What to Serve with Black Bean Burgers (8 Yummy Side Dishes )

Black bean burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional hamburgers. They’re perfect for a summer cookout or for a quick and easy weeknight meal. But what should you serve with them?

This is a big deal. You want to make sure your black bean burger has a good sidekick. Something that will complement it, not compete with it.

I’ve spent a few weeks testing out different side dishes to solve this problem. And I’ve finally narrowed it down to my top eight picks. Here they are:

Best Sides for Black Bean Burgers

1. Macaroni and Cheese
2. Tater Tots
3. Corn on the Cob
4. Salad
5. Homemade French Fries
6. Chili
7. Slaw
8. Green Beans

Macaroni and Cheese

Let’s get this show on the road with a classic macaroni and cheese. You really can’t go wrong with this dish. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and it goes so well with black bean burgers.

The creamy goodness of the cheese pairs perfectly with the hearty flavors of the burger, and the pasta provides a satisfying crunch.

Plus, it’s just so darn easy to make!

With that said, there are tons of different ways that you can make macaroni and cheese. You can make it from scratch or you can take the easy way out and use a box mix. I’m not here to judge. If you want to make it from scratch, go for it. But if you’re short on time, a box mix will do the trick.

So, to make this dish, boil some macaroni noodles and mix them with your favorite cheese sauce. I like to use a mix of cheddar and Gruyere for extra flavor, but you can use any kind of cheese you like. Once the macaroni and cheese is prepared, just spoon it onto a plate and enjoy.

It’s also a great side dish for other grilled meats or vegetables.

Tater Tots

Tater tots are my next favorite side dish for black bean burgers. I mean, what’s not to love about them? They’re crispy, they’re salty, and they go so well with a black bean burger.

Plus, they cook up quickly and easily in the oven. So if you’re short on time, tater tots are the way to go.

For starters, just pop them in the oven while you’re grilling the burgers. And if you want to get really fancy, you can even add some shredded cheese on top. Once they’re crispy and golden brown, remove them from the oven and serve.

Trust me when I say that tater tots are the way to go. Not only will they make your black bean burger taste even better, but they’ll also impress your guests.

Corn on the Cob

Mmm, corn on the cob. There’s nothing quite like it, is there? The sweetness, the crunch… it’s no wonder that corn on the cob is such a popular side dish. Needless to say, some might ask why corn on the cob makes such a great side dish for black bean burgers, and here’s why…

I think it’s because the sweetness of the corn really helps to offset the richness of the burger. Plus, the corn kernels add a lovely crunch that takes the burger to another level. And let’s be honest, everything is just better with butter.

Now, when it comes to preparing your corn on the cob, there are a few different methods you can use. You can boil it, grill it, or even bake it in foil. But my personal favorite is to simply throw it on the grill alongside my burgers. That way, everything gets nice and smoky and flavor-packed. Yum!

Of course, this isn’t the only way to enjoy corn on the cob. You can also enjoy it as a standalone dish or add it to salads and soups. But in my opinion, corn on the cob is best enjoyed as a side to black bean burgers. Oh, and one more thing, don’t forget to butter your corn on the cob. It makes all the difference.

Salad

What’s a burger without a salad? A sad sandwich, that’s what.

I’m kidding, of course. But seriously, a salad is the perfect side dish for a black bean burger. Not only does it add some much-needed greens to the mix, but it also helps to lighten things up. I mean, let’s face it, burgers can be pretty heavy at times.

So if you’re looking for a lighter option, a salad is the way to go. Just make sure to choose a salad that has some crunch to it. That way, you’ll get some texture in every bite.

My personal favorite is a simple green salad with some roasted almonds and a light vinaigrette. But really, any kind of salad will do. Just make sure to avoid anything too heavy or creamy. Otherwise, you may end up feeling weighed down.

Homemade French Fries

Following a salad, my next favorite sides with black bean burgers is homemade French fries. And no, I’m not talking about the frozen kind that you get at the store. I’m talking about real, fresh-cut potatoes that are fried or baked to perfection.

For what it’s worth, you can never go wrong with homemade French fries as a side dish, especially if they are perfectly seasoned. But more importantly, they go so well with black bean burgers! The savory flavors of the spices in the fry seasoning complement the sweetness of the burger so well, and the crispy texture of the fries provides a contrast to the softness of the burger.

To make the perfect batch of French fries, start by cutting the potatoes into thin strips. Then, toss them in a bowl with olive oil and your preferred spices. I like to use garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Next, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and enjoy!

In addition, these homemade French fries also go well with other dishes like fish and chicken. I’m confident, you’ll be hooked on this delicious side dish!

Chili

Now, if you desire a heartier side dish, then chili is the way to go. This hearty stew is packed with protein and fiber, making it a good accompaniment to a black bean burger.

Plus, there are so many different ways to make chili. You can make it with ground beef, turkey, or even chicken. And you can make it as spicy or as mild as you like.

Personally, I like to make my chili with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and a variety of spices. But in truth, you can add whatever ingredients you like. The options are endless!

To make delicious chili, start by browning the ground beef in a large pot. Then, add the diced tomatoes, beans, and spices. I like to use chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt.

Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Once it’s done cooking, ladle it into bowls and serve it alongside your black bean burgers.

Slaw

Slaw is another great option for a side dish, especially if you’re looking for something healthy and refreshing. This crunchy cabbage salad is perfect for adding some extra veggies to your meal.

Not to mention, it’s super easy to make! Simply combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions in a bowl. Then, add your favorite dressing. I like to use a vinegar-based dressing, but feel free to use whatever you like best.

Likewise, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also add some fruits, nuts, cranberries, grapes, or chopped pecans to the mix.

This slaw recipe is a great way to use up any leftover cabbage you may have. But even if you don’t have leftovers, it’s still worth making this dish from scratch. It’s that good!

Green Beans

Finally, I have green beans and they are an excellent side dish for black bean burgers. Not only are they nutritious, but they also add a beautiful pop of color to your plate.

What is even better is that there are so many different ways to prepare green beans. You can steam them, sauté them, or even roast them.

My personal favorite way to prepare green beans is to sauté them with garlic and onion. It’s a simple dish, but it’s so full of flavor. And, it goes great with black bean burgers!

To make this dish, start by heating some olive oil in a pan. Then, add the garlic and onion and cook until they are soft. Next, add the green beans and cook until they are tender. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

In any case, this dish is best served fresh, but you can also make it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.

FAQ

Are black bean burgers healthy?

Yes, black bean burgers are a healthy alternative to traditional burgers. They are high in protein and fiber and low in fat.

What can I serve with black bean burgers?

There are many side dishes that go well with black bean burgers. Some good black bean burger sides include French fries, chili, slaw, and green beans.

What is the best way to cook black bean burgers?

There are many ways to cook black bean burgers. You can grill them, fry them, or bake them. However, you choose to cook them, make sure they are cooked all the way through before eating.

Conclusion

The simple truth is that there are many delicious side dishes that go extremely well with black bean burgers. So, if you’re ever wondering what to serve with your black bean burger, just know the endless options!

And, hopefully, this list has given you some inspiration.

Now that you know what side dishes go well with black bean burgers, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Head on over to your local grocery store and pick up some of the ingredients you need. Then, fire up the grill and get cooking!