Burgers are a classic family favorite, especially during summer cookouts, backyard BBQs, and easy weeknight dinners. But the real question is: what should you serve with burgers?
Whether you’re making cheeseburgers, turkey burgers, veggie burgers, or sliders, the right sides can turn a simple meal into something memorable.
In this collection of 60+ of the best burger sides, you’ll find everything from crispy potato dishes and refreshing salads to pasta sides and classic BBQ favorites. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, a summer cookout, or a party with friends, these side dishes are perfect for pairing with burgers.
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The Best Burger Side Dishes for BBQs and Cookouts
From classic fries and onion rings to fresh salads, pasta salads, and veggie sides, there’s something here for everyone.
Jump to the Best Burger Side Ideas
If you’re looking for quick inspiration, here are some of the most popular burger side categories:
When trying to figure out what goes well with burgers, there are so many options to try, from fried or roasted veggies, coleslaw, creamy pasta salads, or even buttery-grilled corn, crunchy fried pickles, rich potato salad, and more!
Whether you’re serving hamburgers, cheeseburgers, or veggie burgers, these sides are a great option. Great flavors enhance a juicy burger and take it to a whole new level.
If you’re looking for burger side ideas, these easy dishes include everything from crispy fries to fresh salads and classic BBQ favorites. Because as tasty as a burger is on its own, it’s even better with something on the side.
Tips for Choosing the Best Burger Sides
When deciding what to serve with burgers, try to include a mix of textures and flavors. Here are a few simple ideas:
1. Pair crispy with juicy
Burgers are juicy, so crispy sides like fries, onion rings, or potato wedges make a perfect contrast.
2. Add something fresh
A light salad such as coleslaw, cucumber salad, or tomato salad helps balance heavier foods.
3. Include a classic BBQ side
Traditional cookout sides like baked beans, corn on the cob, or pasta salad always go well with burgers.
4. Think about your guests
If you’re serving burgers at a party or cookout, choose sides that are easy to make ahead and easy to serve buffet-style.
Need a new burger recipe? Try these easy summer burger recipes that pair perfectly with the sides below.
Potato Sides for Burgers
Potatoes are a classic side for your favorite burgers. But just because it’s classic doesn’t mean it has to be dull. These potato sides are anything but boring! From crispy fries to loaded potato skins, these potato sides offer something for everyone.
Photo credit:pattern princess
Homemade French Fries
You need to have at least one classic french fries recipe. And this no-fuss method of making homemade french fries is so easy. A delicious way to cook your next potato.
Say goodbye to oven-baked fries and hello to air fryer fries. This is an easy recipe for cooking frozen crinkle-cut french fries in the air fryer. They will be hot, crispy, & yummy.
A perfect side dish recipe for baked sweet potato wedges. Sweet potato fries are tossed with ginger, turmeric, and paprika and oven roasted to perfection for a delicious flavor combination!
Making sliced potatoes in air fryer is one of the best ways to cook this versatile gluten free vegetable. These herby Air fryer sliced potatoes are quick, easy and packed full of flavor.
These air fryer sweet potato cubes are quick, easy, healthy, and delicious! Great as a side dish, appetizer, or hearty snack, and takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish!
Air fryer roasted fingerling potatoes offer a delicious way to enjoy potatoes with a crispy, lemony garlicky exterior and pillowy soft interior. They make a great side, base, or snack for any occasion.
This recipe for Mediterranean potato salad is made with no mayo and no mustard. Golden potatoes get tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt tzatziki sauce, perfect for sharing!
Burgers may not be the healthiest meal, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t serve them with a lighter option. These healthier sides, from fresh salads to air-fried veggies, are ideal for balancing burger night.
Photo credit:joyous apron
Greek Cucumber Salad
A zesty, light, and flavorful side dish bursting with freshness! Perfect for your next cookout or picnic, or dinner any day! It takes 15 minutes to make and is incredibly yummy!
A classic summer staple that’s always a potluck favorite. It’s also wonderful to enjoy all year round on its own or served as a side to grilled chicken or steak!
Loaded with quinoa, wild rice, and fresh vegetables tossed in a zippy lime vinaigrette. You can whip it up in about 10 minutes for the perfect grilling side dish, potluck salad, or easy meal prep lunch.
This easy and delicious vegetable side dish is a fun and crispy finger food that is perfect with burgers, chicken, meatloaf, or whatever you are making.
Made with spring mix salad greens, blueberries, feta, and thinly sliced red onion. Add some candied nuts to it to dress it up a little! Tossed with a Balsamic Maple Syrup Vinaigrette, it’s like a taste of summer in every bite!
This quick and easy pasta salad packs bold flavors to pair perfectly with your summer burgers and will surely be a big hit at your next BBQ or cookout.
Easy Greek pasta salad recipe made with Tzatziki sauce and spiked with Feta cheese and lemon zest. Very versatile and a great side dish for grilled and roasted meats, fish, or vegetables.
With simple ingredients and a homemade creamy dressing, this Macaroni Salad with Egg is truly a tried and true recipe. Perfect for summer potlucks and great for making in advance.
This super easy cole slaw will make you wonder why you ever purchased store made instead of doing it this way! This recipe for easy coleslaw is great for all your parties and backyard BBQ’s!
A delicious sweet, medium spicy, copycat recipe from Chipotle. This vegetarian summer dip is quick, easy, and refreshing and made with simple ingredients.
a bright flavorful summer salad with fresh cucumbers, artichokes, kalamata olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese in a lemon pesto mayo dressing. Perfect for a summer BBQ or picnic.
In just 10 minutes, you can have a fresh, flavor-packed mango salsa ready to serve. A refreshing and flavorful accompaniment that is perfect for serving with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or fish.
This Strawberry Avocado Goat Cheese Salad is the perfect Summer salad! Packed with fruit, cheese, and veggies – it’s delicious and easy to put together!
Summer succotash with grilled corn, lima beans, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs tossed in olive oil, and fresh lime juice. It's the best side dish for all of your warm-weather BBQs!
Burgers are always a crowd-pleaser, but the right side dishes can make your meal even better. Whether you prefer crispy fries, refreshing salads, hearty pasta dishes, or classic BBQ sides, there are plenty of delicious options to try.
These 60+ burger side ideas are perfect for everything from casual family dinners to summer cookouts and backyard parties.
Mix a few different sides—crispy potatoes, fresh salad, and a classic BBQ favorite—to create a meal your whole family will enjoy
Pin this collection of 60+ burger side ideas to save your next cookout menu!
More Side Dish Ideas You’ll Love
If you’re planning a full meal, check out these other side dish ideas:
Thank you so much for including my Feta Bruschetta Pasta Salad recipe!