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. 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 elevate our onion ring game in the most delicious way possible!

Top 13 Side Dishes for Onion Rings

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

1 – Bacon Cheeseburger

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Bacon Cheeseburger

Up your backyard barbecue game with the ultimate bacon cheeseburger recipe.

Check out this recipe

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. The meatiness of the burger complements the crunch of the onion rings.

A juicy patty makes everything more exciting. Don’t forget the toppings; lettuce and tomato add freshness.

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

2 – Grilled BBQ Chicken Wings

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Grill Master Chicken Wings

These grilled chicken wings are marinated in a 2-ingredient marinade before they are grilled up and tossed in a spicy butter sauce. So simple, but so good!

Check out this recipe

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. A touch of sweetness and smokiness creates excitement.

We can grill or bake these wings with ease. The char adds depth, while both methods keep the meat tender.

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

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Ree’s Loaded Nachos Have Layers Upon Layers of Beef, Beans, and Cheese

Homemade pico de gallo adds a touch of freshness! 😋

Check out this recipe

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

The best thing about nachos is the versatility. 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

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Philly Cheesesteak

This Philly cheesesteak has perfectly tender sliced steak and caramelized onions in a roll topped with melted cheese to make the ultimate sandwich.

Check out this recipe

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.

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

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Spicy Black Bean Burger

This Spicy Black Bean Burger is perfect for meatless meals. Full of flavor and topped with a homemade avocado cream sauce, it’s hard to beat.

Check out this recipe

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.

We can grill or pan-fry these burgers. They stay moist and hold together well. Don’t forget to toast those buns!

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

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The BEST Homemade Sloppy Joes

Step away from the canned sauce and give these homemade sloppy joes a try! They’re truly the best version of a childhood favorite!

Check out this recipe

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

It’s a filling comfort food that’s easy to make. The secret ingredient is Worcestershire sauce. 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

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The Best BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches {Instant Pot or Slow Cooker}

The best BBQ pulled pork sandwiches EVER. The pork is so tender and flavorful and can be made in the slow cooker or instant pot!

Check out this recipe

Pulled pork is a classic barbecue favourite, and for good reason. It’s tender, juicy, and full of smoky flavour.

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 pairs perfectly with sweet potato fries on the side.

8 – Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

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Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

These vegetarian healthy-ish Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are made with simple ingredients and paired with ranch dressing. Perfect for game day!

Check out this recipe

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.

Dunking them in ranch or blue cheese is a must.

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

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Crispy Fried Shrimp

Do you love Crispy Fried Shrimp? When it comes to cooking shrimp, frying will always be my favorite way to prepare those delicious little morsels. Bubba

Check out this recipe

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. 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

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Chili Cheese Fries

These chili cheese fries are crispy french fries topped with homemade beef chili and cheese cheese, then baked to melted perfection.

Check out this recipe

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. 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

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Grilled Bratwurst – Hey Grill, Hey

Grilled Bratwurst is a simple, flavor-packed German sausage. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you’re in the mood for a savory brat.

Check out this recipe

Bratwurst is a solid choice when we want some juicy goodness. 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

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Fried Pickles

Today we’re making homemade Fried Pickles WITHOUT a deep fryer! My recipe makes a big batch of perfectly crisp pickles in just 20 minutes.

Check out this recipe

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. 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

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Barbecue Ribs

A tasty rib marinade made with sweet and spicy ingredients, including rum, is poured over baked pork ribs that are grilled until smoky and tender.

Check out this recipe

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.

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.

Andrew Gray

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.