Hamburgers are a beloved American tradition, but burgers are popular all over the world. We love a good fast-food or restaurant burger, but there’s something extra special about making hamburgers at home. When you cook burgers on the grill, you can get super creative with lots of different topping ideas.
The great thing about burgers is how versatile they are! You can pair the standard burger with a variety of different toppings to turn them into an exciting meal.
In this article, I will cover 31 fun burger toppings and ideas. So, next time you’re whipping up some burgers, you have plenty of ideas.
Keep reading to find out more.
Source: honestcooking.com
Burger enthusiasts are always on the lookout for creative and delicious ideas to elevate their culinary experience. In recent years, a trend towards unique and diverse burger toppings has emerged, from bold international flavors to surprising combinations that make each bite a fun adventure. This article will explore some of these tempting topping suggestions, inspiring readers to step out of their comfort zone and experiment with tantalizing, new burger creations.
Many food lovers appreciate the comforting, familiar flavors of a classic beef patty topped with lettuce, tomato, and cheese. However, the possibilities for fun burger toppings and ideas are virtually endless, offering an exciting opportunity to think beyond standard combinations and craft truly satisfying meals. In the next paragraphs, we will share a variety of innovative ideas, featuring an array of mouth-watering ingredients that can transform an ordinary burger into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Before diving into these imaginative concepts, it’s essential to keep an open mind and flexible palate, as some of the ideas may challenge traditional notions of what makes a great burger. Pairing unusual ingredients and embracing unexpected flavors can result in a delicious and memorable meal. Embarking on this culinary journey will lead to the discovery of amazing fun burger toppings and innovative ideas that will undoubtedly impress friends and family.
Many would argue that a burger isn’t a burger without fresh, crunchy lettuce.
Lettuce can really lift a dense and meaty burger, adding another layer of texture and a delicious, refreshing crunch as you bite through.
I personally love adding crunchy mini iceberg lettuce to my burgers, as it fits perfectly into the majority of burgers.
Bunless burgers are becoming all the rage. For a healthier burger, why not try eating the burger protein style by using the crunchy lettuce leaves as an alternative to the bun?
If you’re looking for a burger with a kick of spice, then why not try topping your burger with jalapeños.
Adding some chopped jalapeños to your burger works to cut through the heavy meats and cheeses. They offer that perfect touch of tanginess to take your plain cheeseburger to another level.
This delicious recipe uses Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese that is melted, and perfectly complements the warmth and spice that the jalapeños bring.
A tomato can be a controversial ingredient to add to a burger depending on your preferences, but I absolutely love them as a burger topping.
You’d be surprised how much of a difference adding a slice of tomato makes! Not only does a fresh slice of tomato bring a pop of color to your burger, but it also adds a layer of juicy freshness to counteract the richness of the meat.
You might associate fried egg with breakfast dishes, but adding a fried egg to your burger is an absolute game changer!
Simply drizzle some olive oil into a pan and fry the egg until the whites are firm but the yolk is still runny.
Cooking the egg this way will mean that the yolk adds a deliciously rich flavor, while oozing all over the rest of the ingredients in the burger! It doesn’t get much better.
Mac and cheese is an all time favorite, but mac and cheese as a topping in a burger is the ultimate.
Simply boil the macaroni in salted water. To make the roux, melt butter in the pan before adding flour and whisk to combine.
Slowly pour in the milk whilst whisking constantly to avoid lumps occurring Stir in pepper, salt and paprika. Stir in a good handful of cheddar cheese. Add the cooked pasta to the white sauce, add to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake.
Assemble the burgers loading each burger with the meat and then the mac n cheese!
It doesn’t get much more indulgent than burgers topped with homemade onion rings.
Simply combine flour with the cayenne and season generously with salt and pepper. In another shallow bowl, whisk the buttermilk with a generous pinch each of salt and pepper.
Dredge the onion rings in the seasoned flour. Dip the rings in the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, then dredge again in the flour. Fry the rings until golden brown and crisp, drain on paper towels and season with salt.
If you like sandwich meats in your burger, this recipe is the best. You’ll feel like you’re in The Big Apple when adding pastrami to your burger!
Pastrami brings a smoky, spicy, and peppery flavor to any burger, but works particularly well with beef patties.
Pair this burger with shredded lettuce, tomato, gherkins, mustard, and pastrami and you’ll have yourself a dreamy flavor combination. Trust me, it’ll change the burger game for you forever!
Hummus is a great addition to sandwiches and wraps, so why not try it as a topping on your burger?
To make hummus, simply add chickpeas and minced garlic to the bowl of a food processor. Puree until a smooth, powder-like mixture forms. While it is blending, add ice cubes, tahini, salt, and lemon juice.
Top your burger with melted cheese, caramelized onions, fiery rocket, and a generous dollop of hummus!
This take on the Italian dish, caprese salad, is bound to impress all of your friends!
To make the pesto, combine basil, almonds and garlic and pulse. Add the 1/2 cup of olive oil and process to a paste. Add the grated Pecorino and pulse to combine.
Top your burgers with the mozzarella slices and allow to melt. Following this, top with tomatoes, and pesto. What a treat!
Although blue cheese is often seen as a controversial ingredient, if you’re willing to give it a go, buffalo blue cheese makes a tasty topping.
Blue cheese is an acquired taste, but blue cheese with the combination of spice makes an interesting combination that takes your burger to new heights.
Top the burger with blue cheese with half of the caramelized onions. Drizzle a generous amount of hot sauce over the onions, and you have yourself a truly delicious burger.
If you’re looking for a super indulgent burger, it doesn’t get richer than topping your burger with goat cheese and honey.
This is a sweet and salty combo that is simply heavenly! The honey works to balance out and enhance the savory patty, and the result is a melt-in-the-mouth texture and taste that you won’t be able to get enough of!
Build your burger, top with smoky bacon, crumble some goat cheese on top, and then drizzle honey all over it. Decadent!
If you want to add a twist and crunch to your tomatoes, it doesn’t get much better than frying green tomatoes before topping them on your burger.
Spread the flour and panko in separate shallow bowls and season each with salt and pepper. Whisk the buttermilk and egg and season with salt and pepper.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil. Dredge the tomato slices in the flour. Dip in the buttermilk-egg mixture, then dredge in the panko. Fry the tomato slices over moderate heat.
Top your burgers with the golden and crispy green tomatoes!
For a rich and hearty burger, try topping your beef with yummy pulled pork.
Pulled pork adds a super rich, smoky flavor to any recipe, and this pulled pork soaked in bbq sauce is no different. When paired with coleslaw, it’s mouth watering!
Add coleslaw to your burger bun. Top each with 1 burger, 1/4 cup pulled pork, French-fried onions.
Rolling breakfast and dinner into one meal is one of my favorites, and adding breakfast toppings to your burger doesn’t disappoint.
Smash avocado with lemon juice and olive oil. Fry the bacon.
For the lazy hash browns, fry potato in butter and add onion powder, garlic powder and seasoning to taste. Continue frying and breaking up until golden and crispy.
Construct your burger with the bottom half of the breakfast muffin, mayo, then hash brown, then avocado, then burger, finished with egg and other half of muffin.
While we’ve spoken about avocado as a topping, what about guacamole?
Guacamole adds a zingy taste to any rich and meaty burger, and alleviates the texture. Avocado is creamy and filling, while the lime juice adds a nice flavor.
To make guacamole, simply mash avocado with lime juice, salt and pepper. Add chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, and lime juice and season with salt.
Add patty and guacamole to buns and serve.
30+ Fun Burger Toppings And Ideas (+Homemade Coleslaw)
These recipes are sure to please. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
