What sides pair best with different burger styles?

Side pairings that complement burger styles

Matching sides to burger style helps create a cohesive meal. For classic American cheeseburgers, fries (crinkle, shoestring, or potato wedges) and coleslaw are traditional. For a BBQ-style burger, pair with cornbread, baked beans, or grilled corn on the cob.

For lighter or gourmet burgers, choose sides like mixed green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sweet potato fries. Mediterranean-style burgers pair well with Greek salad, tzatziki, and lemony roasted vegetables.

Side pairing guide

  • Classic cheeseburger: fries and pickles.
  • BBQ bacon burger: coleslaw and baked beans.
  • Southwestern burger: corn salad and tortilla chips.
  • Veggie or turkey burger: roasted sweet potatoes and green salad.

Think about balancing textures—crisp sides contrast rich burgers—and keep portion sizes reasonable so the burger remains the centerpiece.