There is little that can come between a man, patty and bun. One of the ultimate dude foods, simplicity is often where a well-made burger strives and delivers the most pleasure. But what goes between the beef and the bread can take the humble hamburger and make it into a thing of unfathomable beauty, oozing umami from a glistening brioche bun to dripping blue cheese.
Here are the toppings to take your burger to the next level.
1. Melt in the middle patty
Stuff your choice of cheese into the middle of your mince before grilling. Prepare for unadulterated molten goo.
2. Bacon patty
Topping with a couple of rashers is for amateurs. Make a bacon lattice and wrap around your burger for the perfect bacon ratio in every bite.
3. Black pudding
A slab of the good stuff on top of your burger a la Bleecker St will add texture and flavour.
4. Kimchi
Forget gherkins. The Korean cabbage packs crunch with a punch.
5. Ramen burger
Because brioche is boring, apparently.
6. Mac and cheese
Add a dollop and prepare for a food coma that will last until tomorrow.
7. Pulled pork
You can’t get too much off a good thing. So combine two of the best.
8. Nachos
Think crisp sandwiches, but 100 times better.
9. Marmalade
No, not the one in your Nan’s cupboard. Try savoury marmalades made with mushroom or mustard.
10. Fried egg and truffle oil
We’re yet to find anything that doesn’t go with egg or truffle, respectively or together.
11. Waffles
Breakfast, dessert and dinner could only be better together.
12. Beer cheese sauce
Like thicker, better beer.
13. Pickled fig
The artisan’s caramelised onions.
14. Sriracha slaw
We dare you to find something that isn’t improved by sriracha.
15. Peanut butter
If it’s good enough for Elvis, it’s damn well good enough for us.
16. Pate
A less douchey version of a foie gras burger, with a tastier price tag.
17. Gravy
Not just for roast dinners and mashed potatoes, ditch the ketchup and dunk into the gravy boat. Go on, live a little.
18. Avocado
Whether you opt for guacamole or solid slabs of the good ol’ greens, the contrast will give you a clean cut of flavour every time.
19. Chilli beans
Like sloppy joes, but better.
20. Hashbrown
Potatoes don’t just belong as a side order. Bring them into the fold for the main event.
