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What to Serve With Burgers and Hot Dogs: 15 Best Side Dishes

Pair your burgers and hot dogs with some outstanding sides to elevate your meal. Classic French fries, whether traditional or seasoned, are always a hit. Creamy coleslaw adds a tangy contrast, while savory baked beans bring a hearty flavor. Grilled corn, with its smoky-sweet taste, and rich, creamy potato salad are also great choices. You can mix it up with invigorating cucumber salad or a vibrant fruit salad for a sweet note. Don't forget the cornbread for that comforting touch. Discover the details of these side dishes and more to make your next cookout unforgettable.

Classic French Fries

tasty fast food favorite

Classic French fries are a quintessential side dish that perfectly complements burgers and hot dogs. Whether enjoyed in their traditional form or as seasoned variations, these crispy delights are a crowd-pleaser.

Pair them with a range of dipping sauces like ketchup, aioli, or barbecue sauce to enhance their flavor. The versatility of French fries makes them a beloved choice for any meal.

Creamy Coleslaw

tasty picnic side dish

Often regarded as a staple at barbecues, creamy coleslaw provides a revitalizing and tangy contrast to the richness of burgers and hot dogs.

Its flavor variations, from classic to spicy, cater to diverse palates.

Additionally, coleslaw offers health benefits, such as fiber and vitamins from the cabbage and carrots.

This delightful side dish not only enhances taste but also adds nutritional value to your meal.

Baked Beans

food for camping trip

Baked beans, with their rich, savory flavor and hearty texture, are a quintessential side dish that complements the smoky taste of grilled burgers and hot dogs.

They come in various flavor variations, from sweet and tangy to spicy. Cooking techniques range from slow simmering on the stovetop to baking in the oven, ensuring a delicious and satisfying accompaniment to your meal.

Grilled Corn

a summer bbq favorite

Grilled corn, with its slightly charred kernels and smoky-sweet flavor, is a delightful side that pairs perfectly with burgers and hot dogs.

Applying butter seasoning enhances its taste, making every bite a treat.

Mastering grilling techniques, such as rotating the corn for uniform charring, guarantees a delicious result.

Simple yet flavorful, grilled corn elevates any barbecue experience.

Potato Salad

summer picnic side dish

Another quintessential side dish that complements burgers and hot dogs is potato salad, known for its creamy texture and rich, savory flavors.

This classic favorite boasts regional variations, from tangy mustard-based versions to those with a hint of dill. For best enjoyment, serve it chilled and consider adding crunchy vegetables like celery for extra texture.

This versatile dish always enhances any cookout spread.

Macaroni Salad

tasty picnic side dish

Macaroni salad is a beloved staple at many gatherings. It offers a delightful combination of tender pasta and a creamy, flavorful dressing. Ingredients variations abound, from classic mayonnaise and celery to more adventurous additions like bell peppers and herbs.

Serving suggestions include chilling it well before serving for an invigorating side. This makes it a perfect companion to burgers and hot dogs at any cookout.

Onion Rings

crispy fried onion rings

Crispy onion rings provide a satisfying crunch and a savory complement to any burger or hot dog. Made with a perfectly seasoned crispy batter, these golden rings are a delightful treat.

Pair them with a flavorful onion dip for an added burst of taste. Their texture and rich flavor make them an irresistible side dish that enhances your meal experience.

Caesar Salad

tossed romaine with dressing

While onion rings offer a crunchy indulgence, a Caesar salad provides a revitalizing and balanced side option that perfectly complements the richness of burgers and hot dogs.

The fresh romaine lettuce, coated in a zesty anchovy dressing, pairs beautifully with the savory meats. The crouton crunch adds an appealing texture contrast, making this classic salad a delightful addition to any barbecue spread.

Sweet Potato Fries

tasty and crispy treat

Sweet potato fries offer a nutritious and flavorful alternative to traditional French fries. They enhance the overall dining experience with their natural sweetness and vibrant color. They pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces, from spicy aioli to honey mustard.

Seasoning options like cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist or paprika and garlic for a savory kick make them versatile and crowd-pleasing.

Caprese Salad

tomato mozzarella basil salad

Caprese salad, featuring fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, offers an invigorating and elegant accompaniment to burgers and hot dogs.

The combination of juicy tomatoes and creamy fresh mozzarella, topped with fragrant basil, creates a delightful balance of flavors.

Drizzling a tangy balsamic glaze over the salad adds a hint of sweetness, enhancing its appeal, and making it a perfect side dish.

Pickle Spears

crispy dill pickle snack

Pickle spears, with their tangy crunch, provide a classic and invigorating contrast to the rich flavors of burgers and hot dogs.

Homemade pickles often have a fresher taste and can be customized to suit any preference.

Adding different pickle varieties, such as dill, bread-and-butter, or spicy, can cater to diverse palates, making them a delightful accompaniment to your summer cookout spread.

Pasta Salad

refreshing summer pasta dish

Pasta salad is a versatile and revitalizing side dish that pairs well with both burgers and hot dogs. Made with Italian dressing and a medley of fresh vegetables, it provides a delightful burst of flavors and textures.

This colorful dish not only enhances the meal but also adds an invigorating touch, making it a perfect complement to your barbecue spread.

Cucumber Salad

refreshing summer cucumber salad

Cucumber salad offers a crisp, rejuvenating side dish that complements the savory flavors of burgers and hot dogs. The invigorating crunch of cucumbers paired with a tangy cucumber dressing creates a delightful balance.

Salad variations like adding red onions, dill, or even a splash of vinegar can elevate the dish, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing addition to any barbecue spread.

Cornbread

warm crumbly cornbread delight

Cornbread, with its golden crust and moist interior, serves as a delightful accompaniment to burgers and hot dogs at any barbecue gathering.

Cornbread recipes range from classic to innovative, offering cornbread variations like jalapeño-cheddar or honey-butter. These options cater to diverse tastes, ensuring that everyone finds a version they love.

Perfect for soaking up sauces, cornbread enhances the overall meal experience.

Can the Same Side Dishes for Hot Apple Cider Also Be Served With Burgers and Hot Dogs?

Yes, the best side dishes for hot apple cider can also be served with burgers and hot dogs. Classic options like potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans complement the flavors of these savory dishes and provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the cider. So go ahead and enjoy them together!

Fruit Salad

variety of fresh fruits

A vibrant fruit salad provides an invigorating and colorful contrast to the hearty flavors of burgers and hot dogs. By incorporating seasonal varieties of fruits, you can guarantee the freshest and most flavorful combinations.

Enhance the dish with dressing options like a light honey-lime or a tangy yogurt drizzle. This delightful side dish not only refreshes the palate but also adds a nutritious touch to your meal.