Ready to kick off the unofficial start to summer with some mouth-watering burgers that’ll make your neighbors wish they were invited to your cookout? We’ve put together a list of 15 fantastic burger recipes that will spice up any barbecue. From meaty classics to inventive veggie options, there’s something for everyone.
![Two bison cheeseburgers with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on a wooden board, accompanied by sides of pickles and sweet potato fries.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/bison-burgers-MSN-1.jpg)
Burger Bowls
![Burger bowl with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and special sauce.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/burger-in-a-bowl-landscape-1.jpg)
This dish has everything you love about burgers, served up in a bowl with a killer homemade sauce. It’s a lighter take that’s perfect for summer gatherings where you want to impress without the heaviness of a traditional bun.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls
BBQ Beef Beet Burgers
![BBQ beef beet burger topped with avocado goat cheese, red onion, lettuce and tomato.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BBQ-beet-beef-burger-1.jpg)
These burgers blend beef and beetroot with a touch of BBQ for a unique twist. Topped with smashed avocado and goat cheese, they’re sure to draw compliments from across the fence this summer.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Beef Beet Burgers
Blueberry BBQ Brie Burger
![Blueberry BBQ brie burger with arugula.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bbq-brie-burger-1.jpg)
This burger layers the unexpected sweetness of blueberry BBQ sauce with creamy brie and crispy bacon, all topped with fresh arugula. A standout choice for summer that will have everyone talking.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry BBQ Brie Burger
Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers
![Cheddar cauliflower burger with pickled cabbage and pesto on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cheddar-cauliflower-burger-1.jpg)
Great for those who prefer a meat-free option, these burgers are packed with cheddar and topped with tangy pickled red cabbage and a fresh cilantro pesto. They’re a surefire hit for any summer BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers
Curry Roasted Eggplant Burgers
![Roasted eggplant curry burger on a bun with kale, red onions and cilantro hummus sauce.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/roasted-eggplant-curry-burger-1.jpg)
These burgers feature a flavorful curry-infused roasted eggplant and a creamy yogurt hummus sauce with cilantro. Perfect for vegetarians looking for a hearty summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Curry Roasted Eggplant Burgers
Elk Burgers
![Elk burger sliced in half with cheese, tomato and lettuce on a bun.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/elk-burger-1.jpg)
Simple yet robust, these elk burgers are grilled to perfection. A secret trick keeps them juicy, making them a great surprise for your next outdoor cookout.
Get the Recipe: Elk Burgers
Bison Burgers
![Two bison cheeseburgers with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on a wooden board, accompanied by sides of pickles and sweet potato fries.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/bison-burgers-MSN-1.jpg)
Swap out the usual beef for lean bison to give your burger a new edge this summer. Loaded with tasty toppings and a special sauce, these burgers won’t have you missing beef one bit.
Get the Recipe: Bison Burgers
Grilled Halloumi Burgers
![Grilled halloumi lamb burger on a bun with pesto spread.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/grilled-halloumi-lamb-burger-1.jpg)
Packed with fresh herbs and topped with caramelized onions and sun-dried tomato pesto, these grilled halloumi lamb burgers bring a Mediterranean flair to your summer grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Halloumi Burgers
Indian Chicken Burgers
![Indian chicken burgers cut in half with cucumber yogurt slaw.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Indian-chicken-burgers-1.jpg)
Topped with a refreshing yogurt cucumber slaw, these chicken burgers are a moist and flavorful alternative to beef that will spice up any summer BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Indian Chicken Burgers
Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers
![Spicy chickpea bacon burgers with arugula and chips on the side.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/chickpea-bacon-burger-1.jpg)
Mix things up with these chickpea burgers, spiced up with bacon for an extra kick. They’re a fun and flavorful twist on the traditional burger night.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers
Chickpea Burger
![](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSN-Chickpea-Burger.jpg)
This chickpea burger is not just for vegans—it’s so good that everyone will want a bite. It’s a fantastic meat-free option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it perfect for a diverse summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Burger
Turkey Burger Lettuce Wraps
![A turkey burger lettuce wrap with tomato and onion on a white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/turkey-burger-lettuce-wraps-MSN.jpg)
Light and flavorful, these turkey burgers are wrapped in crisp lettuce, making them perfect for a light summer meal that’s both easy to make and a joy to eat at any party.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burger Lettuce Wraps
25 Minute Black Bean Burger
![A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Black-Bean-Burger-2.jpg)
Fast and flavorful, this black bean burger is ready in just 25 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick, filling summer meal that keeps things light and fresh.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger
Turkey Smash Burgers
![A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board in front of subway tile.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/106.jpg)
Experience the best in turkey burgers with these smash-style patties, known for their crispy edges and savory taste that are just right for a summer evening.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Smash Burgers
25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger
![An up-close shot of bacon-avocado ground beef burger on a flat white surface.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bacon-Avocado-Burger-Image-SM2.jpg)
Stack up a thick beef patty with bacon, mashed avocado, and a homemade honey-mayo sriracha sauce for a burger that’s ready in just 25 minutes. This is a top pick for a quick and impressive summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger