Burgers are a classic favorite, but what really makes them shine are the sides. Whether you're grilling out or cooking indoors, the right side dishes can turn a simple burger into a memorable meal.

Here are 21 side dishes that are sure to complement any burger, enhancing flavors and adding excitement to your plate.

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The best side dishes to serve with burgers are blooming onion, sautéed mushrooms, sweet potato fries, Korean corn dogs, coleslaw, avocado fries, potato wedges, smashed potatoes, wedge salad, creamed corn, cauliflower steaks, broccoli salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, chili cheese fries, and guacamole.

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1. Blooming Onion

A blooming onion is a dramatic, tasty addition to any burger meal. This deep-fried delight features an onion cut to blossom like a flower, coated in a seasoned batter and fried until crispy. It's often served with a creamy, tangy dip that contrasts beautifully with its crunchy, savory layers. Perfect for sharing, it's a crowd-pleaser that adds a fun twist to your burger night.

2. Sautéed Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms bring a rich, earthy flavor to the table. Cooked down in butter with a touch of garlic and herbs, these mushrooms become tender and flavorful, soaking up all the seasoning. They add a luxurious, juicy component to dry burgers, providing a mouthful of flavor in every bite.

3. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries offer a sweet and savory twist on the traditional French fry. Their natural sweetness, enhanced by a light sprinkling of salt, complements the savory depth of a well-cooked burger. Baked or fried until they're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they provide a colorful and delicious alternative.

4. Coleslaw

Coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch to any burger. This classic side combines shredded cabbage and carrots in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s not only a palate cleanser but also introduces a crisp texture and vibrant flavor, balancing out the heaviness of the burger with its light, zesty profile.

5. Avocado Fries

Avocado fries are a creamy, decadent option for burger sides. Slices of avocado are coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture and baked or fried to perfection. The result is a warm, creamy interior encased in a crunchy shell, offering a rich texture and taste that pairs beautifully with any type of burger.

6. Potato Wedges

Potato wedges are a hearty, satisfying side that can be seasoned in a variety of ways to match your burger's flavor profile. Baked with herbs, garlic, and a touch of olive oil, these wedges are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They're a robust side that holds up well to any burger.

7. Korean Corn Dogs

Korean corn dogs are a fun, quirky side that brings a bit of international flair to your burger meal. These corn dogs are coated in a sweet and savory batter, then rolled in sugar before frying, creating a crispy, caramelized outer layer. The surprising sweetness and crunch make them a delightful contrast to the savory burger.

8. Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes offer a delightful texture with their crispy edges and soft centers. Boiled until tender, then lightly smashed and roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper, they become irresistibly crispy. Their rustic look and satisfying crunch make them a great companion to the juiciness of a burger.

9. Wedge Salad

A wedge salad is a refreshing choice that pairs beautifully with burgers. It consists of a quarter of iceberg lettuce, drizzled with blue cheese dressing, and topped with crispy bacon, diced tomatoes, and red onions. This salad adds a crisp, cool contrast to a warm, juicy burger, making each bite refreshing and balanced.

10. Creamed Corn

Creamed corn is a silky, sweet side that complements the savory flavors of a burger. Made with sweet corn, cream, butter, and a hint of sugar, it's a luxuriously smooth dish that adds a hint of sweetness to your meal. Its creamy texture makes it a comforting addition to any burger spread.

11. Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower steaks offer a hearty, plant-based option. Sliced thick and seasoned with herbs and spices, they're roasted or grilled until tender and slightly charred. These steaks provide a robust, earthy flavor and a satisfying chew that stands up well alongside a meaty burger.

12. Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad brings a delightful crunch and freshness to the burger table. It’s made with raw, chopped broccoli tossed with bits of bacon, shredded cheese, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. This salad is vibrant, tangy, and adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of a burger.

13. Baked Beans

Baked beans are a classic burger companion. Slow-cooked until they're rich and savory, these beans are flavored with molasses, bacon, and a blend of spices. They add a comforting, homey feel to your meal, with their sweet and smoky flavors enhancing the overall taste of your burger.

14. Corn On The Cob

Corn on the cob is a summertime favorite that goes great with burgers. Grilled or boiled, it’s slathered in butter and sprinkled with salt, sometimes with a dash of paprika or Parmesan. Its natural sweetness and juicy kernels make it a fun, hands-on side that's always a hit.

15. French Fries

French fries are the quintessential burger side dish. Whether you like them thin and crispy or thick and fluffy, they provide the perfect salty crunch to complement a soft, juicy burger. Serve them hot with a side of ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce for a match made in heaven.

16. Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is a light, healthy option that adds a touch of char and smokiness to your burger experience. Sliced lengthwise and grilled until tender, it's seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, making it a subtle yet flavorful addition to your plate.

17. Pickle Spears

Pickle spears are a tangy and crunchy addition to any burger meal. Their sharp, vinegary bite cuts through the richness of the meat, providing a refreshing palate cleanser between bites. Perfect for those who love a little zest, pickle spears can be dill, sweet, or spicy, depending on your preference.

18. Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is a creamy, comforting side that blends well with the casual nature of a burger. Made with cooked macaroni pasta, mayonnaise, mustard, and a mix of vegetables like celery and onions, it offers a cool, creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the warmth of a freshly grilled burger.

19. Roasted Sweet Peppers

Roasted sweet peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor to your burger spread. Charred on the grill and seasoned lightly, these peppers become soft and flavorful, a perfect complement to the savory taste of burgers. Their vibrant colors also add a visual appeal to your plate.

20. Guacamole

Guacamole brings a creamy, refreshing touch to any burger meal. Made from ripe avocados mashed with lime juice, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, it offers a rich, tangy flavor that complements the savory taste of burgers. Spread it on your burger or dip your fries in it for an extra layer of deliciousness.

21. Chipotle Mayo

Chipotle mayo adds a smoky, spicy kick to your burger sides. This sauce combines the creamy texture of mayonnaise with the deep, smoky flavor of chipotle peppers. It’s perfect for drizzling over fries or slathering on your burger bun, providing a flavorful contrast that spices up the meal.