Tired of the same old lettuce and tomato on your veggie burger? It’s time to shake things up! Plant-based eating doesn’t mean boring eating. With these unexpected veggie burger toppings, you’ll transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.
Your taste buds will thank you for these creative, flavor-packed additions!
1. Pickled Watermelon Rinds
Sweet and tangy pickled watermelon rinds add an unexpected crunch to veggie burgers. The pickling process transforms this often-discarded part into a delicious condiment.
They balance the savory patty with hints of sweetness and vinegar. Plus, you’re reducing food waste by using the whole fruit!
2. Grilled Pineapple Slices
Caramelized pineapple rings bring tropical sweetness to plant-based burgers. The grilling process enhances the fruit’s natural sugars, creating delicious charred edges.
Their juicy texture complements the heartiness of veggie patties perfectly. For extra flavor, sprinkle with a touch of cinnamon before grilling!
3. Crispy Fried Lotus Root
Looking for something unique? Thinly sliced lotus root, quickly fried until golden, creates a beautiful and crunchy topping. The lacy appearance makes your burger Instagram-worthy!
They’re the great alternative to boring old onion rings.
4. Kimchi Slaw
Kick your burger up several notches with homemade kimchi slaw. This Korean-inspired topping brings heat, tang, and probiotic benefits to your meal.
Mix shredded cabbage with store-bought kimchi and a splash of rice vinegar. The fermented flavors cut through rich veggie patties beautifully.
5. Mashed Avocado With Roasted Garlic
Forget plain avocado slices! Mash ripe avocado with whole roasted garlic cloves for a creamy, aromatic spread. The sweet, mellow garlic transforms basic avocado into something magical.
Add a squeeze of lemon to keep the color bright. This rich topping pairs beautifully with spicy veggie patties, creating a cool contrast.
6. Balsamic Glazed Strawberries
Sweet meets savory in this unexpected topping! Sliced strawberries quickly sautéed in balsamic vinegar create a jammy, sophisticated burger addition.
The natural sweetness concentrates while cooking, while the balsamic adds depth. This fruit topping works surprisingly well with herb-heavy veggie patties.
7. Marinated Artichoke Hearts
Tangy, tender artichoke hearts bring Mediterranean flair to plant-based burgers. Their unique flavor profile adds complexity without overwhelming other toppings.
Roughly chop marinated hearts and mix with a little fresh lemon zest. The bright, acidic notes cut through the richness of veggie patties.
8. Miso-Glazed Mushrooms
Umami bomb alert! Sautéed mushrooms glazed with sweet-savory miso paste create an incredibly rich topping. The natural meatiness of mushrooms complements veggie patties perfectly.
Use a mix of varieties for the best texture and flavor. A quick toss with miso paste and a touch of maple syrup transforms ordinary mushrooms into an extraordinary burger addition.
9. Curried Chickpea Smash
Move over, plain hummus! Roughly smashed chickpeas mixed with curry powder, lime juice, and cilantro create a textured, flavorful spread.
The warming spices add depth to any veggie burger. Keep it chunky for the best texture – this isn’t meant to be smooth like traditional hummus.
10. Grilled Cactus Paddles
Nopales (cactus paddles) bring a unique, slightly tart flavor similar to green beans when grilled. They’re popular in Mexican cuisine but often overlooked as a burger topping.
Slice them thin and grill until tender with light char marks. Their bright green color and interesting texture make veggie burgers stand out visually and flavor-wise.
11. Crispy Fried Seaweed
Seaweed isn’t just for sushi! Quickly fried nori or dulse flakes create a crispy, mineral-rich topping with ocean-fresh flavor.
The light, crispy texture contrasts beautifully with soft veggie patties. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds extra crunch and nutty flavor to this unexpected but delicious burger addition.
12. Jackfruit Bacon
Smoky, crispy jackfruit strips seasoned with liquid smoke and maple syrup create a convincing plant-based “bacon” experience. The texture is remarkably similar to the real thing!
Marinate young jackfruit, then bake until edges crisp up. These sweet-smoky strips add that missing bacon-y element to veggie burgers without any animal products.
13. Pickled Red Grapes
Quick-pickled red grapes offer bursts of sweet-tart flavor in every bite. The pickling liquid typically includes vinegar, sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon or star anise.
Halve the grapes before pickling for faster flavor absorption. Their juicy pop creates an exciting textural contrast with veggie patties.
14. Roasted Garlic Jam
Sweet, sticky garlic jam might sound strange, but it’s absolutely magical on veggie burgers! Slowly roast whole garlic heads until caramelized and buttery soft.
Mash with a touch of maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. The result is a spreadable, sweet-savory condiment that enhances the flavors of any plant-based patty without overwhelming it.
15. Crispy Fried Plantains
Thinly sliced green plantains fried until golden create incredible crunch and tropical flavor. Unlike their sweet yellow counterparts, green plantains are starchy like potatoes.
Season with a pinch of salt while hot. These crispy rounds add satisfying texture and subtle flavor that complements spicy veggie patties particularly well.
16. Gochujang Glazed Eggplant
Thin slices of eggplant glazed with spicy-sweet Korean gochujang paste create a tender, flavorful topping. The eggplant soaks up the sauce like a sponge!
Broil until the edges caramelize for maximum flavor. The deep umami notes in both the eggplant and gochujang make veggie burgers taste incredibly satisfying and complex.
17. Maple Miso Sweet Potato
Thinly sliced sweet potatoes roasted with maple syrup and miso paste create a sweet-savory-umami explosion. The natural sweetness intensifies in the oven, while miso adds depth.
The slices become tender in the center with caramelized edges. This colorful orange topping brings earthy sweetness that balances spicy or heavily seasoned veggie patties beautifully.
18. Charred Corn and Poblano Relish
Smoky, slightly spicy corn relish adds Southwestern flair to plant-based burgers. Char corn kernels and diced poblano peppers in a hot skillet until blackened in spots.
Mix with lime juice and cilantro for brightness. The sweet corn pops against the mild heat of the peppers.
19. Fried Green Tomatoes
Southern-style fried green tomatoes bring tangy crunch to veggie burgers. The firm, unripe tomatoes hold their shape perfectly when coated and fried.
Use cornmeal in the coating for authentic texture. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the slightly tart, firm tomato inside creates a memorable burger experience.