Techniques

Tasty Burger Toppings

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.

For more tips on building the perfect burger:

Zucchini Pickles
Zucchini Pickles

These turmeric-spiked pickles lend spicy sweetness to the burger at Zuni Cafe in San Francisco.

Tomato
Tomato

A meaty, sweet presence between beef and bun.

Sauteed mushrooms
Sauteed Mushrooms

bolster a burger’s savory qualities.

Cornichons
Cornichons

sliced into strips add sour notes and snap.

Alfalfa sprouts
Alfalfa Sprouts

Alfalfa sprouts, with their fresh, almost grassy taste, pair well with beef.

Bibb Lettuce
Bibb Lettuce

A velvety alternative to crunchy iceberg.

Caramelized Onions
Caramelized Onions

Few toppings are more delicious than sweet sauteed onions.

Coleslaw
Coleslaw

Coleslaw adds a cool crunch to burgers.

Fried Egg
Fried Egg

The soft yolk mingles beautifully with the beef.

Olive Tapenade
Olive Tapenade

Store-bought or homemade, it lends a briny, Mediterranean accent.

Peperoncini
Peperoncini

These brined peppers give mild heat.

Pickled Beets
Pickled Beets

An earthy alternative to sweet pickles.

Pickled jalapeno
Pickled Jalapeno

Pickled jalapeno slices convey an aromatic, tingly heat.

Red onions
Red Onions

Red onions are a classic topping; briefly soak slices in ice water to temper their intensity.

Roasted red peppers
Roasted red peppers

Roasted red peppers give burgers a smoky, sweet accent.

Sauteed Garlic
Sauteed Garlic

A bold substitute for onions.

Avocado
Avocado

A few slices can stand in for mayo and impart a buttery richness.

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