Burger toppings can make or break the whole thing, and these are the kind that change the game. We're not just stacking the usual stuff here—we're talking bold ideas that bring serious flavor to your next cookout. If your burgers have been feeling a little flat lately, this is the place to fix that. These toppings are big, fun, and exactly what a great backyard spread needs.
Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.
Sweet and Spicy Pickled Onions
Quick pickled onions only take 15 minutes and bring a tangy bite that cuts through rich burger flavors. They’re a great choice for cookouts because they last weeks in the fridge and are easy to prep ahead.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Pickled Onions
Roasted Red Onions
Roasted red onions are simple, ready in under 30 minutes, and bring bold flavor with minimal steps. They’re a great topping to keep things easy but still stand out at your next cookout.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Onions
Stewed Tomatoes
These quick stewed tomatoes take just 20 minutes and are packed with rich, cooked-down flavor. They're a great way to add something warm and comforting to burgers during cookout season.
Get the Recipe: Stewed Tomatoes
Pickled Jalapeños
These pickled jalapeños are ready in 45 minutes and bring just the right amount of heat. They're perfect for cookouts where bold, simple burger toppings make a big difference.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Jalapeños
No Mayo Coleslaw
This Asian-style slaw with creamy peanut dressing adds crunch and fresh flavor that cuts through heavier meats. It’s a great way to mix up burger toppings at a cookout without adding extra work.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Coleslaw
Roasted Oyster Mushrooms
Roasted oyster mushrooms only need four ingredients and about 30 minutes in the oven. They're a great cookout topping when you want something hearty and savory with barely any prep.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Oyster Mushrooms
Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions
These slow cooker caramelized onions come out deep, rich, and jammy with barely any effort. They bring big flavor to burgers and are a strong go-to for cookouts where hands-off prep matters.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
Twisted bacon gets crisp in the air fryer with almost no cleanup and takes just minutes to cook. It’s a great topping for burgers at cookouts when you want something classic with a fun spin.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce
This copycat Chick-fil-A sauce takes minutes to make and nails the sweet, creamy balance. It’s a great cookout choice for burgers when you want bold flavor without spending extra at the store.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce
Sauerkraut
Homemade sauerkraut with just cabbage and salt adds crunch and punch with no extras needed. It's a great topping for cookouts where simple, bold flavors are the goal.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut
Quick Pickled Garlic Dill Pickles
These homemade garlic dill pickles are packed with flavor and made with simple pantry ingredients. They’re a great burger topping for cookouts because they keep well and come together fast.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Garlic Dill Pickles
Easy Spicy Golden Sauerkraut
Spicy sauerkraut made with turmeric and chili flakes brings serious boldness to the table. It’s a great cookout topping when you want to keep things big on flavor with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Golden Sauerkraut
Red Cabbage Sauerkraut
Red cabbage sauerkraut is a simple fermented topping with tang and crunch. It’s great for cookouts when you want something fresh and bold that cuts through heavier burgers.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Sauerkraut
Crunchy Onion Rings
Homemade onion rings are crisp, golden, and easy to make with a short ingredient list. They’re a great cookout choice when you want a crunchy topping that holds up on a stacked burger.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings
Jalapeño Mango Jam
Jalapeño mango jam balances sweet and heat with barely any effort. It’s a great burger topping for cookouts where something different and punchy will stand out.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Mango Jam
Pickled Onions
Mexican pickled onions with lime juice are bright, simple, and quick to prep. They’re a great cookout topping when you want fresh flavor that lifts every bite.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Onions
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air fryer onion rings cook quickly and come out super crisp without deep frying. They’re a great option for cookouts when you want a topping that’s bold, crunchy, and simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings
Quick Pickled Peppers
Quick pickled peppers are easy to make and ready to go in a short time. They're a great burger topping when you want something sharp and punchy that holds up at cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Peppers
Air Fryer Bacon
Air fryer bacon cooks fast and stays crisp without the mess of a skillet. It's a great burger topping when you need something reliable and easy for cookout prep.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon
Chinese 5 Spice Plum Jam
Plum jam with Chinese five spice and rosemary adds a sweet and herby layer that works well with grilled meat. It’s a great choice for cookouts when you're looking to try something easy but bold.
Get the Recipe: Chinese 5 Spice Plum Jam
Copycat Big Mac Sauce
This copycat Big Mac sauce comes together fast and hits all the right tangy, creamy notes. It’s a great cookout topping for anyone looking to bring big flavor without a store-bought bottle.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Sauce
Sauce Algérienne (Algerian Sauce)
Algerian sauce is creamy, a little spicy, and made with easy-to-find ingredients. It’s a great burger topping for cookouts when you want something bold and different without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Sauce Algérienne (Algerian Sauce)
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