Burgers are a classic favorite that can be taken to new heights with the right toppings.
The traditional lettuce, tomato, and onion is just the beginning of what you can add to your patty. When you explore beyond the basics, you’ll discover a world of flavors that can transform an ordinary burger into an extraordinary meal.
Adding creative toppings to your burger can completely change your dining experience.
From different types of cheese and sauces to unexpected ingredients like fried eggs or avocado, the possibilities are endless.
You don’t need to visit a fancy restaurant to enjoy these exciting combinations. Many can be easily prepared at home with ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.
1. Whiskey Bacon Jam
Whiskey bacon jam adds a perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors to your burger. This unique condiment combines crispy bacon with caramelized onions and a splash of whiskey for depth.
You can make this jam at home with just a few ingredients. The bacon provides saltiness while brown sugar and maple syrup add sweetness. The whiskey gives it a distinctive smoky kick.
Try spreading this versatile topping on your next burger for an instant upgrade. It pairs especially well with beef patties on pretzel buns.
You can also use whiskey bacon jam on sandwiches, grilled meats, or even as an appetizer topping.
2. Pickled Red Onions
Pickled red onions add a tangy crunch that transforms any burger into something special. They bring a bright pink color and zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of meat.
You can easily make them at home by soaking sliced red onions in vinegar, salt, and sugar. Store-bought versions work well too if you’re short on time.
These versatile toppings pair wonderfully with both beef and vegetarian burgers. They balance perfectly with heavier ingredients like cheese and mayo.
Try layering pickled red onions with blue cheese for a flavor combination that offers both tang and richness. They’ll give your burger a restaurant-quality taste that impresses everyone.
3. Onion Rings
Onion rings add a delicious crunch to any burger. They’re popular in America and gaining fans in the UK for good reason.
The crispy texture of onion rings provides a nice contrast to the soft bun and juicy patty. You can place them directly on your burger or serve them on the side.
Try pairing onion rings with BBQ sauce for a classic cowboy burger style. This combination works well with bacon for extra flavor.
For a complete meal, consider adding onion rings to a burger that already has cheese and a special sauce. The layers of flavors will make your burger experience more exciting.
4. Gruyere Cheese with Egg
Gruyere cheese with egg creates a gourmet burger experience that’s surprisingly easy to make. The nutty, melty Gruyere pairs perfectly with a runny egg on top of your patty.
This combo is popular with both kids and adults. The egg adds richness while the Gruyere brings a sophisticated flavor that’s more complex than regular American cheese.
For best results, add the cheese during the last minute of cooking so it melts properly. Then top with a fried egg that still has a slightly runny yolk. The yolk creates a natural sauce that enhances every bite of your burger.
5. Cowboy Sauce
Cowboy sauce adds a bold, tangy flavor to your burger. This sauce combines mayonnaise and barbecue sauce for a creamy, smoky taste.
The standard mix is about 1/2 cup mayo with 1/4 cup BBQ sauce. You can adjust these amounts to match your preference for sweetness or tang.
This sauce pairs wonderfully with toppings like crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and french fried onions. It gives your burger that western-inspired flavor that works great on “Cowboy” or “Western” style burgers.
Try adding a few pickles with your cowboy sauce for a nice contrast of flavors. The sauce’s creaminess balances perfectly with crunchy toppings.
6. Saratoga Chips
Saratoga Chips are a fancy name for crispy potato chips, and they make a fantastic burger topping. They add a satisfying crunch that creates a nice contrast with the juicy burger patty.
You can use store-bought chips or make your own by thinly slicing potatoes and frying them until crisp.
For the best results, place the chips directly on top of your burger patty right before serving.
The salty flavor of Saratoga Chips pairs well with classic burger ingredients. Try combining them with melted cheese for an extra indulgent experience that gives your burger both crunch and gooey texture.
7. Jalapeños and Chile Peppers
Adding jalapeños or chile peppers to your burger brings a spicy kick that many burger lovers enjoy. Fresh jalapeños offer a crisp texture and bright heat, while pickled versions bring tang along with spice.
Try candied jalapeños (also called “Cowboy Candy”) for a sweet-heat combination that’s surprisingly delicious on beef patties. The sugar balances the heat in an unexpected way.
Green chile cheeseburgers pair well with pepper jack cheese for extra flavor. You can also use a creamy garlic mayonnaise to balance the heat from green chiles.
For a creative twist, consider jalapeño poppers as a burger topping – combining cheese and peppers in one delicious addition.
8. Fried Egg, Over Easy
A fried egg with a runny yolk takes your burger to new heights. When you bite into the burger, the yolk breaks and creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats every bite.
This topping adds protein while bringing a breakfast-meets-dinner vibe to your meal. The egg’s richness pairs especially well with bacon and cheese.
For best results, cook the egg until the white is set but the yolk remains soft. Place it directly on top of your hot patty so the heat keeps the egg warm without overcooking it.
9. Feta Sauce
Feta sauce brings a creamy, tangy Mediterranean twist to your burger. This topping combines crumbled feta cheese with yogurt for a smooth consistency that complements beef, turkey, or lamb patties.
To make feta sauce, mix equal parts crumbled feta and plain yogurt. Add a small grated garlic clove for punch and some lemon zest for brightness. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
The sauce works especially well with Greek-inspired burgers. Try pairing it with olives, cucumber, or roasted red peppers for a complete Mediterranean flavor profile.
Feta sauce is also versatile – it can be thick for spreading or thinned slightly to drizzle over your burger.
10. Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a refreshing Greek yogurt sauce that adds a cool, tangy flavor to your burger. Made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs, it brings a Mediterranean twist to your meal.
You can use tzatziki as a replacement for mayo or other creamy condiments. It pairs especially well with lamb burgers or beef patties seasoned with oregano and other Greek spices.
For a complete Greek-inspired burger, add some crumbled feta cheese and baby spinach along with the tzatziki. The creamy sauce balances nicely with the salty cheese.
Tzatziki works well in pita pockets too. Simply stuff a pita with your burger and add a generous spoonful of tzatziki on top for a gyro-burger fusion.
11. Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing adds a creamy, tangy flavor to your burger. It’s a popular choice for those who want something different than the usual ketchup and mustard.
You can use bottled ranch or make your own with buttermilk, herbs, and spices.
The cool, herby taste pairs well with spicy toppings like jalapeños or buffalo sauce.
Try mixing your ranch with a bit of hot sauce for a spicy ranch variation. Some restaurants even use ranch as a base for their “special sauce” by adding extra ingredients.
Ranch works especially well on chicken burgers, but tastes great on beef patties too.
12. Sautéed Peppers and Onions
Sautéed peppers and onions bring a sweet, caramelized flavor to your burger. This classic combination adds both color and taste that elevates any patty.
You can cook these veggies until they’re soft and slightly charred for the best flavor. Red, yellow, or green bell peppers work well, each offering a different level of sweetness.
For extra flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or BBQ sauce while cooking the vegetables. The smokiness pairs perfectly with beef, turkey, or veggie burgers.
This topping works especially well with provolone or pepper jack cheese. The melted cheese helps hold the peppers and onions in place when you take that first delicious bite.
13. Crispy Bacon
Crispy bacon takes your burger to the next level with its salty crunch. The contrast between the juicy patty and crisp bacon creates a perfect textural balance.
For best results, cook your bacon until it’s truly crisp, as limp bacon doesn’t provide the same satisfying crunch. You can chop it into bits or lay whole strips across your burger.
Bacon pairs wonderfully with many other toppings like cheese, lettuce, and tomato. It also works great with sweet additions like caramelized onions or maple syrup for a sweet-and-salty combo.
Try weaving bacon strips together before cooking for an impressive bacon lattice that won’t slide off your burger.
14. Fresh Avocado
Fresh avocado takes your burger to a new level of deliciousness. This creamy topping adds a buttery texture that pairs perfectly with the juicy meat.
Avocado works especially well with turkey burgers, which can sometimes be drier than beef. The natural fats in avocado help keep every bite moist and flavorful.
For the best results, choose ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure. Slice them thinly or mash them with a touch of lime juice and salt for a quick guacamole-style spread.
You can pair avocado with pepper jack cheese for a mild heat that complements its creaminess.
15. Fried Onion Straws
Fried onion straws add a perfect crunch to your burger. They’re thin, crispy, and bring a sweet onion flavor that complements beef perfectly.
To make them, soak thinly sliced sweet onions in buttermilk for about an hour. This helps tenderize the onions and gives them more flavor.
Then mix flour with cornmeal and Cajun seasoning for extra flavor. Drain the onions, coat them in the flour mixture, and fry until golden and crispy.
These crispy toppings work well with melted cheddar and BBQ sauce. You can also pair them with a special sauce or ranch dressing for added flavor.
16. Spicy Peanut Sauce
Spicy peanut sauce adds an unexpected Thai-inspired kick to your burgers. This creamy, nutty topping combines the richness of peanut butter with spicy elements like chili paste or sriracha.
Many restaurants now offer burgers with peanut sauce, often paired with ingredients like cilantro, green onions, or a tangy slaw for balance. The combination creates a sweet-spicy-savory profile that transforms ordinary burgers.
You can make your own peanut sauce by mixing peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and your favorite hot sauce. Try it on turkey, chicken, or veggie burgers for a flavor adventure that breaks away from traditional toppings.
17. Sriracha Mayo
Sriracha mayo brings a perfect balance of heat and creaminess to your burger. This simple combination mixes the spicy kick of sriracha hot sauce with the smooth texture of mayonnaise.
You can easily make this at home by stirring together about two parts mayo to one part sriracha. Adjust the ratio based on how spicy you want it.
This bright orange-pink sauce adds both color and flavor to your burger. It pairs especially well with Asian-inspired toppings like pickled vegetables or grilled pineapple.
For extra flavor, mix in a squeeze of lime juice or a dash of garlic powder. The tangy-spicy profile will elevate even the most basic burger into something special.
18. Caprese Salad Topping
Caprese salad makes an amazing burger topping that brings fresh Italian flavors to your sandwich. Simply layer slices of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves on top of your patty.
You can drizzle a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the toppings for extra flavor. Some recipes even use a thicker balsamic reduction for a sweeter, more intense taste.
This combination works well with beef, turkey, or veggie burgers. The creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil create a perfect balance that elevates any burger to gourmet status.
19. Mozzarella and Pepperoni
Turn your burger into a pizza-inspired delight with mozzarella and pepperoni toppings. This combination brings the best of two favorite foods together on one bun.
The mild, melty mozzarella pairs perfectly with the spicy, savory pepperoni slices. You can use either shredded or sliced mozzarella depending on your preference.
For the best flavor, add the cheese while the burger is still hot so it melts slightly. You might also consider adding a bit of pizza sauce to complete the effect.
This topping works especially well on beef burgers, but can also complement turkey or chicken patties for a lighter option.
20. Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
Thai sweet chili sauce adds a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors to your burger. This popular Asian condiment can transform an ordinary patty into an exciting taste experience.
You can use it directly on the burger or mix it with mayo for a creamy variation. Many burger fans combine it with toppings like pickled vegetables, avocado, or cashews for extra texture and flavor.
For a complete Thai-inspired burger, try adding cilantro, Thai chilies, and a slaw made from cucumber and carrots. The sauce works well with beef patties, but it’s also delicious with pork or chicken burgers.
21. Homemade Kimchi
Homemade kimchi adds a spicy, tangy kick to your burgers that store-bought versions can’t match. This Korean fermented cabbage dish brings a complex flavor profile with notes of garlic, ginger, and chile.
For burger perfection, drain your kimchi well and chop it into smaller pieces before adding to your patty. You can mix it directly into your ground beef or use it as a topping.
Pair kimchi with a bit of mayo or gochujang sauce for balance. The combination works especially well with beef burgers, but also complements turkey or plant-based options.
Try serving your kimchi burger on a toasted Hawaiian bun for a sweet contrast to the spicy topping.
Understanding Flavor Combinations
The magic of a great burger lies in how different flavors work together. When you combine the right toppings, you create a taste experience that’s more exciting than any single ingredient could provide on its own.
Balance and Contrast
Creating a delicious burger requires understanding how flavors balance each other. You want toppings that complement the meat without overwhelming it.
Try pairing rich ingredients with something acidic. For example, creamy avocado works beautifully with tangy pickled onions. The fat cuts through the acid, creating a harmonious bite.
Temperature contrast adds another dimension. Hot beef patty with cool lettuce and tomato creates an interesting sensation in your mouth.
Texture matters too. Combine something crunchy (like bacon or crisp lettuce) with something soft (like melted cheese or caramelized onions). This variety keeps each bite interesting.
Bitter, Sweet, Sour, and Umami
Understanding the four basic taste categories helps you build better burgers. Each plays an important role in creating a balanced flavor profile.
Bitter elements like arugula or dark leafy greens can cut through richness. They work well with sweet toppings like caramelized onions or maple bacon.
Sweet components balance spicy or salty flavors. Try adding:
- Caramelized onions
- Grilled pineapple
- Maple bacon
- Sweet relish
Sour toppings like pickles, sauerkraut, or vinegar-based sauces add brightness. They help cut through fatty flavors and keep your burger from tasting too heavy.
Umami is that savory, meaty flavor found in mushrooms, aged cheeses, and tomatoes. These ingredients enhance the beefiness of your burger while adding depth.
The Art of Burger Presentation
A burger’s visual appeal is just as important as its taste. When your friends and family see a well-built burger, their mouths will water before they even take a bite.
Start by choosing the right bun. A toasted bun not only tastes better but also holds up against juicy toppings. This prevents sogginess.
Layer your ingredients strategically. Place lettuce on the bottom bun to create a moisture barrier that keeps the bread from getting soggy.
Classic Sauce Placement:
- Ketchup and mustard: Apply directly to the patty
- Mayo: Spread on the top bun
- Special sauces: Can go on either the top or bottom bun
Color contrast makes burgers more appealing. Mix red tomatoes, green lettuce, purple onions, and yellow cheese for a visually stunning creation.
Height matters too. Stack your toppings neatly, pressing down gently to make the burger easier to handle. Nobody wants a burger that falls apart after the first bite!
Consider using a burger pick or wooden skewer to hold tall burgers together. This simple tool keeps everything in place and adds a professional touch.
Serve your burger on a clean plate with complementary sides like fries or a small salad. This completes the presentation and makes the meal more satisfying.
