🏆 Best Burger Toppings
SEO Guide Updated June 2026
There are endless burger toppings, but only a handful of combinations are genuinely great. These are the best, ranked by how reliably they deliver — from the unbeatable classic to a few that are worth breaking out for guests.
1. The Classic (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, American)
Number one for a reason. It balances every element — fresh, acidic, sweet, salty, and melty — without fighting the beef. If you only learn one build, learn this. It's the backbone of our Classic Cheeseburger.
2. Bacon + cheddar
Smoky, crispy, salty. Sharp cheddar stands up to the bacon better than mild cheese. See the Bacon Cheeseburger.
3. Mushroom + Swiss
The grown-up choice — earthy, savory and elegant. The key is properly browned mushrooms. Full method in the Mushroom Swiss Burger.
4. BBQ + smoked cheddar + fried onions
Sweet, smoky and crunchy. A cookout favorite — see the BBQ Burger.
5. Jalapeño + pepper jack
For heat seekers, with fresh and pickled peppers and a cool spicy mayo to balance. Try the Spicy Jalapeño Burger.
How to build so it doesn't fall apart
Toast the bun, put lettuce between the bun and wet toppings, salt tomatoes separately, and build just before serving. For more, see our full Burger Toppings guide.
Burger HQ Picks Recommended Gear
Heavy-Duty Stainless Smash Burger Press
A flat, weighty press is the difference between a real lacy-edged smash burger and a sad steamed puck. Round, broad face for full patty contact.
Check price →Instant-Read Digital Meat Thermometer
Pulls a reading in 2–3 seconds so you can hit 160°F on ground beef every time without cutting into the patty and losing juices.
Check price →Pre-Seasoned 12" Cast Iron Skillet
Holds screaming-hot heat for the deep, even crust that makes a steakhouse-style burger. Lasts a lifetime.
Check price →Outdoor Gas Flat-Top Griddle
A big flat top cooks a dozen smash burgers at once with room for onions and buns. The backbone of burger night for a crowd.
Check price →Thin Flexible Stainless Turner (Smash Spatula)
A stiff, thin, bevelled edge slides under the crust and scrapes up every bit of the browned fond instead of tearing the patty.
Check price →Steakhouse Burger Seasoning Blend
For nights you do not want to measure. Salt-forward with garlic, onion, and pepper — exactly what a burger wants.
Check price →Stainless Grill Accessory Kit
Long tongs, a wide spatula, and a basting brush so you are not fighting your own tools over a hot grill.
Check price →As an affiliate site, I Love Hamburger may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best burger toppings?
The classic combination — lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and American cheese — is the most reliably great. Bacon and cheddar, mushroom and Swiss, and BBQ with fried onions round out the top tier.
What is the best cheese for a burger?
American melts the smoothest and is the classic. Sharp cheddar adds more flavor, Swiss pairs with mushrooms, and pepper jack adds heat.