It’s classic summer fare: a grilled beef patty, melted cheese, lettuce and tomato sandwiched between a sesame seed bun. But don’t be restricted by the same tired recipe. Here are some simple and some more extravagant ways to up your burger game. (Most will work for vegetarian burgers, as well.)
Entertaining
10 amazing ways to upgrade your basic burger
Macaroni and cheese burger
No, this isn’t a burger piled high with macaroni and cheese. With this recipe, you can make macaroni and cheese patties to act as a gooey, cheesy bun for your burger—just ensure you have some napkins handy. Get the recipe: www.popsugar.com
Poutine burger
Sure, you could eat your poutine on the side with a fork. But if you’re already eating your burger with your hands, why not pile fries, curds, and gravy directly onto your burger for a decadently messy meal. Get the recipe: www.cakenknife.com
Pizza burger
Take a break from the barbecue with this stovetop recipe for saucy open-faced pizza burgers. Top your meaty mixture with cheese and broil to gooey perfection. Get the recipe: www.tastykitchen.com
Waffle burger
Fresh waffle buns are a simple way to perk up your burger—both for your taste buds and your Instagram shots. Put your dough in a waffle iron while the burgers are on the grill for a warm, golden brown bun. Get the recipe: www.pillsbury.com
Caramelized shallot and mushroom burger
A splash of red wine while you’re cooking adds flavour to your caramelized shallots and sautéed mushrooms. The recipe recommends this topping for turkey burgers, but it could work on other patties, too. Get the recipe: www.theroasteroot.net.com
Potato chip burger
Give your burger some crunch by topping it with a handful of your favourite potato chips. It really is that simple—and the kids will love it. If you’re feeling ambitious you can even make your own potato chips. Get the recipe: www.simplecomfortfood.com
Sweet potato fries burger
Make your own sweet potato fries—sprinkled with chile, cayenne and paprika—for a unique and crispy burger topping. Get the recipe: www.halfbakedharvest.com
Pineapple burger
Marinate your pineapple rounds in a whiskey glaze before popping them on the barbecue for a sweet burger topping. Just be sure you don’t over-grill your rounds so they remain juicy. Get the recipe: www.thekitchn.com
Egg-in-a-hole burger
Remove the centre of your patty, creating a meat donut, and fill it with an egg. There’s no shortage of protein in this easy stovetop recipe. Get the recipe: www.iamafoodblog.com
Jalapeno popper burger
Sprinkle grated cheese and diced jalapenos on a thin patty, then cover with a second patty of the same size. The result is a stuffed burger that packs a whole lot of kick. Get the recipe: www.wearychef.com
