16 Recipes That Prove Burgers Are the King of Summer Cookouts
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In celebration of warmer weather, there's simply nothing better than a perfectly charred, ridiculously juicy burger — whether it's nestled between two truffle mac 'n' cheese buns, threaded onto a skewer, or transformed into a classic cheddar cheeseburger. Here are a few takes on this American classic that we can't stop craving.
Shake Shack Shackburger
Before getting experimental with burger variations, it's important to learn how to make a cheeseburger the right way. We can think of no better take on this cookout star than NYC icon Shake Shack's Shackburger.
Goat Cheese Guac Burgers With Cheddar and Caramelized Onions
There's a lot going on with this option: the patties are stuffed with goat cheese and toppings include guacamole, cheddar, barbecue mayo, and caramelized onions.
Hawaiian Burger
Grilled pineapple rings and tangy teriyaki sauce give this otherwise classic burger a must-try Hawaiian twist.
Taleggio Burgers With Spicy Pancetta and Pear and Blueberry Chutney
Bold and funky taleggio, salty pancetta, and a sweet pear and blueberry compote add interest to this recipe.
Fried Mozzarella and Caramelized Peach Caprese Burger
For a supersummery take on the burger, make this caprese-inspired riff that's topped with fried mozzarella, caramelized peaches, and basil.
Blue Cheese Burgers
Don't be afraid to mix blue cheese into your patty — the result is a heightened level of sophistication.
Burger Skewers
Let's face it: burgers are a messy food that's best eaten sitting down. That is, unless you make them mini and thread them onto skewers for a cocktail-party finger-food twist.
Ramen Burger
Get in on the ramen craze by making our take on Keizo Shimamoto's shoyu-glazed ramen burger.
Queso Hamburger
Instead of a slice of cheddar, top your cheeseburger with tangy homemade queso.
Burger With Homemade Potato Buns and Secret Sauce
Homemade potato buns, macerated onions, and secret sauce take this burger from ordinary to extraordinary.
Scallion-and-Brie-Stuffed Burgers
The highbrow take on Minnesota's iconic Juicy Lucy is stuffed with an oozing brie center and slathered with spicy scallion mayo.
Eggs Benedict Burger
For a meatier dinner-ready take on eggs benedict, substitute a burger patty for Canadian bacon.
Truffle Mac 'n' Cheese Burger
Indulge in two epic comfort foods — mac 'n' cheese and a juicy burger — in one bite with this recipe that transforms creamy, cheesy pasta into burger buns.
Totchos Supreme Burgers
No need to choose between nachos, tater tots, or burgers; this recipe has it all.
Monte Cristo Burger
You've had Monte Cristo sandwiches and classic cheeseburgers, but have you ever tried a Monte Cristo burger (an ingenious mashup of the two)? It's topped with prosciutto chips — just sayin'!
Bruschetta Burger
Take advantage of fresh Summer produce by topping a burger with traditional bruschetta ingredients.