Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy burger, the savory flavors exploding in your mouth, and then you catch a whiff of crispy fries sizzling nearby, their golden edges promising a perfect crunch. The aroma of tangy coleslaw and smoky baked beans wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds and creating an irresistible urge to indulge in the ultimate meal experience.

Growing up, every backyard barbecue was a feast for the senses, with laughter echoing around tables piled high with burgers and delectable sides. There’s something magical about gathering friends and family around a grill, where each bite transports you back to those sun-soaked afternoons filled with joy and flavor. Whether it’s a summer cookout or a cozy winter gathering, these sides with burgers elevate any occasion into a flavorful celebration that leaves everyone craving more.

Why Does Everyone Love sides with burgers?

Crispy fries are the ultimate comfort food, bringing a satisfying crunch to every bite. Creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing, tangy twist that perfectly balances your savory burger. Hearty baked beans provide a sweet and smoky flavor, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Plus, these sides are quick and easy to whip up, allowing you to enjoy more time with friends and family while keeping everyone coming back for seconds!

sides with burgers Ingredients

For the French Fries
4 medium potatoes (peeled and cut into fries) – Choose starchy potatoes for crispier results.
4 cups vegetable oil (for frying) – Use a high smoke point oil for frying, ensuring maximum crispiness.
1 teaspoon salt (to taste) – Adjust to your preference; sprinkle immediately after frying for best flavor.

For the Coleslaw
4 cups shredded cabbage – Fresh is best; it adds a nice crunch and vibrant color.
1 cup carrots (shredded) – Adds sweetness and brightness to your slaw.
1 cup mayonnaise – Creamy binding agent that gives coleslaw its signature texture.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – Adds tanginess that balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
1 tablespoon sugar – Enhances the flavors and adds a hint of sweetness.
1 teaspoon salt (to taste) – Season to enhance all the other flavors in the coleslaw.

For the Baked Beans
2 cans canned baked beans (15 oz each) – Convenient option; choose a brand with minimal added sugars for better flavor.
1 tablespoon brown sugar – Helps caramelize and sweeten the beans just right.
1 tablespoon mustard – Adds a zesty kick that complements the sweetness of the beans.
1 teaspoon barbecue sauce – Infuses smoky undertones, making it a perfect match with your sides with burgers.

How to Make sides with burgers

1. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to reach the right temperature so your fries will sizzle as soon as they hit the pan, creating that perfect crispy texture.

2. Fry the cut potatoes in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want that beautiful golden hue that signals they’re ready to be devoured.

3. Remove fries from oil and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt to taste while they’re still hot, allowing the seasoning to stick for maximum flavor.

Make Coleslaw:

4. Combine shredded cabbage and carrots in a mixing bowl. This vibrant mixture will add freshness and crunch, perfectly balancing your sides with burgers.

5. Mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt in a separate bowl. This creamy dressing is what brings everything together, adding a tangy sweetness that complements the veggies beautifully.

6. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine. Refrigerate until serving to let those flavors meld together while staying crisp and cool.

Prepare Baked Beans:

7. Combine canned baked beans, brown sugar, mustard, and barbecue sauce in a saucepan. The sweetness of the brown sugar pairs wonderfully with the hearty beans for a comforting side dish.

8. Heat over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want everything heated evenly without boiling.

Optional: Garnish baked beans with chopped fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips

Perfect Frying Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding fries; a temperature of 350°F will yield crispy results without sogginess.

Cut Uniformly: For even cooking, cut your potatoes into fries of similar size—about 1/4 inch thick works best for crispy edges.

Soak Before Frying: Soaking the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes removes excess starch, preventing them from sticking together and enhancing crispiness.

Season Immediately: Sprinkle salt on your fries right after they come out of the oil while they’re still hot; this helps the salt adhere better for delightful flavor.

Chill Coleslaw: Allow your coleslaw to chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This enhances flavors and makes a refreshing side with burgers.

Baked Beans Enhancer: For extra depth in flavor, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers to your baked beans while heating them up.

How to Store and Freeze sides with burgers

Fridge: Store coleslaw in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep it fresh. Avoid mixing in dressing until ready to serve.

Freezer: French fries can be frozen after frying; spread them out on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Canned Goods: Keep any unused baked beans sealed in their original cans or a covered container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Reheating: Reheat fries in the oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes until crispy. Baked beans can be warmed on the stove over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.

sides with burgers Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these delightful sides to suit your taste!

Sweet Potato Fries: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a naturally sweet twist. These fries are not only vibrant but also bring a hint of caramelization that pairs beautifully with savory burgers.

Loaded Fries: Top crispy fries with melted cheese, bacon bits, and green onions for an indulgent treat. Perfect for those days when you want to elevate your burger experience to something truly special.

Spicy Cajun Fries: Toss your fries in Cajun seasoning before frying for a zesty kick. This adds a delightful heat that will awaken your taste buds and make every bite memorable.

Oven-Baked Fries: For a healthier alternative, try baking your fries at 425°F until golden. They may not be as crispy as fried ones, but they retain a satisfying texture while being lighter on the palate.

Herbed Fries: Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the frying oil for fragrant, flavorful fries. The aromatic herbs enhance the dish, making it feel gourmet without much effort.

Garlic Parmesan Fries: Sprinkle grated Parmesan and garlic powder over hot fries for a savory finish. This combination is irresistible and will have everyone coming back for more.

Curly Fries: Use curly fry cutters to create fun shapes from your potatoes—kids love them! The unique texture adds an extra crunch that’s perfect for dipping in ketchup or aioli.

Make Ahead Options

Preparing sides with burgers can be a breeze with a bit of meal prep! The delicious French fries, crunchy coleslaw, and sweet baked beans from this recipe can all be prepped in advance to save you time on the day of your barbecue. For the fries, you can cut the potatoes up to 24 hours ahead and store them in cold water to keep them fresh. The coleslaw can be made 3 days in advance; just combine the shredded cabbage and carrots, mix the dressing, toss it all together, and refrigerate. As for the baked beans, they can be prepared in about 10 minutes and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before reheating. When you’re ready to serve, simply fry the potatoes until golden brown and crispy, serve the coleslaw chilled, and heat up the baked beans on the stove. This way, you’ll have more time to enjoy your meal rather than being stuck in the kitchen!

sides with burgers Recipe FAQs

What type of potatoes work best for making French fries?

Russet potatoes are ideal for making crispy fries due to their high starch content. They fry up beautifully, giving you that golden-brown exterior while remaining fluffy on the inside. If you want a slightly healthier option, you can also try sweet potatoes for a delicious twist!

Can I make coleslaw in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, making coleslaw a few hours or even the day before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cabbage will stay crisp while soaking up all that creamy goodness!

How should I store leftover baked beans?

Any leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Simply transfer cooled beans into a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll last up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready!

What’s the best way to reheat French fries?

For the crispiest results, reheat French fries in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps to revive their crunchiness rather than making them soggy, which can happen if you microwave them.

Can I substitute ingredients in the coleslaw recipe?

Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise or use a vinaigrette instead of the creamy dressing. Additionally, feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or red onions for extra crunch and flavor.

How many servings does this sides with burgers recipe yield?

This delightful trio of sides serves about 4 people. Each serving is around 450 calories, making it a satisfying complement to your favorite burgers without overwhelming your meal!