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What To Serve With Burgers – Oma's Best Sides For Hamburgers

➤ by Lydia Fulson

Need ideas for what to serve with burgers? Everyone loves a lecker hamburger done on the summer BBQ. But what to serve alongside? Check out these great options!

Hamburgers are a classic pub style sandwich. But, sometimes just having a burger isn't enough in itself. If you're looking for a wide variety of side ideas, some German, some more traditionally American, you've come to the right place. 

First things first, you need a great burger recipe. Check out this burger recipe made by Oma. It's the best around!  You can find those sides you see above served alongside down below, so be sure to check them out too.

The recipe used for these burgers is very similar to the famous meatloaf recipe that you see below. As Oma says, quick and easy is the best way. SO, once you find a recipe that works, you stick with it and use it as many ways as you can to get the most of it. Why not make it in loaf and patty form if it's that scrumptious?

If you see something that catches your eye as you go, jot it down or simply follow the links and get cooking! If not, I hope you're able to enjoy reading through and bringing back some cherished memories of your childhood in Germany. After all, this website is built on love and memories!

Alright, let's dive into some of the best side dishes to serve with the classic burger.


Salad Sides

1. Bean Salad

This bean salad has become my number one side salad of choice. I absolutely love the punch of flavor from the balsamic vinegar. The best part though is that you can choose whichever beans you'd like to use. I use a mix, but you can use all black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, as I like to say ... it's up to the chef!.

This recipe is fantastic for a warm summer's day. Especially next to fresh BBQ burgers.

2. Corn Salad

This German recipe for corn salad is colorful and quick, a great addition to a summer buffet or picnic. It's unusual for sure, but it's always good to try new things. If you love corn and love a refreshing side, then this one's for you.

It's like a colorful fruit salad, but with veggies, and more affordable. The ingredients are so simple to find and use. Sweet corn, canned, frozen, or fresh corn work well. It's a great way to incorporate healthy veggies into your meal without unhealthily roasting them in butter. While there's nothing wrong with a good roasted veggie, this way, you can get lots of raw veg in just one simple salad.

3. Confetti Salad

This confetti salad is one that Oma found in one of her old cookbooks and decided to try for herself. As you can see, it turned out wunderbar!

The colors add a vibrant touch to your plate. A creamy flavorful salad such as this and the cucumber salad below, are my favorite type of salad to serve with hamburgers and hot dogs during BBQ and fire season. The creaminess adds the perfect contrast to the burger.

Much like the cucumber salad, this is more than likely a popular Northern German salad, considering it also uses mayonnaise.

4. Cucumber Salad

Now for the German cucumber salad that I mentioned above! There is something so refreshingly yummy about this creamy salad. 

Using any type of cream in recipes is very common in Northern German heritage. It's always a staple at our summertime family get-togethers and special occasions. My Uroma (Oma's Mom/Mutti), used to make this often. So Oma made sure to make this for us growing up as well, so we could experience the deliciousness of her childhood too.

Northern Germany certainly makes awesome salads!

5. Potato Salad

Cold classic potato salad is a truly authentic treat. The whole family will be reaching for seconds with this recipe. The dash of dill gives that kick that makes the salad complete.

Traditionally, you will see this salad served alongside sausage or bratwurst, and burgers! This is a staple at our family bonfires, and BBQs as well. It helps simmer down my burning taste buds after Dad and I think that spicy sausage is a good idea ... 

There's a reason this salad has been so popular for hundreds of years. It's SO good.

6. Tomato Salad

Our last salad option is probably the most summery and refreshing of all. Oma's vibrant Tomato Salad.

I for one, eat whole tomatoes like they're apples as a snack, so having a salad that is pretty much fully only made up of tomatoes, became a favorite fairly quickly. Try serving these with nacho or tortilla chips and eat it like a salsa. Make it a finger food to enjoy with your finger food burger! YUM.

If you have regular or grape tomatoes growing in your back garden, this is the time to use them up. What a perfect side.

Honorable Salad Mentions


Potato Sides

7. Boiled Potatoes

These boiled potatoes are such a simple side dish that can be quickly prepared while your burgers are cooking.

These are fantastic with gravy but the good thing about them is if you don't have time to whip together a gravy, they taste just as good with ketchup or sour cream. Use your burger topping sauces to dip the potatoes in and save time!

My Opa loves these ones. They're really oh-so-easy to prepare. Peel, quarter and boil! If you want to spruce them up, add some fresh basil, parsley and other light seasonings.

8. French Fries

These classic french fries were made by me in the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven and I must say, they are one of the simplest and most yummy fries I've had. I'm not just saying that because I made them either. The perfect all around crispness from the rotating rotisserie basket cooked these to perfection!

But of course, what is a burger without fries on the side???? It's an American classic cookout food. Season these as you please and use your favorite dipping sauce to make the perfect side or appetizer!

9. Fried Potatoes

f you're looking for something quick, German fried potatoes are the way to go. It's one of those easy sides that can be thrown together in a flash. My Oma's Mutti, my Uroma, used to make these all the time as a speedy and simple lunch to throw together.

I've used this recipe several times and its versatility makes it better and better every time. I love making these in an aluminum pan on the BBQ or over the fire! Fried potatoes have been my family's go-to camping dish for years, served with green onion, salt, pepper, and sour cream... mmm! I could eat these all day! Especially next to a nice juicy burger.

Honorable Potato Mentions


Vegetable Sides

10. Asparagus

This Roasted Asparagus Recipe is such an easy recipe to make. Asparagus has been one of my favorite vegetables for years because it can pair with anything and it adds a great pop of color to the plate.

Add breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese for a real treat. You can even add bacon. Trust me, it's the best. Asparagus is such a great option for barbecues. You can grill it right alongside your burgers, AND it's a healthy side! If you're searching for healthier alternatives, this should be on your list. It's that good.

11. Butternut Squash

Needing little time to prepare and being so jam-packed with so much flavor, it's no wonder squash is a hit. It's earthy, sweet, and pairs great with burgers too.

Due to its natural flavors already being so great, there's no reason to change or add much to it. I love to make squash using just four simple ingredients. Squash (of course), butter, salt, and pepper! That's all you need. Pair it with a good burger and you're good to go for a real simple meal.

See? Healthy sides aren't deserving of their bad reputation. Some of the best tasting and favorite foods of mine are healthy veg like squash!

12. Red Cabbage

This traditional red cabbage recipe is a . It's one of Germany's classic sides. It's an absolute staple, and it's my go-to favorite German recipe that Oma has introduced me to! Nothing beats going to Oma's for dinner and seeing her homemade red cabbage on the table.

I'll often find myself craving and heating up a bowl as a late-night snack. I take the easy route and buy jarred cabbage with apples. Be sure to check out my Oma's recipe for jarred red cabbage as well. Jarred or not, there's no shame in choosing the easy way. Both taste wunderbar!

You'll often see this served with beef rouladen, so why not with beef burgers? It's like coleslaw ... just make it German!

13. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Lastly, a vegan side! Oma's roasted cherry tomatoes are without a doubt another healthy side choice and a deliciously simple side too. These roasted tomatoes present so beautifully with their bold colors and flavors. You can even add a couple to your burger! This may not be a common or well-known classic side dish, but I say, we change that!

This is a great option if you're looking for something yummy to make from those homegrown tomatoes. I love to eat our homegrown ones from our little tree in the Summer. Having a recipe like this, gives awesome opportunity to use them all up before the bugs get to them!

Honorable Vegetable Mentions


There’s something absolutely mouth-watering about having a German meat-and-potato dinner. Get Oma's revised collection of her favorites in German Meat Dishes.

Take a look at Oma's German Meat Dishes eCookbook filled with traditional favorites.

Take a peek at all Oma's eCookbooks. They make sharing your German heritage a delicious adventure!

Thanks for scrolling! I hope you found something that peaked your interest or brought back some or your favorite memories of Germany. 

Now you can get cooking! Just follow the links, get your apron out and enjoy some kitchen time.


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Burger night is a hit. But what do you serve alongside??? Here are some great traditional ideas for what to serve with burgers. Veg, potatoes, and more!

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