Deluxe burgers include fresh beef patties and other ingredients, and many are served made to order. Burger joints with various side dishes allow you to choose an option that complements your burger. When choosing a side dish, you may look for options that offer contrast in flavor and texture. Here are some side dishes that pair well with deluxe burgers at a burger joint:
Fries Options
A burger joint may include fries on its menu, which serve as the classic side for a deluxe burger. Standard French fries provide a crispy exterior that complements the softer texture of a burger’s bun and patty. Many fries are seasoned with salt, and this offers a basic savory taste that balances the burger’s flavors.
Loaded fries expand on the basic French fry by adding several toppings directly to the side dish. Common components include cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, crumbled bacon, and a drizzle of ranch or similar dressing. Cheddar fries are another option to explore; they may include cheddar that is melted over fries. Adding dressings, meat, or cheese to the fries helps change their texture. This helps accommodate different taste and texture preferences.
Sweet potato fries offer an alternative to standard potato fries; this side dish has a naturally sweet flavor that helps complement savory burgers. You can choose between roasted and fried options depending on your texture preference. Some chefs also use light seasoning for the fries that helps bring out their flavor.
Baked Potatoes
Oven-baked potatoes offer you a starchy side dish that avoids deep frying. Baking a whole potato converts the dense interior into a light, fluffy texture, and it yields a neutral-flavored base that accommodates a range of toppings. A common preparation splits the hot potato open and adds butter and sour cream, allowing them to melt. Other toppings can include chives, grated cheese, or steamed vegetables, depending on your preference. The soft texture of the potato skin and the interior starch contrasts sharply with the seared crust of a smashed burger patty.
Fresh Salads
Burger joints that include salads provide a healthier alternative to deep-fried options; they introduce raw fruits, vegetables, and vinaigrette dressings to your meal. Some bases include chopped romaine or mixed spring greens. Burger joints may offer options that combine chopped romaine with tortellini, bleu cheese crumbles, diced tomatoes, and bacon.
For a sweet option, look for a harvest salad. These may use a base of spring greens and romaine topped with apple slices, dried craisins, candied pecans, feta, and an apple-cider vinaigrette. This combination helps introduce sweetness and crunchy texture from the fruit and nuts. You may find a seasonal berry-focused option; this salad places ingredients like strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries over spring greens with feta and candied pecans. It can be served with a raspberry vinaigrette to provide acidity and varied texture.
Crispy Sides
Fried cheese curds and onion rings offer battered and breaded side options. Cheese curds may use white cheddar that is lightly breaded before frying; this process produces a crisp exterior while the cheese softens or melts inside. Chefs tend to prepare onion rings using thick-cut white onions dipped in seasoned batter, then fried until golden brown. The thicker slices retain some firmness and moisture while the batter forms a crunchy outer layer.
Explore Burger Joints
Burger joints offer a variety of side dish options. You can choose side dishes that complement the flavors and textures of burgers. Look for a restaurant with milkshakes for a cold, sweet option; flavors may include chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Some burger joints offer baked desserts, which include warm chocolate-chip cookies and chocolate-chip brownies. These deliver cocoa and sugar flavors to contrast with your savory burger. Visit a burger joint near you to explore deluxe burgers paired with your favorite side dish.
