We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (2024)

Get those tongs ready—it's grilling season.

By Mackenzie Filson and Camille Lowder
We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (1)

There is no better way to fuel up for all the beach days, poolside BBQs, and potlucks on your summer calendars than with a nice, juicy burger. And we're not just talking a regular ol' cheeseburger, either. Ha! Far from it. There's no plain Jane burgers on the menu here at Delish; from our veggie burger even meat-eaters will crave (seriously) or something more outside the box, like a shrimp katsu burger or a lamb burger, we've got 54 next-level recipes for everyone at your cookout.

No matter how you cook up your burgers, start with a simple—but flavor-packed—burger seasoning to begin your path to grilling greatness. Plenty of kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper (like, way more than you think you need) is our best secret to creating crispy-edged patties for our smash burgers, but there are infinite paths to take from there. Our personal favorite involves sprinkling Old Bay (and maybe even Old Bay hot sauce) into the patty blend (especially if you go the crab cake burger route), but truly the sky's the limit.

Speaking of, there's really no end to all the creative ways you can top a burger. From fast food sauce copycats like on our Shake Shack burgers or our Big Macs, to fun fruits and veggies like the caramelized onions on our bison burger or the pineapple on our Maui burgers, to the dinner-inspired toppings on our chicken Parm burgers or our pizza burgers, there's truly something here for everyone.

No grill? No problem! Baking a burger in the oven is actually ideal for when you're working with ground turkey or chicken; the oven has a more evenly consistent temperature that ensures a fully cooked—and tender and juicy!—patty. Our oven-baked turkey burgers are proof that turkey burgers can be anything but dry and boring. Ever thought of trying an air fryer cheeseburger? If the air fryer is your jam, it might convince you to never go back to grilling.

With all these burgers on the table, don't stop there. Load up on our favorite double-fried French fries, salt 'n' pepper sweet potato fries, and our favorite BBQ sides and salads too.

1

Classic Cheeseburger

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (3)

There are about a million ways to top a hamburger, and we're not here to tell you what goes onto your patty. It is our duty to make sure that you're cooking burgers as best as you possibly can. Our golden rules: Be sure to let the meat come to room temperature and season generously with salt and pepper before you grill up.

Get the Classic Cheeseburger recipe.

2

Chicken Parm Burgers

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (4)

Chicken Parm's not just for a fancy dinner anymore. Instead, simmer ground chicken patties (or beef, no judgement!) in marinara for a chicken Parm burger that's saucy and cheesy—and SO much easier to pull off than the Italian classic.

sGet the Chicken Parm Burgers recipe.

3

Copycat Shake Shack Burger

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (5)

If you've ever eaten at Shake Shack and wondered just what makes their burgers so good, we've got the intel for you: It's the sauce! Specifically, how the pickles are incorporated into it. (Spoiler: They're blended.) Now you know, go forth and put that ish on everything.

Get the Copycat Shake Shack Burger recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

4

Turkey Burgers

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (6)

We love our turkey burger for one simple reason: We let it be. We don't try to cover up the fact that it's turkey. Instead, we embrace it. Turkey burgers tend to be drier, so we add an egg to ours to help it hold together and give it moisture. Pro tip: Use 94 percent lean ground turkey so the patties easily stay together.

Get the Turkey Burger recipe.

5

Chicken Burgers

These chicken patties are seasoned with smoked paprika and topped with crunchy, bright coleslaw to really give beef burgers a run for their money. Finish them with creamy avocado, spicy red onion, and cheddar and jalapeño before sandwiching all of it between buttery brioche buns for the ultimate bite.

Get the Chicken Burgers recipe.

6

Copycat Shake Shack Shroom Burgers

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (8)

The cult favorite from the NYC-based chain is the rock star of veggie burgers. Thanks to breaded portobellos and the delicious shake sauce, we bet you won't even miss the meat.

Get the Copycat Shake Shack Shroom Burgers recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

7

Air Fryer Cheeseburgers

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (9)

When we went on the quest to make the world's best burger, we really wish we would have tested out our air fryer version then. With the quick cook time, these stay perfectly juicy and basically beg for a melty slice of cheese. Load it up with your favorite toppings and feel like the burger master you are, without all the smoke in your face.

Get the Air Fryer Cheeseburgers recipe.

8

Pizza Burgers

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (10)

These were born when we just couldn't decide between a slice of pizza or a burger and never wanted to have to make the decision again. Like BLT sushi or pizza chicken, the combo just works.

Get the Pizza Burgers recipe.

9

Smash Burgers

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (11)

If you're unfamiliar, the draw of a smash burger is its SUPER thin patties. Because they are so slim, it's impossible for the ground beef to dry out, but you still get those deliciously crispy, lacy edges. Win win!

Get the Smash Burgers recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

10

Quesadilla Burgers

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (12)

Meet our new favorite way we cope with indecision, because no longer do you have to choose between a quesadilla or a burger. Turns out, a chili- and jalapeño-spiced patty is *the* perfect filling for crispy fried tortillas.

Get the Quesadilla Burgers recipe.

11

Falafel Burgers

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (13)

The tzatziki-inspired sauce from our falafel-inspired burgers takes these from good to exceptional. Our best tip to get these right? Roast those chickpeas to draw out moisture so these stay together easily.

Get the Falafel Burgers recipe.

12

Greek-Inspired Salmon Burgers

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (14)

Okay, so pureeing a salmon fillet with egg isn’t the sexiest process, but it’s key in helping these patties hold together. You'll be so glad you did when you're eating this light, flavorful salmon burger sandwiched in fluffy pita.

Get the Greek-Inspired Salmon Burgers recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

13

slu*tty Vegan's One Night Stand Burger

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (15)

If you think that vegan burgers can't rival meat-based ones, think again. Atlanta-based chain slu*tty Vegan's One Night Stand Burger puts the argument to rest with this loaded burger. It's topped with all the fixings, including caramelized red onion, vegan bacon, melty vegan cheese, and a smoky chipotle-lime mayonnaise. Woah!

Get the slu*tty Vegan's One Night Stand Burger recipe.

14

Copycat Carl's Jr. Bacon Western Cheeseburgers

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (16)

There are a ton of famous fast food burgers, but the Bacon Western Cheeseburger holds a special place in our hearts (and not just because it’s really fun to say). Top with tangy BBQ sauce and crispy onion rings, and you're on your way to burger heaven.

Get the Copycat Carl's Jr. Bacon Western Cheeseburgers recipe.

15

Shrimp Katsu Burgers

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (17)

Crispy and tender, fried fish sandwiches have nothing on these crispy shrimp katsu burgers. The patty is made with chopped shrimp and is coated in panko bread crumbs that give the burger a deliciously crunchy coating. Serve them with French fries and follow with an ice-cold milkshake.

Get the Shrimp Katsu Burgers recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

16

Lamb Burgers

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (18)

The feta yogurt sauce on our Greek(-ish) lamb burgers is EVERYTHING. Trust us, you're going to want to slather it on both sides of the bun. If you end up with extra, it also makes the perfect dip for raw veggies or pita chips.

Get the Lamb Burgers recipe.

17

Oven-Baked Burgers

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (19)

Controversial opinion: Burgers taste better at home than in a restaurant! Though you might see some recipes out there that call for pressing meat into a square pan for oven-made burgers, the key to getting a good crust in the oven lies is in preheating your cast-iron skillet so that once the meat hits the hot pan it mimics the griddle at your favorite fast-food joint.

Get the Oven-Baked Burgers recipe.

18

Baked Turkey Burgers

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (20)

Baking these turkey burgers removes the guesswork of whether or not they're fully cooked. You can top these however you like, but we love adding some richness to the lean turkey burger with some avocado and onion.

Get the Baked Turkey Burgers recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

19

Lemon-Dill Salmon Burgers

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (21)

A great burger is so much more than just beef, and these 5-star salmon burgers are here to prove it. The secret? Canned salmon!

Get the Lemon-Dill Salmon Burgers recipe.

20

Crab Cake Burgers

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (22)

There's nothing to be crabby about with these crab cake-inspired burgers, especially when it means a creamy, tangy Old Bay sauce. You can even double-down on that savory Old Bay flavor by adding a healthy dab of Old Bay hot sauce or sprinkling the seasoning on your fries.

Get the Crab Cake Burgers recipe.

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (23)

Mackenzie Filson

Mackenzie Filson is a food writer and contributing digital food producer at Delish. Her favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate-pine. If wine was an astrological sign she'd be a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. She's never met a bag of Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos she didn't eat in one sitting.

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (24)

Camille Lowder

Digital Food Producer

Camille Lowder is the digital food producer at Delish, otherwise known as our resident queen of recipe galleries. Previously, she attended the Natural Gourmet Institute for culinary school and worked at/managed a number of New York restaurants. She loves anything vegan, foods masquerading as other foods (hello, cauliflower), and a well-used Oxford comma.

We Figured Out The 57 Best Burger Recipes Ever So You Can Get To Grilling (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to juicy hamburgers? ›

Choose mince that is from the leg meat. The meat from these cuts has more fat, and it's therefore more flavourful and moist. You can also add finely chopped bacon to increase that juicy texture. Otherwise, using whole breast or thigh cuts of chicken instead of using mince can give you a juicier result.

Should you salt burgers before grilling? ›

Not salted until just before cooking = loose, tender meat. Salted before forming the patties = resilient, sausage-like texture.

What is the best temperature to grill burgers? ›

This Is the Best Temperature for Grilled Burgers

Grill your burgers over too high a heat and you'll end up with dry, burnt burgers; too low and they'll be placid and rubber. The sweet spot for grilled burgers is 375°F to 400°F, which for most gas grill is medium-high heat.

Should I freeze burger patties before grilling? ›

Give them at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to chill, but a few hours or an overnight rest is ideal. Then you can brown them well and still get a juicy pink center. If your burgers are less than 3/4-inch thick, consider freezing them for 30 minutes before cooking.

Should you put egg in hamburgers? ›

Egg yolk acts as a binder and adds flavor

After forming it into a patty, he explains that the egg actually helps bind the meat together, and adds an incredibly rich flavor to the burger patty. As a good rule of thumb, it's best to add one yolk per pound of ground beef.

What do you sprinkle on burgers before grilling? ›

But we've found that you can get the job done with just 4 basic ingredients: coarse salt, white pepper, black pepper, and red pepper — a mixture that packs a good amount of both heat and flavor in every bite.

Why do you put mustard on burgers before grilling? ›

Why Mustard?! Adding the yellow mustard will add flavor to the patty as well as helping it to caramelize on the flipped side of the patty since it won't cook on this side as long. Top the burgers with slices of cheese and let melt for 1-2 minutes.

Is it better to grill burgers with butter or oil? ›

Before cooking, you should preheat the grill. While that's happening, brush the burgers with a high-heat oil. Oils like grapeseed oil or vegetable oil can withstand higher temperatures before burning than butter or olive oil.

Should burgers be room temp before grilling? ›

Before grilling burgers, it's not required to bring the meat to room temperature. The meat should be refrigerated before grilling, starting the cooking process while the meat is cold. The cold temperatures keep the fat of the meat intact, maintaining the burger's juicy texture during the cooking process.

Do you grill burgers with the lid open or closed? ›

When grilling burgers or thin steaks on a charcoal grill, the lid-open technique is ideal. The direct heat from the charcoal creates a searing effect, giving your meat a nice char on the outside while maintaining a juicy center.

Do you want burgers room temp before grilling? ›

Before placing raw burgers on the grill, let the meat reach room temperature. That way, you'll be able to get the recognizable charring on the outside while keeping the meat red and juicy on the inside. Of course, remember the other meaning of burger temperature, and ensure you're giving the people what they ordered.

Should you mix seasoning into burger meat? ›

Yes, you can mix seasoning directly into the burger patty, especially if you're forming your own. In fact, many chefs swear by this method because it helps supplement the burger with an explosion of spice and flavor in every bite.

Why do my burgers turn into balls? ›

Similarly, in the burger, as the sides of the burger rapidly cook via radiation, they contract like a belt. The center of the burger has nowhere to go but out. So even though it does lose some thickness as it cooks, the cinching up of the sides of the patty compensate by squeezing and forming the bulge.

What can I add to my burgers to keep them moist? ›

Yes, Add Butter to Your Beef for Better Burgers

The workaround? Add the fat you seek directly to the meat. Butter is readily available, affordable, and adds moisture and fat to beef — making for a tender, juicy burger.

How do you make juicy burgers that don't fall apart? ›

you want a good 80/20 lean to fat beef ratio, you want to have a good skillet or griddle temp going—a good temp—and you want to have a good spatula for flipping the patty when it's time to flip it. hamburgers are like pancakes. watch the edges, and don't flip them until the edges are browning.

How can I make my burgers more flavorful? ›

Blue cheese, grilled pineapple, or avocado will add a lot of flavor to a classic hamburger. Many, if not all, of these ingredients can already be found in your kitchen and pantry.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Roderick King

Last Updated:

Views: 6387

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Roderick King

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: 3782 Madge Knoll, East Dudley, MA 63913

Phone: +2521695290067

Job: Customer Sales Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Embroidery, Parkour, Kitesurfing, Rock climbing, Sand art, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Roderick King, I am a cute, splendid, excited, perfect, gentle, funny, vivacious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.