20 Savory Sides for Burgers That Aren't Just Fries
Crispy onion rings, creamy potato salads, and more!
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No matter the reason you're firing up the grill, throwing a few patties on is practically a must! Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or simply looking to add some protein to your summer menu, burgers are a guaranteed win. When the fast food cravings come over you, a classic cheeseburger or double patty burger is sure to hit the spot. And if you're looking for something lighter, chicken and turkey burgers have you covered. That said, burgers are only half the fun! To really bring it all together, you'll need some tasty side dishes for burgers to seal the deal.
Of course, the first thing that might come to mind are French fries. After all, burgers and fries are a classic combo. But there are so many other sides to serve with burgers, too! Here, you'll find crispy, crunchy onion rings, corn salad, spiced-up potato chips, and homemade coleslaw. Then again, we couldn't resist adding in a few fun variations on French fry recipes. Check out the flavor-packed lemon-pepper shoestring fries or the parmesan steak fries that are made in an air fryer. You can also take a cue from Alex Drummond and her hubby Mauricio, who like to whip up sweet potato fries for their take on burger night. "They're healthy and easy," Alex says. So, go ahead and form those patties, but don't forget about the sides!
Roasted Carrots With Spring Herb Dip
Close your eyes, savor the satisfying crunch of these roasted carrots, and it just might feel like you're eating fries. In this recipe, matchstick carrots are tossed in garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cumin, and then roasted until caramelized. They make the perfect vessel for scooping the creamy homemade herb dip!
Get Ree's Roasted Carrots with Spring Herb Dip recipe.
Homemade Potato Chips
Resisting cracking open that bag of store-bought chips will be easier than ever once you learn how to make these hot, crispy potato chips. A mandoline is the secret to thinly sliced potatoes, which are then deep-fried and dusted with a savory spice mix.
Get Ree's Homemade Potato Chips recipe.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Looking to skip the starches on burger night? Instead of dishing out potatoes, grill a rainbow of summer veggies like squash, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, and mushrooms for a nutritious pairing.
Get the Grilled Veggie Skewers recipe.
Onion Rings
Just like at your favorite restaurant, these onion rings have a satisfying crunch. They're easy to make at home with a long soak in buttermilk and an easy flour dredge.
Get the Onion Rings recipe.
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Take potato salad to the next level with this recipe that mimics a loaded baked potato. It even has the cheese, sour cream, and crispy bacon.
Get the Loaded Baked Potato Salad recipe.
Corn Salad
This summer salad is anything but boring! The charred corn is paired with avocado, queso fresco, jalapeño, and a tangy and smoky chipotle-lime dressing.
Get the Corn Salad recipe.
Coleslaw
You can't go wrong with a classic coleslaw. The simple dish is crunchy and fresh with a creamy dressing that's ready in just 10 minutes.
Get the Coleslaw recipe.
Caprese Pasta Salad
A summer cookout with burgers and the "works" should definitely include this seasonal pasta salad. The juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil are the stars of the show.
Get the Caprese Pasta Salad recipe.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is one of the most versatile sides around. You can keep them simple with a sprinkle of salt or spice things up with a garlic-chive butter. Either way, you'll want to know how to grill your corn for that perfect char.
Get the Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe.
Air Fryer French Fries
Keep burger night simple with French fries that are so easy to make. The air fryer gets them nice and crispy without having to heat up a pot of oil. Just don't forget the ketchup.
Get the Air Fryer French Fries recipe.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
They're healthy, they're crispy, and they're so easy to make. These fries have the perfect balance of sweet and savory thanks to the ground cumin and cayenne pepper seasoning.
Get the Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries recipe.
Cucumber Salad
Looking for something light to pair with a decadent cheeseburger? This cucumber salad is a refreshing way to balance out the meal. You can also make it up to a day in advance.
Get the Cucumber Salad recipe.
Greek Salad
You can feel good about serving this crunchy, fresh salad. And if you want to make the dinner even healthier, just skip the bun and serve the burger right on top of the bowl of greens.
Get the Greek Salad recipe.
Spiced-Up Potato Chips
Sure, you can grab a bag of potato chips to serve as a quick and easy side, but why not take things one step further by doctoring up those chips with an easy spice mix. Ree's version includes garlic salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Get Ree's Spiced-Up Potato Chips recipe.
Lemon-Pepper Shoestring Fries
The key to making these French fries stand out from the crowd is a homemade lemon-pepper seasoning. It adds a zippy kick to just about anything.
Get Ree's Lemon-Pepper Shoestring Fries recipe.
Red Potato Salad
If you're a fan of creamy potato salads, this will become your new favorite side dish. The crunchy celery, fresh dill, and bacon make it a go-to for any backyard barbecue.
Get the Red Potato Salad recipe.
Fried Zucchini
No, those aren't French fries you see: They're zucchini sticks that are crunchy and fried. It's a great way to use up that summer produce.
Get the Fried Zucchini recipe.
Spring Pea Pasta Salad
Add a pop of color to any burger night feast with this pesto-loaded pasta salad that's perfect for spring or even summer. The bits of prosciutto, peas, and mozzarella are sure to be a hit.
Get Ree's Spring Pea Pasta Salad recipe.
Air Fryer Parmesan Steak Fries
Don't be fooled by the name—these fries are just as delicious alongside burgers as they are a good side for steak. The cheesy parmesan coating and Italian seasoning will have you going back for more.
Get Ree's Air Fryer Parmesan Steak Fries recipe.
Crash Hot Potatoes
Looking for a crispy potato recipe other than French fries? Try Ree's take on smashed potatoes that are an all-time favorite. They have that "flavorful, crispy surface area" that anyone would love.
Get Ree's Crash Hot Potatoes recipe.
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