfect choice for potlucks, barbecues and so much more. Learn the secrets to the light and tangy cabbage salad dressing in this fresh and fabulous side dish!
Grilled Corn on the Cob – This grilled sweet corn is the ultimate burger side dish. It’s made with just two ingredients. Even better? It’s ready to serve in less than 10 minutes. It’s delightfully smoky, juicy and full of flavor!
Mexican Corn on the Cob – The mix of these salty, citrusy flavors when combined with the tang of cheese and mayo is just BEYOND! It’s an explosion in your mouth- don’t miss this crazy good burger side dish.
Corn Casserole (Cheesy Corn) – Creamy corn casserole made with cream cheese – this cheesy corn doubles as a dip! It’s a classic side dish that is perfect for parties as a dip or a family-friendly side dish.
Easy Homemade Onion Rings Dipped In Beer Batter – These easy Homemade Onion Rings get dipped in beer batter and fried to golden brown perfection. This popular snack food never tasted so good – perfect as a side dish or to top burgers, salads, and much more!

BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon – This is one of the most classic hamburger side dishes of all time, and you can’t skip it! Sweet and savory baked beans serve beautifully with burgers, hot dogs and brats, and they are inexpensive and easy to make ahead.

The Best Crispy Brussel Sprouts Recipe – This Crispy Brussel Sprouts Recipe is bursting with flavor! Brussel Sprouts with pancetta and shallots are sautéed into a fragrant, textural side dish that will leave your family begging for more.

Crispy brussel sprouts on a white plate with a blue linen napkin and serving spoon to the side.

Handheld Burger Sides

When you’re hosting a barbeque or picnic, handheld burger sides might be the best options of all! Make these ahead and save the silverware for another time.

The Best Deviled Eggs Recipe – Get my secret that makes these the very best! These deviled eggs with relish serve beautifully with summertime barbeque entrees and they’re a great appetizer, too!
Fresh Fruit Skewers – These are kid-friendly, healthy, and so much fun to make and eat!
Mac and Cheese Cups – It’s everyone’s favorite comfort food in the perfect bite-sized portion! Easy to make and even easier to eat, I dare you to try and stop at just one mac and cheese cup!
Guacamole Bites – Sometimes you just need something that serves up cute with very little effort! That’s where these delicious little guacamole bites come in. They are fun, flavorful, and perfect as a casual summertime dish dish or appetizer.

A platter filled with chips, served as guacamole bites, topped with a slice of cherry tomato, avocado to the side.

Healthier Options

If you have guests who prefer to skip the bun on their burger, these healthy burger sides are a great option. From salads to low carb eggs, you’ll find something for every dietary consideration.

Red White and Blue Salad – Ready in minutes and perfect for picnics, you’ll love this pretty garden-fresh salad.
Strawberry Salad with Vinaigrette Poppy Seed Dressing – The fresh strawberries in this salad add a little summer sweetness.
Avocado Deviled Eggs – These Avocado Deviled Eggs are going to be the hit of your summertime barbeques! Use avocado instead of traditional mayo or Miracle Whip, and you’ll be thrilled with the results.
Simple Sautéed Peppers – Sautéed peppers are a quick and easy way to add veggies with color, flavor and texture to an array of dishes. Sautéed bell peppers are perfect for a low carb and healthy burger side dish, and make a great burger topping as well.
Grilled Green Beans – Meet your new favorite healthy summer side dish! These grilled green beans are perfectly crisp, yet tender and charred just the right amount. They are the best accompaniment to any of your favorite grilled or baked entrees.
Roasted Mushrooms – These are a low carb, low fat side dish that also double as a great topping for your burgers!
Roasted Cauliflower – Roasted vegetables are the ultimate way to celebrate the goodness of summer. You can do it in a healthy, low carb way. Just prep and place in the oven as you’re warming up the grill for burgers.