Food

Tasty Burger Toppings

July 30, 2009

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 »

Zucchini Pickles — These turmeric-spiked pickles lend spicy sweetness to the burger at Zuni Cafe in San Francisco.Michael Kraus

Tomato — A meaty, sweet presence between beef and bun.Michael Kraus

Sauteed mushrooms — bolster a burger's savory qualities.Michael Kraus

Cornichons — sliced into strips add sour notes and snap.Michael Kraus

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

Bacon — Smoked, cured pork belly adds a salty, meaty note.Michael Kraus

Bibb Lettuce — A velvety alternative to crunchy iceberg.Michael Kraus

Caramelized Onions — Few toppings are more delicious than sweet sauteed onions.Michael Kraus

Coleslaw — Coleslaw adds a cool crunch to burgers.Michael Kraus

Fried Egg — The soft yolk mingles beautifully with the beef.Michael Kraus

Olive Tapenade — Store-bought or homemade, it lends a briny, Mediterranean accent.Michael Kraus

Peperoncini — These brined peppers give mild heat.Michael Kraus

Pickled Beets — An earthy alternative to sweet pickles.Michael Kraus

Pickled jalapeno — Pickled jalapeno slices convey an aromatic, tingly heat.Michael Kraus

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

Roasted red peppers — Roasted red peppers give burgers a smoky, sweet accent.Michael Kraus

Sauteed Garlic — A bold substitute for onions.Michael Kraus

Avocado — A few slices can stand in for mayo and impart a buttery richness.Michael Kraus

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