What Toppings Go Best on a Cheeseburger? The Classics works

The cheeseburger is deceptively hard. There's nowhere to hide — no fancy topping to distract you. It either sings or it doesn't. Here's what makes it sing.

1. The patty

Juicy, around 80/20 fat, with a real seared crust. Whether it's smashed thin or a thicker classic, it needs browning for flavour and seasoning that actually reaches the meat.

2. The cheese — and the melt

Cheese choice matters, but melt matters more. American or a good yellow cheddar melts smooth and glossy, draping into the craggy edges of the patty rather than sitting on top in a stiff square. The trick is to add it while the patty's still on the heat so it actually melts into the beef. A cold, half-melted slice is the most common cheeseburger crime.

3. The bun

Soft, fresh, lightly toasted, structurally sound. It should hug the burger, soak up a little juice, and not disintegrate. A dense or stale bun drags everything down.

4. Sauce balance

The best cheeseburger sauces balance rich (mayo-based) with a little acid and savoury depth — think a proper secret sauce, not just ketchup. Too much and it's sloppy; too little and it's dry. A measured swipe is the goal.

5. Contrast

One sharp, cutting element keeps the whole thing from being one-note rich. Pickles are the classic — their acidity resets your palate for the next bite. Caramelized onion adds sweetness; mustard adds bite.

The BB52 Cheeseburger

Ours is a 120g Australian beef patty, caramelized onions, sour pickles, melted yellow cheese and secret sauce on a potato bun — or go double. It's the five things, done on purpose. See it on the menu →

Frequently asked

What cheese is best on a cheeseburger?

American cheese or a good yellow cheddar — because they melt smooth and glossy into the patty. The melt matters more than the brand; add the cheese while the patty's still on the heat so it fully melts in.

What sauce goes best on a cheeseburger?

A balanced 'secret sauce' style — mayo-based for richness with a touch of acid and savoury depth — beats plain ketchup. BB52's burgers use house-made secret and Emmy sauces.

Why are pickles on cheeseburgers?

Pickles add acidity and crunch that cut through the rich beef and cheese, resetting your palate between bites. It's the contrast that makes the whole burger taste balanced rather than heavy.

Where's a great cheeseburger in Bali?

BB52's Cheeseburger — Australian beef, caramelized onions, sour pickles, melted cheese and secret sauce on a potato bun — is available across Uluwatu, Canggu, Ungasan and Ubud, with a double option.

What Makes a Great Cheeseburger?