Buzz
I might be a bit of a mess in some areas, but when it comes to eating, I’m all about neatness. I can't stand when toppings—whether on a pizza or a burger—fall off too quickly. Sure, avoiding lettuce or pickles to keep your shirt clean might seem a little extreme, but you can drastically reduce the chances of toppings sliding off by chopping and shredding them.
These chopped additions (cuter, right?) not only stay in place, but their smaller size also allows for a more even distribution, enhancing the flavor and texture each one brings to the table.
Iceberg Lettuce
I've already shared my love for shredded lettuce in sandwiches, and burgers are no exception. To recap: shrettuce stays put and gives condiments a grippier surface, preventing the burger from becoming too slippery. Plus, there's something more enjoyable about the texture in your mouth.
Sliced Onions
Rather than the chaotic, overlapping rings, tiny diced onions provide better texture and more even distribution. They also keep the onion flavor in check so it doesn't overpower the burger patty.
Pickles
And then we have pickles. While I’ll never turn down a bold dill chip, chopping pickles before adding them to a burger opens up a range of topping possibilities. Many gourmet pickles come whole or in halves, but the small, diced cubes of preserved cucumber stay put, and you can mix up pickle varieties—try pairing bread and butter pickles with cornichons if you’re feeling adventurous. (Or just go for the classic relish.)
Crispy Bacon
Although bacon isn’t prone to slipping, I still love crumbling ultra-crispy strips directly onto melted American cheese. This ensures that the maximum surface area is covered in delicious bacon.
The only topping I’d advise against slicing is the tomato. Slicing often leads to a loss of gel and seeds, which is where all the flavor is. But if you place your tomato slices between two other (chopped or shredded) toppings, their rough texture should keep the tomato slices in place.
