When serving hamburgers, people usually focus on the main dish. However, we must remember that, if the right side dish is chosen, the meal goes from boring and standard to extraordinary. Ideal side dishes help bring out the flavor and different tastes so that every bite is interesting. When catering a backyard barbecue with a large audience or preparing a nice, cozy meal at home with family, the right sides can make the meal extra special. In this post, we will cover a large number of different side dishes that are perfect to go with hamburgers. That way, every bite of the hamburgers will be a delight, and the meal can be a rounded success.
French Fries
No discussion of burger sides is complete without mentioning fried potatoes and onion shoestrings. Another classical side, french fried potatoes have crispy outsides and fluffy inners. French fried potatoes preserve a positive accompaniment to hamburgers. For comfort food, offer sweet potato fries with a bit of a sweetness to offset the burger’s savory qualities. For other seasonings, experiment with garlic, parmesan, and spicy cajun to add to the meal’s comp
Onion Rings
Of those that crave a bit of a crunch, onion rings are a favorite. The satisfying snap of the golden brown batter that encases the tender onion insides is a wonderful texture contrast to the countries of the world that burgers represent. As a dipping sauce, consider a tangy one like spicy aioli, and with creamy ranch sauce. For a richer flavor, experiment with the batter using beer. For a more fan
cy, gourmet touch, sprinkle the batter with a few herbs like thyme or rosemary.
If you want something light, you can get a garden salad with all the fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. This salad can be a complementing side to your burger, and it adds color to the plate as well as a healthy balance to the burger. You can even add seasonal veggies like radishes, bell peppers, and avocado to get some more texture and flavor. You can even make it more interesting by adding a sprinkle of some nuts or seeds. \n \n \n Coleslaw \n \n \n You can also get delicious coleslaw. This adds a creamy texture and some crunch with the cabbage, and it goes well with all the juices from the hamburger meat. Along with the carrots and the creamy tangy dressing, it makes the dish even more refreshing. If you want something a little sweeter, you can also add some apples or raisins. Coleslaw can even be used as a burger topping, so you can add some more flavor with each bite!
Creative Sides
Grilled Vegetables
For a more elegant side, try grilling seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. Smoky flavors from the grill balance the sweetness of the vegetables and the dish becomes healthy and delicious. You can also soak the vegetables in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs for a few hours to infuse more flavor prior to grilling. Besides the fact that grilled vegetables make the plate more colorful, they are also great for all of your guests who are wanting to eat lighter and are plant-based.
Cobs of Corn
Corn on the cob is a classic summertime favorite that can be prepared grilled or boiled. It pairs excellently with hamburgers and can be slathered with butter and a pinch of salt for the classic flavor, or can be topped with chili powder and lime juice for a delicious and fresh twist. It can be rolled in herbs and cheese as well and is what is called e lote, a Mexican street corn that is indulgently delicious. Simple or topped out, corn on the cob is a great side that adds fun to any meal.
Indulgent and Decadent Choices
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese pairs perfectly with hamburgers because it is the ultimate comfort food with creamy and cheesy pasta. It is a nice contrast because the richness of the dish and cheesiness a great complement to the main savory dish. Adults and kids love it. You can take this dish a step further by adding creamy ingredients such as truffle oil. You can also add bacon and other cheese varieties to further evolve the dish. Macaroni and cheese also is able to be prepared in 2 different styles: baked with a crispy and crunchy breadcrumb topping or creamy and stovetop-style
Baked Beans
Baked beans also are a great side dish to prepare beforehand. It is satisfying and the baked sauce that overflows in a dish goes great with the flavors of the baked hamburger. Adding bacon to it is a nice enhancement to the overall dish and adding that extra flavor with molasses will up the final product too.
Healthy and Wholesome Options
Quinoa Salad
For those who want healthier sides, we’re proud to introduce a cherry tomato, cucumber, and feta-quinoa salad. Protein- and fiber-packed, this salad perfectly complements your burger. By incorporating fresh herbs like mint or parsley, and a squeeze of lemon, the salad can taste bright and fresh. To make the salad more robust, feel free to add roasted chickpeas or grilled chicken. More health-conscious diners can rejoice!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a great, healthy, and nutty option. These are some of the most enjoyable side options to pair with hamburgers and they’re so simple to make! Roasted until golden brown with some olive oil, salt, and pepper; they’re a great side on their own. To take it to the next level, balsamic glaze and parmesan cheese can add a delightful touch to the Brussels, and so can bacon or nuts! From a balanced nutrition standpoint, Brussels sprouts are, without a doubt, a great option.
International Flavors
Caprese Salad
Transform the flavors of your meal with a Caprese Salad. Taste the flavors of mozzarella, basal leaves, ripe tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The mixture compliments the savory flavors of the hamburger. To elevate the profile, use large, heirloom, tomatoes, or a bit of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to make the flavors pop. The Caprese Salad adds elegance to your meal and gives a perfect contrast from the robust flavors of the hamburger.
Tzatziki and Pita
Tzatziki with a warm pita serves as a Mediterranean sid with your hamburgers as well. The creamy, garlic and cucumber yogurt sauce adds a lovely cool contrast to the richness of the burger. If you want a more aromatic sauce, feel free to add fresh dill or mint to the tzatziki. Pita is great grilled or toasted. Also, this combination gives a fun, unique way to eat your meal. Guests can customize their bites, making for a great time with good food.
Planning the Ideal Meal
Think about the flavors and textures of your potential side dishes before selection. Depending on what fits best together, the sides can be created to match classic comfort meals, lively and fresh salads, or bold, international cuisines. Remember to think of the balance of the meal overall, and how the sides complement the main dish. Providing all these options can match different dietary needs of patrons and make sure noone goes home hungry from the meal.
Final Thoughts
Although not always thought of as important, the side dishes can make all the difference when paired with hamburgers. They can make what is otherwise a bland and simple meal something wonderful. French fries are a classic go to but the addition of flavorful grilled veggies can bring a dish to the next level. You can make sure that every bite of the meal is
a harmonious taste, with the addition of different sides, and make the hamburger meal a feast. Next time you make hamburgers, keep these culinary side options in mind. Enjoy the meal and Happy Cooking!
