Burger toppings just got a whole lot more exciting. Fire up the grill, grab your spatula and get ready to wow 'em with these outrageously delicious ideas.
50 Crazy-Delicious Burger Toppings You Need to Try
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
When the weather gets hot enough to grill, you know summer barbecue season has arrived. And what better way to greet it than with a nice juicy burger?
Shoot for the stars this Memorial Day, Labor Day or any day in between, and try something new. The sky’s the limit when it comes to these unique burger ideas with toppings. So slap on that ‘Grill Master’ apron and get to work!
Round out your meal with a few summer salads and a no-bake dessert.
Whiskey Bacon Jam
You can slather this whiskey bacon jam on pretty much anything, but nothing beats it as a burger topping. It offers a great change of pace while still maintaining a smoky flavor.
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Pickled Red Onions
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone should have a jar of this pickled red onion recipe in their refrigerator at all times. I put them on everything and they keep for weeks, if they last that long. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Onions are a classic burger topping. But what about pickled onions? The difference, apart from the bright pink color, is that pickled onions bring a sweet and tangy flavor to your burger.
3/51
Onion Rings & Lemon Sauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Falafel burgers with lemon yogurt sauce mark the first recipe I created myself. Use leftover mix to make chicken falafel or falafel with veggies or fish. —Nicole Mederos, Hoboken, New Jersey
You’ve had onion rings on the side for far too long. It’s time to cut out the middle man and put them right on your burger! People do the same with fries, and this technique adds way more crunch.
4/51
Gruyere & Egg
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These burgers were a huge hit with our friends during football season. Regular mayo can easily be substituted for the garlic aioli if desired. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Something about an egg in a burger just screams brunch. With a garlic aioli spread on top, it’s truly a dream. If you’re someone who likes ketchup on eggs, give that a try here too!
5/51
Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapenos)
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
If you love spicy food like we do, then these tasty candied jalapenos—also known as cowboy candy—are for you! You can save the syrup to baste roasted chicken or grilled salmon, or mix it into salad dressings. Jars of this dynamite condiment make a great gift. —Rita Ladany, Edison, New Jersey
Yeehaw! This spicy and sweet condiment is about to change your life for the better. Be wary that this topping is less spicy than plain jalapeños, but if you’re into a pickled taste, you’ve gotta try it! All parts of this can be used, including the syrup.
6/51
Celery, Blue Cheese & Hot Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Celery and blue cheese dressing help tame the hot sauce on this turkey burger recipe. For an even lighter version, pass on the buns and serve the burgers with lettuce leaves, sliced onion and chopped tomato. —Mary Pax-Shipley, Bend, Oregon
Hot sauce and bleu cheese were made to go together. And you already use celery as a vehicle for dip, so why not put it in the mix! The celery adds a satisfying, cooling crunch that contrasts great with the biting hot sauce.
7/51
Memphis Barbecue Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1-2/3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this Memphis BBQ sauce recipe for our summer picnics because we love to grill. It can be made ahead, so it's ready whenever you fire up the grill. —Angela Spengler, Niceville, Florida
Homemade barbecue sauce takes a meal from good to great. Not that there’s anything wrong with jarred barbecue sauces, but adjusting to you and your family’s taste goes a long way! And this Memphis sauce is no exception. Having this staple in your pantry can transform your summer burgers.
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Burger Sauce
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy mayo, crisp pickles and rich ketchup—this sauce combines all of the best burger condiments in one! This sweet and tangy sauce is perfect for dipping fries, too. —Kristyne McDougle Walter, Lorain, Ohio
Creamy mayo, crisp pickles and rich ketchup—this sauce melds creamy, tangy and savory notes to craft the ultimate topping for your favorite patties.
9/51
Chili
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Big, bold chili and french-fried onions are a fun alternative to the classic burger fixings of ketchup and mustard. The patties are easy to assemble, making this a great weeknight sandwich. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona
Chili dogs are already such a big part of summer so it only makes sense that chili burgers would be too! French-fried onions are also a fun alternative to just regular onions. They feel more like crisps with a bolder flavor.
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Pineapple
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love hamburgers and tropical fruit, so it just seemed natural for me to combine them. My family frequently requests this unique Hawaiian pineapple burger recipe. It's a nice change of pace! —Joi McKim-Jones, Waikoloa, Hawaii
Imagine yourself by the pool with a coconut in one hand and this aloha burger in the other. Pineapple may be a debate on pizza but there’s no question when it comes to this burger!
11/51
Hoisin Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to make turkey burgers a lot more fun. On a whim, I added hoisin sauce, gingerroot and garlic. Now we eat them about once a week. —Ashley Gayle, Ellicott City, Maryland
For more of an Asian-inspired burger, try this hoisin sauce! Gingerroot and garlic go a long way to create a burger with a strong but unified taste.
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Romesco Sauce
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether you pair it with fish, roasted veggies or some other creation, this flavor-packed romesco sauce will take your dish to a new level. —Lauren McAnelly, Des Moines, Iowa
Let me introduce you to your new favorite sauce. This is a “goes on everything” type of recipe but we like it best on a classic burger. Every restaurant has a special sauce or a secret sauce that becomes a staple of the place. How cool would it be for your home to have its own signature sauce, too?
13/51
Feta & Cucumber Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends always request these tasty chicken burgers. I sometimes add olives to punch up the flavor! The burgers are exceptional with the mayonnaise-cucumber topping. —Angela Robinson, Findlay, Ohio
TikTok showed us the power of feta in pasta. It was about time it made its way to burgers! These Greek-style burgers have a mayonnaise-cucumber topping that’s only made more delightful with some olives.
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Bourbon Peach Jam
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
3 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
Bourbon has been popular at our house since we visited the Kentucky Bourbon Trail a few years ago. Every bite of this jam reminds me of that fun trip. —Katie Ferrier, Houston, Texas
Are you the type of person who mixes their popcorn with M&M’s at the movies? Then this is the burger topping for you! It’s the perfect combination of savory and sweet.
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Chunky Ketchup
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this chunky homemade ketchup to jazz up chopped steak sandwiches and hot sausage sandwiches for my family. It's so delicious and fresh-tasting. I gave some to our friends, too, and they enjoyed it on hamburgers and even stuffed peppers. —Susan Stahr, Driftwood, Pennsylvania
Ketchup is already an elite condiment but this chunky version provides the one thing plain ketchup is missing: texture! With green peppers and onion, it almost resembles a salsa.
16/51
Chutney, Mustard & Lime Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The secret to these burgers is the tangy mango chutney, but the arugula adds a special wow to the plate. I get lots of compliments when I serve these at summer or fall cookouts. — Jeanne Lueders, Waterloo, Iowa
The secret to this recipe is the tangy mango chutney, but the arugula adds a special wow to the plate. If you eat this on a turkey burger or a non-traditional burger, it adds extra moisture.
17/51
Pickled Sweet Peppers
Total Time
50 min
Servings
5 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to can my homegrown produce. I call this recipe Summer in a Jar. The peppers have a nice combination of tart and spicy flavors. —Edna Clemens, West Branch, Michigan
There’s a reason the creator of this recipe called it “summer in a jar”. It’s the perfect introduction recipe to canning!
18/51
Jalapeno Poppers
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What do you get when you combine a jalapeno popper and a classic burger? This fantastic recipe! It takes the essential components of a popper and encases them in a juicy patty for a burst of flavor in every bite. —Jo Davison, Naples, Florida
These absolutely massive jalapeño popper burgers are topped with tomatoes and guacamole. These add a freshness to the otherwise spicy and smokey burgers.
19/51
Cranberry Ketchup
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was handed down to me from my mother. It may sound like a strange combination of flavors, but once you try it, you won’t want to go back to regular ketchup. —Jerome Wiese, Bemidji, Minnesota
It may sound like a strange combination of flavors, but once you try it, you won’t want to go back to regular ketchup as a burger topping! The tart condiment can be stored for up to three weeks.
20/51
Spicy Berry Sauce
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
For patriotic food, you can’t beat a burger. My sliders have red tomatoes, white cheddar and blueberry sauce. For extra pop, I mix in ginger beer and chipotle. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
There’s nothing more American than a burger! These sliders have tomatoes, white cheddar and blueberry sauce for a red, white and blue effect. They’ll be a hit at any Fourth of July or Memorial Day party. Or just as a fun summer meal!
21/51
Spinach Dip
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every Friday night is burger night at our house. The tomatoes add fresh flavor and the cool spinach dip brings it all together. We often skip the buns and serve these over a bed of grilled cabbage. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Spinach dip as a burger topping just makes sense. While there’s little crunch in this burger, the richness and freshness from the tomato are very inviting. It seems that anything that can go on a chip also fares well for burgers: salsa, guacamole and now spinach dip!
22/51
Pickled Carrots & Daikon
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is inspired by a pickle my family and I enjoyed at a local Asian restaurant. It is a delicious side to roasted meats as well as a tasty condiment on a burger or sandwich. You won't miss the high fat dressing or mayonnaise. —Lisa Keys, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
For a lighter burger, you’ll want to try this Asian-inspired pickled topping. It’s tart, crunchy and a bit spicy from the jalapeño peppers. A lot of burger toppings rely on deep, rich flavors that leave you feeling a bit heavy. But with this simple topping, you’ll still have room for dessert!
23/51
Spicy Bavarian Beer Mustard
Total Time
30 min
Servings
7 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a gift that has bite! This spicy beer mustard is great with pretzels or as a condiment for bratwurst. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
This spicy beer mustard is a great pivot from your usual mustard. And you can use any leftovers for chips, pretzels and hot dogs!
24/51
Apple Slaw
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend from church gave me this apple coleslaw recipe that her grandmother handed down to her. The flavors complement each other well, while the fruit creates a refreshing change of pace from the usual coleslaw. —Jan Myers, Atlantic, Iowa
Apples and burgers isn’t a combination you hear about often. Neither are apples and slaw for that matter. But this sweet and rustic recipe will soon make its way to your heart, and stomach!
25/51
Sun-Dried Tomato Mayonnaise
Total Time
5 min
Servings
about 1/2 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
I admit it—I'm a mayo fanatic. And I'm always looking for ways to kick it up. This tomato-y sauce is good slathered on burgers, brushed on grilled meats or as a dipping sauce for just about anything. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
For the most part, people are already putting tomatoes and mayonnaise on their burgers. So why not combine them? With just two ingredients, you can really make it your own!
26/51
Secret Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These sliders are super easy to put together and are always a hit! I love that they are "fast food" without our having to go to a restaurant. Take them to a party, make them for dinner or serve them on game day. The meat can also be made ahead of time in preparation for your gathering. —April Lee Wiencek, Chicago, Illinois
I’ll let you in on a secret: this sauce! Similar to McDonald’s mac sauce, the main component is thousand island dressing. Think of this as a homemade big mac, without the extra bread.
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Buffalo Mayo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ever-popular Buffalo wings inspired the flavors of this tangy, amped-up burger. The zippy mayonnaise topping gives the sandwiches their kick. —Michael Cohen, Los Angeles, California
Buffalo wings are delicious, with cool ranch to tone down the spicy sauce. This burger topping mixes buffalo sauce and mayonnaise for a similar effect. Step a bit outside your comfort zone and try it out!
28/51
Pickled Sweet Onions
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
These slightly crunchy pickled onions are not only a great gift for Christmas, but also a terrific contribution to a backyard barbecue as a relish for burgers and hot dogs. —Laura Winemiller, Delta, Pennsylvania
The great thing about onions is that they’re not seasonal. You can make these pickled onions year round! But you probably won’t crave them more than you do in the summer.
29/51
Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is stationed in Italy with my husband, Lt. William Robert Blackman. William grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and I’m from Texas, so the dish that spells "home" for us is a good ol' barbecue. I have my own recipe for barbecue sauce that we like to pour all over sliced brisket. Eating it reminds us of weekend barbecues with our families. —Tina Blackman, Naples, Italy
This recipe is everything you want from a sauce and more. While you can put it on any barbecued meat, don’t miss out on a burger.
30/51
Jalapeño Jam and Gorgonzola
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On a whim, we mixed homemade jalapeno jam into ground beef patties, then topped the burgers with caramelized onions and tangy Gorgonzola cheese. Fabulous! —Becky Mollenkamp, St. Louis, Missouri
You had us at jalapeño jam! The jam is mixed in the burgers in this recipe, but it can just as easily be put on top. The burgers are then topped with caramelized onions and tangy Gorgonzola cheese.
31/51
Pesto
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Purchase pre-shaped patties in the meat section of your local grocery store for these tasty pesto burgers. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
It’s like Christmas in July! These pesto burgers topped with red peppers and mozzarella cheese are a quick and easy way to pivot from the traditional American cheese and pickle toppings. They’re colorful, fun and great for both kids and adults.
32/51
Tomatillo Relish
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
4 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
I have a very hearty tomatillo plant in my garden. To use up the abundant produce, I decided to make a relish. You can use it as a dip or as a condiment on eggs, hot dogs, meat loaf or burgers. It has an addictive taste. —Deb LaBosco, Foley, Minnesota
Tomatillo is more acidic and less sweet than tomatoes. But when combined with peppers, like in this relish, it can have quite the kick. This burger topping is addictive!
33/51
Garlic Lemon Butter
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1/2 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
This tangy flavored butter offers a nice change from plain butter and gives a refreshing new taste to an ear of corn. When I serve this on the side during fresh corn season, the same question always gets asked—"What's in the butter that makes it so delicious?" —Margie Wampler, Butler, Pennsylvania
This lemon butter is light and refreshing. Burger buns toasted with this butter will make the perfect accompaniment to a tall glass of lemonade.
34/51
Pickled Zucchini
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
about 6 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
Pickled zucchini is a great way to use up all those green beauties in your garden. Preserve them now to share as a holiday gift from your kitchen. —Tina Butler, Royse City, Texas
35/51
Chicago-Style Hot Giardiniera
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I have been living in Chicago for many years and have grown to love the spicy giardiniera served at restaurants. So I developed my own to use at home. We love it on everything from eggs to sandwiches and even pizza! —Andrea Quiroz, Chicago, Illinois
This versatile topping is the real deal. Any Chicagoan will tell you it tastes just like what they serve in restaurants!
36/51
Favorite Bread & Butter Pickles
Total Time
55 min
Servings
11 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
I made these pickles while growing up and love them because you can eat them with just about anything. Now, both of my children love these pickles too. I think you'll enjoy them as much as we do! —Linda Weger, Robinson, Illinois
This beginner’s canning recipe is a great way to enjoy summer to the fullest. You’re already eating jars of pickles anyway, might as well make them yourself!
37/51
Spiced Maple Mustard
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
Have grill masters on your Christmas list? Consider giving them a special homemade mustard flavored with maple syrup, allspice and turmeric. Everyone just loves it. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
If you’re a fan of maple bacon, then you’ll definitely get a kick out of this mustard. This special homemade condiment is flavored with maple syrup, allspice and turmeric. It’s smoky and sweet!
38/51
Peach Mayo
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The unique fruit and mayo combination puts this burger over the top. You can also substitute nectarines for the peaches. They're both delicious! —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Not putting fruit on your burgers? Ugh, as if! This peach mayo is a great introduction to the world of savory fruit condiments. If you like this, try it with nectarines next!
39/51
Taco
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves the taste of tacos, but I dislike the mess! So I developed these burgers as a tasty but tidy alternative.—Linda Logan, Warren, Ohio
Ever torn between eating tacos or burgers for dinner? Not anymore! With a bit of sour cream, these mess-free burgers will be a hit with friends and family.
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Olives
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When she was in her 80s, my mom would reminisce about the olive burgers at Coney Island she loved. I used her instructions to make them and ended up pleasing both of us. —Lorraine Hickman, Lansing, Michigan
There’s a reason why ‘olive juice’ sort of sounds like ‘I love you’. These olive burgers are for those who can’t get enough of them.
42/51
Cuban
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom would make these Cuban burgers whenever we visited her in Florida. They are a take on the real Cuban sandwich. My kids love them. My boys could eat two of these monsters in one sitting. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
These burgers are a take on the real Cuban sandwich with ham and Swiss cheese. It’s a simple combination that works wonderfully with beef and plant-based burgers!
43/51
Bacon and Fried Onions
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This juicy burger only takes minutes to cook in your air fryer. I enjoy topping it with crispy bacon and my special fry sauce. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
These cheeseburgers are topped with crispy bacon and fried onions. Talk about a crunch! You’ll never want to go back to soft onions again.
44/51
Fry Sauce
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Want a change of pace from ketchup? Try fry sauce! You'll often find this spiced-up blend of ketchup and mayo in Utah and Idaho. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
This spicy ketchup and mayo blend is a fast food lover’s dream. Put it on fries, burgers, even chicken if you want! It’s so versatile you’ll always want to have some at the ready.
45/51
Spicy Ketchup
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
When this homemade ketchup is bubbling on the stove, the aroma takes me back to childhood. One taste and I’m home again. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii
Get ready to go grocery shopping because you’re going to be making this all the time! This homemade ketchup is made spicy with chili sauce and paprika. You can omit the chili sauce if you prefer a more traditional ketchup.
46/51
Garlic Basil Butter
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1/2 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of serving plain butter alongside an assortment of fresh breads, prepare this herb-laden whipped butter. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
A burger with a buttered bun is incredible, but a burger with a garlic basil buttered bun is out of this world! This underrated topping is sure to make its way to your next cookout.
47/51
Bacon & Goat Cheese
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every bite of this burger is a rich and decadent combination of sweet and savory. If you can't find maple bacon in your local grocery store, use regular bacon and add 1-1/2 tablespoons maple syrup to the spinach-goat cheese mixture in the food processor. —Sharon Michelle Anglin, Livingston, Montana
Sweet and savory burgers tend to lean more in a brunch direction, but this maple bacon burger perfectly toes the line between all meals. The goat cheese really sends it over the edge in decadence.
48/51
Homemade Spicy Hot Sauce
Total Time
55 min
Servings
5 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this spicy recipe one day using what I had available from my garden: hot peppers, carrots, onions and garlic. The carrots make this recipe stand out. —Carolyn Wheel, Fairfax, Vermont
The carrots are the secret ingredient of this hot sauce recipe. With hot peppers, carrots, onions and garlic, you’ll wonder how you didn’t come up with it first!
49/51
Sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These portobello mushroom burgers are a hit every time I serve them. They are filling but not heavy. The sauerkraut, garlic cloves and onions can be made ahead to cut down on prep time. —Lisa Benoit, Cookeville, Tennessee
These burgers are topped with a sauerkraut mixture and Thousand Island salad dressing. It resembles a reuben with a bit more flair!
50/51
Cuban Chimichurri
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
This fresh Cuban sauce wonderfully complements steak, but pour it over a burger, and your taste buds will thank you! —Elaine Sweet, Dallas, Texas
This fresh Cuban sauce works great on a steak but wait until it hits a burger. With lime, red pepper flakes and balsamic vinegar, you’re going to try putting it on everything!
51/51
Mushroom & Swiss
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These skillet burgers are perfect cold-weather fare. Heaped with mushrooms and flavorful Swiss cheese, they really deliver. This recipe is sure to be requested often by your family. —James Bowles, Ironton, Ohio
This mushroom Swiss burger recipe is perfect to make on the stovetop or the grill. It’s a classic combination for a reason!
