Burger Sides to Complement Your Grilled Burgers Recipe

A great burger is only as good as the sides you serve with it. Imagine biting into a juicy, grilled burger with melted cheese and crisp lettuce, only to find your plate lacking that perfect accompaniment. That’s where the right side dishes come in—they elevate the experience, adding texture, flavor, and variety to your meal.

From crispy fries to refreshing salads and creamy dips, the right sides turn a good burger into an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a casual family dinner, or a summer cookout, these side dishes are designed to impress. The best part? They’re all easy to make and guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers.

Let’s explore the ultimate side dishes that will take your grilled burgers to the next level!

Why I Love This Recipe

A burger by itself is satisfying, but it’s the sides that complete the plate. The best sides balance the richness of a grilled burger with crunch, creaminess, or a touch of acidity.

Here’s why these burger sides are a must-try:

• They add variety to your meal. Whether you love crispy fries, a fresh salad, or something creamy and indulgent, there’s a side for every craving.
• They’re easy to prepare. These sides don’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. They’re quick, simple, and perfect for a busy grilling session.
• They make your cookout feel complete. A perfectly paired side makes every bite of your burger even better, enhancing the flavors and textures.
• They cater to different dietary needs. You can customize these sides to be healthier, gluten-free, or vegetarian while keeping them just as delicious.

No more serving burgers with just a bag of chips—let’s make your next meal unforgettable with these incredible side dishes!

Ingredients for Burger Sides

Each of these sides complements a juicy grilled burger perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Crispy Garlic Parmesan Fries

• Russet potatoes
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Salt & black pepper

2. Classic Coleslaw

• Green cabbage
• Carrots
• Mayonnaise
• Apple cider vinegar
• Sugar
• Dijon mustard
• Celery seed
• Salt & black pepper

3. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

• Fresh corn on the cob
• Unsalted butter
• Fresh parsley & cilantro
• Garlic
• Lemon juice
• Salt & black pepper

How Much Time Will You Need?

Each side dish is designed to be quick and simple, so you can focus on grilling your burgers without stress.

• Crispy Garlic Parmesan Fries – 40 minutes
• Classic Coleslaw – 15 minutes
• Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter – 20 minutes

Most of these can be prepped ahead of time, making them even easier when it’s time to serve.

How to Make These Burger Sides

1. Crispy Garlic Parmesan Fries

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Scrub and rinse the russet potatoes. Cut them into thin, even-sized fries. Soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes—this removes excess starch and makes them extra crispy.

Step 2: Season and Bake
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drain and pat the fries dry, then toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the fries and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Herbs
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

2. Classic Coleslaw

Step 1: Shred the Vegetables
Thinly slice the cabbage and grate the carrots. Add them to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, tossing well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.

3. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

Step 1: Prep the Corn
Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Brush each cob with olive oil.

Step 2: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the corn for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and tender.

Step 3: Make the Herb Butter
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Finish and Serve
Brush the warm grilled corn with the herb butter and serve immediately.

Substitutions

• Fries: Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a healthier twist. You can also air-fry them instead of baking.
• Coleslaw: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version. Add shredded apples for extra sweetness.
• Grilled Corn: Skip the butter and use a squeeze of lime juice and chili powder for a zesty, dairy-free option.

Best Side Dishes for Burgers

If you’re looking to add more variety, here are three additional side dish ideas:

1. Baked Onion Rings – Crispy, crunchy, and a delicious alternative to fries.
2. Avocado Salad – Creamy avocado with tomatoes, red onions, and lime juice.
3. Mac and Cheese – A rich, creamy classic that pairs perfectly with burgers.

Each of these sides brings something unique to the table, making your burger meal feel complete.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The right presentation makes your burger meal even more enjoyable. Here are some simple yet effective ways to serve these sides beautifully:

• Crispy Fries: Serve them in small parchment-lined baskets or a metal cone for a restaurant-style feel. Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley.
• Coleslaw: Use a chilled bowl to keep it fresh. Garnish with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds or extra shredded carrots for color.
• Grilled Corn: Serve each cob on a wooden board with extra herb butter on the side. A sprinkle of crumbled Cotija cheese or a squeeze of lime adds a gourmet touch.

For an extra appealing spread, place all the sides on a large serving platter with small bowls of dipping sauces. A visually enticing presentation makes everything feel more special!

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

• For the crispiest fries: Soaking them in water is key, but drying them completely before baking is just as important. Excess moisture leads to soggy fries.
• Let coleslaw sit for at least 30 minutes: This helps the flavors meld, giving it that perfect balance of tanginess and crunch.
• Grill corn with husks on for extra moisture: If you want juicier corn, grill it with the husks on for the first 5 minutes, then remove them for charred flavor.
• Make ahead for easier prep: Coleslaw can be made a day in advance, and fries can be cut and soaked ahead of time. This saves effort when grilling.
• Add an extra layer of crunch: Toss fries in a light coating of cornstarch before baking for a crispier texture.

These little tricks ensure that each side is as delicious as possible, elevating your burger meal!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple side dishes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Skipping the fry soaking step: Without soaking, fries turn out limp and lack that crispy crunch.
• Overdressing the coleslaw: Too much dressing makes it soggy instead of fresh and crisp. Add a little at a time and toss well.
• Undercooking or overcooking the corn: Cooking corn too long makes it chewy, while undercooked corn tastes raw. Stick to 10-12 minutes for the perfect balance.
• Not seasoning immediately: Fries need to be seasoned as soon as they come out of the oven so the flavors stick better.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures that your sides turn out just right every time!

How to Store It

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store each side properly:

• Fries: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to keep them crispy.
• Coleslaw: Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If it gets watery, drain excess liquid and toss with a little extra dressing before serving.
• Grilled Corn: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet or oven to bring back the flavor.

For best results, it’s always ideal to enjoy these sides fresh, but these storage tips help keep leftovers just as tasty.

FAQ

1. Can I make these sides ahead of time?

Yes! Coleslaw is best when made ahead and chilled for a few hours. You can also cut and soak the fries in advance, then bake them fresh.

2. What’s the best oil for making crispy fries?

Olive oil works well, but for extra crispiness, use canola or peanut oil. These have a higher smoke point, which helps fries crisp up better.

3. Can I air-fry the fries instead of baking?

Absolutely! Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.

4. How can I make coleslaw healthier?

Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or use a vinaigrette-based dressing instead. You can also reduce the sugar or skip it entirely.

5. What other toppings can I add to grilled corn?

Try sprinkling crumbled feta, Tajín seasoning, or a drizzle of hot honey for a flavorful twist

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