
Seasonal Burger Toppings to Try in the New Year
On the Freddy’s menu, we offer a variety of burger toppings, as well as a rotating selection of unique burgers, frozen custard treats and more. From classics like lettuce, tomato and cheese to toppings found on more unique burgers such as sauerkraut or grilled jalapeños, burger toppings can add the finishing touch to this beloved comfort dish or transform it into a new and exciting flavor experience. To inspire a variety of burger toppings throughout the year, the following list highlights seasonal fruit and vegetable selections and some of their uses as burger toppings.
A Seasonal Guide to Burger Toppings
Based on the USDA’s Seasonal Produce Guide, there are many sources of seasonal inspiration for burger toppings. Although growing seasons and produce availability may vary by location or be available in multiple seasons, an awareness of the peak times for fruits and vegetables may help you find or create the most flavorful toppings for your burgers! For some flavorful inspiration, check out these ideas for burger toppings organized by season.
Unique & Tasty Spring Burger Toppings

Cabbage: Available in vibrant shades of reddish purple as well as green, cabbage is a popular burger topping. From colorful creamy slaws featuring cabbage and other vegetables like peppers and carrots to tangy sauerkraut and spicy kimchi, the crunch of this vegetable and its fiber content make it an appealing choice for multiple types of patties and seasonings. While there are many types of cabbage to try, napa cabbage may be a great choice for burger toppings, since it is often a bit more tender than others.
Celery: Celery is sometimes added to assorted burger mixtures, but it also makes a delicious burger topping, especially when combined with some of its well-known pairing accompaniments. Living North offers a celery and radish salsa to accompany the burger, while Culinary Ginger offers a blue cheese and celery combination to go with a buffalo burger. Additionally, fresh celery leaves can be used in a variety of ways, as highlighted at The Kitchn.
Collard Greens: Like iceberg lettuce, collard greens work as both burger wrap and burger topping. They also offer more nutritional value than lettuce. Although this combination is often served as a side dish, this recipe from Spend with Pennies which pairs collard greens with bacon would also make for a delicious burger topping.
Garlic: Creating garlic-based sauces might be just the elevation you’ve been craving for your burgers, but you might also transform sliced garlic into a textural component like chips, as in this recipe from A Beautiful Plate. Additionally, other parts of the garlic, like its scapes, can be shaved into slaws or roasted and integrated into hummus spread.
Radishes: Available in a variety of colors, radishes are a versatile burger topping. This guide to radishes from Martha Stewart may provide various ideas about how to incorporate your flourishing spring radish crop into the burgers on your upcoming menu or in many other dishes. With a little natural pepperiness to them, they make a wonderful and vibrant alternative to the usual jar of pickles.
Peas: The first bite of a snap pea is a sure sign that spring is here and summer is on its way. Thinly slice this type of pea for a vegetal and slightly sweet crunch to use in place of the usual lettuce. Pea shoots and tendrils can serve a similar purpose or be transformed into sauces such as pesto, as illustrated in this recipe from Urban Farmie.
The Summer Season of Burger Toppings

At Freddy’s, the change of seasons often inspires us to launch special menu additions, like a Pretzel Bacon BBQ Steakburger, Key Lime Pie Concrete and Very Berry Strawberry Shake. With so much produce peaking in the summer months, the greatest challenge during this time of year may be how to choose from the abundance of options. Fortunately, burgers tend to be even more popular than usual during this time, so there is plenty of opportunity to try various burger toppings using seasonal fruit and vegetables.
Corn: While there may not be anything better than enjoying corn on the cob with your perfectly grilled burger, corn can also be used in burger toppings. For example, this Mexican street corn salad recipe from Eating Bird Food transforms grilled corn into a delectable side or burger topping that also includes some heat and some cheese.
Eggplant: The summer is the perfect time of year not only to use eggplant rounds as the patties for burgers but also to use this vegetable in burger toppings. In addition to recipes for Baba Ganoush, a preparation that works equally well as an appetizer or a burger topping, Eggplant Caviar recipes like this one from Food Network incorporate other summer vegetables like tomatoes and bell peppers.
Cucumbers: Fresh slices, homemade pickles as in this recipe from Cookie and Kate and relishes, not to mention creamy or vinegar-based slaws, are popular burger toppings that utilize this summer selection. There are many cucumber varieties to try, so consider experimenting with a different type of cucumber for your burger toppings this year, like lemon cucumbers which have a slightly sweeter and milder cucumber flavor and a vibrant yellow exterior.
Peaches: Peaches may offer seasonal sweetness at its best. Whether using varieties with white flesh or orange hues, this fruit is a regular addition to a variety of grilled BBQ favorites. As a burger topping, peaches provide sweet notes in a relish or can be served grilled to leverage the caramelization from their inherent sugar. Whether you use this fruit with a slight smoke from the grill or pair it with assorted cheeses, its use in burger toppings will help make your meal into a celebration of the season.
Squash: Different types of squashes shine from season to season. Create ribbons of summer favorites, zucchini or summer squash, to adorn your burger. For a textural contrast, make crispy squash cakes or fry individual squash slices or squash blossoms. In this recipe from The Kitchn, one topping preparation can provide squash, herb and cheese components for a burger.
Tomato: The slice of a perfectly ripe tomato perhaps sprinkled with a little salt and pepper is a treat on its own, as well as on a steakburger made-to-order from Freddy’s or freshly cooked on your home grill. In addition to the different types of tomatoes available and their associated flavors, consider trying options like tomatillos which are also available during this time of year. They are similarly versatile but slightly tangier and fruitier than tomatoes, as further explained by Forks Over Knives.
Fall Harvests and Burger Toppings for Autumn BBQs

In many locations, fall harvests are just as bountiful as those in the warmer seasons. As the grillmasters revel in the cooler temperatures during which to wield their expertise, steakburgers, veggie burgers and other delicious types of burgers continue to be consumed for weekly dinners and celebratory gatherings alike. Here are some seasonal selections that may be used as mouth-watering burger toppings for fall BBQs!
Beets: Virtually all of the beet plant may be used as burger toppings. The beet root can be thinly sliced and roasted to give a soft and earthy note to your burgers. The beet greens also make an easy swap for other greens you might generally use, and their stems can even be pickled as evident in this recipe from the James Beard Foundation.
Cranberry: From cranberry sauce to cranberry cheese, this tangy fruit addition may be added to turkey burgers for a festive approach during the holiday season. Additionally, cranberries pair well with multiple types of cheeses in addition to being put directly into one. For example, here’s a cranberry and feta recipe from Delish that can do double duty as an appetizer for your next gathering and as a burger topping.
Onions: Raw onion typically comes standard on steakburgers, like the Freddy’s Original Double in addition to being available for homemade burgers. However, pickled onions and caramelized or grilled onions, as well as fried onion rings, are other potential burger toppings.
Potatoes: Burgers and potatoes in many forms are a duo that’s certainly not limited to a single season. From tots to fries, the many sides that Freddy’s guests and others love to pair with their burgers may also be used as burger toppings. Try adding homemade chips for texture or even using potato salad as the creamy, yet crunchy element to your burger.
Pears: As with cranberries, this fruit is often paired with cheese in serving as a burger topping or is grilled to bring out its sweetness. Tasting Table offers this variation of a stuffed burger which is then complemented with roasted pears and fig jam.
Lettuce: A popular bun swap and beloved topping, celebrate the season by trying out different types of lettuce on your next burger. Some varieties work equally well in both roles, while others are best reserved for a topping due to their more delicate texture or size, such as the Tom Thumb variety or a mesclun mix. Interested in trying a lettuce wrap for your next steakburger or other sandwich? Try this customization option at a Freddy’s near you!
Winter Offerings for Warming Burger Toppings
Whether winter for you is complete with below-freezing temperatures or days by the pool, steakburgers, bean burgers and other types of burgers are sure to remain as a regular part of your menu. You may just prefer to create them indoors instead of outside. Whether you melt them, roast them or caramelize them, the following seasonally-inspired burger toppings are a treat for the palate.

Brussels Sprouts: Using brussels sprouts in place of traditional leafy greens, like lettuce or spinach, brings a seasonal twist to your winter burger toppings. Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts can be sprinkled on top of burgers directly or sauteed for a softer consistency. Additionally, roasted Brussels sprout preparations or side dishes that utilize this vegetable, such as this cheesy and crispy preparation from Wholesome Yum, might transform your burger experience and perhaps also increase your appreciation for this vegetable.
Carrots: Carrots often appear in burger patty mixtures, but they can also serve as toppings or condiments. For example, you might try this ketchup recipe shared by A Clean Plate or a pesto that uses carrot tops, such as this one from Simply Recipes. Additionally, carrots can be included fresh in grated or sliced form, pickled or turned into assorted slaws – all of which work well as burger toppings.
Leeks: In the same family as onion, leeks tend to be a bit milder. As with onions, you can absolutely caramelize leeks in addition to grilling them. For a more unique accompaniment, consider adding a leek dip to your burger. This leek recipe from All Recipes includes leeks and cream cheese, as well as bacon bits.
Pineapple: Rich or spicy burgers may benefit from the sweetness of pineapple or its caramel notes which can be achieved through grilling it. Although this Hawaiian burger recipe from Taste of Home uses rings of pineapple and its juice from a can in addition to this fruit’s popular pairing partner – bacon, a similar dish can be achieved using the fresh whole fruit.
Pumpkin: While pumpkin can be a base ingredient for a burger patty, grilled pumpkin slices make for a slightly sweet yet smoky topping. Add some heat to this creamy component of your burger creation by incorporating spices like cumin, chili or cayenne.
Swiss Chard: Swiss Chard is a versatile burger ingredient that can be incorporated into the patty itself in addition to serving as the bun or a topping. Add raw young leaves directly on top of burgers, or use larger steamed leaves as wraps. Even the chard stems can be used as burger toppings. In addition to pickling them, consider baking the chard stems with cheese, as in this recipe from Kalyn’s Kitchen.
With so many seasonal selections and preparation options to choose from, the next year is likely not enough time to explore the many burger toppings that can be created using delicious fruits and vegetables. Whether your home garden inspires you, the local market or trying the multiple burger toppings and condiments available at Freddy’s, your chosen burger toppings will surely enhance your steakburgers, veggie burgers and other types of burgers. In planning your next order from your local Freddy’s, don’t forget to check out our customizable burger toppings online and earn points on every order by joining Freddy’s Rewards!