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.
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Zucchini Pickles
These turmeric-spiked pickles lend spicy sweetness to the burger at Zuni Cafe in San Francisco.
Tomato
A meaty, sweet presence between beef and bun.
Sauteed Mushrooms
bolster a burger’s savory qualities.
Cornichons
sliced into strips add sour notes and snap.
Alfalfa Sprouts
Alfalfa sprouts, with their fresh, almost grassy taste, pair well with beef.
Bibb Lettuce
A velvety alternative to crunchy iceberg.
Caramelized Onions
Few toppings are more delicious than sweet sauteed onions.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw adds a cool crunch to burgers.
Fried Egg
The soft yolk mingles beautifully with the beef.
Olive Tapenade
Store-bought or homemade, it lends a briny, Mediterranean accent.
Peperoncini
These brined peppers give mild heat.
Pickled Beets
An earthy alternative to sweet pickles.
Pickled Jalapeno
Pickled jalapeno slices convey an aromatic, tingly heat.
Red Onions
Red onions are a classic topping; briefly soak slices in ice water to temper their intensity.
Roasted red peppers
Roasted red peppers give burgers a smoky, sweet accent.
Sauteed Garlic
A bold substitute for onions.
Avocado
A few slices can stand in for mayo and impart a buttery richness.
