The Burger Is the Star—But the Sides Set the Stage
Let’s face it. No matter how good your burger is, if you serve it with soggy fries or a sad scoop of coleslaw, it brings the whole meal down. Great BBQ isn’t just about the meat—it’s about the whole plate. When your burger and sides work together, it’s not just a sandwich anymore—it’s a full-blown experience.
This blog breaks down side dishes that actually make sense with different kinds of burgers. From the all-American classics to bold regional BBQ builds, we’re pairing buns with beans, patties with pickles, and smash burgers with sides that add real contrast—not just filler.
- Why Burger Pairing Matters
- Classic Burger and Side Combos
- Regional Burger Builds and Smart Sides
- Unexpected But Genius Pairings
- Sides That Don’t Make Sense (and What to Swap In)
- Build-The-Plate: Complete Burger Meals
- Recommended Products from DDR BBQ Supply
Why Burger Pairing Matters
Fat needs acid. Soft needs crunch. Rich needs something to cut through it. That’s how you turn a burger from “good” to “gone in 60 seconds.” Smart pairing isn't just tradition—it’s culinary chemistry. When the sides reinforce the burger’s flavor or contrast its richness, everything just hits better.
Classic Burger and Side Combos That Work Every Time
1. Cheeseburger + Seasoned Fries
There’s nothing wrong with this combo when it’s done right. Use russet potatoes, double-fry them for crunch, and dust with a savory BBQ rub to elevate the flavor beyond plain salt.
2. Bacon Burger + Baked Beans
Rich and smoky meets sweet and hearty. Toss chopped brisket or sausage into your beans to match the boldness of the bacon. Add brown sugar, molasses, and dry rub for depth.
3. Patty Melt + Grilled Onions + Coleslaw
Patty melts are buttery and meaty. A tangy vinegar-based coleslaw adds balance and crunch. Avoid creamy slaw—it’s overkill.
4. Jalapeño Burger + Street Corn
Charred corn with cotija, lime, and chili powder mirrors the burger’s spice without stealing the show. It’s fresh and rich all at once.
Regional Burger Styles and Matching Sides
Texas BBQ Burger + BBQ Beans & Cornbread Muffin
Start with a brisket patty or pulled beef, add cheddar, pickled onions, and a smear of one of our favorite burger sauces. Pair it with smoked baked beans and a cornbread muffin to carry that Southern vibe to the finish line.
California Turkey Burger + Avocado Salad
Top your burger with avocado, sprouts, and tomato. Serve it with a simple lemon-dressed arugula or cucumber salad for freshness.
Memphis-Style Pork Burger + Sweet Potato Fries
Pulled pork patty, mustard slaw, and vinegar-based BBQ sauce. Pair with crispy sweet potato fries sprinkled with cinnamon and salt. The sweetness echoes the pork without overpowering it.
Southern Fried Green Tomato Burger + Mac and Cheese
Stack a fried green tomato on your burger with pimento cheese. Serve with creamy, smoky mac and cheese for full Southern satisfaction.
Bold, Unexpected Burger + Side Pairings That Actually Work
Smash Burger + Kimchi Fries
The acidity and funk from kimchi cut through the fat of a smash patty. Add melted cheese and scallions to the fries and you’ve got a next-level combo.
Lamb Burger + Greek Salad
Lamb with tzatziki and feta needs a bright, crisp partner. Greek salad delivers olives, cukes, tomato, and vinegar—sharp enough to balance lamb’s richness.
Chorizo Burger + Elote Pasta Salad
Spicy sausage patty meets chilled pasta with grilled corn, lime, cotija, and crema. It’s creamy, tangy, and perfect for cutting heat.
BBQ Veggie Burger + Smoked Mushroom Quinoa
A hearty veggie patty—especially one with beans or grains—works well with a smoky, umami-packed side like grilled portobello and herb quinoa.
Sides That Don’t Make Sense (And What to Serve Instead)
| Overrated Side | Why It Falls Flat | Better Option |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Potato Chips | No flavor depth, texture dies fast | Loaded BBQ chips or kettle chips with hot sauce |
| Store-Bought Pasta Salad | Too sweet, limp, no personality | Homemade with tangy dressing and grilled veggies |
| Over-creamed slaw | Gets soggy and heavy with rich burgers | Switch to vinegar-based red cabbage slaw |
| Microwaved frozen fries | Texture ruins the whole plate | Hand-cut fries tossed in a dry rub blend |
Build-the-Plate: Full Burger Meal Examples
The BBQ Classic
- Burger: Brisket patty, cheddar, crispy onions, BBQ sauce
- Side: BBQ beans + jalapeño cornbread
- Drink: Sweet tea or whiskey lemonade
The Spicy Stack
- Burger: Chorizo patty, pepper jack, avocado, pickled jalapeños
- Side: Street corn or elote pasta salad
- Drink: Cerveza with lime or michelada
The Backyard Classic
- Burger: Beef patty, lettuce, tomato, bacon, American cheese
- Side: Hand-cut fries + vinegar slaw
- Drink: Root beer or lager
The Brunch Burger
- Burger: Sausage patty, egg, cheddar, hot honey on a waffle bun
- Side: Breakfast potatoes or hash
- Drink: Bloody Mary or cold brew
Shop the Flavors That Pull It Together
You can’t pair like a pro without the right flavors. DDR BBQ Supply stocks the rubs, sauces, glazes, and gear you need to bring burger plates to life:
- Rubs for your hamburger meat
- Small-batch BBQ sauces that work as burger glaze or dipping sauce
- Cast iron for perfect side prep
- Hot honey to add an extra kick
Your burgers are already better than average. Now make the whole plate live up to the patty.
Did our blog meet your needs? You might also find these guides helpful:
- Wet vs. Dry Ribs: Which BBQ Style is Better?
- What Makes Texas BBQ Truly Texan?
- What is Brisket? The Meat That Made Texas Famous
- What is mop sauce?
- How to Grill Lamb Chops Like a Pro
- How to Season a Grill
- The Secret Ingredient in Serious BBQ: Why Bulk Worcestershire Sauce Belongs in Your Pitmaster Pantry
- What is a Binder?
- Trek vs. Ledge vs. Peak Green Mountain Pellet Grills
- Why Use a Meat Resting Blanket for BBQ
- The Ultimate Guide to Meat Injections
- Ceramic Grill Face-Off: Primo vs. Kamado Joe vs Big Green Egg
- 25 Creative Ways to Use Waygu Tallow Beyond BBQ
- Why LC BBQ Rubs Should Be Your Go To For Authentic Texas BBQ Flavor
- The Ultimate Guide to Charcoal: How It's Made and Why It Matters
- Alabama White Sauce; The Tangy BBQ Secret You've Been Missing
Visit Us at our Retail Store or Online BBQ Store
Our online BBQ store is open 24-7 but if you'd rather shop in person, visit our retail store in Northwest Arkansas. You can shop top-quality grills, smokers, the best BBQ rubs and sauces, accessories, and expert advice. Stock up on top-quality BBQ supplies to bring authentic smokehouse flavor to your backyard cookouts.
Natives to San Antonio, Texas we take Texas BBQ seriously and have a variety of items you won't find anywhere else.
Whether you're looking for something specific or just want to explore the best in BBQ gear, we’re here to help you cook with confidence. You’ll find top-quality grills, offset smokers, water cookers, gravity fed smokers. BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice you won't find online. Stop by and experience hands-on shopping the way it should be!
We're located at 14696 US Hwy 62, Garfield, AR 72732. We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Come pay us a visit!
