For those familiar with Hamburger Helper, you know it’s the ultimate convenience meal for a quick dinner. But even the ultimate needs a sidekick. We’re talking about those delicious side dishes that elevate ordinary to extraordinary. There’s more to sides than potatoes or salad!
We’ve all found ourselves in the pasta aisle, gently persuaded by the cloud of steam rising from the picture-perfect meal on the box. Next question: What’ll go with it?
From veggies to bread, we’ve got ideas that’ll make Hamburger Helper nights special. Let’s share a few insider tips and tricks for choosing tasty sides that are just as easy to whip up. Get ready, because these sidekicks might steal the show!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Hamburger Helper
Here are some tasty side dish ideas that pair perfectly with Hamburger Helper:
1 – Garlic Breadsticks
Garlic breadsticks are the sidekick your Hamburger Helper craves. They’re crunchy, garlicky, buttery bliss. We all know a little extra garlic never hurt anyone. Just heat and eat. Easy-peasy.
Best part? The aroma. It fills the whole house. Serve hot. Hearts will warm. Seriously, you’ll need self-control. Save some for the main dish.
Perfect for dipping in that saucy goodness. We’ve tried them crispy or soft. Both work. So grab some breadsticks, enjoy the simple crunchy delight.
2 – Caesar Salad
Who doesn’t enjoy crunchy croutons and creamy dressing? That’s our Caesar salad, a favorite side hustle. It’s a zesty mix of romaine, Parmesan cheese, and anchovy dressing, bringing both tang and crunch.
Fun tip: Add a twist with grilled chicken or bacon bits. Makes it a protein powerhouse. We often toss in a few cherry tomatoes for color. It’s easy, tasty, and fits right in with any main dish.
Give it a whirl, there’s no downside. Proven winner on any dinner table.
3 – Roasted Zucchini with Parmesan
So, here’s the deal. Roasted zucchini is like the chill sidekick we never knew we needed. It’s rich, it’s nutty, and it’s downright addictive. We roast it until it’s tender, then sprinkle on some elder cheese, yep, Parmesan.
The secret? Preheat the oven and turn these slices just once. That’s literally it. Minimal effort, big payoff. Try it with a hint of olive oil. Zucchini turns into something special under heat. Not too mushy. Not too crisp. Just right.
4 – Creamed Corn
Guess what’s creamy, corny, and totally everyone’s favorite sidekick? Yep, it’s creamed corn. Smooth, buttery corn in every scoop. We whip it up with butter and milk. Sweetness is its superpower.
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds. We love a crispy topping of crushed crackers. It adds crunch to the smooth mix. Keep stirring to get that silky texture. It’s quick and always tasty.
5 – Sautéed Mushrooms
Mushrooms that got their life together with butter and herbs. We sauté them till they’re golden. They absorb flavors like sponges. The trick? A dash of garlic.
They’re earthy and rich. Throw them on anything. We prefer them lightly browned. Don’t rush them.
Simple ingredient, big flavor. High heat works wonders. Keep the slices even. They shine with olive oil. Make sure it’s hot first.
They make any plate fancier. We’ve seen them steal the show more than once. Get them fresh for the best taste.
6 – Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries. Why all the hype? Well, they’re tasty! Crispy outside, soft inside, and naturally sweet. They’re easy, versatile, and work well as a side. Toss them with salt and pepper.
Sometimes we add a sprinkle of paprika for extra zing. We love pairing them with burgers or on their own. Dunk them in ketchup or aioli. Sweet potatoes pack a flavor punch. They hold nutrients too! That’s why they’re fries gone healthy, if you ask us.
7 – Baked Beans
Beans are the unsung hero of side dishes. And baked beans are their shining moment. Slow-cooked to perfection, these beans soak up all sorts of flavors—onion, smoky bacon, BBQ sauce, and molasses. It’s a sweet and savory dish that goes with anything.
You can go canned or homemade. We’ve tried both, and both work great. Just make sure you kick the can on low heat for best results.
8 – Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Another classic. It’s refreshing, crisp, and colorful. Cucumbers and tomatoes go together like peanut butter and jelly. They’re a natural pair in every sense of the word.
Just chop up some cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, toss them with oil and vinegar dressing, and you have yourself a simple yet tasty salad that complements any main dish.
9 – Broccoli with Cheddar Cheese
Broccoli hanging out with cheddar is a classic duo. Crispy florets meet a blanket of melted cheese. It’s a bright, cheesy delight. The trick? Steam the broccoli to keep it vibrant.
We layer on cheddar while it’s hot. Need a smoother sauce? Mix cheese with a splash of milk. Balance is key—cheesy but not overpowering.
We’ve gone the extra mile with breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Our taste buds have never been happier. Broccoli’s never been so fancy.
10 – Grilled Bell Peppers
Grilled bell peppers? We’re all in. These charred beauties spruce up any plate. Their sweet, smoky taste shouts elegance. Just slice, grill, and enjoy. Minimal fuss, big flavor. Crisp skins hold the juices in.
We love getting a little adventurous with colors—reds, yellows, greens. All good. Add a sprinkle of salt and a twist of black pepper. Why stop there? Try brushing on a dab of olive oil or balsamic vinegar. Bold, bright, and beautiful. Great for spicing things up.
11 – Crispy Onion Rings
We fried these golden rings to crisp perfection. They’re crunchy and savory, perfect for snacking. Great balance of sweet onion and crunchy coating. They shine beside burgers or solo.
We recommend using sweet onions. Best results with a beer batter or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Usually gone in minutes. Can’t just have one. Easy to make at home. No special skills needed. Quick snack or side dish, always a hit. Keep the napkins handy, it’s a finger-licking affair.
12 – Green Bean Almondine
Green Bean Almondine is snappy and rewarding. A classic combo of fresh green beans and toasted almonds. We’re talking texture balance here. Cook the beans until they pop with color.
Then, butter them up with almonds. Quick, easy, reliable. Squeeze in some lemon for a zing. Crisp beans and crunchy nuts.
We always keep it simple. Stir to coat well. Adding a dash of salt seals the deal. Happy side dish, quick fix.
13 – Mashed Cauliflower
You know what’s on the cauliflower vibe? Mashed cauliflower is smooth and fluffy. We swap out taters for something lighter. Butter and cream make it richer.
Add garlic for zing. Fresh chives add kick. Scoop it like you mean it. Goes well with proteins.
Roast cauliflower first for a nutty tone. Mashes in no time. Blends well and holds seasonings.
We don’t cleanse the pot till it’s gone. Turns cauliflower into a winner.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.