35 Burger Recipe Ideas to Try

I worked the line. I’ve owned restaurants in Philadelphia. I’ve eaten more burgers than I can count. I know that when it comes to burgers, lettuce, tomato and onion are just the beginning. From stuffed burgers to smash burgers, copycat favorites to unique Philly-inspired options, these are my favorite burger ideas. I’ve included chicken burgers, turkey burgers, veggie burgers and even a few seafood options. They can be cooked on the grill or on the stovetop.

35. Teriyaki Pineapple Burgers

Nothing tastes more like summer than Teriyaki Pineapple Burgers! Juicy teriyaki-glazed beef burger topped with grilled pineapple and nestled inside of a toasted Hawaiian roll. Sweet, salty and smoky Teriyaki Pineapple Burgers are like eating your way through a Hawaiian cookout! Brush beef burgers with a homemade teriyaki glaze (soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and ginger, a splash of pineapple juice adds sweetness and depth of flavor too), top with grilled pineapple rings and serve on toasted Hawaiian rolls. Take Teriyaki Pineapple Burgers to the next level by topping with Swiss cheese or even crispy bacon!

34. Falafel Burgers

A crispy, golden falafel patty served in a soft burger bun and topped with tzatziki sauce, tomato, sliced cucumbers and pickled red onion, Falafel Burgers are everything I want in a vegetarian burger! Flavorful falafel made with chickpeas, parsley, garlic, cumin and coriander are pan-fried until crisp (chill before frying to help them hold together), then served on soft burger buns (or stuffed in a warm pita) and topped with tzatziki sauce, tomato, sliced cucumbers and pickled red onion.

33. Pierogi Burger

Who knew pierogies and burgers go together so well? A cheddar cheeseburger topped with golden, buttery pan-fried pierogis, caramelized onions and chive sour cream, this Pierogi Burger is a flavor-packed Pennsylvania favorite! Boil frozen potato and cheese pierogies, then pan-fry them in butter until golden and crispy (yes, you can use frozen pierogis!), then top a cheeseburger with the pierogis, caramelized onions and a chive sour cream on a sturdy potato roll. We use a potato roll here, since it can better stand up to all of the pierogi burger ingredients.

32. Black Bean Burgers

Not all veggie burgers need to be bland. Black Bean Burgers packed with smoky flavor (hello cumin, chili powder and smoked paprika!) and topped with pepper jack cheese, avocado and salsa, these veggie burgers aren’t an after-thought! Combine black beans (oven-dried to prevent mushy burgers and leave some coarsely mashed for added texture), breadcrumbs and egg with smoky spices like chili powder, cumin and smoked paprika to make Black Bean Burgers, then top with pepper jack cheese, avocado and salsa.

31. Salmon Burgers

Want to switch up the typical beef burger? These homemade Salmon Burgers are full of flavor (think Dijon mustard, lemon zest and green onions!), seared until golden and served on a brioche burger bun. Ready in about 35 minutes, these are the perfect summer dinner idea! Combine salmon (hand-chopped for a better burger texture), panko, lemon zest, Dijon mustard and green onions to make flavorful Salmon Burgers (chill to help hold together when cooking), sear in a skillet and serve on a brioche bun with lettuce and lemon dill sauce.

30. Crab Cake Burgers

Living close to Maryland means we take our crab seriously, and that includes these easy to prepare Crab Cake Burgers made with lump crab meat and served on a toasted potato bun with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce! Mix lump crab meat, mayo, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning (and Worcestershire sauce adds savory flavor without over powering the sweet crab) and just enough crushed crackers to bring the mixture together to make Crab Cake Burgers (chill before cooking to help hold together), sear in butter and serve on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato and tartar or remoulade sauce.

29. Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Lighter but still hearty, these Portobello Mushroom Burgers are marinated in a delicious balsamic mixture, grilled until tender and meaty and topped with provolone cheese, arugula, roasted red peppers and pesto mayo. Vegetarians and meat eaters alike will be asking for seconds! Marinate large portobello mushroom caps in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil and garlic (about 20 minutes) and grill until tender and meaty. Top with provolone cheese, arugula, roasted red peppers and pesto mayo.

28. Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers

Tired of turkey burgers that are dry and flavorless? These Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers are bursting with flavor and surprisingly moist, the perfect healthy dinner! Mix ground turkey with spinach, feta, red onion, garlic and oregano, form into burgers and brown in a skillet with olive oil (cooking in olive oil will help these Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers brown nicely). Serve on a toasted bun with tomato, red onion and tzatziki.

27. Greek Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki

Never tried lamb burgers? These Greek Lamb Burgers seasoned with cumin, oregano, garlic and fresh mint are packed with flavor (almost like your favorite gyro!), grilled to juicy medium doneness and served with tomato, red onion, cucumber, feta cheese and homemade tzatziki sauce on a soft brioche bun or grilled pita. Combine ground lamb with cumin, oregano, garlic and fresh mint to make flavorful Greek Lamb Burgers (almost like your favorite gyro!), grill to medium doneness and serve on grilled pita or brioche buns with cucumber, tomato, red onion, feta cheese and tzatziki sauce (Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon and dill).

26. Korean BBQ Burgers with Kimchi Slaw

These Korean BBQ Burgers are bursting with flavor from soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic and a touch of brown sugar and topped with sweet and spicy kimchi slaw and gochujang mayo. Korean BBQ Burgers are a delicious twist on classic burgers! Mix ground beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and a touch of brown sugar to make flavorful Korean BBQ Burgers and grill until cooked through. Serve with gochujang mayo and kimchi slaw (a touch of rice vinegar adds just the right tang to complement the beef).

25. Peanut Butter Bacon Burger

Invented for a burger competition in Philly (and winning more than once), a cheeseburger is topped with creamy peanut butter, American cheese and bacon. If you’re not sold on the idea of putting peanut butter on a burger, well, once you try this burger you’ll be converted! The peanut butter isn’t sweet at all, just rich and a little salty, melting into the warm cheeseburger. If you really want the grown-up PB&J concept, serve with a bit of grape jelly on the side for dipping. Warm the peanut butter briefly before using so it’s easy to spread on the burger.

24. Pickle Lover’s Burger

For anyone who orders extra pickles with their burger, this burger has American cheese, fried pickles and pickle mayo (with chopped pickles and pickle brine) on top. To finish it off, a handful of dill pickle potato chips are crushed up and sprinkled on top for added crunch. This burger has everything you could possibly want from a pickle: it’s salty, sour, crunchy and juicy, and pickle lovers can’t get enough of it. For the crispiest fried pickles, dip in panko before frying.

23. Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers

Ground chicken mixed with dry ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese and a few breadcrumbs to help the chicken burgers stay moist and form nicely. Cooked in a skillet until golden brown, topped with an additional slice of cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato, and even drizzled with a bit more ranch on the bun! These Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers are a great weeknight burger recipe that even picky eaters and kids will enjoy! Be sure to cook chicken burgers thoroughly until an instant read thermometer inserted into the center of the burger reads 165°F.

22. Mac and Cheese Burger

What could be more comforting than a cheeseburger topped with a giant scoop of creamy mac and cheese, topped with an additional layer of melty cheese? It’s rich, cheesy, definitely a two napkin burger. Add a bit of American cheese to the mac and cheese (I use sharp cheddar and a bit of American) for extra creamy mac and cheese. To avoid a soggy mess, use a roll that has been buttered and lightly toasted. Place a slice of cheese on top of the burger and cover briefly to help the cheese melt over the mac and cheese.

21. Cuban Burger

Think of all your favorite things about a Cuban sandwich, and then imagine them all on top of a burger: ham, dill pickles, yellow mustard, pulled pork and Swiss cheese. Instead of a soft Cuban roll, though, the burger is pressed (like a panini) between buttered Cuban rolls or hoagie rolls in a skillet, making it extra crispy and golden brown on the outside while melting the cheese. It’s salty, tangy and so filling! Rub a bit of cumin on the beef burger for additional savory flavor.

20. Chicken Parm Burgers

These have all the flavor of Chicken Parmesan without all the hassle of pounding chicken cutlets. Seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic and Parmesan cheese, the chicken burgers are coated in breadcrumbs and pan fried until crispy, then topped with fresh mozzarella and marinara sauce. These are served on a crusty garlic butter roll and garnished with a few basil leaves. Broil the burgers for about a minute after adding marinara and mozzarella to melt the cheese after the burgers have been coated in sauce. The breadcrumb coating helps give the Chicken Parm Burgers a nice crispy coating that stands up to the sauce.

19. Buffalo Chicken Burger

The Buffalo Chicken Burger is proof that ground chicken can be just as flavorful as ground beef. Seasoned with garlic powder and a bit of hot sauce, the chicken burger is cooked then smothered in a buttery buffalo wing sauce. Topped with lettuce, thin slices of celery, blue cheese and provolone cheese, the Buffalo Chicken Burger is like the ultimate wing in burger form. I serve mine with additional blue cheese (or ranch dressing) on the side for dipping. The cool, crunchy celery is a nice contrast to the heat from the buffalo sauce.

18. Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Burger

Breakfast for dinner? Dinner for breakfast? The Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Burger could be either one! With a fried egg with a runny yolk (perfect for soaking up all the goodness of the burger), crispy bacon and melty American cheese, this burger is perfection on a toasted brioche bun (or even an everything bagel if you want to get a little fancy). You can fry the eggs in butter until whites are set but before flipping.

17. Taco Burgers

Who doesn’t love tacos?! I especially love tacos on Taco Tuesday, and I love serving Taco Burgers even more! Seasoned with taco seasoning and diced onion, these burgers taste just like your favorite taco. Topped with pepper jack or cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, salsa and sour cream, I even love sprinkling crushed taco shells on mine for an added crunch! And make sure to remember this: Toast burger buns before assembling Taco Burgers.

16. Pimento Cheeseburger

I love pimento cheese, and I’m not talking about the pre-made stuff you buy at the store. No sir! Homemade pimento cheese (made with sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, cream cheese and pimentos) is creamy, cheesy and so flavorful. Spread some on a burger, and it melts into the hot meat to make the yummiest Pimento Cheeseburger ever! Topped with lettuce, tomato and pickled jalapeños on a toasted bun, I love serving this Pimento Cheeseburger for a quick summer dinner. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds just a touch of heat to the pimento cheese spread.

15. Nacho Burger

This nacho-inspired burger starts by seasoning your burger with taco seasoning before grilling, so the flavor infuses throughout. It’s then layered with melty pepper jack, guacamole, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, diced tomatoes, tortilla chips for added crunch, and drizzled with queso. It’s everything you love about nachos, only in burger form! Add guac to your bottom bun to help corral all of the mess (we mean well by reminding you to stock up on napkins!)

14. Jalapeño Popper Burger

Take your favorite party appetizer and make it a dinner dish by turning it into a burger. Mix cream cheese with cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and chopped jalapeños, then melt the creamy mixture on top of the burger. Toss on a few slices of bacon and sautéed jalapeños, and fried onions for some added crunch. This creamy, spicy, smoky burger is sure to disappear quickly at your next cookout. Cover your burger for a few minutes once you add the cheese mixture to allow it to melt.

13. Chili Cheeseburger

There’s nothing like chili and cheese to warm you up on a cold evening! Smother your burger in chili, cheddar cheese, and raw diced onion. Use leftovers or whip up a quick pot of beef chili and serve with a heaping ladle over your cheeseburger. This one’s sure to call for a fork and knife, and if you’d prefer not to go that route, consider serving it up open-faced! Melt cheese into chili for this easy-to-make burger.

12. French Onion Burger

Who needs soup when you can eat a burger with all the flavors of your favorite French onion soup? Slow cook onions in butter and beef broth, along with some fresh thyme, then pile on that patty and top with melted Swiss cheese (or Gruyère for a real treat). Serve on a French onion soup-style garlic toast bun. Caramelize onions for at least 30 minutes before adding thyme and beef broth.

11. Philly Cheesesteak Burger

Ahh, cheesesteaks! As someone who grew up running a restaurant in Philly, I can’t help but include this cheesesteak burger! This burger features two of Philly’s favorites: burgers and cheesesteaks. Simply top your burger with some sliced ribeye, provolone or Cooper Sharp cheese, fried onions, and hot cherry peppers (if you like it hot!) and serve on a soft seeded roll. You can add even more cheese for extra cheesesteak vibes!

10. Black and Blue Burger

A seared crust of coarsely ground black pepper gives this burger its “black,” while crumbles of blue cheese and crispy onion straws provide the “blue.” Top with a tomato slice and serve up for a zesty burger any blue cheese lover will be crazy for. Layer two burgers with blue cheese in between for a Blue Cheese Melted-In-The-Middle Black & Blue Burger. Make sure to sear the outer edges to keep cheese from leaking.

9. BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger

What’s more summery than a BBQ’d burger? Brush barbecue sauce on a thick-cut cheeseburger and top with crispy onion rings, bacon, and cheddar cheese for the ultimate backyard cookout burger. Serve on a toasted brioche bun. Use sturdy buns like toasted brioche to hold up to all of the deliciousness. The grilled beef caramelizes with the barbecue sauce, leaving behind sticky, smoky edges. Extra barbecue sauce for dipping those fries, too!

8. Big Mac (Copycat)

This homemade Big Mac recipe has all of the hallmarks of the classic Big Mac: two beef patties, special sauce, shredded lettuce, slices of white onion and pickles, American cheese, and sesame seed buns, including that signature middle bun! The special sauce can be made with common ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, including mayo, mustard, sweet relish, vinegar, and a sprinkle of paprika. For the best flavor, add a pinch of onion powder and chill the sauce for at least one hour!

7. In-N-Out Burger (Copycat)

For those of us who don’t live in an In-N-Out–accessible state, this In-N-Out–style burger recipe is the next best thing! Simply grill your burger patties with mustard rubbed onto one side, then top with grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, American cheese, and pickles. Serve on a toasted bun and slathered with a DIY sauce made with mayo, ketchup, and sweet relish. Sauté onions in butter on low heat for the softest, sweetest onions!

6. Butter Burgers

What’s more buttery than a Wisconsin style butter burger? I mean one bite explains why! These feature a crispy grilled beef patty nestled between butter-toasted soft buns and topped with pickles, grilled onions, and gooey melted American cheese. It’s really hard to stop eating this one. For an even butterier burger, top your grilled patty with a pat of butter! (Opt for a soft butter burger bun for the best results)

5. Mushroom Swiss Burger

I order the Mushroom Swiss burger pretty much every time I see it on a menu. Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms in butter with garlic and a splash of Worcestershire sauce until tender and browned. Pile them on top of a juicy burger topped with a thick slice of Swiss cheese (cover the burger to help the cheese melt over the mushrooms). A little garlic aioli on the bun takes this simple but savory burger over the top.

4. Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger

These Depression-era burgers got their start as a way to stretch a meat meal by smashing onions into the beef. Layer paper thin-sliced onions on top of a ball of beef, and smash it into a hot griddle (the thinner you slice the onions the better as they’ll cook faster). Flip and top with a slice of American cheese to allow the onions to get extra crispy and sweet on the underside. Serve on a soft bun with mustard and pickles. It’s cheap, easy and pretty addicting.

3. Juicy Lucy

The Juicy Lucy, a burger legend from Minneapolis, packs its cheese surprise inside the burger. Add bacon and onions if you like. Don’t squish! Allow to rest for a few minutes before biting in (the cheese is molten, and therefore extremely hot). To make a Juicy Lucy, layer two thin burger patties with a slice of cheese in between. Squeeze the outside edges to seal and prevent cheese from oozing out. Do not squish burger while grilling.

2. Bacon Cheeseburger

A classic for good reason, this burger is juicy, seasoned patty with thick cut crispy bacon, sharp cheddar or American cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion. The keys to success? The best bacon cheeseburger is made with 80/20 ground beef, and use your finger to make an indent in the center of the burger to help it cook flat, only flip it once, toast the bun in a little butter and cook the bacon until crispy to lend some crunch to every bite.

1. Smash Burgers

Smash burgers are my favorite kind to make at home, and they are the most popular type of burger on this list! They’re flavorful, quick (about 10 minutes of cooking), and so easy. Loosely form ground 80/20 beef into a ball and smash flat on a screaming-hot griddle or stainless pan. The thinner the burger, the more flavor and crispy bits you’ll get. Add pickles and burger sauce, made from a mix of ketchup, mustard, mayo, and pickle juice. For a two-patty burger, add another smashed burger and American cheese on top and serve on a potato roll.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re firing up the grill for a crowd or making a quick smash burger on a weeknight, there’s something here for everyone. If you’re feeding a party, check out our favorite slider ideas for bite-sized versions, and round out the meal with the best sides for burgers. Which one are you making first?