10 Weird Burger Toppings That Taste Great & 10 That Everyone Loves
Burgers but Better
Burger toppings can be a bit controversial, with many people preferring to stick to tried-and-true classics. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you might discover brand-new flavor profiles that elevate your burger game. To get you started, here are 20 solid toppings to consider.
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1. Peach Jam
Everyone knows sweet and smoky things tend to go together wonderfully. Well, burgers provide the spicy and savory meat, while the peach jam provides a tangy and sweet contrast. Don’t knock it till you try it.
2. Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it situation with little in between. The pungent aroma can throw a few people off, but the bold tanginess is exactly what you need to balance out a super-rich patty.
3. Guacamole
Guacamole may sound like it belongs on nacho chips and in a burrito – but it works great in a burger too. The herbaceous and fresh kick is exactly what you need to cool down a burger without drying it out.
4. Tinned Beetroot
Tinned beetroot is actually quite a staple topping in some countries, especially in Australia. This makes sense when you consider the level of moisture the beets provide to burgers that can all too easily get dry.
5. Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is another weird one that you’ve probably seen once or twice. The creamy and nutty flavor of the cheese, plus the fact that it's much milder than the blue cheese variant, makes it the perfect spreadable contrast to a smoky burger.
6. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter has certainly garnered a lot of popularity as a burger topping choice and is even featured on some secret menus. Either way, the nutty and rich taste may feel very indulgent, but sometimes all you need is that velvety texture to take things to the next level.
7. Hummus
Picture it now: a tasty lamb burger with a dollop of smooth and garlicky hummus – what’s not to love? Hummus is also a subtler flavor profile, which works in those Mediterranean flavors without overpowering a dish.
8. Kimchi
Kimchi is certainly taking the world by storm, which makes sense when you consider how tasty it is. Offering up spicy and tangy flavors, it’s the perfect mechanism for a little more crunch and heat.
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9. Fried Egg
Fried eggs are actually very common picks, but for those that haven’t tried it on a burger, it adds a level of indulgence and depth that you just can’t beat. The yolk serves as a sauce while the extra protein makes every bite feel more hearty.
10. Grilled Pineapple
Some people say you should never put pineapples on pizza – but they’re even better on burgers. The sweet and tangy taste of the pineapple, mixed with the smokiness from the grilling and the saltiness of the meat, is just the tropical flair you’ll need.
Now that we have discussed some unexpected burger bangers, here are 10 classic picks you can never go wrong with.
1. Ketchup
Of course, ketchup belongs on burgers – it actually belongs on a lot of things, from French fries to chicken nuggets. Either way, this go-to condiment is the perfect balance for all savory meats and adds a bit of moisture without overpowering the meat flavor.
2. Relish
Similar to ketchup, relish adds that sweet and tangy taste you’re missing, but it takes things to the next level with some crunchy bits and vinegary zest. Plus, the acidity takes away the heaviness of the meat, making the whole meal more approachable.
3. Caramelized Onions
On the other hand, if you want to make your burger even more indulgent, then throw on some caramelized onions for that deep and savory flavor profile. You’ll not only get the umami you want, but it adds some texture to an otherwise boring experience.
4. Lettuce
Some people correlate lettuce with burgers so much that they use it to replace the bun. Either way, a bit of fresh and crisp veggie is exactly what you need to balance out the heaviness of the meat.
5. Hot Peppers
Of course, there are far more interesting vegetables to choose from than lettuce. Hot peppers double down on the flavors of a burger by adding more spice and smokiness.
6. Spicy Mayo
Spicy mayo has recently been popularized, and now you can find it in everything. It’s on your Popeyes Chicken Sandwich, on your California roll sushi, and the new go-to side for your French fries. This makes sense considering the smooth and spicy elements seem to complement most things without trouble.
7. Tomatoes
Some picky people prefer to keep their distance from tomatoes, as the overtly juicy texture can take away from the crispiness of a burger. Either way, the moisture is a nice refresher, and it can help balance the overtly fatty flavors of the meat.
8. Pickles
Another vegetable that balances those fatty flavors is pickles, which are a favorite topping for many people. They’re so versatile, they work on chicken sandwiches just as well as they do in burgers.
9. Cheese
Aside from adventurous goat cheese or blue cheese, many people prefer good old classic Cheddar or Monterey Jack. Don’t let anyone cheese-shame you, though, as plenty of other brands work great too—especially mozzarella!
10. Crispy Onions
If you’re a fan of onions but want a little more texture, then crispy onions are exactly what you need. You can buy a whole bag full for only a dollar or two, and they’ll keep you coming back for that satisfying crunch.
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