A truly great burger deserves equally delightful company. The right burger side dishes can transform an ordinary meal into something your taste buds won’t forget. While standard fries might be a favorite, trendy burger menus offer plenty of other options to try next time you’re stumped by what to eat with burgers.
Why Classic French Fries Aren’t Always the Best Choice
Nobody can deny that classic fries earned their spot as the default burger companion. Crispy, salty, perfect French fry seasoning, and reliable taste, they’re popular sides with burgers and a go-to snack for many. But limiting burger meals to regular fries means missing countless flavor combinations and texture experiences. Breaking the mould and getting a little adventurous with pairings could help you find your new favorite meal.
The Perfect Side Dishes for Burgers
Those flavorful smashed burgers, hearty beef burgers, and tender chicken sliders deserve a side that can match their deliciousness. Consider these five alternatives for the next burger order:
1. Onion Rings
Golden rings with sweet onion centers wrapped in crispy batter are a simple yet delicious addition to any plate. The natural sweetness cuts through rich beef flavors beautifully.
Pairing Suggestion: A classic Hawaiian burger makes an ideal match for these rings. The punch of the pineapple and sweet teriyaki sauce interact with caramelized onion flavors to create a perfect harmony. Plus, the contrasting textures (crispy batter and juicy burger) keep every bite interesting.
2. Curly Cheese Fries
As a fun twist on classic fries, these twirly potato pieces are typically smothered in melty cheese. This tasty burger side brings double the flavor in the sauce and seasoning.
Pairing Suggestion: A Mexicali burger’s jalapeño heat is balanced nicely with the cheesy curly fries’ creamy sauce, and the similar spice profiles tie everything together. Heat builds and fades as you alternate between burger and fries, creating a rhythm of flavors that keeps the meal exciting from first bite to last.
3. Curly Fries
The regular version of the decadent, cheesy ones, these spirals pack more flavor than straight-cut fries due to their shape, capturing seasoning in every curl and ridge. The crispy, seasoned exterior and fluffy potato interior make regular fries seem boring by comparison.
Pairing Suggestion: The Philly burger makes an ideal match for these fries. The savory, earthy flavors of the Philly burger with its cheese-grilled onions, mushrooms, and peppers pair naturally with the seasoned potato side. This dish provides textural contrast and enough flavor to complement rather than disappear next to such a hearty burger.
4. Mozzarella Sticks
The contrast of textures in this side dish makes this work so well: crunchy exterior and gooey, stretchy cheese inside. Each bite delivers that satisfying cheese-pull moment.
Pairing Suggestion: A blue burger becomes even better alongside these sticks. Sharp blue cheese meets mild, creamy mozzarella to create contrast that works surprisingly well. This combination of bold and mild flavors is ideal for any cheese lovers.
5. Chicken Wings
Sometimes, more substance simply makes the mealtime better. Wings add distinct flavors, sauces, and textures that create contrast rather than just serving as a neutral accompaniment. The variety of wing flavors available means they can be customized to match or contrast with any burger.
Pairing Suggestion: A Texas burger practically demands wings alongside it. Smoky barbecue notes in both transport you to those scrumptious summer cookouts, all on a single plate. The combination of bacon on the burger and savory wings delivers serious satisfaction for hungry appetites.
Boost Your Burger Meal Beyond the Bun
When burger cravings hit you next, why not test out some sides you might have tried before? From mozzarella sticks and chicken wings that bring new flavors to curly fries that tease different textures, there’s bound to be excitement at the lunch or dinner table. Each side for burgers creates a unique eating experience worth exploring.
For the complete package, don’t forget the perfect burger-enhancing drink. After all, a great milkshake pairing helps create an even better meal. Great food deserves great company, from sides to beverages!
