28 Best Burger Ideas to Make for Every Summer Cookout
Fire up the grill and don't forget the fixings.
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Burgers are some of the easiest and most versatile recipes at any summer cookout. You can make them with ground beef, of course, but there are also patties made with ground chicken, lamb, pork, and even veggies. Ree has been flipping burgers for her 4th of July feast for years. "Our grilled burgers are magical," she says about The Merc celebration, "The line for burgers is always the longest."
Looking to bring that magic to your own backyard? Check out these best burger recipes that are perfect for the ultimate BBQ. Here, you’ll find tons of different burger styles, like smash burgers or cheese-filled burgers, along with fun burger toppings like caramelized onions, bacon, and classic burger sauce. In fact, there are enough options to make every night burger night if you wanted to. Just refer to the handy guide on burger temperatures to reach the right doneness (the color of pink depends on how long it takes to grill burgers and vice versa).
Learn how to make a classic cheeseburger or try some fresh new takes, like homemade sliders, a cheeseburger salad, or a patties on top of a bowl of fries. But don't be afraid to branch out either! The salmon burgers with sesame soy glaze and the Greek-inspired spinach and feta chicken burgers are outrageously tasty. Serve them up with your favorite burger side dishes for a full feast or keep it simple with just a bag of potato chips. They're bound to steal the show either way!
Classic Cheeseburgers
Who can resist a classic? This recipe shows you how to make the perfect cheeseburger every single time with instructions for both the grill and the stovetop. American cheese is a must for optimum meatiness!
Get the Classic Cheeseburgers recipe.
Smash Burgers
There's a reason everyone is obsessed with smash burgers. The patties are pressed thin so every bit gets perfectly seared, but the best part may just be the cheese that gets all melty between each patty.
Get Ree's Smash Burgers recipe.
Breakfast Burgers
You can have burgers any time of the day—even for breakfast! Hash browns are smashed into the patties and then topped with smoky bacon, a fried egg, and melty American cheese.
Get the Breakfast Burgers recipe.
Pork Burgers
Looking to switch things up? Try these incredibly juicy pork burgers. They've got mix-ins like bacon, onion, and sage that make them super flavorful, too.
Get the Pork Burgers recipe.
Lamb Burgers
You may have never thought about using lamb to make burgers, but this Mediterranean-inspired recipe will change your mind. It's full of spice and flavor! If you're not sure you like lamb, use a mixture of half ground lamb and half ground beef to try something new!
Get the Lamb Burgers recipe.
Cheeseburger Bowls
Skip the bun and layer your patties on a pile of seasoned fries instead! Then, go wild with all the toppings you love: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, jalapeños, and a drizzle of sauce.
Get Ree's Cheeseburger Bowls recipe.
Juicy Lucy
This Minneapolis delicacy takes burger night to new heights! Oozing with American cheese and smothered in caramelized onions, it's utterly delicious.
Get the Juicy Lucy recipe.
Cheeseburger Sliders
Burgers for a crowd are easy thanks to these sliders! Skip flipping dozens of patties and instead pile browned ground beef onto dinner rolls. Some cheddar cheese, pickles, and burger sauce are all the toppings you'll need!
Get the Cheeseburger Sliders recipe.
Homemade Chicken Burgers
Buffalo chicken fans, this burger is for you. Some sour cream and chives give the ground chicken patty moisture and flavor, but it's the buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles that set it apart from the rest.
Get the Homemade Chicken Burgers recipe.
Cheeseburger Salad
For a new spin on burger night, try this hearty salad. Packed with cheese-topped burger patties, sesame bun croutons, and all your favorite burger toppings (burger sauce included!), it doesn't skip even one element of a delicious burger.
Get the Cheeseburger Salad recipe.
Salisbury Steak Burgers
The flavors of comfort food classic salisbury steak make one delicious burger! Skip the gravy that traditionally smothers salisbury steak and opt for silky caramelized onions and an herby burger sauce.
Get Ree's Salisbury Steak Burgers.
Bison Burgers
You may have spotted ground bison in the supermarket, but have you ever made a burger with it? A lean, tasty alternative to a ground beef burger, this patty is juicy and thick. Top with cheddar, tangy bbq sauce, and pickles.
Get the Bison Burgers recipe.
Black Bean Burger
"I don't know how or why these are so good," says Ree Drummond. "They just are!" This meatless black bean burger is a filling and flavorful meal that both veggie eaters and meat lovers alike will enjoy.
Get Ree's Black Bean Burger recipe.
Hawaiian Pizza Burgers
This is not your average burger recipe! Instead, it serves up the flavors of a Hawaiian pizza (including grilled pineapple, ham, and melty cheese) in burger form!
Get Ree's Hawaiian Pizza Burgers recipe.
Spinach and Feta Chicken Burgers
Burgers don't have to be all about the beef. This burger patty is made with ground chicken that gets a boost of flavor from spinach, feta, and herbs. Creamy tzatziki, pepperoncini peppers, and grilled onion add a burst of brightness.
Get Ree's Spinach and Feta Chicken Burgers recipe.
Turkey Burgers
A weeknight meal that's ready in just 15 minutes? Yes, please! These quick turkey burgers can easily be made on the grill or on the stovetop, and they can also be customized based on your family's preferences.
Get the Turkey Burgers recipe.
Chipotle Black Bean Burgers
Don't tell Ladd Drummond, but Ree is actually a big fan of meatless burgers—especially when they're loaded with hearty beans and chipotle chiles.
Get Ree's Chipotle Black Bean Burger recipe.
Ranch Turkey Burgers with Bacon and Cheddar
These turkey burgers are made with garlic, fresh dill, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce—so they're loaded with flavor. Plus, they get an extra boost of goodness from the crispy bacon and Dijon-mayo.
Get Ree's Ranch Turkey Burgers with Bacon and Cheddar recipe.
Veggie Burgers
You won't even miss the meat in these tasty burgers. The grain-packed patties are hearty, flavorful, and good for you, too!
Get the Veggie Burgers recipe.
Sausage-and-Peppers Burgers
Here's a fun burger idea: Instead of your typical lettuce and tomato topping, switch things up with sautéed onions, peppers, and melty provolone cheese.
Get Ree's Sausage-and-Peppers Burger recipe.
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