16 Unforgettable Beef Burger Ideas to Change Up a Timeless Favorite

Whiskey Barrel Burgers
Photo: Jason Donnelly

When you're craving the meatiest, most succulent beef burgers around, page through this collection of irresistible takes on the great American sandwich. The toppings won't disappoint: Our Test Kitchen creates some seriously show-stopping homemade burger recipes with an assortment of final finishes, including fried eggs and tangy shredded pickles.

01 of 16

Roasted Garlic-Mozzarella Burger

Roasted Garlic-Mozzarella Burger
Blaine Moats

This recipe starts with roasting two heads of garlic to sweet and mellow perfection. Then use the roasted garlic paste to pack the mozzarella-stuffed burgers with unforgettable flavor. The richness continues with the olive-spiked mayo.

02 of 16

Tortas Hamburguesas (Mexican Hamburgers)

Tortas Hamburguesas (Mexican Hamburgers)
Jason Donnelly

Tortas hamburguesas are a Mexican-inspired take on burgers you won't regret trying. A spark of lime and the fresh appeal of cilantro add bright, zippy contrast to this creative and colorful beef burger recipe. The semi-homemade burger sauce of mayonnaise, ketchup, and smoked paprika is a game changer.

03 of 16

Whiskey Barrel Burgers

Whiskey Burgers
Jason Donnelly

What's a shot of whiskey doing in a beef burger? Adding an irresistible depth of flavor! The liquor makes a juicy filling for this stuffed burger recipe when combined with cheddar cheese. Prepare the beef burgers ahead and let them chill overnight, so all you'll have to do is fire up the grill the next day.

04 of 16

Double Cheeseburgers with Basil, Bacon, and Egg

Double Cheeseburgers with Basil, Bacon, and Egg
Andy Lyons

Who says bacon and eggs are just for breakfast? Over-the-top in the best way, this juicy beef burger includes a fried egg, bacon slices, mozzarella, and bacon aioli. Try smoked mozzarella for a bolder flavor.

05 of 16

Smoky Slider Skewers

Smoky Slider Skewers
Blaine Moats

Smoked paprika and tomato relish lend complex flavors to this easy burger recipe (seriously, it only takes 30 minutes). Tortillas are a unique alternative to buns. Plus, making slider patties means double or triple the fun when it comes to serving portions.

06 of 16

Bacon-Wrapped Burger with Fried Pickles and Slaw

Bacon-Wrapped Burger with Fried Pickles and Slaw
Kritsada Panichgul

Step up your BBQ game with garnishes galore. This juicy burger recipe starts by wrapping the patty in your favorite breakfast food—bacon. But it's not just any bacon. Instead, we first coat it in a tantalizing blend of brown sugar, coffee, and garlic powder. Fried pickles add an unexpectedly delicious, tangy crunch.

07 of 16

Mushroom-Topped Burgers with Slow-Roasted Tomato Ketchup

Mushroom-Topped Burgers
Jason Donnelly

There are burger recipes, and then there are gourmet burger recipes. Thanks to Gouda cheese, oyster mushrooms, and homemade slow-roasted tomato ketchup, these burgers fall into the latter camp.

08 of 16

Redeye Burgers

Red-Eye Burgers
Jason Donnelly

If you've never had redeye gravy (a thin Southern sauce made from pan drippings and coffee), you're in for a real treat with this burger recipe. The deep signature flavor is achieved by coating the beef patties in a mixture of ground coffee, brown sugar, paprika, and thyme.

09 of 16

Greek Feta Burgers

Greek Feta Burgers
Jason Donnelly

Sometimes the best burger recipes are inspired by other world-class sandwiches. These burgers, for example, showcase a cucumber sauce found in gyros, a signature Greek sandwich. Prepare this delicious stove top burger recipe when it's too hot to grill.

10 of 16

Blue Cheese-Stuffed Burger with Red Onion and Spinach

Blue Cheese Stuffed Burger with Red Onion and Spinach
Andy Lyons

There's no better surprise than discovering tangy, melty cheese in the middle of your burger. With Italian flavors like fresh basil, dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and Italian sausage, this hearty and mouthwatering burger recipe will be the star of your meal.

11 of 16

Taco Burger Sliders

Taco Burger Sliders
Jacob Fox

Salsa and taco seasoning gives these burger sliders a little kick—and they make the perfect grilled appetizer to start the party. Though these burgers are quick to make with an easy ingredient list, rest assured they aren't short on flavor.

12 of 16

West Coast Burger with Roasted Pepper Spread

West Coast Burger with Roasted Pepper Spread
Andy Lyons

For a unique homemade burger topper, blend roasted red peppers, toasted almonds, mayo, mustard, and garlic. Paired with sweet grilled onions, you'll crave this gourmet burger recipe all summer.

Buy It: Hamilton Beach Stack and Snap 12-Cup Food Processor ($60, Target)

13 of 16

Smoky Cedar-Planked Burger

Smoky Cedar-Planked Burger
Jason Donnelly

Looking for beef burger recipes that veer well off the beaten path? This one is loaded with unexpected twists and turns with a jalapeño-spiked sauce, quick pickle ribbons, and crispy onion strings. The cedar plank provides an incredible wood-smoked flavor to the juicy burger.

Buy It: Williams Sonoma Hickory Plank, Set of 4 ($30, Williams Sonoma)

14 of 16

Bacon Cheeseburgers with Kentucky Bourbon Sauce

Bacon Cheeseburgers with Kentucky Bourbon Sauce
Blaine Moats

This bacon burger looks like something you'd get at an upscale pub. It's the finger-lickin' good bourbon sauce that leaves the table speechless.

Test Kitchen Tip: With your thumb or the back of a spoon, make a shallow indentation (about 1-inch) in the center of the patties to prevent them from forming a dome as they cook.

15 of 16

Spicy Kimchi Burger

Spicy Kimchi Burger
Andy Lyons

Bring on the heat with this spicy burger recipe. Fish sauce adds a bit of funk and saltiness to the ground beef patties before being charred on the grill. Kimchi (Korean fermented vegetables) adds just the right amount of tang and spice to every bite.

16 of 16

Peppercorn-Blue Cheese Burger with Cherry Compote

Peppercorn-Blue Cheese Burger With Tangy Cherry Compote
Andy Lyons

Combine bold flavors in this juicy beef burger recipe. Creamy blue cheese and tangy cherries are unlikely (but delectable) companions. Try our compote recipe, or purchase a flavorful fruity compote.

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