Burgers. The quintessential comfort food. Juicy patties, melty cheese, and all the fixings nestled between soft buns. But a truly great burger experience goes beyond the burger itself. What you serve alongside it elevates the meal from ordinary to extraordinary. This guide will explore a vast array of side dishes, drinks, and even desserts that complement and enhance the flavor profile of your favorite burgers. Get ready to discover your new go-to burger pairings!
Classic Sides: The Time-Tested Champions
Some sides are simply iconic. They’re the reliable partners to burgers that have stood the test of time.
French Fries: The Undisputed King
Let’s start with the obvious: French fries. Crispy, salty, and undeniably satisfying, they’re the king of burger side dishes. But even within the realm of fries, there’s room for exploration.
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Classic Cut Fries: These are your standard, reliable fries. Opt for thick-cut for a hearty bite or thin-cut for maximum crispness.
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Waffle Fries: The unique waffle shape offers more surface area for maximum crispiness and sauce-holding potential.
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Sweet Potato Fries: A slightly sweet and earthy alternative, often served with a dipping sauce like aioli or spicy mayo.
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Seasoned Fries: From Cajun spice to garlic parmesan, seasoned fries add an extra layer of flavor.
No matter your preference, be sure to serve your fries hot and with a generous sprinkle of salt. Don’t forget the ketchup, mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce!
Onion Rings: Crispy and Bold
Onion rings bring a different kind of crunch and a bolder flavor to the table. Their sweetness complements the savory burger perfectly.
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Beer-Battered Onion Rings: The beer batter adds a light and airy texture.
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Panko-Crusted Onion Rings: Panko breadcrumbs provide an extra-crispy coating.
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Blooming Onion: A fun and impressive presentation, though perhaps best shared.
A creamy dipping sauce, such as ranch or a horseradish aioli, pairs wonderfully with onion rings.
Coleslaw: A Refreshing Contrast
Coleslaw offers a cool and creamy contrast to the richness of the burger. It’s a refreshing side that helps to cleanse the palate.
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Creamy Coleslaw: The traditional version with mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar.
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Vinegar-Based Coleslaw: A lighter and tangier option, often made with apple cider vinegar.
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Asian-Inspired Coleslaw: Incorporates ingredients like sesame oil, soy sauce, and ginger.
The key to a great coleslaw is to not overdress it. It should be moist but not soggy.
Beyond the Basics: Creative and Delicious Sides
While the classics are always a good choice, don’t be afraid to venture beyond the ordinary. These creative side dishes will add excitement and complexity to your burger experience.
Salads: Fresh and Flavorful
Salads can be a surprisingly versatile accompaniment to burgers. They offer a lighter option and can be customized to complement the flavors of your burger.
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Caesar Salad: The classic Caesar with romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing.
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Spinach Salad with Bacon and Blue Cheese: The earthy spinach, salty bacon, and tangy blue cheese create a delicious combination.
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Grilled Corn Salad: Sweet corn kernels, grilled to perfection, tossed with herbs, lime juice, and a touch of chili powder.
Consider the burger’s toppings when choosing a salad. A spicy burger might pair well with a cool and creamy salad, while a rich and savory burger might benefit from a tangy vinaigrette.
Grilled Vegetables: A Healthy and Flavorful Option
Grilled vegetables add a smoky char and a touch of sweetness to your burger meal. They’re a healthy and delicious way to add variety to your plate.
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Grilled Asparagus: Simple and elegant, grilled asparagus is a classic side dish.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy, grilled corn is a summertime favorite.
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Grilled Bell Peppers and Onions: Adds a sweet and smoky flavor to any meal.
Toss the grilled vegetables with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Mac and Cheese: Comfort Food at Its Finest
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and it pairs surprisingly well with burgers. The creamy, cheesy goodness complements the savory burger perfectly.
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Classic Mac and Cheese: Made with cheddar cheese and a creamy sauce.
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Gourmet Mac and Cheese: Incorporates gourmet cheeses, such as Gruyere or Fontina.
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Bacon Mac and Cheese: Adds crispy bacon for a salty and smoky flavor.
Consider adding a touch of spice to your mac and cheese to cut through the richness. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce will do the trick.
Potato Salad: A Summertime Staple
Potato salad is a classic summertime side dish that pairs well with burgers. The creamy and tangy flavors complement the savory burger perfectly.
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Classic Potato Salad: Made with mayonnaise, mustard, celery, and onion.
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German Potato Salad: Made with vinegar, bacon, and onion.
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Sweet Potato Salad: A slightly sweet and earthy alternative.
Be sure to chill your potato salad before serving.
Drinks: Quenching Your Thirst
The right drink can enhance the flavors of your burger and complete the meal.
Beer: A Classic Pairing
Beer and burgers are a match made in heaven. The carbonation and bitterness of beer cut through the richness of the burger and cleanse the palate.
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Lager: A light and refreshing option that pairs well with most burgers.
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IPA: A hoppy and bitter beer that pairs well with spicy burgers.
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Stout: A dark and rich beer that pairs well with savory burgers.
Consider the flavors of your burger when choosing a beer. A spicy burger might benefit from a hoppy IPA, while a rich and savory burger might pair well with a dark stout.
Soda: A Sweet and Bubbly Choice
Soda is a classic burger accompaniment that is enjoyed by people of all ages. The sweetness and bubbles provide a refreshing contrast to the savory burger.
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Cola: A classic choice that pairs well with most burgers.
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Root Beer: A sweet and slightly spicy option that pairs well with BBQ burgers.
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Lemon-Lime Soda: A refreshing and tangy option that pairs well with spicy burgers.
Iced Tea: A Refreshing and Versatile Option
Iced tea is a refreshing and versatile option that pairs well with a variety of burgers. The bitterness of the tea cuts through the richness of the burger and cleanses the palate.
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Sweet Tea: A classic Southern favorite.
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Unsweetened Tea: A healthier option that allows the flavors of the burger to shine through.
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Flavored Tea: Adds an extra layer of flavor.
Milkshakes: A Decadent Treat
For a truly indulgent experience, pair your burger with a milkshake. The creamy sweetness of the milkshake contrasts beautifully with the savory burger.
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Vanilla Milkshake: A classic choice that pairs well with most burgers.
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Chocolate Milkshake: A rich and decadent option that pairs well with savory burgers.
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Strawberry Milkshake: A sweet and fruity option that pairs well with BBQ burgers.
Desserts: A Sweet Ending
Don’t forget dessert! A sweet treat is the perfect way to end a burger meal.
Ice Cream: A Classic Choice
Ice cream is a classic dessert that pairs well with burgers. The cold and creamy sweetness provides a refreshing contrast to the savory burger.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that pairs well with most burgers.
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Chocolate Ice Cream: A rich and decadent option that pairs well with savory burgers.
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Strawberry Ice Cream: A sweet and fruity option that pairs well with BBQ burgers.
Brownies: Rich and Fudgy
Brownies are a rich and fudgy dessert that pairs well with burgers. The chocolatey sweetness complements the savory burger perfectly.
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Classic Brownies: Made with chocolate, butter, sugar, and eggs.
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Peanut Butter Brownies: Adds peanut butter for a salty and sweet flavor.
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Salted Caramel Brownies: Adds salted caramel for a rich and decadent flavor.
Cookies: A Simple and Satisfying Treat
Cookies are a simple and satisfying dessert that pairs well with burgers.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: A classic choice that pairs well with most burgers.
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Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: A chewy and flavorful option.
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Peanut Butter Cookies: A salty and sweet option that pairs well with BBQ burgers.
Experiment with different flavor combinations to find your perfect burger pairing. Don’t be afraid to try something new! The most important thing is to enjoy your meal.
What are some classic side dishes that always complement burgers well?
Classic side dishes often provide a satisfying contrast in texture and flavor to juicy burgers. Options like crispy French fries, creamy coleslaw, and tangy potato salad are perennial favorites. These sides are familiar and universally loved, making them safe bets for almost any burger-centric meal. They offer a balance of savory, creamy, and refreshing elements, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable dining experience.
Beyond the basics, consider grilled corn on the cob, onion rings, or even a simple green salad with a vinaigrette. The key is to choose sides that won’t overpower the burger’s flavor but will instead enhance it. The pairing should be harmonious, contributing to a balanced and fulfilling meal. A variety of textures and tastes ensures a satisfying culinary journey.
What are some healthier side options to serve with burgers?
For a lighter meal, consider serving burgers with roasted sweet potato fries. Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients and offer a slightly sweet counterpoint to the savory burger. Alternatively, a vibrant quinoa salad with fresh vegetables and a light lemon dressing can provide a refreshing and healthy complement.
Grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers are also excellent choices. These add color, fiber, and important vitamins to your meal. Another option is a simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber, dressed with a light vinaigrette to provide a satisfying and wholesome accompaniment.
How can I elevate my burger meal with a more sophisticated side dish?
To elevate your burger meal, consider serving it alongside a grilled halloumi and watermelon salad. The salty halloumi and sweet watermelon create a unique and refreshing contrast to the richness of the burger. This side dish provides a sophisticated and unexpected twist, adding a touch of elegance to your burger experience.
Another option is to serve your burger with a side of truffle mac and cheese. The earthy truffle flavor elevates the classic mac and cheese to a gourmet level. This decadent side dish is sure to impress your guests and transform your burger meal into a truly special occasion. It provides a luxurious and indulgent complement to the burger, making for a memorable culinary experience.
What kind of dipping sauces or condiments pair well with burgers and their sides?
A range of dipping sauces and condiments can greatly enhance the overall burger experience. For the burger itself, classic options like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and BBQ sauce are always a good choice. Consider offering a spicy aioli or a homemade relish for those who prefer more adventurous flavors.
For side dishes like French fries or onion rings, consider offering a variety of dipping sauces. Ranch dressing, honey mustard, and fry sauce are popular choices. Experiment with different flavors and textures to find your perfect combination and cater to diverse preferences. Remember to provide ample options for everyone to customize their burger and sides to their liking.
What are some unique and unexpected side dishes to pair with burgers?
Consider serving your burgers with a side of Elote, Mexican street corn, for a burst of vibrant flavor. The combination of sweet corn, spicy chili powder, and creamy toppings creates a delightful contrast to the savory burger. This unexpected pairing offers a fun and flavorful experience that will surprise and delight your guests.
Another unique option is to serve your burgers with a side of kimchi slaw. The tangy and spicy kimchi adds a zesty kick that complements the richness of the burger. This unexpected side dish introduces an element of surprise and elevates your burger meal to a whole new level of culinary excitement.
How do I choose the right side dish based on the type of burger I’m serving?
For a classic cheeseburger, stick to traditional sides like French fries, onion rings, or coleslaw. These sides are familiar and universally loved, complementing the burger’s straightforward flavors. The goal is to maintain a balanced and harmonious meal without overpowering the burger’s essence.
If you’re serving a more adventurous burger with unique toppings, consider a side dish that complements those flavors. For example, a burger with Asian-inspired toppings might pair well with a seaweed salad or edamame. The key is to choose a side that enhances the overall culinary experience and creates a cohesive and satisfying meal.
What drinks pair well with burgers and their accompanying side dishes?
Classic pairings include beer, soda, and iced tea. The carbonation and coolness of these beverages provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the burger and sides. For a more sophisticated option, consider a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red wine.
Craft beers, especially those with hoppy or citrusy notes, can complement the flavors of the burger and its toppings. Consider also offering homemade lemonade, flavored sparkling water, or a selection of cocktails to cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the best drink pairing is one that enhances the overall dining experience and satisfies your guests’ tastes.