The Tastiest Toppings
Credit: Michael Kraus
There's almost no limit to what works well on top of a burger; countless foods provide a pleasing contrast in taste or texture to the meat and the bun. Sometimes—in the case of cool and crunchy coleslaw, say, or fiery peppers—that contrast is striking; other times, as with avocado or caramelized onions, it's subtle. Here are 18 of our favorites.
Zucchini Pickles These turmeric-spiked pickles lend spicy sweetness to the burger at Zuni Café in San Francisco.
Cornichons sliced into strips add sour notes and snap.
Red onions are a classic topping; briefly soak slices in ice water to temper their intensity.
Tomato A meaty, sweet presence between beef and bun.
Olive Tapenade Store-bought or homemade, it lends a briny, Mediterranean accent.
Avocado A few slices can stand in for mayo and impart a buttery richness.
Peperoncini These brined peppers give mild heat.
Alfalfa sprouts, with their fresh, almost grassy taste, pair well with beef.
Roasted red peppers give burgers a smoky, sweet accent.
Coleslaw adds a cool crunch to burgers.
Pickled Beets An earthy alternative to sweet pickles.
Caramelized Onions Few toppings are more delicious than sweet sautéed onions.
Pickled jalapeño slices convey an aromatic, tingly heat.
Fried Egg The soft yolk mingles beautifully with the beef.
Sautéed mushrooms bolster a burger's savory qualities.
Sautéed Garlic A bold substitute for onions.
Bibb Lettuce A velvety alternative to crunchy iceberg.
Bacon Smoked, cured pork belly adds a salty, meaty note.
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