What Makes A Good Burger (And What Doesn't)
This classic American dish is beloved by people all over the world. And while it's a highly customizable food, there are some topping choices out there many would disagree with. To give you an idea of what belongs on a good burger, here are 10 toppings we'd cast out and 10 that are absolute staples.
1. Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is already quite the polarizing food and throwing it in a burger doesn't make it better. If anything, this pungent and overpowering ingredient ruins the perfect balance of all the other toppings. Unless you really love the taste, there's no way this cheese is better than the classic American slice.
2. Chili
Unless you're craving a sloppy joe, we don't enjoy making our burgers messier than they already are. Chili is just one of those foods with a unique flavor profile we don't recommend as a topping. It doesn't mix well with the typical combo, and in our eyes, it's just overdoing it.
3. Seafood
While the thought of a surf and turf burger might initially sound appealing, you'll quickly realize the flavors just clash. Because while a beef patty might pair wonderfully with some tomatoes and cheese, can you really say the same about a crab cake or shrimp?
4. Kimchi
This beloved South Korean side is tasty on its own, but when thrown in a burger, it can be way too overpowering.
Kimchi is known for its incredibly tangy and sour taste, meaning it's quite hard making it mesh well with other toppings.
5. Pineapple
Listen, if pineapple is controversial on pizza, the same goes for burgers. This hit or miss ingredient tends to be unpopular with most of the burger crowd. If you do decide to use it as a topping, you're going to have to change up your entire combo to make it work. That's because pineapple doesn't work well with most things - can you imagine it in a Big Mac?
6. Bell Peppers
Full of earthy, slightly bitter flavors, bell peppers just aren't made for burgers. While it is a healthier option, that doesn't always mean it works. This unconventional topping definitely had people sharing their opinion about it online. Let's just say most weren't positive.
7. Peanut Butter
While there are a lot of peanut butter burgers out there, a mass majority of people don't really stand behind it. Most of the time, this condiment is far too thick and creates an unappetizing pasty texture. No one wants their burger tasting like wet cement.
8. Sauerkraut
Similar to kimchi, sauerkraut is a fermented dish that is a little too acidic for it to work well on a burger. A lot of people already don't like it on its own, making it on burger topping most people wouldn't choose to have.
9. Beetroot
As far as terrible burger toppings go, it seems many people online voted beetroot as one of the worst. Because it's one of the most disliked vegetables out there, we're not surprised of this result. Known for having an earthy taste which most say reminds them of dirt, no one really want their burger tasting like it came from the ground.
10. Cilantro
Given that there's a gene that makes cilantro taste like soap for many people, this alone makes it an ingredient difficult to support as a topping. Some may appreciate the freshness, but overall, its incredibly strong flavor can ruin the perfect balance of everything else. Not to mention, those stems sure are annoying to eat.
1. American Cheese
The tastiest classic burgers out there typically all use a melty slice of American cheese. It has just the right amount of sharpness and saltiness that makes every bite even more delicious. We definitely stand behind this cheese being the one ingredient that should always be on every burger.
2. Tomatoes
The best burgers always balance the trinity of freshness, meatiness, and acidity. Too much of one thing will ruin this harmony! That's why tomatoes are such a good topping choice. Not only does it add a beautiful bite, it provides a fresh and slightly sour taste that offsets all that rich fattiness.
3. Lettuce
You know you've got a good burger when the lettuce is still fresh and crisp. Some people don't think lettuce adds a whole lot, but they'd be wrong. Giving you some nice crunch and freshness, this simple ingredient helps make burgers feel whole.
4. Onions
Whether you like them raw or caramelized, onions are underappreciated essentials that need more attention. This staple ingredient is key to making your burger have more depth and taste. It's what makes the flavors feel more complex, making you go back for another bite every time.
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5. Bacon
Who doesn't love a juicy, crispy cut of bacon? Giving your burger that extra meaty flavor we all crave, it's one of the best toppings out there. People will never hesitate to pay an extra dollar if it means adding this ingredient to complete their meal.
6. Pickles
We know some of you might not enjoy pickles, but as far as burgers go, this is the best ingredient to give it some acidity. Having that lovely crunch and sour bite, pickles are amazing at cutting through the greasiness burgers tend to have.
amirali mirhashemian on Unsplash
7. Eggs
Just imagine this: a perfectly runny egg that oozes over your burger the moment you bite into it. An essential ingredient for any breakfast burger, eggs have an inoffensive taste that only adds to the overall experience.
It provides a delicious richness that pairs with each topping beautifully.
8. Mushrooms
You might be scratching your head seeing mushrooms on this list, but trust us, give it a try! When sauteed well, this ingredient adds a beautiful depth of flavor to your burger. Without tasting overly earthy, mushrooms provide a wonderful umami that makes the dish better.
9. Avocado
Adding the perfect creaminess to every bite, avocado is a healthy addition to any burger. It might sound like a "trendy" topping, but one bite is all you'll need to see the appeal.
10. Condiments
From Big Mac sauce to barbecue and chipotle, there are so many different condiments out there for you to drizzle over your burger. The key point here is that every good burger has some great complimentary sauce to go with it! Without it, you'd be left with something dry and boring.
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