8 Burgers and Sliders We’re Smashing All Summer
Summer is so close, we can practically taste it.
The days are warmer, the sun stays out longer and the urge to fire up the grill is getting harder and harder to ignore.
With the official start of summer—Memorial Day—just a few weeks away, we decided it’s high time to start pulling together some of our favorite warm-weather dishes. And what better way to kick things off than with the most classic summertime grilling recipe of them all: burgers!
From turkey burgers to sliders to an epic breakfast-inspired burger, there’s something for everyone. Check them out below.
Hungry for more? Stock up on the essentials to keep the grill fired up all summer long—from grilling tools and accessories to cast iron cookware, we’ve got everything you need.
Cheddar and Bacon Stuffed Grilled Burgers
We love a good cheeseburger—just something about the way the melty cheese mixes with the smoky, caramelized meat—ugh, our mouths are watering just thinking about it.
So, when we can take all that cheesy goodness and stuff it inside the patty along with salty, crispy, crumbly bacon, well, if you ask us, that’s a one-way ticket to cheeseburger paradise.
Cilantro-Lime Turkey Burgers
Some people might say, “a turkey burger is NOT a burger.” And to those nonbelievers, we say, “phooey!”
Because when you can pack this kind of flavor—from the additions of cumin, cilantro, lime zest and lime juice—into a patty that’s not only better for you but also just *might* be as delicious as its bovine counterpart, it’ll make a believer out of anyone.
Salmon Burger with Mango Avocado Salsa
Here’s the thing—salmon is at its peak during the summer months.
So, why not grind it up into a patty, season it with lemon zest and a touch of horseradish and slap it in between two buns to be enjoyed under the hot summer sun? Plus, when it’s topped with this homemade mango avocado salsa, it’s the ideal nosh for beach barbecues and waterfront cookouts.
Eggs Benny Burger
Who says burgers can only be enjoyed for lunch or dinner?
Topped with a homemade hollandaise and a perfectly poached egg, this is one breakfast-inspired burger recipe you’ll want to chow down on all day, every day. Pair it with a classic Bloody Mary for a brunch that’s as epic as it is delicious.
Mediterranean Veggie Burger
You may not eat meat, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get in on the “between the bun” fun!
We especially love this veggie burger recipe because of how much flavor it packs into one patty—onion, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, cayenne, parsley, cilantro and mint. Yeah, it’s a mouthful of flavor and we’d bet that after one bite, you’ll want to keep your mouth full of this Mediterranean-inspired burger all summer long.
Chef’s Tip: For a vegan burger, omit the feta cheese on top and substitute the egg for a vegan-friendly binder, like silken tofu, breadcrumbs, ground flaxseed or your favorite vegan egg substitute.
Teriyaki & Grilled Pineapple Sliders
Cooking for a crowd? Then we highly recommend sliders—they’ve got the same grab ‘n go appeal of burgers but can be prepped and cooked in large batches for parties of any size!
We especially love this recipe, with its tangy combo of teriyaki and grilled pineapple. These sliders are guaranteed to please.
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Okay, okay, yes, Philly cheesesteaks aren’t technically a “burger,” but they are meat between bread with toppings and cheese (and they’re so good, who’s gonna complain?), so this recipe earns a spot on our list.
For this slider recipe, you’ll swap the traditional shaved beef for ground and the hoagie roll for your favorite brand of Hawaiian buns. Otherwise, these sliders still pack the same cheesy, peppery, oniony goodness that made them famous.
Sirloin Sliders with Balsamic Onions, Brie and Bacon
Who says burgers can’t be fancy? Certainly not us.
And with homemade balsamic onions and salty, buttery Brie cheese, these sirloin sliders are definitely impressive. Pair them with some fries and homemade truffle mayo if you’re really looking to turn heads.
Get the Sirloin Sliders with Balsamic Onions, Brie and Bacon recipe!
Hungry for more? Stock up on the essentials to keep the grill fired up all summer long—from grilling tools and accessories to cast iron cookware, we’ve got everything you need.
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