Our Best Burger Recipes for All of Your Summer Cookouts

Armando Rafael

From classic diner-style patties to meatless masterpieces and bunless beauties, here are more than two dozen of our best burger recipes.

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Kate Mathis

Looking back on your favorite summer memories, a few things probably come to mind—a splash in the pool, a lazy day at the beach, a family adventure, or the first bite of a juicy, char-grilled burger. Burgers are synonymous with grilling, and we're all about grilling as much as possible when the weather permits. Hot dogs can feel boring quick, and barbecue chicken is something you can make in your oven, but there are so many different ways to prepare a burger. Since they're one of the most straightforward recipes in a home cook's arsenal, you'll want to make these burgers all year long.

If you think about it, there's just about a million different ways to top a hamburger—even the most outlandish pairings can work for some. If you're looking for the tried and true flavor profiles, classic combos like grilled peppers and onions or pickles, lettuce, and tomato, are top of mind. When creating a beef burger, it's important to find a cut of beef that's leaner: try finding ground chuck that's 80 percent lean, and 20 percent fat. You'll enjoy a juicy profile without too much grease—and if texture is important to you, you'll want to skip pre-made or frozen patties altogether. Your patties should be about four inches wide, which may seem a tad large, until you remember that burgers will shrink significantly when cooked.

Don't let your creativity stop at beef, either—some of our favorite burgers feature tender patties of lamb, chicken, turkey, and pork. Our Greek-inspired lamb burgers, which are topped with a serious punch of parsley and bathed in yogurt-feta sauce, are a perfect example of how alternative meats can inspire a fresh take on burger night. And don't forget plant-based recipes, too: Hearty veggies like sweet potatoes and black beans make for amazing burgers that sing with flavor after being tossed on the grill.

We're sharing all of our favorite burgers, from vegetarian options to savory beef classics, that will keep you coming back for more all season long.

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Grilled Lamb Burgers with Yogurt-Feta Sauce

Christopher Testani

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Our Best Burger Recipes for All of Your Summer Cookouts

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Grilled Lamb Burgers with Yogurt-Feta Sauce

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Greek Turkey Burgers

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California-Style Veggie Burgers

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Classic Burger-Joint Cheeseburger

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Aged-Cheddar-and-Swiss Cheeseburgers

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Steak-House Burger

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Green-Chile Chicken Burgers

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Green-Pea Burgers with Harissa Mayo

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Sausage-and-Mushroom Burgers with Broccoli Rabe

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Curry-Spiced Veggie Burgers

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Thin Burger

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Mini Cheeseburgers

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Gingery Salmon Burgers

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Chimichurri Burger

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Bean-and-Veggie Sliders

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Cheeseburger Potato

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Turkey Sliders

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Pimiento-Cheese Burgers

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Red-Bean Burgers with Avocado and Lime

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Turkey-Meatloaf Burgers

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Double-Portobello Burgers with Roasted Tomatoes

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Easy Veggie Burgers

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Lamb Burgers

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Smoky Salmon Burgers with Grainy Mustard

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Pork Burgers with Peppers

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