These are the tastiest (alternative) toppings for your hamburger

Give us a burger and we’re happy. I mentally survived the first lockdown by having The Kimchief burger from The Beef Chief delivered every week, but you can also make us happy with a salmon or veggie burger. And the fun thing is: if you look beyond the obligatory lettuce leaf and slice of tomato and onion, a world of burger toppings opens up to you!

The Kimchief already gave one away, but these underrated (or simply unknown) toppings can also turn your burger into a top burger:

Honey

Sweetness isn’t exactly unusual on a burger: do you know how much sugar ketchup contains? And when you consider that honey mustard is one of the most ordered sauces with McNuggets, it may come as less of a surprise that people like this on a hamburger.

Pineapple

On pizza, this is a topping that divides entire populations into two camps. But on hamburgers? Perhaps it’s too little-known to attract haters… There was once a brave chef who served pineapple burgers as staff food, and although the photos taken before eating were shared amid much hilarity, afterwards everyone had to admit that it was absolutely delicious! Especially if you grill the (thin, fresh) slices first with a little salt, this can be a surprisingly good topping!

Kimchi

Already mentioned above, but seriously, this is so good on a hamburger! The spice, sourness and crunch of kimchi really take your burger to the next level. Healthy too, so you can give yourself an extra pat on the back.

Hummus

Hummus is delicious on pretty much any savory sandwich, so a thick layer of creamy hummus also works well beneath a juicy patty. Indeed, not an official topping since it goes underneath rather than on top, but still… You’ll certainly score points with a homemade or spicy version.

Peanut butter

There’s virtually nothing the true peanut butter lover doesn’t think this stuff goes with. Peanut butter with bacon? Completely normal to enthusiasts—even delicious. Peanut butter on a hamburger? That too! And honestly, if you think of satay with peanut sauce, there’s nothing strange about it, right? For example, combine it with an Asian-inspired (chicken mince) burger and fresh atjar as an extra topping.

Pâté

You have to think a little outside the box for this topping too. But in America, a hamburger with duck liver pâté is a real thing, and they find it so decadent that they call it a ‘French Bistro burger’. Although we can’t guarantee you’ll ever encounter this in an actual French bistro… At home, it’s worth trying!

Chips

If they’re allowed next to a club sandwich, why not on or in a hamburger? They’re great for adding some crunch to your otherwise juicy bun, and although plain chips are the obvious choice, you can of course experiment with different flavors that suit your burger du jour. Sweet chili chips on a burger with sriracha and you’re actually being incredibly culinary, working with flavor profiles in complex layers!

Pickled vegetables

Making your own vegetable pickles is still incredibly hip and less-waste. And it’s hugely satisfying. So stacking those pickles on the thickest, juiciest burger you can make? Win-win!

Mustard

For many people, completely normal; for others, surprising: a generous dollop of mustard on a burger. Yes, everyone knows mustard on a hot dog, but this smooth, spicy addition is certainly delicious on a hamburger too. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a fiercely hot Groningen mustard that clears out your nasal passages. We’d save that for an otherwise fairly neutral but delicious stamppot. To avoid overshadowing the tender meat of a burger, it’s better to choose a mild but flavorful mustard.

Jalapeño

Not earth-shattering, but delicious. If you remove the seeds and membranes, you’re left with a pepper that has a character all its own and pairs perfectly with, for example, a cheddar cheeseburger. You can also simply use them from a jar; besides being spicy, they’re often deliciously sour too. Add a Mexican beer and, as far as we’re concerned, it’s instantly fiesta time.

Read also:

• Recipe: Julius Jaspers’ ultimate veggie burger
• Emma’s food annoyances: hard hamburger buns
• How to make Gordon Ramsay’s classic cheeseburger