Memorial Day weekend kicks off the season of backyard grilling, and burgers are always front and center. Everyone has their go-to, but this is the time to bring something better than usual. If you’re firing up the grill, it should be for a burger that’s worth the effort. These recipes don’t mess around with complicated steps or boring toppings. They’re bold, easy to build, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
BBQ Beef Beet Burgers
These burgers combine beef and shredded beets for a juicy, flavorful patty that stands out without doing too much. Topped with goat cheese and smashed avocado, they bring something different to the Memorial Day table without straying too far from the classics.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Beef Beet Burgers
Blueberry BBQ Brie Burger
Sweet blueberry BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, creamy brie, and fresh arugula come together in a bold burger that holds up well on the grill. It’s a strong pick when you want to mix things up without making extra work for yourself.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry BBQ Brie Burger
Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers
These cauliflower patties are packed with melted cheddar and topped with bright pickled cabbage and a fresh cilantro pesto. They’re a great meatless option for Memorial Day that still feels substantial and built for a bun.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers
Curry Roasted Eggplant Burgers
These burgers are made with roasted eggplant, seasoned with curry, and finished with a tangy yogurt hummus sauce. They’re full of flavor and work great when you need a vegetarian option that doesn’t feel like a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Curry Roasted Eggplant Burgers
Elk Burgers
Ground elk makes a lean, rich burger that stays juicy when grilled right. With just a few spices and a simple cooking trick, these burgers bring something bold to the cookout without a lot of extra prep.
Get the Recipe: Elk Burgers
Bison Burgers
Bison brings beefy flavor with a leaner bite, and these burgers nail that balance. Topped with cheddar and a punchy burger sauce, they’re perfect for anyone looking to upgrade the usual Memorial Day lineup.
Get the Recipe: Bison Burgers
Grilled Halloumi Burgers
Lamb and grilled halloumi are stacked with caramelized onions and sun-dried tomato pesto. This burger goes big on flavor and still grills up fast, making it a strong contender for backyard parties.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Halloumi Burgers
Indian Chicken Burgers
Spiced ground chicken gets topped with cool cucumber yogurt slaw for a burger that’s packed with contrast and texture. It’s a great swap if beef isn’t your go-to but you still want something grilled and solid.
Get the Recipe: Indian Chicken Burgers
Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers
These chickpea patties are punched up with bacon and spice, giving them enough heft to hold their own on any burger night. They’re simple to make and bring something different to the Memorial Day spread.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers
Burger Mini Bites
These no-bun mini burgers skip the filler and focus on flavorful ground meat shaped into bite-sized portions. They’re easy to make ahead, quick to cook, and perfect for feeding a crowd at a casual party.
Get the Recipe: Burger Mini Bites
Portobello Mushroom Burger
A whole grilled portobello caps this beef burger in place of a bun, keeping things simple and flavorful. It’s juicy, quick to make, and a great pick when you want something that stands out from the usual setup.
Get the Recipe: Portobello Mushroom Burger
Turkey Burger Lettuce Wraps
These turkey burgers skip the bun and are served in crisp lettuce leaves with your favorite toppings. They’re great for summer cookouts where you want something lighter but still grilled and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burger Lettuce Wraps
Turkey Burger Sliders
These mini burgers use turkey patties and classic toppings to create bite-sized versions of a cookout favorite. They’re easy to prep in batches and always go fast at a backyard party.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burger Sliders
Turkey Smash Burgers
These patties get smashed on a hot skillet or griddle for crispy edges and a juicy center. Turkey keeps it lighter without losing any flavor, making this a perfect pick for long weekend grilling.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Smash Burgers
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
These burgers skip the bacon topping and wrap the whole patty in it instead. The bacon crisps up while the inside stays juicy, making this one a guaranteed hit at any Memorial Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers
These pork burgers get topped with caramelized onions and melted cheese for a spin on classic French onion soup. They’re a great alternative when you want something rich and savory straight off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers
Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger
Thick-cut bacon, mashed avocado, and a sweet-spicy sriracha mayo top this thick beef patty. It’s a six-layer situation that delivers big flavor without getting too messy.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger
Black Bean Burger
These bean-based patties hold their shape on the grill and bring big flavor with minimal effort. They’re a great option to throw into the mix if you’re feeding a group with different preferences.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Burger
Blackstone Burgers
These burgers come together fast on the griddle with frozen patties and still come out juicy. They’re not smash burgers, but they get that charred crust that works great for casual backyard cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Burgers
BBQ Burgers
Classic beef burgers meet crispy bacon, avocado, and a two-ingredient sauce that ties it all together. They’re easy to prep and quick to grill, making them perfect for a busy Memorial Day afternoon.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Burgers
Vegan Chickpea Burger
Made with chickpeas and simple spices, this plant-based patty holds up on the grill and pairs well with fresh toppings. It’s a solid option when you want something meatless but still built like a proper burger.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chickpea Burger