A traditional cookout is a wonderful way of celebrating good weather and great company, but sometimes standard burgers can get boring. You can take your burger game up a level by providing your friends or family with something unexpected and delicious that starts with pre-made burgers and doesn’t require a lot of effort. Here, expert chef Danny G. Alberto shares 12 ideas for creative burgers that will wow your backyard cookout guests.
The Breakfast Burger
This burger is the perfect choice when you’re having people over for brunch. Top your burgers with scrambled eggs and bacon, and serve them on bagels, croissants or breakfast biscuits. For a unique twist, try pouring maple syrup over your burgers, adding a sausage patty, or serving the whole thing between waffles.
The Mac and Cheeseburger
Create a new comfort food favorite by combining two beloved dishes. Simply smother your burgers in macaroni and cheese, letting the pasta spill out of the buns. These can be wonderfully messy and are best eaten with a fork.
The Seafood Burger
This idea will turn your surf and turf into one perfect food that can be eaten with your hands. Serve your burgers with crab legs, lobster, or shrimp. Try using cocktail sauce as a condiment, and serve on sea-themed plates to complete the atmosphere.
The Thanksgiving Burger
Celebrate Thanksgiving on the grill. Start with a turkey burger, then add stuffing and cranberry sauce. Serve with potatoes and your family’s favorite Thanksgiving sides.
The Cream Cheese Burger
Cream cheese is a delicious and flexible addition to a burger; the creamy topping elevates the whole dish. Give your guests several options–try cream cheese mixed with pieces of pineapple, cream cheese with ranch dressing seasonings, or cream cheese and horseradish. Consider serving this burger on bagels instead of buns.
The Pulled Pork and Bacon Burger
Make a meat lover’s dream come true by stacking a beef patty with other meats like pulled pork and bacon with barbecue sauce. This burger is delicious with melted cheddar poured over the top and baked beans on the side.
The Hot Dog Hamburger
When you can’t choose between a hot dog and a hamburger, try having both. Slice a grilled hot dog in half the long way to flatten it, and put it on top of a burger patty. Serve it in a hot dog bun with relish.
The Italian Burger
Italian dressing makes a wonderful burger sauce and can be combined with barbecue sauce as well. Spread your burger with Italian dressing, and add additional meats like pepperoni or salami. Serve this on an Italian roll, and make a pasta salad to go on the side.
The Burger and Fries Burger
Nothing goes with a burger like French fries, so why not combine the two? Stack some fries onto a warm burger and top with plenty of ketchup, mustard, and pickles.
The Hawaiian Burger
This idea is perfect for a luau-themed party and pairs well with fruity tropical drinks. Simply top each burger with a slice each of pineapple and ham. Drizzle on some Hawaiian dipping sauce or teriyaki sauce.
The Dessert Burger
Who says meat can’t be sweet? Start by piling on slices of grilled mango and pineapple. For a more daring style, slice a donut in half to use as a bun or try adding some chocolate sauce.
Burgers don’t have to be boring or complicated. Give your guests something new and fun by trying one of Danny G. Alberto’s innovative burger ideas. The next time you cook burgers, get inspired to put a unique spin on an old favorite.
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