How Do Americans Prefer Their Burgers? A Recent Poll Reveals All

From well-done to uber rare, with ketchup or strictly just tomato — there are endless ways to enjoy the classic burger. But with options come preferences, and lots of them. A recent YouGov poll set out to find how Americans actually like their burgers, and the results are fascinating.

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Chefs at the hottest places and celebrity cooks on TV may tout the "perfect burger" as pink, juicy and medium-rare but most people actually prefer their patties cooked all the way through. According to the poll, 40% of American adults prefer their burgers well-done, with only 17% preferring them medium. And only 2% like theirs cooked rare. The poll also found that women are much more likely to enjoy a well done burger than men.

As for toppings, a not surprising 74% of Americans want a slice or two of cheese, followed by ketchup, which is preferred by 65% of people. Lettuce, tomatoes and onions are big hits too, each with over 50% of the votes. Fifty-four percent of folks prefer pickles and 52% percent squirt some mustard on top.

At least one in five poll takers said they like bacon and 43% like either mayonnaise or some type of aioli, while only 23% opt for mushrooms.

Though plant-based meats and substitutes are hardly uncommon anymore, most burger lovers still choose meat. In fact, a whopping 73% of US adults still prefer meat based burgers over alternative choices. So fire up the grill and cook some classic burgers (apparently well-done) and these other classic grilled dishes.