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A burger without a good side is just a sandwich sitting alone on a plate. Figuring out what side dish goes with hamburgers can make or break your entire meal, whether it’s a Tuesday night dinner or a full summer cookout.
French fries are the obvious pick. But after 15 years of grilling burgers for family, friends, and way too many backyard BBQ parties, I can tell you the best burger sides go far beyond a pile of fries.
This guide covers 10 tried-and-true side dishes that pair perfectly with hamburgers. From crispy onion rings and creamy coleslaw to baked beans, corn on the cob, and sweet potato fries, each one is broken down with how to make it, the best variations, and practical serving tips.
You’ll walk away with easy sides you can actually pull off on a busy weeknight or scale up for a crowd.
Best Side Dishes for Hamburgers
French Fries
Why They Pair Well with Hamburgers
There’s a reason french fries are the default burger side dish. The crispy, salty exterior and soft, fluffy interior create a contrast that just works next to a juicy patty.
Fries cut through the richness of beef. They also soak up ketchup, mustard, and whatever sauce drips off your burger. Honestly, a cookout without fries feels incomplete.
How to Make Them
Use russet potatoes. Cut them into uniform sticks, about 1/4 inch thick. Soak the cut potatoes in hot water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
Pat dry completely. This step matters more than people think. Wet potatoes steam instead of crisp.
For oven fries, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake at 425F for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway. For deep-fried, double fry at 300F first, then finish at 400F for that restaurant-quality crunch.
Best Variations to Try
- Garlic parmesan fries with fresh herbs
- Cajun-seasoned with paprika and cayenne
- Loaded fries topped with cheese, bacon, and sour cream
- Truffle fries with truffle oil and shaved parmesan
Tips for Serving with Burgers
Serve immediately. Fries lose their crispness fast. If you’re grilling burgers for a crowd, consider using an air fryer to keep batches warm and crunchy.
Set out a few dipping sauces. Ranch, fry sauce, and spicy aioli all work. Your mileage may vary on which one disappears fastest.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Cut and soak potatoes up to 3 hours before cooking. Cooked fries freeze well in a single layer for up to 2 months. Reheat at 400F for 5 to 10 minutes.
Coleslaw
Why It Pairs Well with Hamburgers
Coleslaw adds crunch and tang that cuts right through a rich, greasy burger. The cool temperature contrasts with a hot patty off the grill. That’s why you see it at every backyard BBQ party menu.
Took me years to appreciate coleslaw as more than a filler. But once you make a good one from scratch, store-bought just doesn’t compare.
How to Make It
Shred green cabbage and carrots. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, a pinch of sugar, salt, celery seeds, and a little mustard.
Toss the vegetables with the dressing. Refrigerate for at least one hour so the flavors have time to come together. The cabbage softens slightly and absorbs the dressing.
Best Variations to Try
- Vinegar-based slaw (no mayo, lighter and tangier)
- Asian slaw with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and cilantro
- Southwestern coleslaw with black beans, corn, and lime
- Apple and broccoli slaw with a dijon vinaigrette
Tips for Serving with Burgers
Pile it on top of the burger for extra crunch. Seriously. Coleslaw as a topping with some pickles and relish is a combination that works better than most people expect.
Drain off excess dressing before serving so the bun doesn’t get soggy.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make the slaw up to 24 hours ahead. Store in an airtight container. It releases liquid as it sits, so toss again before serving. Keeps well for 3 days in the fridge.
Corn on the Cob
Why It Pairs Well with Hamburgers
Sweet, buttery corn is a natural match for grilled burgers. The sweetness offsets the savory beef. Plus, if your grill is already fired up for patties, tossing on a few ears just makes sense.
How to Make It
Peel back the husks, remove the silk, then re-wrap the husks. Soak in water for 15 minutes. Grill over medium heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally.
Boiling works too. About 7 to 10 minutes in salted water and you’re done.
Best Variations to Try
- Elote (Mexican street corn) with mayo, chili powder, lime, and cotija cheese
- Garlic butter corn with fresh parsley
- Parmesan and herb grilled corn
- Honey butter with a pinch of smoked paprika
Tips for Serving with Burgers
Cut ears in half if you’re feeding a crowd. Easier to handle, and people can grab a piece without committing to a full cob. Set out flavored butters and let guests customize.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Shuck and wrap in foil ahead of time. Grilled corn is best fresh, but leftovers can be sliced off the cob and stored for 3 days. Use leftover kernels in a taco side dish or a summer salad.
Baked Beans
Why They Pair Well with Hamburgers
Baked beans bring a smoky sweetness that rounds out a burger meal. There’s something about the combination that feels like an American classic cookout food tradition. Sweet, savory, a little tangy.
They also stretch a meal further when you’re feeding a crowd at a picnic or family dinner.
How to Make Them
Start with canned navy or pinto beans. In a saucepan, combine beans with ketchup, brown sugar, a splash of mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and diced onion. Add bacon or smoked sausage for depth.
Bake at 350F for about 45 minutes, uncovered for the last 15 so the top gets a little caramelized. That crust on top is the best part.
Best Variations to Try
- Bourbon baked beans with whiskey and molasses
- Maple bacon baked beans
- Spicy baked beans with jalapeño and chipotle
- Slow cooker baked beans for hands-off cooking
Tips for Serving with Burgers
Serve warm in a cast iron skillet or a deep dish. Baked beans and pulled pork sandwiches are also a great match if you’re doing a mixed grill.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Baked beans actually taste better the next day after the flavors meld together. Make a batch the day before. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop. They keep for 4 to 5 days refrigerated.
Potato Salad
Why It Pairs Well with Hamburgers
Creamy, cool, and tangy. Potato salad is a cookout staple that balances the heaviness of a burger without being too light. It fills you up in that satisfying, old-school way.
How to Make It
Boil red or Yukon Gold potatoes until fork-tender. Don’t overcook them or they’ll turn mushy.
Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces. Mix with mayonnaise, yellow mustard, diced celery, red onion, hard-boiled eggs, and a splash of pickle juice. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Best Variations to Try
- German-style with warm vinegar and bacon dressing (no mayo)
- Loaded baked potato salad with cheddar, bacon, and sour cream
- Dill potato salad with fresh herbs and lemon
- French potato salad with dijon vinaigrette and herbs
Tips for Serving with Burgers
Keep it chilled. Potato salad with mayo-based dressing should not sit out in the sun for more than 2 hours (1 hour if it’s above 90F). Use a bowl set in ice at outdoor cookouts.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make it the night before for the best flavor. Potato salad stores well for 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Add a small amount of extra dressing before serving since potatoes absorb moisture overnight.
Onion Rings
Why They Pair Well with Hamburgers
Crispy battered onion rings are basically the fancier cousin of french fries at burger night. The crunch of the golden coating with the sweet, tender onion inside creates a satisfying bite.
They also work as a burger topper. Stack a couple of rings right on the patty with some ranch or spicy aioli.
How to Make Them
Slice large sweet onions into thick rings. Separate them and dip into a batter made from flour, buttermilk, an egg, salt, and a dash of cayenne.
Deep fry at 375F for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and season with salt immediately.
Best Variations to Try
- Beer-battered with a light, crispy finish
- Panko-crusted for extra crunch
- Air fryer onion rings (healthier, still crispy)
- Seasoned with rosemary or thyme in the batter
Tips for Serving with Burgers
Serve hot. Cold onion rings are disappointing. Pair with ranch, bbq sauce, or a tangy remoulade for dipping. If you’re serving alongside bratwurst too, onion rings work just as well there.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can bread the rings ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before frying. Leftover onion rings reheat best in the oven at 400F for 5 to 8 minutes.
Macaroni and Cheese
Why It Pairs Well with Hamburgers
Look, macaroni and cheese pairs well with just about anything. But with a burger specifically, the creamy cheesy pasta adds richness that turns a simple meal into full-on comfort food.
Kids go crazy for this combination. Adults do too, they just don’t admit it as loudly.
How to Make It
Cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Make a roux with butter and flour, then slowly whisk in whole milk. Add sharp cheddar and a bit of gruyere for depth. Season with salt, pepper, a pinch of mustard powder, and a dash of paprika.
For baked mac and cheese, pour into a dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375F for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Best Variations to Try
- Bacon jalapeño mac and cheese
- Smoked gouda and white cheddar version
- Buffalo chicken mac and cheese
- Slow cooker mac for easy BBQ rib dinners and cookouts
Tips for Serving with Burgers
Stovetop mac is quicker for weeknight burger dinners. Baked mac works better for summer BBQ sides when you’re already using the oven. Either way, make extra. It vanishes fast.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Assemble the baked version up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add 10 extra minutes to the bake time if going straight from the fridge. Leftovers keep for 3 to 4 days and reheat well with a splash of milk stirred in. You can also find great sides for mac and cheese to round out the whole meal.
Grilled Vegetables
Why They Pair Well with Hamburgers
Grilled vegetables are the lighter side that doesn’t feel like a punishment. The smoky char you get from the grill gives them real flavor, and they add color to the plate.
If you’re already grilling patties, you might as well throw some veggies on there too. No extra pans, no extra cleanup.
How to Make Them
Cut zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and red onion into large pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes per side.
Asparagus and eggplant work well too. Just adjust the cook time since thinner vegetables char faster.
Best Variations to Try
- Balsamic glazed grilled vegetables
- Mediterranean style with feta and fresh herbs after grilling
- Grilled veggie kabobs for easy handling
- Marinated overnight in olive oil, herbs, and lemon
Tips for Serving with Burgers
Slice grilled veggies and pile them right on top of your cheeseburger. Grilled mushrooms and onions on a patty is a combination that needs no explanation. Works great as a kabob side dish too when you’re doing a full grill spread.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Marinate vegetables up to 4 hours before grilling. Leftovers store for 3 days and are great cold in grain bowls or salads.
Pasta Salad
Why It Pairs Well with Hamburgers
Pasta salad is the cookout side that feeds everyone without stress. It’s cool, tangy, and filling enough to round out a burger plate. Plus it’s one of those make-ahead dishes that actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge.
How to Make It
Cook rotini or bowtie pasta until al dente. Rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
Toss with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, olives, and cubed provolone or mozzarella. Dress with a simple Italian vinaigrette (olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper).
Best Variations to Try
- Greek pasta salad with feta, cucumber, and kalamata olives
- Dill pickle pasta salad (trust me on this one)
- Southwest pasta salad with black beans and corn
- Caprese style with fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic
Tips for Serving with Burgers
Dress the salad lightly at first. Pasta absorbs dressing over time, so add more right before serving. This is also a crowd pleaser alongside sloppy joes and other sandwich-style meals.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make a full day ahead. Store the dressing separately if possible. Keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Give it a good stir and a splash of extra dressing before putting it out.
Sweet Potato Fries
Why They Pair Well with Hamburgers
Sweet potato fries bring a slightly sweet, caramelized flavor that pairs surprisingly well with savory burgers. The natural sweetness offsets spicy toppings and bold sauces.
They’re also a healthy burger side option compared to regular fries. Well, healthier. Let’s not pretend we’re not dipping them in something.
How to Make Them
Peel and cut sweet potatoes into thin, even sticks. Toss with olive oil, salt, and a bit of cornstarch (this is the trick for crispiness).
Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Don’t crowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of crisp. Bake at 425F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once.
Best Variations to Try
- Cinnamon sugar sweet potato fries for a sweet twist
- Spicy with cayenne, smoked paprika, and garlic
- Air fryer sweet potato fries for extra crispiness
- Topped with marshmallows and a quick broil (yes, like a casserole)
Tips for Serving with Burgers
These pair especially well with spicy burgers or burgers with bold barbecue sauces. Serve with a maple aioli or chipotle mayo for dipping. They also go great next to turkey burgers when you’re doing a lighter grill night.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Cut sweet potatoes and soak in cold water for up to 2 hours before cooking. Dry them thoroughly before seasoning. Cooked fries can be frozen and reheated at 400F, but they’re best eaten fresh.
FAQ on What Side Dish Goes With Hamburgers
What is the best side dish to serve with hamburgers?
French fries are the most popular choice. They’re crispy, salty, and match the savory flavor of a burger perfectly. Coleslaw and potato salad are close seconds, especially for summer cookouts and backyard BBQ parties.
What are healthy sides for burgers?
Grilled vegetables, a simple garden salad, or a grilled chicken side dish like cucumber tomato salad work well. Sweet potato fries baked in the oven are another solid option if you want something lighter but still satisfying.
What sides go with burgers besides fries?
Plenty. Baked beans, corn on the cob, onion rings, macaroni and cheese, pasta salad, and coleslaw are all classic alternatives. Each one brings a different texture and flavor that pairs well with beef.
What side dishes go with burgers for a crowd?
Potato salad, baked beans, and pasta salad are easy to make in large batches. They’re all make-ahead friendly. Coleslaw and corn on the cob also scale up well for a big cookout or potluck.
What goes with hamburgers for a quick weeknight dinner?
Keep it simple. Air fryer fries, a bagged coleslaw mix with store-bought dressing, or quick sides like you’d serve with meatloaf all work. Steamed corn takes under 10 minutes and needs zero effort.
What cold side dishes pair well with hamburgers?
Potato salad, pasta salad, and coleslaw are the top cold sides for burger night. Cucumber salad with vinegar and herbs is another refreshing pick. All can be prepped ahead and served straight from the fridge.
What do you serve with burgers at a BBQ?
The classic BBQ spread includes french fries, baked beans, coleslaw, and corn on the cob. Add a fruit salad or watermelon slices. Pickles and relish on the side round things out nicely.
Are baked beans a good side for hamburgers?
Yes. Baked beans are a traditional burger side dish with smoky, sweet flavor that complements grilled beef. They’re hearty enough to fill a plate and easy to prepare ahead of time in a slow cooker.
What kid-friendly sides go with hamburgers?
French fries, macaroni and cheese, and corn on the cob are usually safe bets. Tater tots also work. Most kids will also eat fruit salad without complaints, which balances out the heavier sides on the plate.
Can you serve pasta salad with hamburgers?
Absolutely. Pasta salad is a go-to picnic side dish that pairs well with burgers. The cool, tangy flavors contrast the hot, rich patty. It’s also one of the easiest sides to prep a day in advance.
Conclusion
Knowing what side dish goes with hamburgers comes down to matching flavors, textures, and the occasion. A weeknight burger night calls for something fast like crispy oven fries or a simple garden salad. A Fourth of July cookout deserves the full spread.
The best grilled burger accompaniments balance rich, savory beef with something crunchy, tangy, or cool. That’s why classics like homemade onion rings, creamy potato salad, and elote keep showing up at every summer BBQ.
Don’t overthink it. Pick one starchy side, one fresh or cold option, and you’re set. Mac and cheese plus a cucumber tomato salad covers both bases without breaking a sweat.
Try a few new combinations next time you fire up the grill. Your burger night dinner will be better for it.
