There’s nothing wrong with a classic cheeseburger, but sometimes your favorite cookout staple deserves a little something extra. From sweet and savory toppings to spicy sauces and Southern-inspired flavors, there are plenty of ways to take your burger to the next level.
In honor of National Cheeseburger Day celebrated nationwide on September 18, The Outer Banks Life is bringing you ten variations for our Recipe of The Week for the next time you fire up the grill or heat up the skillet:
1. The Sweet and Savory Burger
Toppings: Caramelized onions, bacon and barbecue sauce.
Give your burger a delicious balance of smoky, salty and sweet flavors. Top a juicy beef patty with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon and onions cooked until golden and caramelized. Finish with a drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce.
2. The Southern Slaw Burger
Toppings: Creamy coleslaw, barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese.
Put a Southern twist on your cheeseburger with a generous scoop of creamy coleslaw. The cool, crunchy slaw pairs perfectly with a hot, juicy patty and tangy barbecue sauce. Add a slice of cheddar for a rich, cheesy finish.
3. The Spicy Jalapeño Burger
Toppings: Jalapeños, pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo.
For those who like a little heat, this combination delivers. Melt pepper jack cheese over your patty, then pile on fresh or pickled jalapeños and a smoky chipotle mayonnaise. Add crispy fried onions for extra crunch.
4. The Mushroom Swiss Burger
Toppings: Sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese and garlic aioli.
Skip the traditional toppings and go for a restaurant-style burger. Sauté mushrooms until tender and golden, then add melted Swiss cheese and a spoonful of garlic aioli for a savory, rich combination.
5. The Bacon Avocado Burger
Toppings: Avocado, crispy bacon, red onion and lime.
Fresh avocado adds a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with a juicy cheeseburger. Add crispy bacon, thinly sliced red onion and a little lime juice for brightness. Pepper jack or cheddar cheese both work well here.
6. The Pickle Lover’s Burger
Toppings: Dill pickles, crispy fried onions and burger sauce of your choice.
If you love a little tang, this one’s for you. Stack your cheeseburger with plenty of sliced dill pickles, crunchy fried onions, and your choice of a creamy burger sauce. The combination of tangy, crispy and savory flavors makes every bite more exciting.
7. The Breakfast Burger
Toppings: Fried egg, bacon, cheddar cheese and maple hot sauce.
Who says burgers are only for lunch or dinner? Add a fried egg, crispy bacon and melted cheddar to your patty. Finish with a drizzle of maple hot sauce for a sweet and spicy combination that works any time of day.
8. The Hawaiian-Inspired Burger
Toppings: Grilled pineapple, teriyaki sauce and Swiss cheese.
Bring a little tropical flavor to your cookout with juicy grilled pineapple and a sweet, savory teriyaki glaze. Add melted Swiss cheese for a delicious combination of smoky, sweet and tangy flavors. A toasted brioche bun makes it even better.
9. The Blue Cheese and Bacon Burger
Toppings: Blue cheese, bacon, caramelized onions and steak sauce.
For a bold, savory burger, try pairing creamy blue cheese with crispy bacon and sweet caramelized onions. Finish with a drizzle of steak sauce for a rich flavor combination that’s perfect for anyone who loves a little extra bite.
10. The Pizza Burger
Toppings: Mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
Combine two comfort food favorites in one delicious bite. Top your burger with melted mozzarella, crispy pepperoni and a spoonful of marinara sauce. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and serve on a toasted bun for a pizza-inspired twist.
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