What to Serve with Onion Rings? 13 Best Side Dishes

What to Serve with Onion Rings? 13 Best Side Dishes

Have you ever looked at a plate of onion rings and thought, "What do I pair with these crunchy delights?" We know the struggle all too well.

Onion rings are that friend who steals the show at any gathering (sliced onions, usually Allium cepa, battered and deep-fried). They're crispy, golden, and just begging for a sidekick.

From burgers to salads, there are countless options to amp up our meal.

Let's chat about the best dishes to make those onion rings even more irresistible. We'll cover classic pairings and throw in a few surprises to keep things exciting.

Get ready to improve our onion ring game in the most delicious way possible!

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Top 13 Side Dishes for Onion Rings

Here are our top 13 picks for the best side dishes to serve with onion rings:

Dish	Main Ingredients	Flavor	Difficulty	Time
Bacon Cheeseburger	Beef patty, bacon, cheese, bun	Savory, smoky	Medium	25 mins
Grilled BBQ Chicken Wings	Chicken wings, BBQ sauce	Smoky, tangy	Medium	30 mins
Loaded Nachos	Tortilla chips, cheese, jalapeños, sour cream	Spicy, cheesy	Easy	20 mins
Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich	Steak, cheese, bell peppers, onions	Savory, cheesy	Medium	30 mins
Spicy Black Bean Burger	Black beans, spices, bun	Spicy, savory	Medium	25 mins
Classic Sloppy Joes	Ground beef, tomato sauce, bun	Tangy, savory	Medium	30 mins
Pulled Pork Sandwich	Pulled pork, BBQ sauce, bun	Smoky, sweet	Medium	4-6 hrs
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites	Cauliflower, buffalo sauce, spices	Spicy, tangy	Medium	30 mins
Crispy Fried Shrimp	Shrimp, breadcrumbs, spices	Crispy, savory	Medium	20 mins
Chili Cheese Fries	Fries, chili, cheese	Spicy, cheesy	Medium	35 mins
Grilled Bratwurst	Bratwurst, buns, mustard	Savory, smoky	Easy	20 mins
Fried Pickles	Pickles, batter, spices	Tangy, crispy	Easy	15 mins
BBQ Ribs	Pork ribs, BBQ sauce, spices	Smoky, sweet	Medium	2-3 hrs

1 - Bacon Cheeseburger

Is there anything better than a bacon cheeseburger on the side of our onion rings? The crisp bacon with melted cheese hits the spot.

The combination of flavors is a treat (savory and smoky, with melty-cheese richness). The meatiness of the burger goes with the crunch of the onion rings.

A juicy patty makes everything more exciting; for cozy soup pairings, try cheeseburger soup side ideas.

Don't skip good buns. A soft brioche can make a difference.

2 - Grilled BBQ Chicken Wings

Who doesn't want to munch on some saucy chicken wings next to their onion rings? These wings bring the crunch and sticky goodness we crave.

The marinade makes all the difference (balanced sweet and smoky notes). A touch of sweetness and smokiness creates excitement.

The char adds depth, while both methods keep the meat tender; pair with grilled salmon side options for lighter pairings.

Pair with blue cheese for dipping. It's a classic combination that adds extra flavour.

Wings can be messy, so grab plenty of napkins.

3 - Loaded Nachos

For a fiesta-style meal, pair our onion rings with loaded nachos. The combination of crispy chips, melted cheese and zesty toppings is tempting.

The best thing about nachos is the versatility (savory, spicy, and fresh combinations). We can add any toppings we desire.

From jalapenos, salsa, beans to guacamole; it's all welcomed here.

Need some protein? Add shredded chicken or beef.

This dish goes perfectly with an ice-cold beer on the side.

4 - Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Is a Philly cheesesteak sandwich just a sandwich? We think not.

It's a feast tucked between two slices of bread. Thinly sliced beef, onions, and gooey cheese blend beautifully (often ribeye or top round for tenderness).

We can choose provolone or the classic Cheez Whiz. The toppings?

Totally optional, but peppers are a solid pick.

Don't skimp on the bread. A soft roll makes all the difference.

We can find them everywhere, but the real gems are those local spots. The combo of flavours is hard to beat, so grab a napkin.

5 - Spicy Black Bean Burger

If we're looking for a meatless option, why not pair our onion rings with a spicy black bean burger?

It's the perfect mix of healthy and delicious. The beans add protein, fiber, and texture; while the spices bring in flavour (earthy, smoky notes).

We can grill or pan-fry these burgers. They stay moist and hold together well.

Don't forget to toast those buns; for soups, try navy bean soup side ideas.

Some sliced avocado on top adds creaminess, while lettuce and tomato freshen things up. A few jalapenos can also kick up the heat.

6 - Classic Sloppy Joes

As kids, we loved sloppy joes for their messy charm. This classic dish goes well with onion rings.

It's a filling comfort food that's easy to make. The secret ingredient is Worcestershire sauce (a fermented English condiment that adds deep umami).

It adds depth of flavour and tanginess.

We can pile the meat on soft buns and add some pickles or coleslaw for extra crunch.

For a tasty side dish, serve with tater tots instead of fries!

7 - Pulled Pork Sandwich

Pulled pork is a classic barbecue favourite, and for good reason. It's tender, juicy, and full of smoky flavour (from low-and-slow cooking and often hickory smoking).

Pile it high on a soft bun, top with coleslaw and onion rings, and you have a meal to remember.

For an extra kick of heat, we can add some spicy barbecue sauce or pickled jalapenos.

This dish goes well with sweet potato fries on the side; for more ideas, try pulled pork side suggestions for BBQ.

8 - Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

We all need a veggie side that's crispy and spicy, right? Buffalo cauliflower bites hit the mark.

They bring all the fun without the meat. These little guys are coated in spicy sauce and baked to crispy perfection (typically tossed in Buffalo-style hot sauce for tangy heat).

Dunking them in ranch or blue cheese is a must; pair with buffalo cauliflower side pairings for game day.

Make sure to roast them well. This maximizes crispiness.

They work great alongside burgers, too. Just don't be surprised if they steal the spotlight.

9 - Crispy Fried Shrimp

So, who doesn't enjoy crispy shrimp? This side is all about crunch and flavour.

The bite is satisfying. We can toss them in hot sauce or dip them in cocktail sauce.

The crunch compliments so many dishes.

Freshness matters (fresh shrimp have a sweet, briny flavor). Use shrimp that aren't frozen for the best results.

Pre-seasoning can boost flavour.

It's ideal alongside burgers or as a standalone snack. Let's file this one under "amazing bites" for future meals!

10 - Chili Cheese Fries

Chili cheese fries are like a party on a plate. Crispy fries topped with warm chili and gooey cheese are hard to resist.

These fries can be a meal on their own (rich and spicy). A drizzle of sour cream or jalapeños on top brings extra flair.

We can easily switch up the chili. Spicy, mild, or even vegetarian versions work great.

Fresh chopped onions and cilantro add a nice crunch.

They pair well with onion rings for a crunchy combo. Keep napkins handy-it can get messy.

11 - Grilled Bratwurst

Bratwurst is a solid choice when we want some juicy goodness (a German sausage often made from pork). These sausages deliver a meaty punch that balances nicely with our onion rings.

We can grill them for that smoky flavour or pan-fry for a crispy finish. Don't skimp on the toppings; sautéed onions and spicy mustard add fun.

These sausages suit a backyard barbecue or casual dinner. A bun or no bun, we're good either way.

Throw in some sauerkraut for an extra zing.

12 - Fried Pickles

Fried pickles are a crunchy treat we didn't know we needed. These crispy bites are full of tang and sass.

The batter can make or break them. A good seasoning mix makes them pop (paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne work well).

Pair them with ranch or spicy dipping sauce for added zing.

We can fry them in oil or bake for a lighter version. Fresh pickles work better than jarred ones.

They complement burgers well and can steal the spotlight at parties. A side of fried pickles always brings a smile.

13 - BBQ Ribs

BBQ ribs are a messy snack that never disappoints.

Fall-off-the-bone tenderness is key. Cooking low and slow is ideal for juicy goodness (about 225°F for 4-6 hours).

We can stick with classic sauces or try something spicy.

Nothing beats a good glaze. We can brush it on while grilling for extra flavour.

Pulled pork has its moments, but ribs take the crown.

Keep some wet wipes handy! You'll want them after devouring these sticky delights.