33 Delicious Alternative Burger Toppings to Elevate Your Grilling

When it comes to crafting the perfect burger, the choice of toppings is often the deciding factor between a mediocre meal and an unforgettable dining experience.

While it’s understandable that many people may stick with familiar favorites like tomato, lettuce, and cheese, this approach can lead to a lackluster outcome. Instead, consider venturing out of your comfort zone and exploring bold and exciting topping combinations that will elevate the texture and flavor profile of your burger.

Not only will this add a layer of excitement to your meal, but it’s also sure to impress your friends and family with its creativity and flair. To get you started, here are some innovative ways to take your burger game to the next level through the strategic use of toppings.

Pickled Red Onion

The humble red onion can be a game-changer in the world of burgers. Not only do they complement beef patties beautifully, but they also bring out the best in turkey burgers, adding a depth of flavor that’s hard to ignore when paired with spicy jalapenos. For those who like their food with just a hint of spice and a tangy twist, this trio is an absolute must-try.

Whiskey Bacon Jam

Indulge in the rich flavors of your favorite whiskey by preparing this sweet and sticky topping. Perfect for those who appreciate the warmth and comfort that whiskey brings, this topping is a game-changer for burger enthusiasts. Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed on a variety of dishes, making it an excellent addition to any meal. Plus, its long shelf life makes it a great option for future meals, as you can easily store it away and enjoy it whenever the mood strikes.

Macaroni Salad

The unexpected union of macaroni and burger patties may raise eyebrows at first, but the harmonious blend of textures and flavors will leave you pondering why this combination wasn’t tried sooner. The creamy pasta adds a delightful contrast to the savory patty, while the nutritional benefits of the macaroni salad further enhance the overall dining experience, making for a guilt-free snacking pleasure.

Gruyere And Egg

While adding a fried egg to a burger is an age-old combination, pairing it with Gruyère cheese elevates the dish by balancing out the richness of the egg. The creamy, salty, and nutty notes of Gruyère complement the egg’s flavor, preventing it from overpowering the entire burger.

Apple Slaw

Instead of settling for the standard burger topping, elevate your meal with an innovative twist: an apple coleslaw recipe. This unique combination of raisins, peppers, celery, and onions creates a symphony of flavors and textures, setting it apart from traditional coleslaw. The tangy sweetness of apples adds a delightful surprise to this refreshing side dish.

Crab And Cocktail

Elevate your burger game by incorporating a delectable seafood twist. The combination of lump crabmeat and seafood cocktail sauce creates a mouthwatering topping that complements the savory patties perfectly. For added depth, finish with lime wedges that provide a sweet and tangy contrast, resulting in a flavorful experience that’s sure to delight.

Hoisin Sauce

For thrill-seeking foodies who crave intense flavors that leave a lasting impression, this recipe delivers. The harmonious union of hoisin sauce, ginger root, and garlic yields an unparalleled depth of tangy, almost smoky flavor that’s a refreshing departure from the usual barbecue sauce. Whether you’re seeking to elevate your grilling game or simply spice up mealtime, this bold fusion is sure to tantalize taste buds and leave you craving more.

Spaghetti Sauce

While traditional spaghetti sauce is always a crowd-pleaser, especially among kids, this creative variation offers a delightful twist. By combining rich spaghetti sauce with melted mozzarella cheese and a hint of dried thyme, you’ll create a truly unique and flavorful accompaniment to your favorite pasta dishes. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and spices to find the perfect combination that elevates this creamy sauce to new heights.

Bourbon Peach

Indulge in the sweet charm of the South with a topping that transports your taste buds to a five-star restaurant. By combining sliced peaches and bourbon, you’ll create a delicate harmony of flavors that perfectly complement the patties. It’s as if only the finest chefs could have crafted such a delightful combination – but now it’s yours to recreate.

Horseradish

While creamy horseradish is renowned for its antioxidant properties, which contribute to overall bodily well-being by keeping us refreshed and protected, its pungent flavor profile also makes it an excellent choice for adding a bold kick to burgers. The fiery, spicy taste of this condiment perfectly complements the richness of meat, making it a top pick among those who crave a little excitement in their dining experience.

Guacamole

There’s something undeniably satisfying about the creamy texture of ripe avocado, perfectly balanced by the savory flavors of a juicy burger patty, onions, and tomatoes. The subtle hint of bitterness adds a delightful layer of complexity to this indulgent combination. When it comes to burger toppings, few can rival the sheer delight that an avocado adds.

Pickled Carrots

Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavor of pickled carrots, a delectable Asian-inspired condiment that pairs surprisingly well with meat and burgers. While low in fat and a refreshing alternative to traditional tomatoes or mayo, these carrots are remarkably easy to prepare and offer an unparalleled boost to the overall taste experience. Serve them alongside your favorite meats for a truly satisfying culinary combination.

Candied Bacon

While indulging in the savory delight of crispy bacon strips on a burger is always a treat, taking it to the next level by sprinkling brown sugar over them reveals a surprising twist. The sweetness not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds a satisfying crunch, cleverly counterbalancing the smokiness that can sometimes overwhelm the dish. This innovative approach allows the nuances of the burger to shine through, making for an unexpectedly delightful combination.

Fresh Herb Compound Butter

Compound butter is a game-changer when it comes to adding flavor and moisture to dry meat. Its versatility makes it an ideal topping for burgers, as just a small amount can elevate the dish from bland to grand. Moreover, preparing compound butter allows you to create a flavorful component that can be stored and used in other meat-based meals, making it a thoughtful addition to your culinary arsenal.

Roasted Peppers And Feta Cheese

Elevate your burgers with a flavorful and refreshing roasted pepper topping, where the tangy feta cheese perfectly balances the sweetness of the peppers. This unique combination adds a delightful kick to any burger without overpowering it. For added texture and a touch of herbal freshness, garnish with chopped parsley. This subtle addition helps to harmonize the flavors, making it a perfect option for those who prefer a milder taste.

Quick Pickled Radishes

While not as pungent as horseradish, the subtle yet tangy flavor profile of pickled radishes still packs a delightful punch. When paired with a juicy burger, these crispy, savory bites are an absolute treat to savor. Moreover, their ease of preparation and speedy cooking time make them an excellent addition to any meal. Experience the simple joy of combining flavors with our straightforward recipe for pickled radishes.

Cranberry Sauce

While many people reserve their use of cranberry sauce for holiday gatherings, there’s no reason why this versatile condiment can’t be enjoyed throughout the year. In fact, a spoonful of cranberry sauce can elevate both beef and turkey burgers to new heights when served as a tangy accompaniment. For an added layer of complexity, consider infusing the cranberry flavor with a splash of sherry.

This subtle addition can result in a harmonious balance of sweet and tart notes that will leave you wondering how you ever settled for plain old burgers.

Garlic Chips

Garlic chips may seem like an unconventional addition to a burger, but they can surprisingly bring a wealth of benefits to the table. For starters, they introduce a rich creaminess and moist texture that helps balance out the flavors and prevent the patty from feeling dry or bland. The added crunch also provides a satisfying sensory experience. But what’s truly remarkable is the nutritional value of homemade garlic chips.

When prepared at home, these crispy morsels are not only bursting with flavor but also packed with antioxidants and essential vitamins that can help our bodies fight off diseases. By incorporating them into your burger recipe, you’ll be treating yourself to a flavorful and health-conscious meal.

Jalapeno Cheese

When it comes to topping a burger, few ingredients are as divisive as jalapeño peppers. While some love the bold, spicy flavor they add, others find them overwhelming. However, when used in moderation and blended with melted cheese, jalapeños can become a game-changer. The resulting flavor is surprisingly mellowed out, yet still retains a hint of its signature spiciness that helps to keep the burger moist without overpowering the other flavors.

This subtle heat makes jalapeño-based cheese layers a great option for those who want to enjoy the pepper’s unique character without being overwhelmed by its full intensity.

Panko

Panko bread crumbs stand out from regular breadcrumbs due to their larger size and reduced oil absorption. This distinct characteristic makes them an ideal addition to any burger, providing a satisfying crunch that complements its flavors. With the ability to be prepared in just a few minutes, this unique Panko topping is sure to elevate your burgers to new heights.

Chimichurri

Combining an assortment of herbs with garlic and olive oil, chimichurri sauce serves as a versatile condiment that harmoniously complements the richness of a burger patty. Its light yet flavorful taste makes it a popular choice for cooking in bulk to accommodate unexpected requests from guests, who often crave just one more serving.

Kimchi

A staple in Korean cuisine, kimchi’s unique blend of fermented cabbage, onions, chillies, and a subtle kick from pungent spices elevates the humble burger to new heights. This spicy condiment adds a much-needed depth and excitement to what would otherwise be a mundane meal. Simply put, kimchi is the perfect topping for adding a bold, fiery twist to your favorite burger.

Peanut Sauce

The rich, creamy texture of peanut sauce is undeniable, making it a must-try for many. One perfect way to enjoy its indulgent flavor is by pairing it with juicy patties in a decadent burger. To elevate this culinary experience, top the patty with a dollop of peanut sauce and finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh scallions, vibrant chillies, and fragrant cilantro.

Curry Paste

When working with curry paste, remember that its concentrated nature means a small amount can have a significant impact on flavor. A light touch is all you need to elevate the taste of your patty or burger. If you prefer a creamier or tangier flavor profile, feel free to blend it with a small amount of ketchup, mayonnaise, or mustard – the perfect way to balance and enhance the curry’s natural flavor.

Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

As the popularity of elote, Mexico’s beloved street corn, continues to rise, it was inevitable that creative cooks would start blending its bold flavors into burgers. By combining the sweetness of grilled corn with the savory taste of a meaty patty and adding a tangy kick from light mayo, the result is a truly unique and exciting twist on the classic burger. For those who crave even more heat, a few dashes of hot sauce can be added to take it to the next level.

Pretzels

Elevate your burger game by incorporating small pretzels into the mix. The added crunch from the pretzels pairs beautifully with a rich slice or two of cheddar cheese, creating a delightful textural contrast. To further amplify the flavors, consider adding a touch of mustard to bring out the best in each bite. As you savor every morsel, you’ll be left wanting more.

Sauteed Peppers And Onions

In this recipe, we’re incorporating fresh basil, provolone cheese, and sautéed peppers to create a unique flavor profile that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized. By adding these lighter ingredients to the meaty patties, we’re able to balance out the richness of the dish, making it perfect for when you don’t want your meal to feel too heavy or overwhelming.

Buffalo Hot Sauce

Indulge in the harmonious union of smokey buffalo hot sauce and a juicy burger – a match made in culinary heaven! While some may think it’s an unconventional topping, once you’ve experienced the symphony of flavors, you’ll be hooked. The spicy kick from the hot sauce is expertly balanced by the creaminess of blue cheese and the refreshing crunch of lettuce, creating a delightful contrast that elevates the burger to new heights.

This effortless addition transforms any BBQ meal into a satisfying experience, perfect for when you’re short on time but big on flavor.

Caramelized Onions And Blue Cheese

What sets this burger apart from others is its impressive filling power, allowing you to savor every bite without worrying about needing multiple patties throughout the day. The caramelized onions’ silky smooth texture and pungent blue cheese create a harmonious fusion that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also leaves you feeling pleasantly satisfied after finishing the meal.

Grilled Pineapple

As the sun shines brighter, this Hawaiian-inspired burger recipe brings a tropical twist to your outdoor gatherings. The key ingredient? Crunchy grilled pineapples that add a sweet and tangy flavor to the patties, blending the best of both worlds – the juiciness of meat and the freshness of fruit. This unique topping is perfect for warm weather get-togethers when you want something refreshing yet satisfying.

Caribbean Mango

Incorporating the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean, this tropical twist on the classic burger brings together the sweet and refreshing essence of fresh mango with the savory charm of teriyaki sauce. As you take a bite, the juicy mango helps to balance out the richness of the patty, providing a much-needed respite from the heat. Meanwhile, the tangy teriyaki sauce adds a subtle spicy kick that elevates the overall flavor profile, making this burger a standout addition to any summer menu.

Goat Cheese

Adding goat cheese to a burger is simplicity itself, but don’t underestimate its impact. The creamy texture not only adds depth to the dish, but also creates a harmonious balance of flavors. When combined with the smoky crunch of crispy bacon on top of juicy patties, the result is a culinary symphony that will leave you wanting more.

Summary

Crafting the ultimate burger requires a delicate balance between toppings, as excessive scarcity can result in a flavorless experience, whereas an overabundance can overwhelm the richness of the patty.

The key lies in finding harmony between these two extremes. Consider experimenting with a selection of innovative and intriguing toppings to determine which combination elevates your burgers to new heights.