The simplest framework
Pick one rich element, one acidic element and one crisp or fresh element. Add heat only when it supports the main flavor. This usually produces a clearer burger than piling on six heavy toppings.
Build a topping direction
Control water
Tomatoes, pickles, slaw and sautéed mushrooms can release enough moisture to weaken the bun. Slice tomatoes shortly before serving, drain pickles, cook mushrooms until their water evaporates and dress slaw lightly.
Control sliding
Slick ingredients stacked together create movement. Put cheese directly on the patty, keep round tomato slices from sitting on a thick sauce layer and use shredded lettuce where a whole leaf would pull out in one piece.
Control height
Every topping should survive a normal bite. Slice onions, peppers and pickles thinly. A burger can be generous without being impossible to eat.
Five combinations that make sense
- American cheese + dill pickle + minced onion + burger sauce.
- Cheddar + grilled onion + crisp pickle + barbecue mustard.
- Swiss + mushrooms + arugula + peppercorn mayonnaise.
- Pepper jack + avocado + pickled jalapeño + lime slaw.
- Plant patty + lettuce + tomato + pickled red onion + mustard sauce.