0
You have 0 items in your cart
Go To Shopping
         
0
You have 0 items in your cart
Go To Shopping

Looking for the best burger toppings to wow your guests? These unique, bold combos are easy to prep and perfect for beef, turkey, veggie, or chicken burgers. Fire up the grill and try something new at your next BBQ!

The Best Burger Toppings for a Unique Twist on Your Next BBQ cover.

Healthy Recipes  •  Meals

The Best Burger Toppings for a Unique Twist on Your Next BBQ

By: PILATESBODY by Kayla and Mindful Menu

Burgers are a BBQ staple, and while the classic lettuce, tomato, and cheddar combo never fails, why not elevate your next cookout with toppings that are bold, unexpected, and totally crave-worthy? If you’re ready to shake things up, we’ve got a lineup of unique burger toppings—each with its own recipe—guaranteed to surprise and delight your guests.

Whether you’re a grill master or a backyard BBQ rookie, these toppings are easy to prep, full of flavor, and perfect for beef, turkey, veggie, or even chicken burgers. Let’s fire up the grill and take your burgers to the next level. You can find all of these recipes (plus 800 more!) by downloading the FREE Mindful Menu app. Available for Apple or Android.

JUMP TO BURGER TOPPINGS
A Mexican street corn burger and a diner-style breakfast burger with a fried egg.

BBQ Burger Topping Tips

1. Build in Layers

Start with something creamy or saucy (like mayo or avocado), then stack your patty, cheese, and toppings for maximum flavor and minimal mess.

2. Toast the Buns

Whether you’re using brioche, ciabatta, or classic sesame buns, toasting helps prevent sogginess and adds great texture.

3. Think Balance

Too many bold toppings can overwhelm your burger. Pair spicy with creamy, sweet with salty, and crunchy with tender.

4. Prep Ahead

Make toppings like jams, slaws, or grilled components the night before. Store in airtight containers in the fridge, and simply reheat or serve chilled as needed.

FAQ About the Best Burger Toppings

Can I make these toppings ahead of time?

Yes! Most of these toppings can be prepped in advance:

Are these toppings good for vegetarian or vegan burgers?

Absolutely! Most of these toppings work well with veggie patties. For vegan options, swap goat cheese for a vegan cheese crumble. Use plant-based bacon or skip in altogether in the jam. For the diner-style burger, omit or substitute the fried egg with a grilled portobello slice.

What’s the best way to serve a burger bar at a party?

Set up a DIY burger bar! Grill the patties and keep them warm in a covered pan. Arrange buns, cheeses, and all the toppings buffet-style so guests can customize their creations. Pro Tip: Label each topping with name cards to make browsing easier (and allergy-safe).

How do I keep the toppings warm or cold during the BBQ?

Warm toppings like kimchi or bacon jam can be stored in small slow cookers or thermal containers. And for cold toppings like slaws or salsa, use bowls over ice trays or chill until ready to serve.

A grilled fajita burger and grilled pineapple jalapeño salsa.

BBQ Inspiration: The Best Burger Toppings You Haven’t Tried Yet

Unique and Delicious Burger Ideas for Your Next Cookout

These unique burger toppings will bring big flavor and fun to your next BBQ. From sweet and spicy to creamy and crunchy, there’s something for everyone to try.

  1. Grilled Fajita Burgers
  2. Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa
  3. Maple Bacon Onion Jam
  4. Mexican Street Corn Burgers
  5. Diner-Style Breakfast Burger

Grilled Fajita Burgers

A grilled fajita burger with peppers and onions.

Serves 4

Tip: Try making your own fajita seasoning!

  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ¾ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • Shake all ingredients in a sealed bag. Double up on this to save for future meals!

Ingredients: 

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 ½ tbsp fajita seasoning (or make your own- see tip)
  • 1 bell pepper (yellow) sliced
  • 1 bell pepper (red) sliced
  • 1/2 onion (red) sliced
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (sliced) 
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • olive oil spray
  • 4 hamburger buns 
  • 2 tbsp cilantro (optional) chopped
  • 1 cup lettuce (optional)
  • 1/3 cup guacamole (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat a large pan over medium high heat, Drizzle in some oil (enough to coat the bottom of the pan) Add sliced red onions and bell peppers as soon as the oil begins to simmer. Stir to combine.
  2. Turn the heat to medium/low and allow to cook for 10–15 minutes or until tender. Stir often. The onions should be translucent and beginning to caramelize. Remove from heat.
  3. Heat your grill to medium-high heat, and make sure the grill is well greased or burgers are sprayed with cooking spray so the burgers won’t stick to the grill.
  4. Form 4 burger patties, leaving a small indentation in center to promote even cooking.
  5. Season each patty with fajita seasoning and cooking spray if grill is not greased.
  6. Place burgers on grill and season the other side.
  7. Cook to desired doneness, about 4–5 minutes per side or until no longer pink and thoroughly cooked.
  8. The last minute of cooking, place 1 slice of cheese on each burger patty and close the lid on grill to melt.
  9. Remove from the grill and place burgers on buns. Top with cooked onions & peppers. Add additional toppings of your choice. We recommend cilantro, guacamole, lettuce or diced avocado.

Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa

This sweet and spicy topping adds a tropical zing to any burger. If you have leftover pineapple, give this recipe a try!

A bowl of grilled pineapple jalapeño salsa.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced into small chunks
  • ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (use more for extra heat)
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
  2. Squeeze the lime juice over the top and stir gently to mix.
  3. Season with salt and a few cracks of black pepper.
  4. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Serving Ideas:

  • Use it as a burger topping (especially with grilled chicken or pork)
  • Spoon it over grilled fish or shrimp
  • Serve with tortilla chips as a refreshing appetizer

Maple Bacon Onion Jam

The best burger toppings. A jar of maple bacon onion jam.

Serves 4–6.

Sweet, salty, and smoky—this jam is a showstopper topping that keeps guests coming back for more.

Ingredients:

  • 6 strips bacon, chopped
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, add the onion and cook over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes until soft and caramelized.
  3. Stir in maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and cooked bacon. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes.
  4. Let cool slightly before spooning onto burgers.

Mexican Street Corn Burgers

Serves 4

A chunky, zesty mix that brings freshness and texture in every bite.

Tip: Grill fresh corn for the topping if you can—the charred flavor adds amazing depth!

A Mexican street corn burger.

Ingredients for the Burgers:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
  • 4 sesame seed burger buns, toasted
  • Green leaf lettuce or romaine

Ingredients for the Street Corn Topping:

  • 1½ cups grilled or frozen corn (thawed and drained if frozen)
  • ¼ cup mayo
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • ¼ cup crumbled Cotija cheese (plus more for topping)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • ¼ cup chopped red onion
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ½ cup diced cherry tomatoes
  • 1 small avocado, diced
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Make the Street Corn Topping:
     In a bowl, combine the corn, mayo, sour cream, Cotija, garlic, lime juice, red onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and avocado. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill until ready to use.

  2. Form and Season Patties:
     Mix ground beef with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Divide into 4 patties, slightly wider than your buns.

  3. Grill the Burgers:
     Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill patties for 4–5 minutes per side or until cooked to desired doneness. Top with cheese during the last minute to melt.

  4. Toast the Buns:
     Lightly toast the buns on the grill or in a skillet until golden.

  5. Assemble the Burgers:
     Place lettuce on the bottom bun, then the burger patty. Spoon a generous amount of the street corn topping over the patty. Sprinkle with extra Cotija if desired. Top with the bun.

Extra Heat Tip:
Top with pickled jalapeños or add sriracha mayo to the bun if you’re craving more fire.

Diner-Style Breakfast Burger

A diner-style breakfast burger with a fried egg.

Serves: 4–6

A hearty, comforting topping combination that turns your burger into an all-day breakfast dream.

Ingredients:

  • 4–6 large eggs
  • 4–6 slices American cheese
  • 4–6 tomato slices
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 4–6 burger buns, toasted (sesame seed preferred)
  • 1–2 tbsp mayo, burger sauce, or chipotle aioli (optional)
  • 4–6 cooked beef patties, hot and ready

Optional Add-Ons:

  • Crispy bacon strips for even more breakfast vibes
  • Caramelized onions for a sweet-savory twist
  • Hashbrown patty for texture and crunch

Assembly Instructions:

  1. Toast the buns: Split and toast them on a skillet or grill until golden.
  2. Cook the patties: If not already done, grill your patties and place a slice of American cheese on top during the last minute of cooking so it melts beautifully.
  3. Fry the eggs: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and crack eggs in gently. Cook until whites are just set and yolks are still runny (about 3–4 minutes). Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Assemble your burger: Spread mayo or burger sauce on the bottom bun (optional).
  5. Add a handful of shredded lettuce. Layer a tomato slice. Place the cheesy burger patty on top.
  6. Gently place the fried egg on top of the patty. Cap it with the top bun.
A person's arm holding a spatula and cooking burgers on a grill.

Featured Products

Gas Grill

CLICK HERE TO SHOP
A black 2-quart Crock-Pot.

Crock-Pot

CLICK HERE TO SHOP
Airtight glass containers.

Glass Storage Containers

CLICK HERE TO SHOP

Insulated Food Jar

CLICK HERE TO SHOP
Three reusable food storage bags.

Food Storage Bags

CLICK HERE TO SHOP
100% pure Vermont maple syrup.

Maple Syrup

CLICK HERE TO SHOP

Mindful Menu

Mindful Menu is a meal planning and prep app designed for busy families. You can create a custom plan from over 800 recipes. You’ll get an automatic shopping list, meal prep list, and can even shop online for groceries using Instacart, Amazon, or Walmart! Save unlimited favorites, print or email your plan and add your own notes to any recipe. Make your meal planning a breeze by using our free Apple or Android app.

Mindful Menu App on Phone.
Mindful Menu App on Phone.

Mindful Menu

Mindful Menu is a meal planning and prep app designed for busy families. You can create a custom plan from over 800 recipes. You’ll get an automatic shopping list, meal prep list, and can even shop online for groceries using Instacart, Amazon, or Walmart! Save unlimited favorites, print or email your plan and add your own notes to any recipe. Make your meal planning a breeze by using our free Apple or Android app.

Final Thoughts on the Best Burger Toppings

With these unique burger toppings, you’re not just serving a meal—you’re offering an experience. From bold and spicy to fresh and creamy, these recipes are designed to wow your guests and turn any backyard BBQ into an unforgettable feast. Mix and match, try something new, and most importantly—don’t forget the napkins. If you liked these recipes, check out some more here!

You can find all of these recipes (plus 800 more!) by downloading the FREE Mindful Menu app. Available for Apple and Android.

Ready to take your burger game to the next level? Fire up the grill, grab your favorite buns, and dig in.

Your Friend & Pilates Expert,

signature-01

Kayla Brugger
Founder of PILATESBODY by Kayla

Free 28-Day Wall Pilates Challenge

28 Days to transform your habits with this beginner, full body Wall Pilates program. Reshape your mind-body connection in just 15 minutes a day. Download your Free Pilates Workout Calendar PDF to get started today!

YES, I WANT IT!
Free 28-Day Wall Pilates Challenge on YouTube - Transform Your At Home Pilates Workouts - PILATESBODY by Kayla
Free 28-Day Wall Pilates Challenge on YouTube - Transform Your At Home Pilates Workouts - PILATESBODY by Kayla

Free 28-Day Wall Pilates Challenge

28 Days to transform your habits with this beginner, full body Wall Pilates program. Reshape your mind-body connection in just 15 minutes a day. Download your Free Pilates Workout Calendar PDF to get started today!

YES, I WANT IT!
Previous PostNext Post

Leave a Reply

pilatesbody-by-kayla-brugger-pilates-instructor-private-studio-workout-programs-online-classes-long-lake-minnesota-minneapolis

Hi, I'm Kayla Brugger. Certified Pilates Instructor & Minnesota Mama of 2.

More About Me

Pilates Programs

YouTube Workouts