Burgers are great as they are, but if you’re still sticking to the standard lettuce, tomato, and ketchup, you’re just scratching the surface. There’s a whole world of toppings out there that can take a burger from basic to something way more exciting. Think beyond bacon and cheese to unique flavors and options that will make burger night even more crave-worthy.

A close-up of a stacked burger with multiple layers, including fried chicken, cheese, bacon, and barbecue sauce, on a bun.
Photo credit: Shutterstock.
Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Pesto

A bowl of pesto on a table next to a spoon.
Radish Greens Pesto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

A bowl of apple beet chutney with apples and crackers.
Apple Beet Chutney. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

A stack of onion rings on a table.
Photo credit: Shutterstock,

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

A bowl of chili with tortilla chips and guacamole.
Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

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

A small bowl of sauce with a plate of fried food in the background on a wooden table.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

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

A jar of homemade pickles with slices of cucumber and herbs on a wooden surface.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

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

A bowl of caramelized bacon appetizer.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

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

A fresh bowl of colorful coleslaw with red cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing, served on a light blue background with apples and milk in the backdrop.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

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

Grilled pineapple slices garnished with mint on a wooden serving board.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

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

Deep-fried jalapeño poppers with a creamy filling on a wooden board, alongside fresh jalapeño peppers on a red and white checkered tablecloth.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

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

A bowl of pickled red onions on a striped cloth with a fork to the side.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

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 single fried egg in a cast iron skillet surrounded by ingredients and utensils on a wooden table.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

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 spinach casserole in a white baking dish, ready to serve.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

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 jalapeño peppers in a liquid.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

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

A bowl of creamy sauce with red pepper flakes on a dark surface.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

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.

Cook Up the Juiciest Burgers Ever with These 10 Tricks

Two bison cheeseburgers with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on a wooden board, accompanied by sides of pickles and sweet potato fries.
Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

There’s nothing worse than biting into a dry, flavorless burger. Grilling the perfect burger isn’t just about slapping some meat on the grill; it takes a bit of know-how. With these simple tips, you’ll be making juicy, delicious burgers that everyone will rave about.

Read it Here: Cook Up the Juiciest Burgers Ever with These 10 Tricks

12 Surprising Foods That Are Secretly Excellent For Grilling

Grilled vegetables, including red peppers and mushrooms, cooking on a charcoal grill outdoors.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

When you think of grilling, steaks and burgers might be the first foods that come to mind, but there’s a whole world of unexpected items that can benefit from the smoky char of a barbecue. From the creamy richness of avocado to the sweet juiciness of peaches, expanding your grilling repertoire can turn an ordinary backyard barbecue into a gourmet affair. These surprising foods prove that almost anything can be made more delicious with a little grill time.

Read it Here: 12 Surprising Foods That Are Secretly Excellent For Grilling

Select images provided by Depositphotos.

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

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.

You May Also Like:

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *