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:

See our favorite seasonings »
See 9 great cheese options »
See our Guide to Building the Perfect Burger »