Burger toppings just leveled up, and your grill is about to become the stage for some truly epic creations. Slathering on these spreads and piling on layers of varying ingredients turns the humble burger into a gourmet experience. These outrageously delicious ideas will impress guests during any cookout and turn each bite into a unique experience. Put the lettuce, tomato and onion aside and think outside the box a bit!
Pesto
Fresh and herbaceous, pesto adds a burst of Italian flavor. It’s fantastic with chicken burgers or mozzarella-topped patties, offering a fresh, garlicky contrast to the meat.
Chutney
Chutney, with its mix of fruit, vinegar, and spices, offers a unique sweet and tangy flavor profile. It’s especially good on turkey or veggie burgers, adding complexity and a hint of sweetness.
Onion Rings
Adding a crispy, crunchy layer, onion rings bring both texture and a sweet, fried flavor to your burger. They’re great for those who love a bit of crunch and go well with any classic burger setup.
Chili
Hearty and spicy, chili transforms a simple burger into a messy, eat-with-a-fork experience. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a bit of heat and goes well with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top.
Hoisin Sauce
This thick, fragrant sauce adds a sweet and salty depth of flavor, ideal for an Asian-inspired twist on the classic burger. It pairs well with crunchy slaw or cucumber slices for a refreshing bite.
Zucchini Pickles
These pickles bring a unique, tangy crunch that’s slightly sweeter than traditional pickles. They’re excellent on veggie burgers or with goat cheese, adding a bright, vinegary note that’s unexpectedly good.
Whiskey Bacon Jam
This sweet and savory jam combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the rich notes of whiskey, making it a must-try for any burger. It’s perfect for adding a gourmet twist and pairs well with sharp cheddar or blue cheese.
Apple Slaw
Crunchy, sweet, and slightly tangy, apple slaw adds freshness and texture. It’s a great contrast to rich meats and pairs well with pork burgers or as a refreshing contrast to spicy toppings.
Pineapple
A slice of grilled pineapple brings a juicy, tropical sweetness that contrasts beautifully with savory meats. It’s a match made in heaven for teriyaki burgers or as a partner to spicy toppings like jalapeños.
Jalapeño Poppers
Stuffed with cheese and fried until crispy, jalapeño poppers add a creamy spice to burgers. They’re perfect for anyone who craves heat and creaminess, complementing beef or chicken patties wonderfully.
Pickled Red Onions
These tangy and slightly sweet onions add a bright pop of color and flavor, cutting through richer meats with ease. They’re fantastic with both beef and chicken burgers, especially when paired with creamy sauces.
Fried Egg
A fried egg on top of your burger adds a rich, creamy element. When the yolk breaks, it coats the patty in flavor. Ideal for breakfast burgers or to add a protein punch, it goes well with bacon or avocado.
Spinach Dip
Creamy, garlicky spinach dip isn’t just for chips; it adds a rich, savory layer to burgers. Pair it with a simple beef patty to let its flavors shine, or add it to a veggie burger for an extra dose of deliciousness.
Cowboy Candy
Sliced jalapeños candied in a syrupy mix, cowboy candy offers a sweet heat that’s irresistible on burgers. It pairs brilliantly with barbecue sauce and smoky cheese, giving a kick that barbecue lovers will adore.
Buffalo Mayo
Spicy, tangy buffalo mayo brings the flavor of buffalo wings to your burger. It’s perfect for adding a kick and pairs especially well with blue cheese or celery sticks for a true Buffalo experience.
Upgrade Your Eggsperience With 15 New Ways To Eat Eggs
Tired of the same old egg routine? Eggs are a kitchen workhorse, but sometimes our dishes get stuck on repeat. These 15 recipes crack the code on leveling up your egg game. They go beyond breakfast, spanning savory to sweet for unique and creative ways to enjoy the incredible edible egg.
See them here: Upgrade Your Eggsperience With 15 New Ways To Eat Eggs
Top 10 Most Common Food Safety Mistakes People Make At Home
Navigating kitchen safety can sometimes feel like walking through a minefield of dos and don’ts. Let’s shed some light on the common food safety mistakes that sneak into our daily routines. By understanding and adjusting these small, often overlooked actions, we can significantly improve our food handling practices and keep our kitchens and families safe.
See Them Here: Top 10 Most Common Food Safety Mistakes People Make At Home
10 Best Frozen Veggies To Keep In Your Freezer At All Times For Easy Meals
Keeping the right frozen veggies on hand is like having a secret weapon for easy meal prep. This list is a carefully selected lineup of the best frozen vegetables that promise to turn your everyday cooking into something effortlessly delicious. From the sweet char of fire roasted corn to the versatile goodness of chopped spinach, these freezer staples ensure you’re always ready to whip up something tasty.
See them here: 10 Best Frozen Veggies To Keep In Your Freezer
Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
