Elevate your burger game with these 100 creative and delicious burger toppings. From classic favourites to unique and unexpected combinations, there’s something for everyone to love on their next burger.
Full disclaimer here, there might not be 100 burger toppings here. I sorta just kept thinking of things and adding. There might be more. Some might be repeated, or very similar. Who is counting?
I love a burger. Definitely, one of my favourites, whether it’s homemade, store-bought, from a restaurant, barbecued, air-fried, or even from McDonald’s, burgers are immense.
At home, I tend to stick to simple toppings like cheese, sliced pickles, and ketchup, perhaps branching out with sauces and additions at a big BBQ, but when I eat out, I’m willing to try almost anything!
While some of these burger toppings are more suited to a crispy chicken burger (looking at you hash browns and gravy!), most work best with beef, but, of course, there’s nothing to stop you trying them on your patty of choice!
Classic Burger Toppings
The classics are often the best. If you know what you want, fancy a classic juicy burger, you’ll know what works and don’t want to try anything new, these options are the best.
For me, it’s typically a combination of some of these burger toppings that really hits the spot. I love a juicy beef burger with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and red onion, cheese and bacon with ketchup, or cheese and pickles!
Just because you like a classic topping doesn’t mean you have to stick to the same thing. Mixing and matching is the way to go!
- Cheese of choice. American cheese is popular for a good melt, but I really love a slice of sharp cheddar.
- Lettuce – I like crunch, so a crisp bit of cod or iceberg is better than rocket.
- Tomato
- Onion
- Pickles – gherkins for me but I love sauerkraut too.
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- BBQ Sauce
- Mayo
- Bacon
- Mushrooms
- Fried onions
- Onion rings
- Relish
- Burger sauce
- Hot sauce
- Coleslaw – I love coleslaw on the side, but add it if you like.
- Buttered bun – obviously a bun, so I suppose this is just butter, really. I don’t butter mine, but you do you.
- Fried egg
Spicy and Bold Flavours
Hot sauce isn’t the only way to add heat to your burger.
- Fried egg and sriracha
- Kimchi and gochujang mayo
- Chilli con carne
- Buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing
- Jalapeño poppers
- Horseradish and cheddar
- Harissa and tzatziki
- Spicy bean salsa – love this one, especially on a beanie burger.
- Miso mayo and sesame seeds
- Sriracha mayo and crispy onions
- Spicy slaw with jalapeños
- Chopped kimchi and sriracha
- Horseradish mayo and watercress
- Black garlic aioli
- Spicy peanut sauce
- Curry sauce and pineapple – grilled pineapple with cheese is great on a chicken burger. Take or leave the curry!
- Katsu sauce – perfect with crispy chicken.
Cheese Pairings
If you’ve always stuck to the cheese you know and love, it might be time to get creative. These options and pairings might be a great place to start.
- Caramelised onions and blue cheese – I also love blue cheese with red onion marmalade.
- Brie and cranberry sauce – for a festive vibe, lovely with beef but extra special with chicken.
- Mac and cheese – I love this one, but it always feels super decadent.
- Truffle mayo and parmesan – if you want to be fancy pants.
- Pimento cheese
- Stilton and walnuts
- Roasted red peppers and feta
- Goat’s cheese and beetroot – I also love the combination of beetroot and feta.
- Brie and caramelised pear
- Parmesan crisps
- Brie and fig jam
- Goat cheese and honey
- Boursin and caramelised onions
- Green apple and cheddar – thin slices of apple add flavour and crunch.
- Red pesto and mozzarella
- Applewood smoked cheddar
- Blueberry compote and Brie – like a fruity burger? Pineapple isn’t your only option.
Sweet and Savoury Combinations
If you love pineapple on pizza, try teaming sweet and savoury on a burger too.
- Pineapple and teriyaki sauce
- Black pudding and apple sauce
- Haggis and whisky sauce – this is the traditional option, but I don’t like whisky, so I go for a Parmesan and white wine cream sauce on my haggis.
- Mango chutney and curry mayo
- Maple syrup and crispy bacon
- Mango salsa and lime mayo
- Apricot jam and brie
- Fried plantains
- Roasted pumpkin and feta
- Grilled peaches and feta
- Beetroot slaw
- Teriyaki-glazed onions
Creamy and Rich Toppings
If you want a really decadent burger with lots going on, these rich burger toppings might be perfect.
- Avocado and ranch
- Guacamole and salsa
- Cream cheese and jalapeños
- Smoked salmon and cream cheese
- Honey mustard and crispy onions
- Sour cream and chives
- Roasted garlic aioli
- Tzatziki and cucumber
- Cucumber ribbons and dill mayo
- Curried yoghurt and coriander
- Mashed avocado and lime
- Smashed avocado and smoked paprika
- Sliced radish and wasabi mayo
- Dill pickles and cream cheese
- Sliced fennel and lemon aioli
- Greek yoghurt and sumac
- Fried onions and Dijon mustard
- Lemon dressing
Meaty and Hearty Additions
Want something heavier? Give meats and other more filling options a go.
- Peanut butter and bacon
- Baked beans and cheese
- Pulled pork and coleslaw
- BBQ pulled chicken
- Chorizo and manchego
- Fried halloumi
- Buffalo cauliflower bites
- Hash browns and gravy
- Sweet potato fries inside – a popular side, but a great topping too.
- Fried capers
- Chopped cashews and hoisin sauce
- Poutine-style with gravy and cheese curds
- Carrot slaw and tahini dressing
- Smashed chickpeas and harissa
- Artichoke hearts and parmesan
- Roasted Brussels sprouts and honey mustard
- Garlic butter mushrooms
- Roasted cauliflower and turmeric mayo
- Grilled asparagus and hollandaise
- Pickled jalapeños and nacho cheese
- Crispy pancetta and pecorino
Herby, Nutty and Fresh Ideas
Other simple toppings that can make a big impression.
- Pesto and sun-dried tomatoes
- Balsamic glaze and rocket
- Chimichurri sauce
- Sun-dried tomatoes and olive tapenade
- Fried sage leaves
- Red cabbage slaw
- Fennel slaw and lemon dressing
- Fried shallots
Frequently Asked Questions
What toppings go on a burger?
A burger can be topped with a wide variety of ingredients, including classic options like cheese, lettuce, and ketchup or more unique choices such as peanut butter, kimchi, and truffle mayo.
How can I jazz up a hamburger?
Try adding unexpected ingredients like avocado and ranch dressing, caramelised onions with blue cheese, or a fried egg with sriracha.
What are good burger toppings?
Some of the best burger toppings include crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, fried onions, jalapeño slices, and tangy BBQ sauce.
What are some alternative toppings for hamburgers besides meat and cheese?
Vegetarian-friendly toppings include guacamole, grilled mushrooms, pickled onions, sweetcorn relish, and mashed avocado.
What is the proper order of toppings in a burger?
A general rule of thumb is to layer wet toppings (sauces, spreads) first, followed by cheese, then meats, then fresh toppings like lettuce and tomato to prevent sogginess.
Which burger topping has the most calories?
High-calorie toppings include mac and cheese, fried onion rings, peanut butter, and blue cheese.
How do you arrange burger toppings?
Start with sauces at the bottom to keep the bun from getting soggy, followed by cheese and warm ingredients, and then fresh toppings like lettuce and tomato on top for texture.
With these 100 burger topping ideas, you can mix and match to create the perfect burger for any taste!
