Gourmet BuzzThe Hive’s Best Meals

Beyond the Bun: Wild & Wonderful Burger Toppings You Must Try!

Burgers are a cornerstone of comfort food, loved worldwide in endless variations. While classics like lettuce, tomato, and cheese reign supreme, some toppings push the boundaries of burger creativity—turning an ordinary bite into an unexpected adventure.

From savory to sweet, creamy to crunchy, these unconventional toppings challenge expectations and surprise the taste buds. Are you ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about burgers?

Let’s get started!

The Fried Egg Burger

A burger with a fried egg.

A burger for breakfast? Yes, please! A perfectly fried egg adds protein, richness, and that glorious runny yolk. This combo, inspired by Japanese cuisine, has become a favorite in burger joints across the U.S.

Peanut Butter & Bacon Burger

A big juicy burger with peanut butter and bacon on it.

Salty bacon meets creamy peanut butter in a sweet and savory fusion that catches everyone off guard. It’s the culinary equivalent of opposites attracting—and it works. Bonus? The peanut butter acts as delicious glue, holding all those tasty toppings in place!

Mac & Cheese Burger

A huge burger with mac and cheese on it.

Comfort food meets comfort food in this ultimate indulgence! Gooey mac and cheese draped over a burger is a carb lover’s dream. Want a classic American twist? Add pickles and tomatoes for a playful contrast!

Bacon Jam Burger

A jar of bacon jam.

Think of this as bacon in spreadable form – cooked low and slow with brown sugar, vinegar, and spices for a sweet, smoky, and tangy punch. Available online and in many grocery and specialty stores. Pair it with Swiss cheese and sautéed mushrooms for a gourmet touch.

The Poutine

An image of a Canadian Poutine. An open faced sandwich with fries, gravy and everything but the kitchen sink!

Messy? Definitely. Delicious? Unquestionably. This Canadian favorite turns a burger into an experience, layering crispy fries, cheese curds, and rich gravy over a juicy patty. A Poutine is usually served open-faced.

The Hawaiian Burger

A big juicy Hawaiian Burger with ham and pineapple.

Sweet meets salty with pineapple and ham, just like the classic pizza version! Many go for mozzarella, but cheddar adds a deeper, sharp balance to the flavors.

Kimchi Burger

Kimchi burger, overflowing!

This Korean staple brings a spicy, tangy, fermented kick to burgers. If you love bold, layered flavors, kimchi is a game-changer—plus, it’s packed with probiotics!

Sriracha Mayo Burger

A nice plump burger with sriracha mayo.

It’s a simple but powerful upgrade—a creamy, spicy drizzle that adds heat without overpowering. Buy it pre-made or mix Sriracha with mayo for a custom twist. Mix a few drops (or more if you’re daring) of Sriracha into your favorite mayo.

Vegemite Burger

A jar of Vegemite

Not just an 80’s song lyric—Vegemite adds deep umami flavor when mixed directly into the patty! Grill it up and top with avocado, cheese, and jalapeños for a rich, savory bite with an Aussie twist. So, come and get it Men At Work!

Guacamole Burger

A huge burger with guacamole.

Creamy, fresh, and tangy—guac is a burger’s best friend, balancing juicy beef with smooth avocado goodness. Add lime and chili flakes for an extra pop of brightness!

Maple Syrup Burger

A burger with bacon, maple syrup, and fried egg.

Who says burgers can’t be sweet? A drizzle of maple syrup transforms a burger into a salty-sweet masterpiece. Top with crispy bacon, a fried egg, and a potato patty, and breakfast is officially served!

These toppings might seem unconventional, but food is meant to be an adventure! Step outside the ordinary, mix flavors, and find your next favorite.

Which one is calling your name?

Tips for Trying Unconventional Burger Toppings

  • Keep It Simple: Start with a classic burger patty as your base. When exploring bold toppings, keeping the foundation straightforward helps balance the flavors rather than overwhelming your taste buds.
  • Quality Matters: The secret to making odd toppings work is using high-quality ingredients. Fresh produce, flavorful sauces, and well-seasoned proteins can transform even the most unexpected combo into a gourmet experience.
  • Embrace Experimentation: The beauty of burgers? There are no rules! Whether it’s sweet, spicy, creamy, or crunchy, every combination is a chance to discover a new favorite flavor fusion.
  • Try other toppings such as jalapeno, onion, or fruit jams.
  • Cole slaw, onion rings, fries, and potato chips are all great on a burger as well.

Burgers are more than just a meal—they’re a playground for culinary creativity. Unconventional toppings push the boundaries of flavor, leading to unexpectedly delightful combinations. Whether it’s the fusion of sweet and savory, the influence of global cuisine, or the pursuit of new textures and heat, these bold choices transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Please let me know what your favorite burger topping is!

Have a deliciously out-of-the-ordinary day!

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Thank you again for being part of the hive! 💛


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