There’s no doubt that burgers are the heroes of the backyard barbecue. While we’d never turn down a simple slice of cheese and a bun, there are so many more options out there for topping your burger. From creamy aiolis and smoky sauces to tangy pickles, chunky spreads and sweet-savory jams, the right topping can take your burger from basic to unforgettable. Whether you’re craving a Mediterranean twist, a Tex-Mex vibe or something totally unexpected, these burger toppers are packed with tastebud inspiration.

Recreate the magic of your favorite burger joint by mixing up a copycat special sauce. Just a few minutes of your time and a handful of pantry ingredients are all you need to give your next burger a creamy, briny, slightly sweet boost.

Sweet, smoky and just a little sticky, bacon jam is the topping you never knew your burger needed. It turns every bite into a flavor bomb, especially when paired with sharp cheddar or blue cheese. Once the bacon is cooked and chopped, return it to the pan and simmer with brown sugar, molasses, cider vinegar, sherry and spices until the mixture is syrupy and irresistible.

Crispy, fried onions can elevate any burger to restaurant-level deliciousness. Soak thinly sliced red onions and Fresno chilies in buttermilk, then dredge with flour to prepare. A quick plunge in hot oil will transform them into the perfect topping for a barbecue burger or anything with melty cheese and tangy sauce.

This rich and tangy aioli brings intense flavor without overwhelming the burger. Roasted garlic adds a buttery sweetness that plays well with salty, seared beef. Try combining it with melty American cheese and crisp iceberg lettuce for a classic backyard burger with a twist.

Fit for a burger just as well as a bagel, this Caprese-inspired spread is made by blending fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes into soft cream cheese. The result is a smooth, herby and bright mix that can elevate any dish.

Plain ol’ ketchup isn’t good enough for your glorious burger creation. This ketchup is dressed up like a Bloody Mary cocktail, with grated horseradish, Worcestershire and hot sauce. It’s a savory powerhouse that adds instant flair to any beef patty.

Making pickles at home can be the best way to use up a bumper crop of home grown cucumbers. Boil a quick mixture of vinegar, sugar and a few spices, then pour over sliced cucumber and jalapeño, if you like it extra spicy. Cover and refrigerate overnight for the perfect tangy addition to your next grill sesh.

Jazz up some store-bought mustard by adding a touch of heady stout beer, minced shallot and a pinch of brown sugar. The beer adds a malty richness that plays excellently with grille beef. The final sauce is tangy and complex enough to hold its own against sharp cheeses and other bold toppings.

Just when you thought bacon on a burger couldn’t get better, in comes candied bacon. The caramelized edges add texture and a hint of sweetness to balance out savory patties and tangy sauces. A combination of sorghum or molasses syrup and brown sugar gives the bacon its sweet flavor and a hit of fresh cracked black pepper balances is it out.

Add both spice and acidity at once with this recipe for simple pickled jalapeños. Once your jalapeños are sliced, just pour over a quick mixture of white wine vinegar, sliced onion, salt and a few spices. These will keep up to a month in your refrigerator — if you can resist eating them that long.

Tangy pimento cheese spread works just as well as a burger topping as it does a dip. Blend a mix of cream cheese and mayo in a food processor with a few spices, pickled jalapeños, piquillo peppers and shredded Cheddar cheese. If you like it extra hot, throw in a dash or two of Sriracha.

Caramelized onions are the MVP of the burger topping world, adding jammy, natural sweetness and a deep, slow-cooked flavor that melts right into the burger. This recipe walks you through all the steps to achieve the perfect caramelized onion. Even though they may be time consuming to make, they freeze well enough to make a double batch so you can stash some away for later.

This sweet-meets-smoky sauce gets a boost of caramel flavor and acidity from cola, creating a glossy, sticky glaze that’s finger-lickin’ good. It’s rich enough to stand up to charred edges and melty cheese, but balanced with a splash of vinegar for tang. Brush it on a thick beef patty while grilling and top with cheese and crispy onions for backyard barbecue bliss.

Think less creamy, more tart with this lightly dressed slaw. Use a store-bought shredded cabbage mix to save on prep time, then toss with red wine vinegar, vegetable oil and a pinch of sugar. After resting for 20 minutes, it’s ready to top any burger creation you have in mind.

Chopped giardiniera gives a tangy, spicy kick to aioli in this simple recipe. One you’ve made the aioli in your food processor, spoon some jarred giardiniera into the machine and pulse until chopped and well combined. Pile it onto a burger with provolone and pepperoncini for an Italian deli-style burger.

Chimichurri is the bright, herbaceous sauce that balances rich, grilled beef of all cuts. For a zesty punch, try adding it to your next burger to give it an Argentinian flair. The best part? Using up all those bunches of wilting herbs in the back of your produce drawer.

Mushrooms add a deeply savory, umami-rich flavor to beef burgers. Their chewy texture and caramelized edges make them ideal as a topping to pair with Swiss or Gruyere. This recipe helps you make them hands-free in the oven so you can focus on other prep.

Earthy walnuts and roasted red peppers come together in this savory Mediterranean-inspired spread that can add richness and depth to any burger. The chopped red pepper (jarred or homemade) lends a romesco vibe that pairs well with feta cheese or grilled zucchini.

Make the most of ripe summer peaches by turning them into a spiced chutney that can add depth to any burger. Chunks of the fruit simmer with sugar, vinegar, onion, raisins and a hint of fresh ginger for an unexpected layer of spice. Pair it with salty sharp white Cheddar or creamy Brie.

This sauce keeps folks coming back to the food table for seconds (and even thirds!). Whisk mayo with chili sauce, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire and spices to taste. A dash of hot sauce adds a pleasant kick, which you can dial up or down as needed.

Does your burger need a bright hit of sweet and sour? This pickled pineapple salsa adds a unique tropical twist to any dish. Simply toss diced pineapple with red onion, jalapeño, vinegar and a bit of sugar to make this drool-worthy condiment.

Bavarian-style beer cheese is a spreadable, stackable mixture destined for burger topping. The mixture of Camembert, butter, wheat beer and a touch of cream give it a decadent flavor and mouthfeel. Pair it with sautéed onions and a pretzel bun for the ultimate Oktoberfest-on-a-plate burger.

This fresh, green mayo is packed with tender herbs like parsley, tarragon and chives, giving it a garden-bright flavor that cuts through richer toppings and patties. It’s creamy but light, with a touch of lemon juice and garlic to give it lift. Spread it on a patty with sliced tomato and butter lettuce for a crisp, clean contrast of textures.

Liven up store-bought ketchup with a homemade jerk seasoning blend. Lime juice, brown sugar and a mix of pantry spices like ground allspice and dried thyme give the ketchup a smoky-sweet, fiery flavor that’s straight from the Caribbean. Slather it on your burger with grilled pineapple for the ultimate island-style bite.

This twist on classic pimento cheese spread has a few tricks up its sleeve. Instead of cream cheese, start with a log of fresh goat cheese. Fold in shredded smoked cheddar, mayo and the classic jarred pimiento peppers, a few sliced scallions, sweet pickle relish and a hint of Tabasco to complete this smoky, rich burger topping.

Silky roasted eggplant and chopped roasted peppers form the base of this Mediterranean spread. Cook them down with a can of diced tomatoes until a chunky spread forms. From here, you can use it as a burger topping along with grilled zucchini or basil aioli.

Classic guacamole makes a great addition to a southwestern-style burger. Fresh lime, cilantro and creamy avocado bring zip and brightness to every bite. Pile this dip onto a burger with pepper Jack and tortilla strips to craft a burger with serious crunch and flavor.

Classic Greek tzatziki works well on beef or lamb burgers, balancing the rich seared meat with a cool, creamy texture. In this recipe, fresh dill, mint and finely diced cucumber gives Greek yogurt a refreshing flavor profile, while grated raw garlic and lemon zest adds a sharp kick. Topping your burger with this tasty sauce will instantly give it a summery, Mediterranean-style flavor.

Alabama-style white barbecue sauce swaps out ketchup for creamy mayo, tart vinegar and a dash of Worcestershire sauce to give moisture to grilled meats. It’s zippy and unexpected on a juicy, grilled burger. Use it for chicken or turkey burgers as well for something a little different but wildly delicious.

Hardy cabbage and carrots tossed with a creamy dressing can create a fantastic slaw that holds up well to overnight resting. It’s the kind of topping that cools things down while still holding up to heftier toppings. Try it on a barbecue-style burger with caramelized onions and pepper Jack cheese.

Give your burger just enough horseradish bite without overpowering the beef. A touch of prepared horseradish whisked into mayo with mustard and a few chopped cherry peppers create this spread that’s ready in just 5 minutes. Try it with Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms and arugula for a steakhouse-style burger you can enjoy at home.

We love a classic Reuben sandwich with its sauerkraut and melty Swiss. Utilize the same creamy Russian-style dressing on a burger to craft a new but totally awesome meal. Caramelizing onions with sauerkraut and caraway seeds gives the sauce a chunky texture that’s like nothing you’ve ever tasted.

While this dip is great with cut raw veggies or chips, it also excels at bringing blue cheese’s signature bite to your burger. Easier to spread on than scattered crumbles, this dip uses sour cream and mayonnaise to bind the cheese, balancing it with chopped chives, a dash of Worcestershire and a pinch of celery salt. Layer it on a burger with caramelized onions and arugula for an unforgettable dish.

This genius “everything but the cheese board” dip uses a variety of assorted cheese scraps to blend with cream cheese, white wine, butter and ground pepper. The result is a dip that works equally well as a spread for a burger. Depending on what cheeses you use, the mix could skew sharp, creamy or funky, but undoubtedly delicious.