Ditch ketchup and try these 12 irresistible DIY burger toppings instead

A juicy burger is only as good as the toppings you pile on it, and homemade condiments take things to the next level. From bold relishes to creamy spreads and tangy pickles, these toppings add layers of flavor, texture and personality to every bite. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ or a cozy weeknight dinner, these DIY burger toppers will make your meal unforgettable. Best of all, they’re easy to prep ahead and versatile enough for everything from hot dogs to grain bowls. Once you try them, store-bought won’t even tempt you.

Zucchini Relish

Capture summer’s garden-fresh flavor in a jar with this bold and tangy zucchini relish. It’s made with finely chopped sweet zucchini, onions and peppers, simmered in a perfectly balanced mix of vinegar, sugar and warm spices. This recipe is great for topping burgers, hot dogs and grilled meats, or adding a punchy kick to your favorite salads and dressings. Easy to prepare and packed with fresh flavors, it’s a vibrant homemade condiment you’ll want to keep stocked in the fridge.
Get the recipe: Zucchini Relish

Chow Chow Relish

If you’re looking for a tangy, crunchy condiment to elevate your favorite savory dishes, this chow chow relish is a must-try. Made with green tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and cabbage, it’s a bright, zesty mix that adds a bold bite to anything from hot dogs to grilled meats. The blend of vinegar, sugar and spices gives it that classic Southern flavor. This homemade relish is easy to prepare and keeps well, making it a great fridge staple.
Get the recipe: Chow Chow Relish

Corn Relish

Homemade corn relish is a bold and tangy condiment you’ll want to keep stocked all year round. Made with sweet corn, red bell peppers, onion and jalapeños, it’s simmered in a vinegar and spice mixture until thick and vibrant. This easy-to-make refrigerator relish is perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats or even omelets and grain bowls. Whether you use fresh or thawed frozen kernel corn, it’s a tasty way to preserve the flavors of the season in just a few simple steps.
Get the recipe: Corn Relish

Pickled Banana Peppers

If vibrant, tangy snacks are your thing, these pickled banana peppers are a fridge staple you’ll love. Crisp, spicy rings of pepper are packed in jars with aromatic garlic, mustard seed and peppercorns. A simple hot brine transforms them into zesty topping ideal for sandwiches, tacos or pizza. No need for canning, just a quick boil, cool and chill and they’re ready in a few hours. These peppers add punch to all kinds of meals or snacks without much effort at all.
Get the recipe: Pickled Banana Peppers

Spicy Mayo

Are you ready to take your meals to the next level with a deliciously creamy and tangy sauce that packs a fiery kick? This incredible spicy mayo recipe is sure to become your new favorite condiment! Whether you’re a sushi aficionado, a burger enthusiast, or just a fan of all things spicy, this versatile sauce is perfect for drizzling on tacos, fries, and more. With just a few simple ingredients and 5 minutes of your time, you’ll be able to whip up this addictive spicy mayo that will elevate even the most basic dishes to new heights of flavor.
Get the recipe: Spicy Mayo

Cowboy Candy

If you love bold flavors with a sweet heat kick, you need to try cowboy candy. These candied jalapeños combine fiery spice with sugary syrup for a punchy condiment you can use on everything from sandwiches to cheese boards. The recipe is quick to prep and keeps in the fridge for weeks, improving as it sits. A simple vinegar-sugar brine transforms fresh jalapeños into addictive little flavor bombs. With minimal effort, you’ll have a small-batch recipe that delivers big payoff. Cowboy candy is really versatile and makes a great gift, too.
Get the recipe: Cowboy Candy

Spicy Dill Pickles

Whip up these spicy dill pickles and eat them straight out of the jar. These crunchy delights take little time or skill to make and are such a homemade pickle recipe. They will elevate every burger, salad, sandwich, and wrap (you get the picture) from here on out. The fresh dill and red pepper flakes give this recipe so much flavor and some kick. Play around to make these classic small-batch spicy refrigerator dill pickles your own! Making your old-fashioned pickles is so much fun and no special equipment is needed!
Get the recipe: Spicy Dill Pickles

Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread

This olive salad muffaletta spread is my go-to when I want something bold, briny, and downright addictive. Packed with a punchy mix of green and black olives, pepperoncini, and a medley of herbs and spices, it’s basically a party in a bowl. I love slathering it on crusty bread for a quick muffuletta fix, but it’s just as amazing spooned over pizza or tucked into a charcuterie board. Trust me—once you taste it, you’ll be looking for excuses to spread it on everything.
Get the recipe: Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread

Jalapeño Hot Honey

Add this to your charcuterie spread! This sticky, sweet and spicy honey is so easy to make and you only need two ingredients for jalapeño hot honey – the honey itself and some jalapeno peppers. Homemade hot honey is fun to make and you can control how spicy you want the end result to come out. It’s going to be your new favorite condiment! You don’t need any special ingredients or equipment to make your own hot jalapeno honey. It is wonderful drizzled over pizza, bread, pasta, cheese, fried chicken, seafood, cocktails, and much more.
Get the recipe: Jalapeño Hot Honey

Peperonata

This classic Italian recipe showcases peppers and the flavors of a summer garden like no other dish! Peperonata is an Italian vegetable stew that’s made with slow-simmered sweet bell peppers, onions and tomatoes. This versatile side dish, appetizer, sauce, spread or condiment tastes sweet, fresh and delicious. You can enjoy it with pasta, rice, polenta or another grain, pair it with crusty bread, or pair it with chicken, fish or your chosen protein. It is one of those recipes that goes with everything! You’ll find peperonata easy to make and, once you try its rich fresh taste, you’ll want to make it all the time.
Get the recipe: Peperonata

Italian Salsa Verde

Italian salsa verde is a wonderfully tangy, vibrant condiment and you will find endless uses for this easy, versatile sauce. Slather this classic green sauce over grilled steak, eggs, fish, roasted chicken, or shrimp, toss it with vegetables, use it as a salad dressing, or slather it in a sandwich. This Italian sauce (that packs a flavor punch) is made with fresh herbs, anchovy paste, oil, vinegar, capers, lemon juice, and garlic, and you can make it from scratch in just 10 minutes. So, if you’re looking for a new sauce or condiment to liven up dinner, try Italian-style salsa verde (aka bagnetto verde)!
Get the recipe: Italian Salsa Verde

Giardiniera

Authentic Italian giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables) is such a versatile treat. It’s the ultimate condiment with fresh peppers and veggies as well as an absolute must for Italian sandwiches. Whether served with cured meats or cheese, grilled meats like hot dogs or hamburgers, on a charcuterie board or antipasto platter or in pasta salads, this pickled vegetable relish is always popular.
Get the recipe: Giardiniera