Looking for Ideas for Burger Toppings that go way beyond ketchup and mustard? Whether you’re grilling up beef, turkey, or veggie patties, these topping combos bring serious flavour.
I’m always down for a good burger, and honestly, if it were up to me, I’d probably pile every single topping from this list on my patty at the same time—what can I say…I’m a girl who loves her toppings! Whether you’re into a classic beef burger or a lean turkey option, these toppings are here to take your burger to the next level. And if you’re skipping the bun, don’t miss my burger bowl recipe that packs all the flavour without the carbs. Either way, as a topping-lover-burger-eater, I’ve got some easy tips to help you build a burger you’ll actually want to brag about.
PRO TIP: For the best burger build, spread your sauces on the bottom bun to keep it from getting soggy. Then add your patty, followed by melty cheese, crunchy toppings like lettuce or onion on top, and finish with lighter, juicier toppings like tomato or pickles near the top. This layering keeps every bite balanced and your bun nice and sturdy!
But if piling on everything isn’t your style, no worries—I’ll also show you how to balance flavours and textures so your burger tastes amazing without going overboard. I’ll share some good ol’ classics, plus a few unexpected combos you might not have tried yet. And I’ll link you to my favourite sides that pair perfectly with any burger feast. Ready to build the ultimate burger? Let’s get into it!
ULTIMATE BURGER TOPPINGS TO UP YOUR GAME
THE CLASSICS (BEST BURGER TOPPINGS)
Some toppings never go out of style because they just work. These timeless favourites bring that perfect combo of flavour and texture every single time — the reliable ideas for burger toppings can always count on to make your burger come to life!
1. CRISP LETTUCE: A fresh crunch from lettuce is a must-have for many burger lovers. If you want to know the best kinds of lettuce to use, check out my best lettuce for burgers post to get the scoop on what keeps your burger fresh and crisp without getting soggy.
2. JUICY TOMATO SLICES: A thick slice of ripe tomato adds a burst of freshness and a little sweetness to balance the savory flavours in your burger. Plus, it’s just downright satisfying.
3. ONIONS: Raw, caramelized, or pickled—onions add crunch, sweetness, or tang that brightens up every bite.
4. PICKLES: Whether you love classic dill or sweet bread-and-butter, pickles bring that tangy punch that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese.
5. MAYONNAISE: Nothing beats mayo on a burger. Am I right?! It’s creamy, flavourful, and you can customize it to your liking. Check out my easy homemade mayo recipe to make your own! Or, for a fun twist, try using flavoured mayo instead. A few of my favourites are pesto mayo, chipotle mayo, sriracha mayo, or garlic mayo.
6. KETCHUP & MUSTARD: Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason. Ketchup adds a sweet tang, while mustard brings a little zing—together they’re simple but unbeatable flavour boosters.
7. BACON: Because everything’s better with bacon, right? Crispy, smoky bacon adds a salty crunch that pairs perfectly with juicy burgers. It’s a must if you’re after that ultimate indulgence. Feeling adventurous? Try my homemade bacon recipe!
8. CHEDDAR CHEESE: You can’t go wrong with a good slice of melty cheddar on your burger. It adds that perfect cheesy, sharp bite that complements juicy beef, turkey, or even veggie patties.
9. SWISS CHEESE: Mild and nutty, Swiss cheese melts beautifully and adds a subtle creaminess that’s great if you want something less sharp than cheddar.
10. MUSHROOMS: Sautéed mushrooms bring a rich, earthy flavour that pairs especially well with beef burgers. Plus, they add a juicy texture without overpowering the patty. Check out my easy sautéed mushrooms recipe for the perfect burger topper.
11. FRIED EGG: If you want to kick your burger up a notch, a fried egg with a runny yolk adds richness and a fun, decadent twist. Don’t like runny yolks? Try adding an over-hard egg instead!
12. BBQ SAUCE: Sweet, smoky, and tangy—BBQ sauce is a classic crowd-pleaser that adds a bold punch of flavour to any burger. Whether you like it thick and sticky or a little tangier, it’s the perfect way to give your burger that backyard-grill vibe every time.
THE NOT-SO-CLASSICS (FUN BURGER TOPPINGS)
Looking to shake things up without going full-on wild? At the same time, these ideas for burger toppings add a little extra flair, a bit of heat, or a fun twist that’ll elevate your burger game beyond the usual suspects — without losing that all-important balance.
1. CRISPY PROSCIUTTO: Move over bacon—crispy prosciutto is here to steal the show. It’s salty, crunchy, and adds a touch of elegance that instantly upgrades any burger. If you want to make it at home, I’ve got an easy crispy prosciutto recipe that’ll have you hooked.
2. AVOCADO SLICES: Creamy and mild, avocado adds a fresh, buttery texture that balances out the rich meat and cheese. Plus, it’s a little healthy bonus that feels indulgent. If you want to switch it up, try my easy and flavourful guacamole recipe — it’s a great way to add that creamy goodness with a bit of a kick.
3. PEPPER JELLY: Sweet, spicy, and a little tangy—pepper jelly brings a surprising pop of flavour that pairs beautifully with savory patties and melty cheese. So that makes it a perfect combo for anyone who loves a little sweet heat on their burger. Check out my homemade red pepper jelly recipe!
4. BLUE CHEESE CRUMBLES: For those who like a little bite, blue cheese crumbles add a tangy, creamy punch that pairs perfectly with beef and turkey alike. Love blue cheese? Check out my blue cheese stuffed burger recipe for the ultimate cheesy indulgence.
5. HOT PEPPERS IN OIL: If you like a little kick, these spicy hot peppers in oil add a punch of heat and tang that wakes up your taste buds. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to turn up the flavour without overpowering the burger. Try making your own with my easy hot peppers in oil recipe for that perfect spicy touch.
6. GRILLED PINEAPPLE: Sweet, juicy pineapple grilled to caramelized perfection adds a tropical twist that pairs surprisingly well with smoky, savory burgers. It’s a fun way to shake up your burger game.
7. FRIED GREEN TOMATOES: Crunchy on the outside and tangy inside, fried green tomatoes bring a Southern flair and a unique texture that makes every bite interesting.
8. RANCH SAUCE: Creamy, tangy, and packed with herbs, ranch sauce is a go-to topping that adds a cool, refreshing contrast to spicy or smoky burgers. Whether you prefer classic homemade ranch or want to kick things up with my flavourful blackened ranch sauce, these sauces bring that perfect creamy zip to every bite.
9. ONION RINGS: Crunchy, crispy, and full of flavour, onion rings bring an irresistible crunch and a bit of indulgence to your burger. Not only that, they add texture and that perfect salty-sweet onion punch, making every bite a little more exciting.
THE UNUSUAL ONES (CREATIVE BURGER TOPPINGS)
Sometimes the best flavors come from the most unexpected places. These quirky ideas for burger toppings might sound wild, but once you try them on a burger, you’ll be hooked. Ready to surprise your taste buds?
1. KIMCHI: This spicy, tangy Korean classic adds a crunchy punch and a burst of umami that pairs surprisingly well with juicy burgers. It’s the perfect way to add some heat and depth without drowning out the meat.
2. PEANUT BUTTER & JAM: Sweet, salty, creamy, and fruity all at once—peanut butter and jam on a burger might sound crazy, but it’s a nostalgic combo that brings a fun twist and loads of flavour.
3. FRIED CHEESE OR MOZZARELLA STICKS: Because why choose between cheese and crunch? Adding fried cheese or mozzarella sticks to your burger takes indulgence to the next level—ooey, gooey, crispy, and totally irresistible. It’s the ultimate comfort-food upgrade.
4. PESTO: Bright, herb-packed, and bursting with garlicky goodness, pesto adds a fresh, vibrant flavour to your burger. Whether you’re into nutty pistachio pesto, homemade nut-free, pesto, or tangy sundried tomato pesto, these options are a delicious way to switch up your sauce game and give your burger a Mediterranean-inspired boost.
5. TZATZIKI SAUCE: Cool, creamy, and packed with garlicky cucumber flavour, Tzatziki adds a refreshing twist that works beautifully with turkey, lamb, or even veggie burgers. It’s light, tangy, and brings a Mediterranean vibe that’ll have you going back for bite after bite.
6. MANGO-HABANERO SALSA: Sweet, spicy, and totally addictive, mango habanero salsa adds a fiery kick that pairs especially well with grilled burgers. If you love a little heat with your sweet, this one’s a game-changer.
7. MAC AND CHEESE: Yep, right on the burger. Creamy, cheesy, carb-loaded mac brings serious indulgence—and makes every bite extra satisfying. Comfort food on comfort food? Yes, please.
8. CRUSHED POTATO CHIPS: Craving something unexpected? For those who like their burgers with a little crunch! Salty chips add fun texture and a hit of flavour—try kettle-cooked or even BBQ chips for extra punch.
9. FIG JAM: Sweet, sticky, and surprisingly sophisticated—fig jam pairs beautifully with salty cheeses like brie or blue and adds a little gourmet flair.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Start with a well-seasoned patty, then go wild with these ideas for burger toppings! From there, the real fun begins—layer on bold cheeses, unexpected sauces, crispy extras (hi, onion rings), or even something sweet. And don’t forget a killer sauce (see below for suggestions) which can turn your burger into something definitely worth bragging about.
Basically… everything. When it comes to burgers, sauce is where the magic happens. Some of my go-to favourites include homemade big mac sauce (that tastes just like the real deal), Utah’s famous fry sauce, homemade blue cheese sauce, horseradish cream sauce, citrus parsley sauce, and even a creamy lemon dill sauce. You can stick with a classic combo or mix things up depending on your mood—either way, sauce is the secret weapon that ties the whole burger together.
You don’t need much—good beef goes a long way. Stick with kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and maybe a little garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavour. Season both sides right before the patty hits the heat to keep things juicy. Check out my foolproof simple but delicious recipe for homemade beef burger patties.
The 5-6-7 rule is an easy way to grill burgers to your preferred doneness. Cook for 5 minutes per side for rare, 6 minutes for medium, and 7 minutes for well done. Just keep in mind, thickness and grill temp can vary—use a meat thermometer to be sure (160°F is the safe zone for ground beef).
You’ve got so many fun options beyond fries! Think creamy corn, broccoli salad with bacon, sour cream smashed potatoes, or even jicama “fries”. I rounded up all my favourites in this post all about healthy sides for burgers if you want even more inspo.
There you have it—a whole lineup of ideas for burger toppings that go way beyond the usual suspects. Whether you’re feeling something classic, gourmet, spicy, or just plain wild (peanut butter, anyone?), the options are seriously endless. The best part? You can mix and match to suit your cravings, your mood, or even just whatever’s hanging out in your fridge.
If you’re anything like me, coming up with new burger topping ideas is half the fun of burger night. Don’t forget to check out my favourite burger sides to round out your plate—and maybe sneak in a few of those homemade sauces while you’re at it. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a weeknight dinner, burgers just got a major glow-up. Happy stacking, my friends!
LOVE THIS LIST? PIN IT FOR LATER!
The links in this post are affiliate links. Thanks for supporting HipHipGourmet!
