When it comes to backyard barbecues, there's nothing a like hot juicy burger right off the grill. We've all had the classic with lettuce and tomato, but have you ever had a burger with watermelon? Or how about topped with short ribs? There are as many ways to dress a burger as there are long lazy days of summer. Check out these mouthwatering examples for delicious burger inspiration.
This may look like your classic backyard burger, but it has a secret ingredient. Butter. Along with rosemary, thyme, marjoram, parsley, lemon zest, garlic and grilled shallots, food blogger Deana Sidney added a pat of butter to the middle of her patty before cooking. She then placed a thin slice of butter on the finished burger and topped it with a honey whole-wheat bun. The butter adds flavor and juiciness, always welcome in a burger.
Topped with red ginger and thick applewood smoked bacon, this unique burger mingles American staples and distinctive Asian flavors. Food blogger Bryan Sander describes it as a "very moist, seasoned patty finished with Japanese barbecue sauce and wasabi mayo." Can't decide on American or Japanese for dinner? Do both! Experiment with ingredients from around the globe to spice up your backyard barbecue with exotic flavors.
For some added zing in your burger, consider borrowing a flavorful ingredient that you enjoy in other dishes. Eva Kosmas, a food blogger based in Los Angeles, marinated her burger meat in savory maple balsamic vinegar. If that's not enough, try a homemade balsamic ketchup. For even more flavor, grill over hickory chips to give the meat a nice smokiness.
If a nice meaty burger gets your mouth watering, why not add even more meat? This substantial concoction consists of a seasoned Kobe and filet mignon burger topped with tender short ribs, juicy pineapple, tempura onion and seven spiced aioli. Bacon is classic, but consider incorporating other meats you enjoy such as short ribs or prosciutto.
A burger can go from good to great with the help of an extraordinary condiment. This Vidalia cheddar burger is deliciously amplified with the addition of chipotle-lime mayo. You can jazz up the mayonnaise in your pantry just by adding lime juice and chipotle powder. Experiment and infuse familiar spreads with enticing flavors.
If your burger is missing something, it may be heat. Hot sauce can be a great spicy substitute for ketchup. When you're stocking up on tomatoes, be sure to peruse the peppers as well. "This behemoth of a burger smothered in roasted jalapenos, chili sauce and sandwiched in brioche goodness is as tasty as it is ready to topple over," quips food blogger Bryan Sander. This fiery burger keeps things interesting.
Beef will always be the first choice for many carnivores, but other proteins can also make for some interesting burgers. Food blogger Deana Sidney devised an unconventional yet savory burger with pork and goose meat. Other choices include turkey, chicken, ostrich, bison and duck. Mix it up with your meat selection!
Fruit salad is a refreshing side dish at your summer barbecue, but how about putting the fruit right on the burger? Food writer Sommer Collier added a sweet slice of watermelon to one of her latest burger recipes. Salsa verde and basil complete this lively burger.
If you usually only melt American or cheddar on your patty, try experimenting with other cheeses. Topped with creamy burrata cheese, this burger does just that. This Caprese-inspired burger also turns up the flavor with basil and fresh tomato. Consider feta for a Mediterranean-style burger or Stilton on a bacon burger. With all the varieties of cheese available, the options seem endless.