Skip to Content

57 Best Burger Recipes You'll Be Making All Summer Long

Get those tongs ready—it's grilling season.

By and
turkey burger with lettuce and tomatopinterest
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

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

best ever hamburger

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

chicken parm burgers
Erik bernstein

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

shake shackburger with two patties and shack sauce
PHOTO: JOEL GOLDBERG; FOOD STYLING: MICAH MORTON

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4

Turkey Burgers

turkey burger with lettuce and tomato
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

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

chicken burgers
Park Feierbach

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

copycat shake shack shroom burger
ERIK BERNSTEIN

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Air Fryer Cheeseburgers

air fryer cheeseburger
Emily Hlavac Green

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

pizza burgers
Parker feierbach

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

smash burger
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN: FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10

Quesadilla Burgers

quesadilla burger vertical
Ethan Calabrese

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

falafel burgers
Parker Feierbach

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

greek inspired salmon burgers
Erik bernstein

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

Slutty Vegan's One Night Stand Burger

slutty vegan's one night stand burger
ANDREW BUI

If you think that vegan burgers can't rival meat-based ones, think again. Atlanta-based chain Slutty 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 Slutty Vegan's One Night Stand Burger recipe.

14

Copycat Carl's Jr. Bacon Western Cheeseburgers

copycat carls jr bacon western cheeseburger
ANDREW BUI

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

shrimp katsu burger
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16

Lamb Burgers

dish, food, cuisine, hamburger, veggie burger, buffalo burger, ingredient, fast food, bun, cheeseburger,
Park Feierbach

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

oven baked burgers
Erik bernstein

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

baked turkey burgers

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

Lemon-Dill Salmon Burgers

salmon burgers delish com
Ethan Calabrese

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

crab cake burgers vertical
Ethan Calabrese

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.

Watch Next
 
preview for Delish Section: Holidays - Valentine's Day
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Summer Grilling Headquarters

juicy, charred shrimp, bright lemon zest, briny capers, and white wine butter sauce

Grilled Shrimp Piccata Skewers

grilled brussels sprouts

Grilled Brussels Sprouts

grilled bell peppers stuffed with meat and cheese

Grilled Stuffed Peppers

gemelli pasta tossed with chickpeas, bell pepper, cucumber, scallions, feta, olives, herbs, and tomatoes, then tossed in harissa mayo

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Logo
tiktok
youtube
facebook
instagram
pinterest
Hearst Lifestyle and Design Group - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

©2024 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy NoticeCA Notice at CollectionYour CA Privacy Rights/Shine the LightDAA Industry Opt OutTerms of UseSite Map