19 Deliciously Weird Burger Toppings

One of the biggest advantages of cultural diversity in America is the diversity of culinary practices.

Over the past decades, there’s been a trend toward fusion cuisines that combine traditional ingredients and flavors from the fatherland with newer American cuisines.

There’s no dish more American than a burger. However, even an all-American burger is a blank canvas for fusing culinary traditions.

Below, I’ve listed various unusual burger toppings that exemplify an unlikely yet delicious melting pot of flavors and traditions and that I find delicious.

Check out some less common burger toppings that still taste great!

Pineapple

A thick ring of pineapple adds a burst of sweetness that contrasts with the rich, savory meat. Its juices seep into the patty, balancing the salt and fat with a refreshing tang. Grilled pineapple brings a subtle smokiness, making each bite more flavorful.

Tropical cuisines have long paired pineapple with meat, as seen in tacos al pastor. The fruit’s natural acidity enhances the burger’s taste, creating a perfect blend of sweet and savory.

While pineapple on pizza divides opinions, it shines on a burger. Whether combined with spicy jalapeños or teriyaki sauce, it turns a simple meal into something special.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese on a burger creates a rich, creamy layer that melts into every bite. The soft pasta, coated in velvety cheese sauce, contrasts with the crispy seared patty, making for a satisfying texture. With each bite, the gooey cheese blends with the beef’s savory juices, adding an extra layer of indulgence.

This combination isn’t new—hamburger helper has long proven that beef and cheesy pasta belong together. The familiar taste of mac and cheese brings nostalgia, while its warmth and creaminess enhance the burger’s flavor.

For an extra twist, some add crispy bacon or a spicy kick, making this classic pairing even better.

Hummus

Hummus brings a creamy, garlicky richness to a burger, enhancing each bite with its smooth texture and nutty undertones. The blend of chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil adds depth, making the patty feel even more satisfying. Its earthy flavor balances the boldness of grilled meat, creating a well-rounded taste experience.

This Mediterranean staple is incredibly versatile, allowing for endless variations. Roasted red pepper hummus adds sweetness, while olive-infused versions bring a briny touch. A smoky, paprika-spiced hummus pairs well with tangy pickled carrots and spicy jalapeños, creating a mix of heat and acidity.

For those looking to add richness without heavy sauces, hummus is a perfect choice. Its smooth consistency blends effortlessly with the burger, offering a unique alternative to traditional condiments.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw adds a satisfying crunch to a burger, balancing the rich, juicy patty with its crisp texture. The shredded cabbage and carrots, coated in a creamy dressing, create a refreshing contrast that keeps each bite light yet flavorful. Its slight sweetness complements the smoky char of grilled meat, enhancing the overall taste.

A well-made coleslaw isn’t just about creaminess—it often includes tangy vinegar, mustard, or horseradish for a subtle kick. This touch of acidity cuts through the burger’s fat, making it more balanced and enjoyable.

For a bold twist, pairing coleslaw with a Texas-style barbecue sauce adds a smoky depth. The combination of cool slaw and warm, spiced sauce makes for a satisfying bite.

Kimchi

Kimchi brings a bold, tangy kick to a burger, adding layers of spice and umami that enhance the savory meat. Its fermented flavor deepens the taste experience, while its crunch provides a satisfying contrast to the juicy patty. The mix of garlic, chili, and ginger in kimchi infuses every bite with a complex, mouthwatering heat.

This Korean staple has found its way into many dishes, from grilled cheese to tacos, so it’s no surprise that it works on a burger. Its natural acidity cuts through the richness, keeping the flavors balanced and exciting.

For extra depth, pairing kimchi with melted cheese or a sesame-infused sauce creates a fusion of textures and flavors. Whether you prefer mild or extra-spicy, this topping adds an unforgettable twist to a classic burger.

Crab & Cocktail Sauce

Crab and cocktail sauce bring a fresh, seafood-inspired twist to a burger. The delicate, slightly sweet crab meat adds a tender contrast to the hearty patty, creating a luxurious bite. Its light, flaky texture blends well with the juiciness of the beef, offering a surf-and-turf experience unlike any other.

Cocktail sauce enhances the flavor with a bold mix of tangy tomato, zesty lemon, and spicy horseradish. The heat from the sauce cuts through the richness of both the crab and the burger, adding a refreshing balance.

While an unconventional pairing, this combination delivers an upscale feel. For an extra touch, a toasted brioche bun and melted butter can elevate the experience further.

Fried Green Tomato

Fried green tomatoes bring a crisp, tangy bite to a burger, adding both texture and flavor. The cornmeal coating creates a crunchy contrast to the juicy patty, while the firm green tomato inside adds a subtle tartness that balances the richness of the meat. This Southern staple transforms a basic burger into something bold and satisfying.

Pairing fried green tomatoes with remoulade sauce or pimento cheese enhances their savory depth. The creamy, slightly spicy sauces complement the crispy exterior, creating a flavorful combination in every bite.

For a unique twist, some even use fried green tomatoes as a bun, making the burger even more indulgent. Whether stacked inside or on top, they bring a Southern-inspired crunch to every mouthful.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce brings a deep, sweet-savory richness to a burger, coating each bite with its bold, umami-packed flavor. Its thick consistency clings to the patty, adding a glossy finish that enhances both taste and texture. The balance of soy, garlic, and warm spices makes it a standout alternative to traditional condiments.

When paired with a burger, hoisin sauce creates a perfect harmony of sweet and savory notes. Thinning it slightly allows it to blend seamlessly with other toppings, preventing it from overpowering the dish. A touch of acidity from vinegar-based coleslaw keeps the flavors fresh and balanced.

This combination works especially well with sesame seeds, scallions, or a hint of chili for extra depth. Whether drizzled lightly or brushed on generously, hoisin sauce transforms an ordinary burger into something flavorful and unique.

Goat Cheese & Honey

Goat cheese and honey create a unique contrast of flavors, blending the tangy creaminess of the cheese with the smooth sweetness of honey. The soft texture of the cheese melts slightly against the warmth of the burger, adding a rich and velvety bite. The honey enhances the natural tartness, creating a well-balanced taste.

While this pairing is often found on cheese boards, it works surprisingly well on a burger. The bold flavor of goat cheese stands up to the savory meat, while honey adds a touch of sweetness that keeps it from feeling too heavy.

For extra depth, adding crispy bacon or prosciutto introduces a salty crunch. The mix of sweet, tangy, and savory elements turns a simple burger into a refined and flavorful dish.

Cheese Curds

Cheese curds bring a mild, creamy texture to a burger, offering a satisfying contrast to the rich, juicy patty. Their slightly springy bite makes them a fun alternative to traditional melted cheese, adding a unique twist without overpowering the other flavors. When warmed by the burger, they soften just enough to create a smooth, indulgent layer.

Pairing cheese curds with creamed spinach takes inspiration from Indian saag paneer, blending earthy greens with the richness of dairy. The spinach adds a velvety texture and a hint of spice, complementing the mild curds and savory beef.

While this twist on a classic dish may not follow tradition, the combination of flavors and textures makes for a bold, satisfying burger. It’s a fusion worth trying for those who enjoy creamy, hearty toppings.

Buffalo Bleu Cheese

Buffalo bleu cheese brings a bold, tangy kick to a burger, combining fiery heat with creamy richness. The buffalo sauce, with its vinegary spice, seeps into the patty, adding a layer of flavor that builds with each bite. Meanwhile, the bleu cheese offers a sharp, salty contrast that mellows out the heat, creating a perfectly balanced taste.

This pairing works especially well because of the way the textures complement each other. The chunky, creamy cheese melts slightly over the warm patty, while the buffalo sauce clings to the meat, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

To complete the experience, butter lettuce adds a crisp freshness, and roasted tomatoes bring a slight sweetness that enhances the depth of the dish. Together, these elements create a burger that’s both indulgent and full of character.

Caprese

A Caprese burger brings the fresh, classic flavors of Italian cuisine to a juicy grilled patty. Thick slices of ripe tomato add a juicy sweetness, while creamy buffalo mozzarella melts slightly, creating a smooth, rich contrast. Fresh basil brightens the dish with its aromatic, slightly peppery notes, tying everything together beautifully.

The drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar enhances the natural flavors, adding a slight tang that complements the savory meat. Each bite is a perfect balance of freshness and indulgence, making this topping a standout choice for a burger with a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired feel.

For the perfect finishing touch, a toasted ciabatta bun adds a rustic, chewy texture, while homemade aioli brings a garlicky richness. The combination of simple yet bold ingredients makes this burger both elegant and satisfying.

Guacamole

Guacamole brings a creamy, rich texture to a burger, balancing the savory patty with its smooth consistency. The avocado’s buttery quality pairs perfectly with the tangy kick of lime juice, adding freshness to each bite. It’s a topping that enhances flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Chopped onions and garlic add a subtle crunch, while jalapeños provide just the right amount of heat. This mix creates a bold yet refreshing contrast to the juicy burger.

Paired with pepper-jack cheese, guacamole completes a flavorful, slightly spicy burger. The creamy and zesty combination makes for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing bite.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese brings a smooth, velvety texture to a burger, creating a rich contrast to the hearty patty. Its mild tang enhances the meat’s flavor without overpowering it, making it a surprisingly effective topping. The creamy consistency melts slightly over the warm burger, adding a luxurious element to each bite.

While plain cream cheese works well, a flavored variety takes it to another level. A bacon and scallion cream cheese spread adds smoky depth and a slight crunch, complementing the burger’s juiciness. The saltiness of bacon pairs beautifully with the cheese’s mild tang.

This combination creates a balanced bite with creamy, savory, and slightly crisp textures. It’s a simple yet indulgent way to upgrade a classic burger.

Maple Syrup and Bacon

Maple syrup and bacon bring a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors to a burger. The syrup’s rich, caramel-like sweetness contrasts beautifully with the crispy, smoky bacon, creating a bold and satisfying bite. The combination enhances the burger’s savory depth without overwhelming it.

This pairing has already proven successful in breakfast dishes, from pancakes to donuts, so it makes sense on a burger. The crispy bacon adds texture, while the syrup seeps into the bun, making each bite rich and flavorful.

For a complete meal, a maple bacon burger works well as a breakfast sandwich with a fried egg.

Pastrami

Pastrami adds a bold, smoky depth to a burger, bringing layers of spice and richness to each bite. Its intense seasoning, combined with the juiciness of a beef patty, creates a hearty and flavorful combination. The slightly peppery crust of pastrami enhances the burger’s savory profile without overpowering it.

Since pastrami is already packed with flavor from its brining, smoking, and steaming process, it pairs well with simple toppings. A dollop of spicy mustard adds just the right tang, balancing the meat’s saltiness.

Served on a toasted bun, a pastrami burger delivers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes.

Potato Chips

Potato chips bring an unexpected crunch to a burger, adding a satisfying contrast to the soft bun and juicy patty. Their crispy texture enhances each bite, making the burger feel even more indulgent. The saltiness of the chips also deepens the savory flavor of the meat.

Flavored chips take this topping to the next level. A jalapeño or barbecue variety adds a bold kick, complementing the richness of the burger. The seasoning blends with the meat’s juices, creating a unique fusion of textures and tastes.

For an extra twist, layering chips under melted cheese helps them stay crisp while adding more flavor.

Curry Paste

Curry paste adds a deep, aromatic flavor to a burger, infusing it with spices that bring warmth and complexity. The bold seasoning enhances the meat’s richness, creating a fusion of textures and tastes. A thick layer of curry paste or sauce can turn a simple burger into something truly unique.

Japanese-style brown curry, with its mild sweetness and velvety texture, pairs well with a beef patty. It coats the burger evenly, adding depth without overpowering other ingredients.

For an extra twist, a touch of melted cheese or pickled vegetables can balance the bold spice with creaminess or tang.

Chili

Chili brings a bold, smoky flavor to a burger, making every bite heartier and more satisfying. Slow-cooked with a blend of spices, tomatoes, and tender beef, it adds a rich and slightly spicy kick. The thick, saucy texture seeps into the bun, ensuring no bite is dry.

The combination of chili and a burger enhances the meaty taste, creating a fusion of two comfort food favorites. The layers of seasoning make it stand out, offering warmth and depth with each mouthful.

Topping a chili burger with shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh chives adds creaminess and balance.