Onion rings are a delicious and crunchy treat that can be used as a snack or a full-on meal and is perfect for any occasion. They’re crispy and easily customizable with different types of breading and dipping sauces.
But what’s the best side dish to serve with onion rings? We asked some of our expert chefs for their favorite side dishes to serve with onion rings and found 30 delicious go-to side dishes.
If you are in a hurry and wanna know What to serve with Onion Rings, then try any of these- Veggies Are Your Friend, Sandwiches and Burgers, Fish Dishes, Salads, Slaws, Meaty Sides, Baked Beans, Macaroni and Cheese, Roasted Vegetables, Baked Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Spaghetti Squash, Fried Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Cornbread, Broccolini, BBQ Beans, Fries, Baked Zucchini Sticks, Fried Okra, Biscuits & Gravy, Buttermilk Ranch Dressing, Onion Dip, Garlic Mayo, Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus, Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, Baked Potato Wedges, Fried Green Tomatoes, Creamed Corn, Sauteed Spinach, and Baked Onions Rings.
30 Ultimate Guide to Choose the Best Side Dishes to Serve With Onion Rings
1. Salads
One of the best sides to pair with onion rings is a salad. From light to heavy, you can go with any salad you love the most.
Salads like coleslaw, sweet broccoli salad, potato salad, lettuce, Caesar, kale, and spinach all make for great accompaniments to crunchy onion rings. It has all the flavors you know and love—mayonnaise, mustard, celery, and eggs—all mixed together into one delicious bite!
If you’re looking for something more substantial, roasted vegetable salad such as squash, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes offers just the right amount of nutrition to balance out the indulgence of fried onions.
2. Sandwiches and Burgers
Onion rings go wonderfully with sandwiches and burgers. The crunchiness of the onion ring contrasts perfectly with the softness of a bun sandwich or burger patty.
Plus, adding condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce really takes these dishes to another level!
Grilled cheese sandwiches are also an excellent option when it comes to pairing up with onion rings – they go together like bread and butter!
3. Serve Fish Dishes with Crispy Onion Rings
Fish dishes are a great way to add some protein to your meal while still keeping it light enough to enjoy alongside your fried delicacy.
Fried fish cakes or fish tacos make a wonderful complement to onion rings – they’re easy to prepare! Alternatively, grilled salmon or cod will provide a rich flavor that stands up well against crispy onions.
4. Veggies Are Your Friend
When it comes to pairing onion rings with side dishes, vegetables are always a great option. Grilled asparagus or broccoli make excellent choices because they’re flavorful but not overly heavy.
You can also opt for lighter options, such as steamed spinach or roasted beets. If you want something heartier, try pairing your onion rings with roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes.
5. Slaws
A light coleslaw has just enough crunchy cabbage mixed in with creamy mayonnaise-based dressing to balance out heavy flavors like those found in fried foods like onion rings! It adds a whole new dimension of flavor to your meal!
Consider adding shredded carrots for added crunchiness and sweetness!
6. Meaty Sides
For those who prefer meatier options, there are plenty of ways to incorporate them into your meal. Try serving chicken wings alongside your onion rings for an extra protein-packed punch!
Or, if you want something more substantial, grilled steak or pork chops make great accompaniments as well. If you want to keep things vegetarian-friendly, consider pairing your onion rings with veggie burgers or black bean tacos instead!
7. Baked Beans
Sweet and savory baked beans make an excellent choice for any type of fried food. Whether you use canned or homemade beans, this side dish will be a sensation at your next gathering.
8. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is always a crowd favorite and pairs well with many dishes, including onion rings! The creamy cheese sauce and crunchy topping are the perfect complement to fried onions.
Try adding bacon bits or diced jalapenos if you want an extra kick of flavor!
9. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, squash, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc., offer up plenty of vitamins and minerals while providing some much-needed contrast in texture when served alongside crispy fried foods like onion rings!
10. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are another great side option when serving onion rings as part of your main course meal plan!
Top off these fluffy potatoes with butter or sour cream for added richness in flavor!
11. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is made with green beans, and cream of mushroom soup offers up plenty of rich flavors thanks to cream-based sauces mixed together with green beans resulting in an indulgent yet healthy side dish that goes perfectly alongside fried foods like onion rings!
12. Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is low in carbs but high in fiber, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking for something healthier than traditional sides like mashed potatoes or macaroni & cheese but still tasty enough that nobody will miss the carbs they’re missing out on!
13. Fried Rice
Fried rice is one of those universal dishes that can easily be customized based on whatever ingredients you have on hand; plus, it’s perfect for soaking up all the delicious grease from your freshly cooked onion rings without overpowering their unique flavor profile!
14. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
When it comes to comfort food pairings, mashed potatoes are hard to beat! It goes great with almost any type of entree but especially shines when paired with fried foods like onion rings.
It provides a nice contrast against crunchy fried foods like onion rings, so everyone gets something different textures wise which keeps things interesting!
15. Cornbread
Sweet cornbread is an excellent complement to the salty flavor of fried onions. You can also add some jalapenos, bacon, or other spices for an extra kick!
Plus, its corn-based sweetness makes it pair perfectly with anything from fried chicken tenders all the way to savory onions ring creations!
16. Broccolini
Broccolini (also known as baby broccoli) adds an excellent earthy flavor profile to any meal; its miniature size makes it easier to eat alongside larger items such as thickly cut onions ring creations which helps keep everything balanced texture-wise!
17. BBQ Beans
BBQ beans offer up plenty of smoky flavors thanks to their slow cooking process; plus, they make an excellent accompaniment alongside any type of barbecued meat, such as burgers which also pair well with crispy fried onions ring creations!
18. Fries
It’s no surprise that fries are one of the most popular sides for onion rings! These golden fried potatoes or sweet potatoes are a classic pairing that can’t be beaten. For an extra special treat, why not try garlic fries or sweet potato fries?
They are easy to prepare and flavorful, making them the perfect accompaniment for crunchy fried onions.
19. Baked Zucchini Sticks
Zucchini sticks make a great substitution if you don’t want fries but still want something crunchy alongside your onion rings. They’re oven-baked, so they have less fat than deep-fried versions, plus they’re packed full of vitamins and minerals!
20. Fried Okra
Fried okra is a southern favorite; fried okra adds texture and flavor without overpowering other dishes. The crispy exterior and soft interior combine nicely with the crunchy onions for a delicious side dish.
21. Biscuits & Gravy
If you’re looking for something heavier, biscuits & gravy might be just what you need! The creamy gravy complements the crunchy texture of the fried onions while adding richness to sausage or bacon.
More- What to Serve with Porchetta- Definitely Try 23 + Sides
22. Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Buttermilk ranch dressing isn’t just for salads — it’s also great for dipping! The tanginess from this creamy dressing helps cut through any greasy oiliness from the frying process, making it ideal for dunking your freshly made onion rings into.
23. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Garlic parmesan roasted asparagus is a delicious and easy side dish that pairs well with onion rings. The lightly roasted asparagus is flavored with garlic and Parmesan cheese, creating a flavorful contrast to the crisp onions.
24. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Buffalo cauliflower bites are a great alternative to hot wings that go well with onion rings. The spicy flavor and crunchy texture offer an enjoyable contrast to the fried onions.
25. Baked Potato Wedges
Baked potato wedges are a hearty side dish that pairs nicely with onion rings. They’re easy to prepare, full of flavor, and go great with the crunchy onions.
26. Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are a southern favorite that goes great with onion rings. The crunchy surface and soft interior make them the perfect side dish for crisp fried onions.
27. Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is a delicious side dish that pairs nicely with onion rings. The creamy sauce adds just the right amount of flavor to the fried onions, making them even more enjoyable.
28. Sauteed Spinach
Sauteed spinach is a healthy side dish that pairs well with onion rings. The lightly sautéed spinach adds the perfect amount of freshness to the crunchy onions, creating an amazing combination.
29. Cornbread
Cornbread is a mouthwatering side dish that pairs nicely with onion rings. It’s sweet and savory, creating an amazing combination when served with crunchy fried onions.
30. Onion Dip
Last but not least, why not try dipping your freshly cooked onion rings into some homemade onion dip? It’s easy to make using store-bought ingredients like sour cream and mayonnaise, plus it tastes amazing!
There are countless options present when choosing a side for onion rings. These 30 amazing side dishes will help make sure your guests enjoy every bite when served, along with crispy golden brown onions ring.
No matter what your taste buds are desire, you can be sure there’s an ideal companion for your favorite golden fried treat!
So go ahead – With these options in mind, the next time you whip up some onion rings, you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect accompaniment!
