This Is the Most Popular Burger Topping in America
Updated: May 24, 2019
Can we get fries with that?
It’s finally grilling season. And that means Americans all across the country will be firing up the flames to cook a perfectly juicy burger.
In honor of this sacred season (and National Burger Day on May 28) our favorite food delivery service, Grubhub, put together a list of regional burger trends based on their order data. They took a look at the U.S.’ top toppings, cheese preferences and even the most popular veggie burgers.
Want to make your burger taste even better? Follow these top secrets.
America’s Best Burger Toppings
Maybe you like your burgers plain. Or maybe you want all the fixin’s. But according to Grubhub, most Americans want pickles atop their patty. Following the salty slices in popularity are tomatoes, lettuce, onions and bacon.
And if you’re a condiment lover, hold on to your squeeze bottle, because mayo came in first—followed by ketchup and mustard.
We were shocked mayo took the top spot! Here are more fun ways to use the condiment.
Crazy for Cheese
For all you dairy lovers, Grubhub found the most popular cheese choices, too. American cheese was No. 1, followed by cheddar, Swiss, provolone and Pepper Jack. (Psst! If you like cheeseburgers, you’ll love these inspired recipes.)
A Very Veggie Nation
Grubhub also noted a new trend in burger orders: meat alternatives are on the rise. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly patties are gaining more traction on menus across the country, thanks in part to revolutionary new products like the Impossible Burger. (Get the full scoop on this meat-free patty here).
These are the top two veggie-ful picks, by region:
Midwest: Black bean burger + quinoa burger
South: Vegan burger + qlack bean burger
Northeast: Veggie burger + Impossible Burger
West: Tofu burger + Impossible Burger
Next, see what Grubhub had to say about another American classic: pie!
Gruyere and Egg Burgers
These burgers were a huge hit with our friends during football season. Regular mayo can easily be substituted for the garlic aioli if desired. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia Falafel Chicken Burgers with Lemon Sauce
Falafel burgers with lemon yogurt sauce mark the first recipe I created myself. Use leftover mix to make chicken falafel or falafel with veggies or fish. —Nicole Mederos, Hoboken, New JerseyTempting Pork Tenderloin Burgers
Pork tenderloin is a family favorite at my house. I’m always looking for new ways to cook it, so I came up with this burger recipe for an easy weeknight dinner. Chopped prunes, dried figs or dried blueberries can be substituted for the dried cranberries with great success! —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, NebraskaTangy Apple Slaw Burgers
I'm always looking for fresh new ways to make burgers. We love to grill and have several varieties of apple trees, so this recipe was a natural! Extra apple slaw makes an instant side dish. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, IdahoBroccoli Cheeseburgers with Spicy Sweet Potatoes
These faux burgers are so packed with flavor that nobody notices they're also packed with protein, fiber and vitamins. —Pamela Vachon, Astoria, New York
Jalapeno Burgers with Gorgonzola
On a whim, we mixed homemade jalapeno jam into ground beef patties, then topped the burgers with caramelized onions and tangy Gorgonzola cheese. Fabulous! —Becky Mollenkamp, St. Louis, Missouri
Makeover Turkey Burgers with Peach Mayo
The unique fruit and mayo combination puts this burger over the top. You can also substitute nectarines for the peaches. They're both delicious! —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, FloridaFavorite Chili Cheeseburgers
I like to experiment when making hamburgers and stuffing them with sharp Cheddar cheese makes them absolutely delicious. For lighter fare, I sometimes use a combination of lean ground beef and ground turkey. —Deb Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Chickpea 'n' Red Onion Burgers
When chilly days arrive and we retire the grill to the garage, I bake a batch of chickpea veggie burgers. Even die-hard meat eaters can't resist them. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, GeorgiaItalian Turkey Burgers
Seasoned with oregano and Parmesan cheese, these plump burgers are a delicious change-of-pace entree. I like to serve them on crusty Italian bread with warmed spaghetti sauce, but you can also use hamburger buns.
-Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, WisconsinRamen Sliders
I grew up eating ramen and love it to this day. A fun spin on my favorite type of noodle soup, these sliders are topped with an egg and kimchi. —Julie Teramoto, Los Angeles, California
Buffalo Turkey Burgers
Celery and blue cheese dressing help tame the hot sauce on this turkey burger recipe. For an even lighter version, pass on the buns and serve with lettuce leaves, sliced onion and chopped tomato. —Mary Pax-Shipley, Bend, Oregon
Terrific Teriyaki Burgers
Golden flecks of pineapple give these burgers a touch of sweetness, while the ginger root adds some spice. Ground chicken works well in this recipe, too. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, CaliforniaScrum-Delicious Burgers
I'm not sure where this recipe originated, but it's one of my family's summertime favorites. I usually serve these juicy mushroom burgers when we have company. The guests rave about the flavorful cheesy topping. It's fun to serve a burger that's a little more special. —Wendy Sommers, West Chicago, IllinoisGarlic-Herb Salmon Sliders
The fresh flavors of the salmon and herbs are just unbeatable. I serve these as full-size burgers on kaiser rolls, too. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Jalapeno Swiss Burgers
Mexican culture greatly influences our cuisine, and we eat a lot of spicy foods. In this recipe, the mellow flavor of Swiss cheese cuts the heat of the jalapenos.—Jeanine Richardson, Floresville, Texas
Cheddar Chili Burgers
Big, bold chili and french-fried onions are a fun alternative to the classic burger fixings of ketchup and mustard. The patties are easy to assemble, making this a great weeknight sandwich. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, ArizonaPineapple Chicken Sliders
For fun appetizers that tide over even the hungriest of guests, try these mini sandwiches. My youngest daughter likes their small size and the tangy sweetness of the pineapple.—Maria Vasseur, Valencia, California
Grilled Bean Burgers
These juicy veggie patties have major flavor with cumin, garlic and a little chili powder. They hold their own against any veggie burger you‘d buy at the supermarket. —Marguerite Shaeffer, Sewell, New JerseyChutney Turkey Burgers
The secret to these burgers is the tangy mango chutney, but the arugula adds a special wow to the plate. I get lots of compliments when I serve these at summer or fall cookouts. — Jeanne Lueders, Waterloo, IowaTaco Burgers
My family loves the taste of tacos, but I dislike the mess! So I developed these burgers as a tasty but tidy alternative.—Linda Logan, Warren, Ohio
Garbanzo Bean Burgers
These chickpea burgers are totally awesome. I think I’d rather have one than any cheeseburger at a restaurant. They really rock! —Berea Rider, East Point, Kentucky
Cola Burgers
A friend who's an excellent cook shared this hamburger recipe with me, and it has since become a family favorite. The unusual combination of cola and French salad dressing added to the ground beef gives it fabulous flavor. The mixture is also used as a basting sauce on the moist burgers.
-Melva Baumer, Millmont, Pennsylvania
Bacon-Blue Cheese Stuffed Burgers
These loaded burgers are one hearty meal in a bun. They're sure to satisfy the biggest appetites. —Christine Keating, Norwalk, California
Tuna Burgers
My family members were so accustomed to typical beef burgers that they were hesitant to try these when I first made them. Any skepticism disappeared after just one bite. —Kim Stoller, Smithville, Ohio
Grilled Italian Meatball Burgers
I just love these burgers! They're a big hit with kids and adults. I serve them with sliced green peppers, tomato and onion slices and a jar of crushed red peppers on the side for adults. Kids enjoy them best "as is." —Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, FloridaBlack Bean Chip & Dip Burgers
I finally invented a healthy quinoa burger that wasn't dry and crumbly or really boring. These fit the bill—even my grandkids prefer them over hamburgers. They taste like chips and dip in a burger! —KT Rehrig, Allentown, PennsylvaniaOpen-Face Chicken Parmesan Burgers
We love chicken Parmesan and thought, "Why not make it a burger?" I like to use fresh mozzarella on these. I've also made the patties with ground turkey. —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
Maple Sausage Sliders with Slaw
Small in size but big in flavor, these dynamite coleslaw-topped sliders are sure to score with hungry fans. They’re a welcome change from usual game-day fare. —Lisa Huff, Wilton, ConnecticutGrilled Ham Burgers
My family loves my ham loaf, so I decided to make the ham loaf mixture into patties and grill them—it was an instant hit. Adding the arugula gives these burgers a peppery bite and honey mustard dressing adds just the right sweet and sour flavor. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Mushroom-Stuffed Cheeseburgers
No need to call my family twice when these burgers are on the menu. Get ahead of the game and stuff them ahead of time, then grill later. — Joyce Guth, Mohnton, Pennsylvania
Herb & Cheese-Stuffed Burgers
Tired of the same old ground beef recipes? This quick-fix burger alternative, with its creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds. —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio
Feta-Dill Chicken Burgers
I found fresh ground chicken at the butcher and gave it a whirl on our new grill. The result is these saucy burgers. Everybody went nuts—including my sister-in-law, an amazing cook! —Wendy Boughton, Victoria, British ColumbiaSun-Dried Tomato Burgers
My fiance and I really like Greek food and flavors. I made a meatloaf similar to this once but changed it up into burgers for a fun option when the weather gets warm.—Melissa Obernesser, Utica, New York
Salmon Burgers with Tangy Slaw
I thought I’d made salmon every way you can make it, until now. The tangy slaw, made with fennel and avocado, adds another layer of flavor that goes surprisingly well with salmon and other seafood. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Open-Faced Chicken Avocado Burgers
To dress up each chicken avocado burger, spread the Italian bread with creamy mayo and top with thick slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato. Serve with buttered boiled potatoes or a salad. —Lisa Hundley, Aberdeen, North Carolina.Buffalo Beef Burgers
Ever-popular Buffalo wings inspired the flavors of this tangy, amped-up burger. The zippy mayonnaise topping gives the sandwiches their kick. —Michael Cohen, Los Angeles, California
Wisconsin Butter-Basted Burgers
It’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter.
My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Breakfast Burger
My husband is big on eggs and bacon, so I wanted to merge his breakfast favorites with a grilled burger for an over-the-top treat. Topping it with my homemade blackberry jam sealed the deal. —Tina Janssen, Walworth, WisconsinShiitake-Chicken Sliders
My husband and I love Asian cuisine. One of our favorite things to order at a Thai restaurant is chicken satay skewers with spicy peanut sauce. These chicken sliders are a fun variation on the skewers. They're moist and flavorful with the addition of shiitake mushrooms, and topped with the spicy-sweet peanut sauce and tangy cucumber slices. —Julie Hession, Las Vegas, NevadaBacon Cheeseburgers with Fry Sauce
In Utah, fry sauce is the beloved condiment. We use it not just as a dip for fries, but also as a spread for hamburgers. Utah is known as the Beehive State, so I wanted to add honey as a special touch to my fry sauce. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, UtahGreat Grain Burgers
I've experimented with many combinations of ingredients to make a good meatless burger, and this is our favorite. These patties cook up golden brown and crispy and make delicious sandwiches. —Pat Whitaker, Alsea, Oregon
BBQ Bacon Burger
Every family has a burger of choice, and this is ours. It's stacked tall with bacon and crunchy onion rings. —Paula Homer, Nampa, Idaho
Greek-Style Chicken Burgers
The original recipe for these burgers called for lamb or beef, but I decided to try ground chicken to decrease the fat. The sauce easily doubles as a flavorful dip for veggies and pita chips. —Judy Puskas, Wallaceburg, OntarioAsian Turkey Burger with Apple Slaw
I wanted to make turkey burgers a lot more fun. On a whim, I added hoisin sauce, gingerroot and garlic. Now we eat them about once a week. —Ashley Gayle, Ellicott City, MarylandCranberry-Beef Mini Burgers
Cranberry tapenade brings a deep red color and sweet-sour zing to these fun little bacon cheeseburgers. Serve them for parties or any time you want to treat your family. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, CaliforniaBacon and Date Goat Cheese Burgers
Every bite of this burger is a rich and decadent combination of sweet and savory. If you can't find maple bacon in your local store, you can add 1-1/2 tablespoons maple syrup to the spinach-goat cheese mixture in the food processor and use regular bacon. —Sharon Michelle Anglin, Livingston, MontanaGrilled Chicken Burgers
These chicken burgers get a delicious hint of sweetness with tart apples mixed right into the patties. The cranberry-mayo spread takes it up a notch even further. —Debbie Gauthier, Timmins, OntarioSpinach Tomato Burgers
Every Friday night is burger night at our house. The tomatoes add fresh flavor and the cool spinach dip brings it all together. We often skip the buns and serve these over a bed of grilled cabbage. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Jalapeno-Swiss Turkey Burgers
These easy turkey burgers are extra juicy and loaded with flavor. I think the spicy jalapenos give it just the right level of heat, but feel free to adjust the amount to amp it up or tone it down. —Wanda Allende, Orlando, Florida
Air-Fryer Herb and Cheese-Stuffed Burgers
Tired of the same old ground beef burgers? These quick air-fryer hamburgers, with their creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds.—Sherri Cox, Lucasville, OhioMushroom Bacon Turkey Burgers
If you ask me, a good burger needs mushrooms on top, but they tend to slide around and fall off. I decided to put mushrooms right into the patties—problem solved! —Melissa Obernesser, Utica, New YorkVeggie Bean Burgers
Even though the preparation for this meal seems time-consuming on a busy night, it's so worth it. The recipe will leave you with plenty of leftovers so you won't have to do any cooking the next night. These also beat the veggie burgers from the freezer section. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Feta Chicken Burgers
My friends always request these tasty chicken burgers. I sometimes add olives to punch up the flavor! The burgers are exceptional with the mayonnaise-cucumber topping. —Angela Robinson, Findlay, Ohio
Broiled Pizza Burgers
My mother made Broiled Pizza Burgers when I was growing up. We like them for Sunday supper, and they're even faster to fix if you use pre-browned hamburger from the freezer. We sometimes substitute slices of cheddar for the process cheese. —Mrs. Ann Bailes, Anderson, South CarolinaSweet & Spicy Fusion Burgers
These burgers combine some of my favorite flavors and textures, plus you can do most of the work ahead of time. You’ll find naan, an Indian flatbread, in the international or bread section of your grocery store. —Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, CaliforniaSalsa Black Bean Burgers
Meatless meals are so tasty when these hearty bean burgers are on the menu. Guacamole and sour cream make them seem decadent. —Jill Reichardt, St. Louis, Missouri
Zucchini Burgers
With just-picked-from-the-garden-zucchini, your kids won’t even know these burgers are meatless. —Kimberly Danek Pinkson, San Anselmo, California
Hawaiian Beef Sliders
Sweet and savory with just a hint of heat, these dynamite burgers are packed with flavor. Pineapple and bacon may sound like an unusual combination, but you'll find they're the perfect match. —Mary E. Relyea, Canastota, New YorkPrimanti's-Style Burgers
Take one all-American patty and load it up Pennsylvania-style with French fries, oil-and-vinegar coleslaw and tomatoes on thick-sliced Italian bread.Pork Burgers with Grilled Pineapple & Peppers
I had ground pork and fresh pineapple, so I made burgers. My hubby loves them in grilling season. We serve them with slaw and roasted potato wedges. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio
Meat Loaf Burgers
These hearty meat loaf sandwiches are delightful for potluck dinners. Served on hamburger buns, the beefy patties get extra flavor when topped with the seasoned tomato sauce. —Peggy Burdick, Burlington, Michigan
Papa Burger
When whipping up something for Father’s Day or the Fourth of July, I go big and tall with this fully loaded, juicy yumburger. —Chase Bailey, Costa Mesa, California
King Burgers
My husband is a grill master, and we like to make up recipes together. The sauce for this juicy burger tastes even better when it's been refrigerated overnight. —Mary Potter, Sterling Heights, MichiganSouthwest Turkey Burgers
I made these turkey burgers with corn, green chilies and taco spice for my parents. They originally weren't sold on an untraditional burger, but they absolutely loved them! People gobble up these burgers every time. —Katie Ring, Menasha, WITurkey Sliders with Sweet Potato "Buns"
In this healthier take on sliders, I sandwich a burger between roasty slices of sweet potato. My wife took one bite and approved these tasty little guys. —Guy Martino, Charleston, South CarolinaStuffed Pizza Burgers
For years, I used this recipe to make pizza meat loaf, which was absolutely killer. I decided to try it as burgers for a party, and they were a smashing success. Everyone left with the recipe. —Dennis Barter, Reedsburg, WisconsinGrilled Italian Turkey Burgers
These turkey burgers are awesome at a cookout, especially if you're trying to eat healthy. Try topping them with a little marinara or steak sauce. So good. —Darla Andrews, Lewisville, Texas
Presto Pizza Patties
Craving both beef and pizza? These patties feature both in an open-faced sandwich. And they're lighter than you'd think! —Barbara Schindler, Napoleon, Ohio
Cheddar-Bacon Burgers
You won’t believe how juicy these burgers are. The secret is the apple cider; it’s just enough to keep everything moist. Your guests will enjoy the flavor, yet won’t be able to put their finger on what it is. —Shelly Bevington-Fisher, Hermiston, Oregon
Spicy Cajun Salsa Burgers
Use a few on-hand seasonings like Creole, red pepper flakes and garlic powder to create these flavorful and juicy burgers. —David Dalton, Orleans, IndianaPhilly Burger
The cream cheese mixture and crunchy french-fried onions make this burger recipe a cookout sensation. Serve them with fresh potato salad and a fruit salad, and dinner is done! —Marjorie Carey, Alamosa, Colorado
Tuscan Burgers with Pesto Mayo
Everyone needs to bring their appetite when you serve these man-size burgers. They have a bit of Italy in them with the use of pancetta, pesto and mozzarella cheese. Try them and you'll love them! —Rita Combs, Valdosta, Georgia
Eggs Benedict Burgers
To feed my daughter’s hungry cowboy friends after a rodeo, I created these with leftover burgers, hollandaise and bacon. They were a huge hit! —Bonnie Geavaras-Bootz, Scottsdale, Arizona
Mushroom Burgers
Ready to turn over a new burger? I guarantee no one will be missing the beef after tasting these vegetarian burgers. They're moist, tender and full of flavor. —Denise Hollebeke, Penhold, AlbertaAsian Turkey Sliders
We make weeknights fun with easy grilled turkey sliders. I like to serve them with tangy slaw on the side. —Trinity Saffer, Golden, Colorado
Jalapeno Popper Burgers
What do you get when you combine a jalapeno popper and a classic burger? This fantastic recipe! It takes the essential components of a popper and encases them in a juicy patty for a burst of flavor in every bite. —Jo Davison, Naples, Florida
Salsa Bean Burgers
I created these based on a turkey burger recipe and wanted to make them even better for you. Use a favorite salsa with just the heat you like to make it your own. —Jenny Leighty, West Salem, Ohio
Chili-Cheese Burgers
Instead of topping my burgers with cheese, I like to shred it and mix it into the meat when shaping the patties. This way, I'm sure to get a little cheesy goodness in every bite. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, ArizonaSliders with Spicy Berry Sauce
For patriotic food, you can’t beat a burger. My sliders have red tomatoes, white cheddar and blueberry sauce. For extra pop, I mix in ginger beer and chipotle. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, ColoradoBarley Beef Burgers
Barley adds another dimension to an old-fashioned hamburger. My husband and I really enjoy these juicy patties with onion and barbecue sauce mixed right in. —Rosella Peters, Gull Lake, SaskatchewanLoaded Turkey Sliders
What these sliders lack in size they make up for in flavor! They're great for little hands and you can customize the toppings to suit kids' tastes. Serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish along with sweet potato fries and fresh fruit. —Kathy DeRousie, Port Angeles, Washington
Feta Mushroom Burgers
My son-in-law gave me this recipe and I tweaked it to make it healthier. The burgers are so quick to whip up on the grill on busy nights. —Dolores Block, Frankenmuth, Michigan
Grilled Spinach Feta Burgers
Turkey burgers have their fans, but we prefer burgers of ground beef, spinach and feta. We serve them on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato and tzatziki. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New YorkSun-Dried Tomato Turkey Burgers
This recipe always brings back memories of my mom’s homemade sun-dried tomatoes in the summer. I’ve prepared the burgers with ground beef and ground turkey. Either way, they're fast and taste great! —Sammy Staab, Pensacola, FloridaCajun Crab Burgers
Here's my take on the traditional crab cake. I like to top my sandwiches with Cajun remoulade and pile spicy baked sweet potato fries on the side. —Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina
Burgers with Spicy Dill Salsa
When I make burgers or hot dogs for boating or barbecues, I do a topping that tastes like relish meets salsa. Pile it on any griller you like. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California
Barbecue Sliders
When company dropped in by surprise, all I had was sausage and ground beef defrosted. We combined the two for juicy burgers on the grill. —BJ Larsen, Erie, ColoradoWhiskey Cheddar Burgers
This juicy cheeseburger has big flavors to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. It always impresses at our cookouts. —Amber Nicholson, Winooski, VermontYo Potato Burgers
Take one all-American patty and load it up Idaho-style with Kettle-style potato chips and onion dip.Beef Teriyaki Burgers
Water chestnuts add crunch to these moist patties from Barb Schutz of Pandora, Ohio. Top the burgers with additional teriyaki sauce for a flavorful alternative to ketchup.Avocado Gyro Burgers
This is the best burger I have ever created. The moist, seasoned burger with Greek-style cucumber sauce makes it seem like you're eating a gyro.—Aki Washington, Chicago, Illinois
Unstuffed Jalapeno Popper Burgers
This sassy, grown-up burger has a little bit of bite and a whole lot of flavor! Our taste panel couldn’t stop eating this knife-and-fork sandwich. —Taste of Home Test KitchenTurkey Burgers with Mango Salsa
This cookout recipe always has everyone talking. The secret is mixing a creamy, spreadable cheese into the turkey patties. It gives them lots of flavor without overpowering the burger. —Nancee Melin, Tucson, ArizonaPortobello Pizza Burgers
Portobello mushrooms are a tasty meatless option, especially tucked inside a bun with melty cheese. — Sally Lauf, West Deptford, New Jersey
Pizzeria Burgers
As the mother of teenagers, I strive to find meals they like but that require little work on my part. I get many requests for these Italian-style hamburgers...I make them monthly. - Amy LaPointe, North Fond du Lac, WisconsinPeach & Vidalia Burgers
Take one all-American patty and load it up Georgia-style with mayo, fresh sliced peaches and sauteed Vidalia onions.Fig-a-licious Pork Burgers
With fig puree and melted Gorgonzola, these Fig-a-licious Pork Burgers are almost a gourmet meal.—Mary Cannataro, Chicago, IllinoisMust-Have Burgers
My family thinks these juicy cheeseburgers are super deluxe, with or without a bun. Customize them with mushrooms, onion, bacon or a shot of hot chili sauce. —Susan Harju, Sioux Falls, South DakotaPlate Lunch Burgers
Take one all-American patty and load it up Hawaii-style by topping your burger with macaroni salad.
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