Burgers, burgers, burgers! The Perfect Pantry's favorites for summer grilling
Nothing tops a juicy cheeseburger cooked to perfection on the grill. Nothing. I'm pretty sure I'd opt for a burger over my favorite jambalaya or garlic chicken skewers for my last meal. I love turkey burgers, and salmon burgers, and the occasional veggie burger, but at heart I'm a purist and adore my dribble-down-the-chin beef burgers. However, when it comes to toppings, I'm open to new ideas. Salsa and avocado, feta cheese, hummus -- I'll try it. How about you? Are you open-minded when it comes to burgers?
My absolute favorite green chile cheeseburger has roasted green chiles and cheese inside. Make it hot or mild, depending on the peppers you choose.
We eat more turkey burgers than beef these days. This Greek turkey burger with yogurt and feta sauce is a winner.
For a lighter option, try these salmon burgers with green yogurt sauce, with or without a bun. You can make them on the grill (a panini press would work well), but I like to cook them in a pan, on the stovetop.
Sometimes, you don't want a big burger, and for those times, try these turkey pesto meatball sliders. Or, turn any of your favorite meatballs into sliders; use an ice cream scoop to make large meatballs, and serve them on small buns or rolls.
Speaking of sliders, these spicy vegan black bean cakes with guacamole make perfect sliders to satisfy any burger lover.
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More burger ideas from favorite food blogs (and I can't wait to try them all!):
Hawaiian BBQ salmon burgers with coconut caramelized pineapple, from Half Baked Harvest
Southwest chipotle burger sliders, from Barbara Bakes
Sweet potato veggie burgers with quinoa and kale, from Namely Marly
Jamaican jerk veggie burgers, from Oh My Veggies
Buffalo chicken burger, from Will Cook for Smiles
Jalapeño cheddar burgers, from Spend with Pennies
Indian-spiced quinoa chickpea burgers, from Hello Little Home
Asian BBQ burger with Sriracha mayo, from Flavor Mosaic
Homemade Big Mac, from Copykat.com
Patty melt, from Wonky Wonderful
Chorizo burgers with cool ranch pepper sauce, from The Kitchen Whisperer
Chicken avocado burgers, from Laughing Spatula
Thai peanut butter and bacon burger, from The Noshery
Mozzarella mushroom burgers, from Mostly Homemade Mom
PS: The adorable boy in the top photo, my now-11-year-old grandson, still loves a good, juicy cheeseburger.
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Great post, and all your burgers look fantastic. Who is the adorable guy eating the burger?
Kalyn, it's my artistic grandson, now age 11! This photo is from 5 years ago, but I just love it.
What a great collection of burgers!
Pam, thanks! Get your grill on!
My mouth is watering just at the sight! They all look so good. xo, Catherine
Catherine, I agree! I'd happily have a burger for breakfast today.
The black beans are on the stove now: spicy BB burgers tonight!
Susan, proof that there really is a burger for everyone. Enjoy!
Dear Lydia,
The picture at the top of your article is precious. Regardless, Kraft American "cheese food" doesn't contribute to a really good burger nor does "Wonder" grade buns.
I'm uncertain about some of your intent. For the purists among us, if "inside" means inside the burger as a whole we are on board. If "inside" means mixed into the meat of the patty we'll be picketing outside your home. *grin*
Some of the ideas in your article are quite good.
If one is to stray from burgers made from cows to those from fowl yogurt and feta is a wonderful idea.
For those eschewing carbs heavy leaf vegetables like cabbage are very effective. For salmon patties, avacodo and yogurt sauce are great condiments as you show.
In my opinon, good beaf with at least 20% fat (most of which cooks out), proper formation of the patty so it doesn't puff up into a golf ball, salt and pepper, other condiments on and not in the burger, and a quality bun make for a wonderful summer burger experience.
Dave, nothing is more joyous than watching one of your grandchildren enjoy a burger his way! I'm not promoting "cheese food", as we call it in our house, but I am promoting the fun of burgers, in hopes each reader will find his or her own favorite.
just now catching up on things; what a beautiful collection of burgers you show! we're cheese heads, so we always have a platter of various cheeses out to try...some work, some don't as well, according to my gang; we don't eat beef, so poultry, fish, beans or vegs is our usual burger make up; love the black bean cakes you have pictured ;0) burgers are great any time of year ;0)