How do I make a burger better with pickled toppings?

Using pickles and quick-pickles for bright contrast

Pickled toppings add acidity and crunch that cut through rich meat and cheese. Classic dill pickles or bread-and-butter slices work well as-is, but quick-pickled onions, jalapeños, or cucumbers are simple to make and customize.

To quick-pickle: slice the vegetable thinly and pour over a hot brine of equal parts vinegar and water, salt, and a bit of sugar. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.

Pickle pairing ideas

• Dill pickles with cheddar and bacon.
• Quick-pickled red onions with goat cheese or blue cheese.
• Pickled jalapeños with pepper jack and avocado for spice.

Pickles introduce acidity, which brightens the overall bite and prevents the burger from tasting heavy or one-note.