With this ultimate list of burger toppings, you can build the ultimate burger bar at your next cookout or get creative with burger night at home!
Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue or just a weeknight dinner, no one can say no to a big, juicy burger.
No matter what kind of burger you make — classic homemade hamburgers with ground beef, grilled chicken burgers, venison burgers, pork burgers, salmon burgers or sweet potato turkey burgers, — keep in mind that everyone likes to dress up their burgers differently. It's a great idea to offer different burger topping options for everyone.
Or, you could serve up a gourmet creation with a unique flavor profile, like grilled turkey burgers with guacamole, pepper jack cheese and pickled onions.
If you have vegetarians or vegans at your party, you might also want to grill up some black bean burgers, veggie burgers or plant-based burger alternatives.
Below we have compiled the ultimate list of 101+ burger toppings to try for all your burger nights year-round, from Memorial Day to July 4 to Labor Day and everything in between. What would you add to this list? Comment below!
Best Buns for Burgers
The eight-pack of classic burger buns is absolutely fine, but if you're looking to take things up a notch, you could try:
- brioche buns
- sourdough buns
- ciabatta buns
- pretzel buns
- sweet potato buns
- lettuce wraps
- gluten-free buns
Cheese for Cheeseburgers
If your people like melted cheese on their burgers, you have so many choices beyond the classic American square slice of cheese.
Raid the cheese section at your local grocery store to come up with some delicious combos to take classic cheeseburgers up a notch. For a party, it's wise to grab a variety of cheese for guests to choose their favorite. Try one of these:
- American cheese
- Brie cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- white Cheddar cheese
- Colby Jack cheese
- Gouda cheese
- queso dip
- pepper jack cheese
- blue cheese
- provolone
- Monterey jack cheese
- Swiss cheese
- goat cheese
Condiments for Burgers
Sauces add even more flavor to a good burger and make them great. Here are some common burger toppings:
- ketchup
- yellow mustard
- Dijon mustard
- mayonnaise
- burger sauce
- barbecue sauce
- Big Mac sauce
- honey mustard
- fry sauce
- salsa
- guacamole
- tzatziki sauce
- truffle aioli
- garlic mayo
- green chile sauce
- sriracha
- ranch dressing
You might want some extra sauces for dipping, especially if you are serving french fries, sweet potato fries or grilled zucchini.
Veggie Toppings
After condiments, we have the fixings! You could go all the way with the classic pickles, onions, lettuce and tomato combo or dream up some delicious combos.
- iceberg lettuce
- arugula
- butter lettuce
- tomato slices
- fresh white or yellow onion
- grilled onions
- red onion slices
- spinach
- avocado slices
- mushrooms
- sliced jalapeño
- green chiles
- cole slaw
- relish
You can even put some of these into your burgers themselves. I love ordering an animal-style burger at In-N-Out, which has mustard cooked into the burger patties, plus pickles, chopped grilled onions and extra burger sauce.
For extra freshness, add fresh herbs like basil leaves, cilantro or parsley, depending on the flavors you're going for!
Bonus: You can also serve a lot of these as salad toppings too.
Pickled Toppings
If you like the tanginess of dill pickles on your burgers, you can have some serious fun with other pickled veggies, such as:
- quick pickled cucumbers
- dill pickle chips
- bread & butter pickles
- pickled jalapeños
- banana peppers
- pickled red onions
- pickled shallots
- kimchi
- pickled radishes
- pickled sweet peppers
Creative Toppings for Burgers
Don't worry, the list isn't over yet. Here are even more ideas you could add to your burger creations!
- scrambled eggs
- fried egg
- crispy bacon
- onion straws
- fried pickles
- ham
- sausage dip
- bacon jam
- fig jam
- chili
- chutney
- grilled pineapple
- jalapeño poppers
- gravy
- cranberry sauce
- peanut butter
- potato chips
- onion rings
- cheese curds
- french fries
- pesto
Common Burger Topping Combinations
There are so many things to put on top of your burger, it can be overwhelming! Here are some fun combinations to serve up at your next cookout:
- Standard burger topping: ketchup, lettuce, tomato, onions
- "All The Way:" lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard
- California burger: tomato, lettuce, guacamole, jalapeños
- Breakfast burger: bacon, fried egg, cheddar cheese, hash browns, maple syrup
- Cowboy burger: barbecue sauce, onion rings, bacon, cheese and tomato
- Philly cheeseburger: onions, mushrooms, jalapeños, red peppers, cheese
- Black & blue burger: blue cheese, pickles, onions
- Thanksgiving burger: turkey burger with gravy, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce
- Pizza burgers: mozzarella, basil, pizza sauce, pepperoni
Best Burger Toppings
One of the best parts of making burgers is the excitement that spurns from the different types of toppings you can add. Check out some of my favorites below!
This tangy homemade burger sauce will take your burgers to the next level. Make it next time you want a restaurant quality burger, or use it as a dipping sauce for chicken, fries, and more!
This easy homemade burger seasoning will have you making drool-worthy burgers without fail! Mix it into the meat and sprinkle some on the patties before cooking for a flavor explosion.
If you're making chicken burgers, use this simple BBQ chicken rub. Grab spices from your own kitchen to make this easy recipe.
Homemade pesto is an easy way to jazz up your burgers! This homemade kale arugula pesto is a peppery blend of pine nut pesto you'll choose every time. Spread it on a bun and pair it with fresh mozzarella and summer tomatoes.
If you're craving a Mexican-style burger, add a layer of salsa. This Five Minute Blender Salsa is the easiest way to enjoy fresh, delicious restaurant style salsa at home! One batch makes enough for a crowd and can be made in minutes with a blender or food processor.
It's not a cookout without ranch dressing! This quick and easy ranch is the perfect hamburger topping. Or serve it on the side with french fries!
This quick and easy Paleo Maple Chipotle Ketchup is the perfect dip or topping for so many of your favorites! Serve with burgers, chicken, baked fries, or as a dip for roasted veggies.
Bacon. Burger. Need I say more? Check out this recipe to learn how to bake bacon and keep your kitchen cleaner while adding a great topping to your burger.
These simple pickles are crunchy, tangy, a little sweet, and easy to customize to your own tastes! They are perfect for burgers.
Homemade fried pickles are a crispy, salty, and tangy snack that can make a great burger topping or a great snack for any occasion.
Pickled red onions are an essential topping for burgers, tacos, pulled pork and hot dogs. They’re easy to make to keep on hand all year long.
Made with sweet Vidalia onions, these beer-battered onion straws bring a light crunchy texture that is a perfect topping for your next burger. You could even take the dipping sauce and pour it on the burger too!
What would you add to this list? Comment below!
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