Rethink the Burger: A Fresh Take on an American Classic
The classic hamburger is a staple of backyard cooking, but there's no rule that says it has to be predictable. When you’ve grilled your fair share of burgers, it’s easy to fall into a routine—same toppings, same seasonings, same bun. If you’re ready to break out of the ordinary and bring more creativity to your burger game, this guide is for you. Below are 25 ways to make hamburgers more interesting, from unique flavor combinations and patty blends to bold bun swaps and next-level toppings. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or elevating a weekday dinner, these ideas will deliver something worth biting into.
- Toppings That Add Character
- Upgraded Patty Ideas
- Alternative Buns
- Burger Sauces That Go Beyond Ketchup
- Cooking Techniques That Make a Difference
- Creative Burger Combinations
- Burger Customization Comparison Table
- Frequently Asked Questions
Toppings That Add Character
1. Fried Egg
A fried egg adds creaminess and richness. It’s especially good when cooked over easy and paired with bacon or hash browns.
2. Candied Bacon
Adding bacon is standard, but glazing it with brown sugar and baking until crisp creates a sweet-savory upgrade that enhances any beef patty.
3. Fried Green Tomatoes
Crispy fried green tomatoes add texture and a tangy profile that complements richer meats and cheeses.
4. Pickled Red Onions
Pickled onions introduce acidity and depth without overpowering the burger. They're easy to make and deliver a bright, sharp finish.
5. Macaroni and Cheese
Adding a scoop of mac and cheese on top of your burger is a great way to combine two comfort foods into one indulgent meal.
6. Grilled Pineapple
Pineapple rings offer a sweet contrast to spicy or savory toppings. Ideal for burgers with jalapeños or teriyaki glaze.
7. Coleslaw
Use vinegar-based slaw for crunch and contrast. It works especially well with pulled pork burgers or spicy rubs.
Upgraded Patty Ideas
8. Brisket or Short Rib Blend
Combining chuck with brisket or short rib creates a richer, more flavorful burger with better fat distribution and texture.
9. Bacon in the Grind
Mix chopped bacon directly into the ground beef. The result is smoky, juicy, and distinctly different from bacon as a topping alone.
10. Use BBQ Rub Inside the Patty
Mix your preferred BBQ rub from DDR BBQ Supply directly into the meat. It infuses flavor throughout instead of sitting only on the surface.
11. Cheese Blended In
Fold shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda into the meat before forming patties. Melty pockets of cheese inside add surprise and moisture.
12. Alternative Proteins
Try lamb, bison, or turkey for different flavor profiles. Lamb pairs well with Mediterranean toppings, while bison works great with smoky BBQ sauces.
13. Smash Burger Technique
Pressing a loosely formed patty onto a hot cast iron surface creates a thin, crispy crust while locking in flavor.
Alternative Buns
14. Pretzel Buns
Pretzel buns are dense, chewy, and slightly salty. They’re ideal for burgers with bold sauces or messy toppings that require structure.
15. Brioche Buns
Slightly sweet and buttery, brioche buns provide a high-end touch and pair well with both savory and spicy flavor profiles.
16. Texas Toast
Thick-cut, buttered, and grilled Texas toast delivers a crunch and flavor that stands up to juicy patties and rich toppings.
17. Grilled Cheese as Buns
Use two grilled cheese sandwiches in place of a traditional bun. Over-the-top, but unforgettable.
18. Waffles
Waffles offer a crispy and sweet contrast, especially for breakfast-style burgers with bacon, egg, and syrup glaze.
Burger Sauces That Go Beyond Ketchup
19. Garlic Aioli
Homemade garlic aioli elevates the burger experience with a creamy, garlicky finish. It pairs well with grilled onions and Swiss cheese.
20. Spicy BBQ Sauce
Add a punch of heat and smoke using sauces from DDR BBQ Supply. Great with bacon and cheddar combinations.
21. Jalapeño Ranch
Cool ranch flavor with a spicy twist. A good choice for turkey or chorizo burgers with crispy onion rings.
22. Sriracha-Honey Mayo
Blending mayonnaise with sriracha and honey adds sweet heat. Ideal for burgers with sharp cheeses or pickled vegetables.
23. Bacon Jam
Spreadable bacon jam adds umami, sweetness, and texture. A gourmet-level touch for those looking to impress.
Cooking Techniques That Make a Difference
24. Cheese-Stuffed Burgers
Fill the center of the patty with your favorite cheese before cooking. When done right, the inside melts and creates a rich, gooey center.
25. Smoke Your Burgers
Use a pellet smoker like one from Myron Mixon to infuse burgers with a wood-smoked profile. Use oak or cherry wood for a balanced finish.
Creative Burger Combinations
The Brunch Burger
Patty, fried egg, hash browns, bacon, and maple syrup on a waffle bun.
The Tex-Mex Burger
Chorizo-beef blend, pepper jack cheese, guacamole, tortilla strips, and chipotle mayo.
The BBQ Overload
Ground beef, pulled pork, coleslaw, and spicy BBQ sauce on Texas toast.
The Greek Burger
Ground lamb, feta, cucumber, tomato, tzatziki, and olive spread on grilled pita.
The Heatwave
Beef patty, ghost pepper cheese, jalapeños, spicy ranch, and habanero sauce on brioche.
Burger Customization Comparison Table
| Component | Traditional | Creative Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Bun | Sesame Seed | Pretzel, Brioche, Waffles, Texas Toast |
| Meat | 80/20 Ground Beef | Brisket Blend, Lamb, Bacon-Infused |
| Cheese | American | Gouda, Pepper Jack, Blue Cheese |
| Sauce | Ketchup & Mustard | BBQ, Aioli, Bacon Jam, Sriracha Mayo |
| Toppings | Lettuce & Tomato | Fried Egg, Pickled Onions, Coleslaw |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the ideal meat blend for juicy burgers?
A mix of 80/20 ground chuck, or a combination of chuck, brisket, and short rib, offers great flavor and fat balance.
How do I keep burgers from drying out on the grill?
Avoid pressing the patty while cooking. Cook over medium-high heat and let the burger rest before serving.
Can I cook burgers on a smoker?
Yes. Smoking burgers at 225°F using wood like hickory or cherry adds a distinct flavor. Use indirect heat for best results.
Are there pre-made rubs or sauces you recommend?
- Double Dun Ranch BBQ Beef Rub - a great all around seasoning for beef
- Double Dun Ranch All Purpose Rub - a SPG seasoning that adds great flavor to your hamburger
- Myron Mixon Sweet Heat Mustard Sauce - a bolder mustard to round out the flavor in your meal.
- Myron Mixon Hickory BBQ Sauce - great hickory flavor
Bring Your Burger Ideas to Life
You don't need to reinvent the wheel to serve better burgers—you just need the right ingredients, gear, and a little inspiration. Visit DDR BBQ Supply to shop premium BBQ rubs, sauces, grills, and smokers that help you execute every idea in this guide. Whether you're a backyard enthusiast or serious pitmaster, we've got the tools to make your next burger cookout unforgettable.
Visit Us at our Retail Store or Online BBQ Store
Our online BBQ store is open 24-7 but if you'd rather shop in person, visit our retail store in Northwest Arkansas. You can shop top-quality grills, smokers, the best BBQ rubs and sauces, accessories, and expert advice. Stock up on top-quality BBQ supplies to bring authentic smokehouse flavor to your backyard cookouts.
Natives to San Antonio, Texas we take Texas BBQ seriously and have a variety of items you won't find anywhere else.
Whether you're looking for something specific or just want to explore the best in BBQ gear, we’re here to help you cook with confidence. You’ll find top-quality grills, offset smokers, water cookers, gravity fed smokers. BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice you won't find online. Stop by and experience hands-on shopping the way it should be!
We're located at 14696 US Hwy 62, Garfield, AR 72732. We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Come pay us a visit!
