A good hamburger can truly be one of the most satisfying meals a person can eat. There’s really nothing like biting into a juicy, perfectly grilled burger, which probably helps to explain why Americans eat more than 14 billion burgers each year. Still, the fact is that burgers are also an incredibly diverse food, as the only thing that many of them have in common is a ground-beef patty and bun. Otherwise, it can truly be something of a free-for-all, and it seems that everyone has their own favorite burger topping. Nonetheless, if you’re getting tired of the same old ketchup, mustard, cheese or bacon, you might want to try mixing things up with one of these unique burger add-ons.
1. Spicy Fruit Salsa
Fruit salsas have been growing in popularity over the past decade or two. In fact, you can find no shortage of fine-dining establishments that have incorporated some type of fruit salsa into their menu, whether as a topping for fish, seafood appetizers, deep-friend munchies or, you guessed it, burgers. The combination of a sweet fruit like pineapple, mango or orange and the spiciness of a few jalapenos or other chilies can be enough to turn an ordinary burger into something out of this world.
2. Goat Cheese and Roasted Peppers
This one might be more for the foodie-types out there as not everyone likes the taste of goat cheese. That being said, those who do like the taste definitely have to try smearing a bit of chevre over their burger. For an even more flavorful experience, try mixing some fresh herbs like tarragon or dill into the cheese and then topping this with a fresh fire-roasted pepper. If you like something a bit sweeter, a red bell pepper is an ideal choice, whereas green chilies are fantastic if you’re into spice.
3. Homemade Salsa and Avocado
Many families absolutely love so-called ‘Mexi-burgers,’ which are made by combining homemade red salsa with some fresh avocado or guacamole. As well as tasting fantastic, this is an excellent way to ensure you get some extra vegetables with your meal. In addition, the high level of Omega-3 and other essential nutrients found in the avocado provide numerous health benefits.
4. Ham, Pineapple and Cream Cheese
This is a fairly common one you’ll see at some burger restaurants. Like some other styles, this one is definitely not for all. However, if you like the taste of cream cheese, you’ll find that it’s perfectly complemented by the sweet/sour taste of the pineapple and the saltiness of the ham.
5. Kim-Chi and Korean BBQ Sauce
This Korean-inspired burger is an excellent choice for those looking for a bit of Asian flair. The fermented Kim-chi provides a nice level of sourness, while the Korean BBQ sauce has an added level of depth and flavor not found in most Western BBQ sauces.
6. Deep Fried Pickles and Ranch Dressing
Whereas some of the others result in a slightly healthier burger, this one takes things the opposite direction by tossing on some deep-fried pickles and slathering it all in delicious ranch dressing. If you’re not a fan of pickles, you could always try onion rings or any other fried vegetable of your choice. This one is a true American classic!
At the end of the day, your imagination is really the only limit when it comes to potential burger toppings. Therefore, if none of these ideas appeal to you, don’t be afraid to get creative and come up with something that matches your own taste and style.
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