Burgers are the perfect canvas for creative flavor combinations. Beyond the usual ketchup and mustard, a world of unexpected toppings can transform your ordinary burger into something extraordinary.
Trying new toppings is a fun way to discover exciting flavor combinations that might become your new favorites.
1. Peanut Butter and Bacon
The creamy richness of peanut butter melts beautifully over a hot beef patty, creating a velvety texture that’s surprisingly perfect with savory meat. When you add crispy bacon strips, you get an amazing salty crunch that balances the smooth peanut butter.
Most people raise their eyebrows at this combo until they try it! The key is using natural peanut butter without added sugar. This unusual pairing creates an addictive sweet-salty-umami flavor explosion that might just become your secret burger obsession.
2. Pineapple And Jalapeños
Sweet, juicy pineapple rings bring tropical brightness to every bite of your burger. The natural sugars caramelize slightly when grilled, adding complex sweetness that cuts through the richness of the meat. Fresh jalapeños deliver a kick of heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Together, they create a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Hawaii meets Mexico in this unexpected burger marriage! For best results, grill both the pineapple and jalapeños before adding them to your burger for enhanced smoky depth and mellower heat.
3. Fried Egg And Hot Sauce
Breaking into a sunny-side-up egg on your burger releases a golden yolk that coats every bite with rich, velvety goodness. The runny yolk creates an instant sauce that mingles with the beef juices for pure burger magic.
A few dashes of hot sauce add zingy heat that cuts through all that richness. Morning meets dinnertime in this satisfying combo! For maximum enjoyment, keep the yolk slightly runny and the whites fully set.
4. Brie And Fig Jam
Brie cheese slowly melts over your hot burger patty, creating a luxurious creamy layer that’s pure indulgence. The sweet, fruity notes of fig jam provide the perfect counterpoint to the rich cheese and savory meat.
This fancy-tasting combo transforms a simple backyard burger into restaurant-quality fare! For best results, let the brie sit at room temperature before placing it on your hot patty. A handful of fresh arugula adds a peppery bite that cuts through the richness and completes this gourmet burger experience.
5. Mac And Cheese Pile-Up
Imagine your favorite comfort foods joining forces – that’s the magic of a mac and cheese burger! Creamy, cheesy pasta creates an indulgent layer that adds amazing texture and gooey goodness to your burger experience.
The pasta provides a fun, unexpected mouthfeel while doubling down on cheesy flavor. Kids go crazy for this playful combo, but adults secretly love it too! For best results, use slightly undercooked mac and cheese so it holds together better.
6. Kimchi And Sriracha Mayo
Spicy, funky kimchi brings explosive Korean flavor and satisfying crunch to your burger. The fermented cabbage adds tangy complexity and probiotic goodness that transforms an ordinary patty into an international taste sensation.
Creamy sriracha mayo provides cooling balance while adding its own gentle heat. The combination creates a harmony of spicy, tangy, creamy and savory notes. Your taste buds won’t know what hit them! For best results, drain the kimchi slightly before adding it to prevent a soggy bun.
7. Avocado And Crispy Onions
Avocado slices bring cool creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the hot burger patty. Their subtle flavor and silky texture elevate every bite with healthy fats and gentle richness. Crispy fried onions deliver the perfect crunchy counterpoint, adding sweet, caramelized flavor and satisfying texture.
The combination feels both indulgent and fresh at the same time! For maximum enjoyment, choose a slightly firm avocado that holds its shape. The textural contrast between creamy and crunchy makes this topping duo absolutely irresistible.
8. Blue Cheese And Honey
Blue cheese crumbles melt slightly against your hot burger patty, creating pockets of intense savory flavor in every bite. The funky, salty punch of the cheese transforms an ordinary burger into something extraordinary.
A light drizzle of honey adds surprising sweetness that tames the cheese’s sharpness. This unexpected sweet-savory combination has converted many blue cheese skeptics! Add a handful of peppery arugula or some caramelized onions to complement these powerful flavors.
9. Pickled Red Onions And Goat Cheese
Their vinegary bite cuts through the richness of the meat while adding pleasant crunch and complexity. Creamy goat cheese brings cool, tangy creaminess that melts slightly against the warm patty. Together, they create a sophisticated flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
The combination feels like something from a fancy bistro! Making quick-pickled onions at home is super easy – just soak sliced onions in vinegar, sugar, and salt for an hour.
10. Roasted Poblano Peppers And Pepper Jack
Smoky, mildly spicy poblano peppers add incredible depth to your burger experience. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness while maintaining a gentle heat that won’t overwhelm your taste buds. Melty pepper jack cheese amplifies the pepper flavor while adding creamy, spicy goodness.
The combination creates layers of pepper flavor – from sweet to smoky to spicy. It’s a Southwestern-inspired flavor explosion! Charring poblanos directly over a flame makes peeling the skins easier and intensifies their smoky quality.
11. Onion Rings And BBQ Sauce
The onion rings add incredible crunch and sweet onion flavor to your burger. Their substantial texture creates a fun eating experience as they provide height and dramatic presentation. BBQ sauce brings smoky, finger-licking goodness that complements both the beef and the onion rings.
This combo transforms your burger into a steakhouse-worthy creation! For maximum enjoyment, place the onion rings directly on the patty so they catch all the meat juices. Choose a BBQ sauce that matches your preference.
12. Cranberry Sauce And Sharp Cheddar
The berries provide bursts of juicy freshness along with beautiful ruby color that makes your burger look as good as it tastes. Sharp cheddar brings bold, tangy flavor that stands up perfectly to the fruity sauce. Together, they create a Thanksgiving-inspired flavor combo that works year-round!
Whole berry cranberry sauce works better than the smooth jellied type, giving more texture and visual appeal. A few fresh sage leaves or a spread of sage-infused mayo completes the holiday flavor profile while adding an aromatic element to this unexpectedly delicious burger.
13. Fried Green Tomatoes And Remoulade
Cornmeal-crusted fried green tomatoes bring Southern charm and incredible texture to your burger. Their firm, tangy interior and crispy exterior create an amazing contrast to the soft bun and juicy patty. Creamy remoulade sauce adds zippy flavor with its blend of mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and spices.
For the best experience, fry the green tomatoes just before assembling your burger so they stay crisp. A few leaves of butter lettuce add fresh crunch and help catch all that delicious sauce. This topping duo works wonderfully on both beef and turkey burgers.
14. Grilled Mushrooms And Truffle Aioli
Meaty grilled mushrooms add incredible umami richness and satisfying texture to your burger. Their earthy flavor intensifies when cooked, creating a savory layer that enhances the beef patty. Truffle aioli brings luxurious flavor with its blend of garlic, mayonnaise, and aromatic truffle.
This combination feels like a steakhouse splurge in burger form! For maximum flavor, use a mix of mushroom varieties like cremini, shiitake, and portobello. Marinating the mushrooms in balsamic vinegar and herbs before grilling adds depth and brightness.
15. Potato Chips And Ranch Dressing
Crunchy potato chips bring playful texture and salty satisfaction to your burger experience. Their crisp, ridged surface creates a fun mouthfeel that contrasts with the soft bun and juicy patty. Cool, herby ranch dressing adds creamy tanginess that complements both the chips and the meat.
It feels like a backyard cookout and diner visit rolled into one! Kettle-cooked chips work best since they’re sturdy enough to maintain their crunch. For an extra flavor boost, try flavored chips like sour cream and onion or barbecue.