The Ultimate Guide To What To Eat With Burgers: Perfect Pairings For Your Next BBQ
Are you tired of serving the same old boring sides with your burgers? Let's face it - a great burger deserves great companions on the plate. Whether you're planning a summer cookout, a casual family dinner, or just craving that perfect burger experience, knowing what to eat with burgers can elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
The art of pairing sides with burgers is more than just tradition - it's about creating a balanced, satisfying meal that complements the rich, savory flavors of a perfectly grilled patty. From classic American combinations to creative gourmet pairings, we'll explore everything you need to know about creating the ultimate burger experience.
Classic Burger Side Dishes That Never Disappoint
French Fries: The Timeless Classic
No burger discussion is complete without mentioning French fries. These golden, crispy potato sticks have been the quintessential burger companion for generations. Whether you prefer them thin and crispy like McDonald's style, thick and steak-cut, or even sweet potato fries, this pairing works because of the perfect contrast between the savory burger and the salty, crunchy fries.
For the best experience, consider offering a variety of fry options at your next gathering. You might include regular fries, curly fries, and even loaded fries topped with cheese and bacon bits. The versatility of French fries makes them an essential answer to what to eat with burgers.
Onion Rings: The Gourmet Alternative
Onion rings offer a sophisticated twist on the classic fry pairing. The sweet, tender onion encased in a crispy, golden batter provides a delightful textural contrast to your burger. They're particularly excellent with burgers that have bold flavors, like those topped with blue cheese or barbecue sauce.
Coleslaw: The Refreshing Crunch
Coleslaw brings a cool, creamy element that cuts through the richness of a burger. This cabbage-based salad, whether vinegar-based or mayonnaise-based, adds a refreshing crunch that cleanses your palate between bites. It's especially popular in Southern-style burger joints and pairs wonderfully with pulled pork burgers or those with spicy toppings.
Creative and Unexpected Burger Pairings
Sweet Potato Fries with Maple Aioli
Looking to elevate your burger game? Sweet potato fries offer a slightly sweet, earthy flavor that complements beef burgers beautifully. When paired with a maple aioli dipping sauce, you create a sophisticated flavor combination that will impress your guests.
Grilled Vegetables: Healthy and Flavorful
For a lighter option that still feels indulgent, grilled vegetables are an excellent choice. Zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, and portobello mushrooms take on a smoky flavor when grilled that pairs perfectly with burgers. This option is particularly appealing for health-conscious diners or those looking to add more vegetables to their meal.
Macaroni and Cheese: Comfort Food Heaven
Mac and cheese might seem like an unusual burger side, but it's a match made in comfort food heaven. The creamy, cheesy pasta provides a wonderful contrast to the savory burger, and the combination creates a truly satisfying meal that's perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Regional Burger Pairings Around America
Southern Style: Pimento Cheese and Fried Green Tomatoes
In the South, burgers often come with distinctly regional sides. Pimento cheese, a spread made from cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, is a beloved burger topping that doubles as a side when served with crackers. Fried green tomatoes, with their tangy flavor and crispy coating, are another Southern favorite that pairs excellently with burgers.
Midwest Classic: Corn on the Cob
In the Midwest, sweet corn on the cob is a natural companion to burgers, especially during summer months. The sweet, juicy kernels provide a refreshing contrast to the savory burger, and there's something quintessentially American about this combination that makes it perfect for backyard gatherings.
West Coast Fresh: Avocado Salad
California-style burger pairings often feature fresh, healthy options. An avocado salad, with its creamy texture and healthy fats, complements burgers beautifully while adding a touch of West Coast freshness to your meal.
International Burger Side Inspirations
Mediterranean: Greek Salad
For a lighter, more Mediterranean approach to what to eat with burgers, consider a Greek salad. The combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, feta cheese, and olives provides a refreshing contrast to the rich burger, and the Mediterranean flavors can transport your taste buds to the Greek islands.
Asian Fusion: Asian Slaw
Asian-inspired slaw, made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame-ginger dressing, offers an exciting twist on traditional coleslaw. This option works particularly well with burgers that feature Asian-inspired toppings like teriyaki sauce or wasabi mayo.
Latin American: Plantain Chips
Plantain chips provide a unique, slightly sweet alternative to traditional fries. These crispy, banana-like chips are popular in Latin American cuisine and pair surprisingly well with burgers, especially those with spicy or tropical toppings.
Healthy Burger Side Options
Quinoa Salad: Protein-Packed and Nutritious
For health-conscious burger lovers, quinoa salad offers a nutritious alternative to traditional sides. This protein-rich grain salad can be customized with various vegetables, herbs, and light dressings to create a side dish that's both healthy and satisfying.
Kale Chips: The Healthy Crunch
Kale chips provide the satisfying crunch of traditional chips but with significantly more nutritional benefits. These crispy, oven-baked leaves are easy to make and offer a guilt-free way to enjoy something crunchy alongside your burger.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering what to eat with burgers, but they're surprisingly delicious. When roasted until crispy and caramelized, these little cabbages develop a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with beef.
Dipping Sauces and Condiments
Homemade Aiolis and Special Sauces
The right dipping sauce can elevate any burger side to new heights. Consider making homemade aiolis in various flavors - garlic, sriracha, or herb-infused - to accompany your fries or onion rings. These gourmet sauces add a restaurant-quality touch to your burger meal.
Mustard Varieties and Specialty Ketchups
Don't underestimate the power of high-quality condiments. Artisanal mustards, specialty ketchups, and even homemade pickles can transform your burger experience. Consider offering a selection of unique condiments alongside your burger spread.
Planning the Perfect Burger Meal
Portion Control and Balance
When planning what to eat with burgers, consider portion sizes carefully. A heavy, rich side might overwhelm your guests, while something too light might leave them unsatisfied. Aim for a balanced selection that offers variety without excess.
Seasonal Considerations
The best burger sides often depend on the season. In summer, fresh salads and grilled vegetables shine, while in winter, heartier options like mac and cheese or roasted root vegetables might be more appealing. Consider your climate and the time of year when planning your burger menu.
Dietary Restrictions and Preferences
Always consider your guests' dietary needs when planning burger sides. Offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to ensure everyone can enjoy the meal. This might mean having sweet potato fries alongside regular fries, or offering a quinoa salad in addition to traditional coleslaw.
Conclusion
Choosing what to eat with burgers is both an art and a science. From classic combinations like French fries and coleslaw to creative pairings like sweet potato fries with maple aioli or Greek salad, the options are endless. The key is to consider balance, seasonality, and your guests' preferences when making your selections.
Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a casual dinner, or just treating yourself to a gourmet burger experience at home, the right sides can transform a simple burger into a memorable meal. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations and discover your own perfect burger pairings. After all, the best thing to eat with burgers is ultimately whatever makes you and your guests happiest around the table.
