If you want to know what the best sides are for venison, look no further! This list of the 50 best sides for venison steaks, burgers, and more will help you out.
A juicy venison burger sizzling on the grill is a carnivore’s delight Gamey, beefy, and rich, venison packs massive flavor into every bite But the right sides are key to balancing the decadence of the burger while showcasing the unique flavor of the meat.
You’ll want options that complement, rather than compete with, the venison. Starches soak up savory juices and provide a neutral base. Crunchy vegetables and fresh salads cut through the unctuousness. And don’t forget the cheese, condiments, and fried onions for topping your masterpiece creation.
Keep reading for 12 sensational sides to serve alongside your venison burgers for a well-rounded meal.
1. Thick-Cut Fries
It doesn’t get more classic than a messy stack of fries next to a towering venison burger For maximum indulgence, go for thick-cut fries with crispy edges and fluffy centers. Fry up russet potatoes until golden brown, then season with salt and pepper. A squirt of ketchup or drizzle of cheese sauce takes these spuds over the top. The starchiness pairs perfectly with the richness of venison
2. Beer Battered Onion Rings
Crunchy onion rings provide texture contrast and subtle sweetness to balance hearty venison patties. For an extra twist use a light beer like lager or pilsner to make the batter. After dredging sliced onions and frying until crisp, sprinkle with salt or dip in spicy ranch dressing. The carbonation gives the coating an airy crispness that stands up well to juicy burgers.
3. Creamy Coleslaw
Cool, creamy coleslaw complements a hot venison burger beautifully. For the slaw, thinly slice green and red cabbage and toss with shredded carrot. Fold in mayonnaise spiked with cider vinegar and celery seed. The sweet and tangy crunch offsets the richness of the venison. A squirt of yellow mustard ties the flavors together.
4. Chipotle Baked Beans
These smoky, sweet beans are a BBQ classic for good reason. Combine canned beans with ketchup, brown sugar, onion, and minced chipotles in adobo sauce. Bake until thick and saucy. The subtle heat and touch of sweetness enhances the flavor of venison without masking it. Spoon these messy beans right onto your burger.
5. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
For the ultimate in comfort food, serve your venison burgers atop a heaping mound of creamy mashed potatoes. Boil and mash russet potatoes with butter, milk, and roasted garlic. The fluffy spuds complement the texture of charbroiled venison patties. Drizzle the whole shebang with gravy for pure decadence.
6. Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Pizza
For a fun twist, ditch the bun and serve your venison burger patties atop personal pizzas! Top pre-baked pizza crusts with caramelized onions, crumbled goat cheese, and sliced venison patties. Add a final sprinkle of fresh oregano. The sweet onions and earthy cheese pairing can’t be beat.
7. Tomato, Cucumber, and Avocado Salad
This vibrant salad provides fresh contrast to juicy venison patties hot off the grill. Toss together diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and cubed avocado. Make a simple dressing with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and basil. The bright flavors and colors balance the rich meat.
8. Grilled Corn with Lime and Cotija
For ultimate summer flavor, char fresh corn on the cob alongside your venison patties. Brush with olive oil and grill until lightly charred. Then top with a squeeze of lime juice, a sprinkle of chili powder, and salty crumbled Cotija cheese. The corn’s natural sweetness plays perfectly against the gaminess of venison.
9. Crispy Roasted Potatoes
These crunchy spuds are a guaranteed hit next to your burger. Cut small potatoes into wedges, toss with oil, and roast at high heat until deeply browned. The crispy exterior surrounds a fluffy interior that soaks up meaty juices and sauces. Sprinkle with fresh herbs or dip in spicy aioli.
10. Pickled Red Onions
Quick pickled red onions provide a tart, tangy crunch when piled atop your venison burger. Thinly slice red onions and submerge in a vinegar solution spiked with warm spices like coriander, bay leaf, and black pepper. Chill for an hour before serving. The bright acid cuts through the rich patties.
11. Cheddar Cheese Biscuits
Warm, flaky cheddar biscuits are the ultimate burger companion. Fold shredded cheddar into biscuit dough flavored with garlic and herbs. Cut out rounds and bake until golden on top. The cheesy biscuits complement the meat while soaking up any drips of juice or sauce from your masterpiece creation.
12. Basil Pesto Pasta Salad
A summery pesto pasta salad completes your cookout spread. Toss cooked pasta shells with pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, and diced salami. The basil and garlic in the pesto echo the herby flavors used to season the venison patties. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar ties it all together.
With your venison patties grilled to juicy perfection, now is the time to choose your sides. Crispy fries, flavorful bean salads, or fresh pesto pasta all do the trick. Piecing together the perfect meal around your venison burger will lead to an extraordinary dining experience.
The BEST Sides for Venison These easy air fryer Hasselback potatoes are drenched in garlic herb butter, giving you an almost addictive crispy-on-the-outside, pillowy-on-inside snack or side dish in no time.
You can make a lot of these venison side dish recipes ahead of time and put them in the fridge or freezer for up to three days. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead.
More Side Dish Recipes
Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of sides for venison steaks. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
DO YOU WANT MORE? For more great platings,
How To Make The Best Deer Burgers: Venison Burgers Made The Right Way!
FAQ
What pairs well with venison?
What is best to mix with deer burger?
What meat to mix with ground venison?
Is venison healthier than beef?
What can I substitute for venison in a Burger?
Ground Sausage – if you don’t want to use ground pork sausage, you could substitute it with ground beef, ground turkey or even ground chicken. If you don’t want to use any other type of meat to mix with the venison, that’s ok too but just know that it could result in a “dry” burger.
What toppings go well with venison burgers?
Smoked cheese would also be great, such as smoked cheddar or smoked gouda! Best venison burger toppings. I recommend topping your venison burgers with cheese, lettuce, pickles and chipotle aioli! Chipotle aioli adds so much delicious, smoky flavor and pairs perfectly with venison.
Should I add bacon to venison burgers?
I highly recommend adding bacon to the ground venison! Venison is an extremely lean meat, that making the burgers without it would leave them quite dry. Adding the fatty bacon to the burgers adds richness, moisture, salt, and of course so much delicious flavor!
Do you eat venison burgers?
We absolutely love venison burgers aka deer burgers!! Mixing in a few slices of finely chopped bacon to the ground venison seriously adds so much flavor, while making the burgers juicy. The bacon cooks nicely into the venison, adding flavor and fat without changing the texture. And the smoky aioli sauce – sooo good!!