Graduations are in full swing, you're breaking out your fun pool floats and everyone is grilling up their signature burgers — that's right, summer is officially upon us. Every year, May 28 marks National Burger Day, a holiday that most people are pretty happy exists. Coincidentally (or not), it coincides with Memorial Day weekend, meaning you have the perfect excuse to grill up all of your favorite summer burger recipes (and favorite side dish finger foods).
If you're stuck in a burger rut, don't worry — we have 24 mouthwatering burgers you'll love, whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or as carnivorous as they come. Grab some Rosemary Watermelonade and settle in, because the following recipes will give you serious burger FOMO.
1. Classic Bacon and Cheese Burger: Sometimes, simplicity is key. Fancy cheese and gourmet toppings have a time and a place, but a classic bacon cheeseburger never goes out of style. (via Simply Delicious Food)
2. Southern BBQ Pork Burgers: Why choose between having pulled pork or a burger when you can just have both? Pile high with creamy slaw and extra BBQ sauce for a one-stop meal. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)
3. Beef Burgers With Mushrooms and Chipotle Mayo: This health-conscious burger combines lean ground beef with quinoa and mushrooms, so you're getting the benefits of both animal and plant protein. Show off your work of art by serving on homemade buns. (via Bibby's Kitchen)
4. Black Bean Burgers: These may look like regular beef burgers, but they're actually full of beans and veggies. The addition of ketchup and paprika give them that flavor you would find in a typical burger, but without any meat. (via Elemental Custard)
5. BBQ Bacon Western Burgers: There's no reason onion rings should be relegated to a measly side dish. Top your thick Angus burger with a few rings for a texture and flavor that's almost too good to be true. (via Tastes Lovely)
6. Caramelized Onion Arugula Burger: Garlic and herbs flavor this burger from the inside out, while the caramelized onions bring a slow-cooked sweetness to the sandwich. Finish it off with peppery arugula and the contrast of flavors will blow your mind. (via Munchkin Time)
7. Coffee Rubbed Burgers With Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce: Coffee on our burger? Yes, please! With thick-cut peppered bacon and a flavorful Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce, this burger is NOT for the faint of heart. (via The Chunky Chef)
8. Filthy Burger (Beef, Barbecue Pulled Pork and Bacon Burgers): You're probably used to seeing bacon or pulled pork on top of a burger, but what about mixed into the ground beef? While the burger is cooking, the bacon and pulled pork are infusing the whole patty with their flavor, creating a taste experience like no other. (via Foodie With Family)
9. Greek Burgers: Fresh toppings like cucumber, tomato and feta allow for the pure flavor of this burger to really shine. Creamy tzatziki would be a great topping for these Greek-inspired patties. (via The Ruby Kitchen)
10. BBQ Havarti Burgers With Sweet Potato Curly Fries: Grab a bib, because this burger doesn't care if it ruins your favorite summer dress. Crispy sweet potato fries are definitely the perfect topping for this over-the-top masterpiece of a sandwich. (via How Sweet Eats)
11. Grilled Pineapple Hawaiian Burgers: Grilling your fruit intensifies the sweetness, giving it a caramelized char-grilled flavor that goes perfectly on top of a burger. Tangy Swiss cheese is a nice balance to the richness of the meat, but you could also use something like a white cheddar if you prefer. (via Joanie Simon)
12. Jalapeño Turkey Burgers With Grilled Corn Cotija Salsa and Avocado: Take your burgers south of the border with this spicy recipe. Using ground turkey lightens up the meal, but doesn't skimp on the flavor. (via Spices in My DNA)
13. Ranch Burgers With Secret Sauce: Craving that classic burger taste with a certain “special sauce"? No need to hop in the car to hit up the drive-thru — this one will do the trick and then some. (via Lil' Luna)
14. Red Wine Cheeseburgers: Nothing will soothe your soul more than a juicy burger soaked in a red wine reduction. SLAY. Caramelized onions complete the dream, but if you really want to make it a meal to remember… add bacon. (via Jennifer Meyering)
15. Salsa Chicken Burgers With Cilantro-Avocado Sauce: Ground chicken is a great blank canvas to build your burger around. Since it doesn't have a distinct flavor, you can really play with fun ingredients that pack a serious punch, like salsa and guacamole. (via Wholefully)
16. Salmon Burgers With Pickled Onion and Lemon Garlic Mayo: If fish is more your speed, you can't go wrong with a salmon burger. Lemon and pickled onion both add a tart freshness that pairs perfectly with this bright sandwich. (via Southern Boy Dishes)
17. Spicy Chickpea Veggie Burgers With Jalapeño and Zucchini: These burgers may be made entirely of veggies and beans, but they're a winner for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. Topped with a honey-lime slaw and Sriracha mayo, the flavors here are finger-licking good. (via Peas and Crayons)
18. Cheeseburgers With Stout-Glazed Bacon, Crispy Onions and Sriracha Aioli: You might call this burger high maintenance — a diva, if you will. But sometimes a diva is just what we all need. These would be great served to company with a stout on the side. (via Yes to Yolks)
19. Surf 'N' Turf Sliders: Date night surf 'n' turf doesn't have to mean expensive filet and lobster tail. A good quality beef burger, fried jumbo shrimp and roasted asparagus are all you need for a special and delicious meal. Genius. (via The Candid Appetite)
20. Super Juicy Teriyaki Burger: These thick six-ounce burgers are so juicy and flavorful, you won't believe how easy they are to make. Brie or blue cheese works best with the teriyaki sauce, but feel free to sub in whatever you prefer. (via Hapa Nom Nom)
21. Vegan Quinoa Chickpea Burgers
Ingredients
- ½ cup Ancient Harvest Harmony Organic Quinoa
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, diced
- ½ cup carrot, diced
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 flax egg (1 ½ tablespoons ground flax seeds + 3 tablespoons water, set aside for 5 minutes)
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon basil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon mustard
- 2 teaspoons guar gum (optional, creates a sturdier patty)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Burger toppings: tomato slices, avocado, lettuce
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions, cooking in vegetable broth instead of water.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté onions until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in red bell pepper, celery, mushrooms, and carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas and stir together with quinoa, flax egg and cooked veggies. Add spices, mustard, guar gum, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.
- Set a pan with olive oil over medium-high heat and form 4 patties with the quinoa vegetable mixture. Cook the patties for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden.
- Assemble burgers and enjoy!
22. Lentil Walnut Burgers: Lentils are a great option for vegan burgers. The resulting texture is similar to that of ground meat, and they hold together well while cooking. Whip up a quick avocado ranch to drizzle on top and chow down! (via Vegan Richa)
23. Whiskey Beef Sliders With Caramelized Onions, Bacon and Homemade Buns: Slider buns are pretty easy to find these days, but if you want a truly bite-sized burger, you may want to make them yourself. The good news is homemade buns are easier to make than you would think and are SO worth the effort, especially if you're serving them at a dinner party, which these burgers are made for. (via Cooks With Cocktails)
24. Asian Turkey Burgers With Kimchi: The star of this recipe is definitely the crunchy homemade kimchi gracing the top. Each ingredient is perfectly coordinated to enhance the flavors without competing with one another. If you're a fan of Asian cuisine, this is your burger. (via The Gourmet RD)
As you're gearing up for summer, get ready to break out the grill for National Burger Day. These mouthwatering burger recipes are the perfect addition to your Memorial Day weekend festivities! With vegan and meat-lovers burgers, there's something for everyone.
Follow us on Pinterest for more easy + delicious recipe ideas.
This post has been updated.
