Best Burger Ideas For A Backyard Burger Menu
From juicy patties and bold sauces to crave-worthy sides, this collection of burger ideas has everything you need to build the ultimate backyard burger menu, all in one place!
Who doesn’t love a good burger? They’re an affordable dinner option, especially for a larger family or crowd as takeout and restaurant prices keep climbing. This line-up of burger recipes is about to get you excited to fire up the grill and make your own at home.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, or celebrating Father’s Day, burgers are so easy to pop on the grill, and to make up a few side salads or grilled pineapple or Margarita shrimp. We love grilling on our Traeger grill, and homemade burgers are the best!
Juicy Burger Recipes You’ll Love
These flavorful and juicy burger recipes will steal the show of any summer backyard gathering. Enjoy them as is with a few select sides, or turn them into an Epic Hamburger Board!
Thai Burger
This turkey burger packs the vibrant flavors of Thailand with plenty of fresh herbs. A simple sweet Thai chili aioli keeps the patty juicy and flavorful. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick, herb-packed dinner.
Find the full Thai Burger recipe here.
Cod Burgers
These crispy panko-crusted cod burgers deliver crunchy, creamy perfection without deep frying. Topped with zesty jalapeño slaw and sriracha-lime crema, they’re lighter than traditional burgers. Perfect for a quick weekday meal or casual weekend gathering.
Find the full Cod Burgers recipe here.
Grilled Turkey Burgers (with Summer Zucchini)
Juicy grilled turkey burgers get a moisture boost from grated summer zucchini. They cook in just three minutes per side, making them ideal for warm-weather dinners. For a more interactive meal, add these turkey burgers to this Pineapple Turkey Burger Board!
Read the full Grilled Turkey Burgers recipe here.
Bison Burgers
Lean ground bison pairs with caramelized red onions, sharp white cheddar, and a zesty Dijon sauce. Grill or cook them on the stovetop for a juicy, crowd-pleasing burger. The melted cheese and flavorful sauce make every bite unforgettable.
Check out the full Bison Burgers here.
Hawaiian Burgers
These big, beefy burgers are topped with bacon, cheese, and grilled fresh pineapple. Sweet, tangy, and salty, they come together quickly on a hot grill. Use pre-peeled fresh pineapple to save time.
Find the full Hawaiian Burgers recipe here.
Grilled Best Turkey Burgers Recipe (Gluten-Free)
Made with ground turkey, almond meal, ginger, and fresh rosemary, these gluten-free turkey burgers are perfect for summer. Serve them alongside your favorite gluten-free sauces and sides.
Follow the Grilled Best Turkey Burgers Recipe here.
Korean Chicken Burgers
Ground chicken soaks up fantastic spices in this Korean-style burger. Served on whole grain buns with gochujang apricot sauce, sautéed mushrooms, slaw, and a fried egg, it’s a flavor-packed favorite.
Find the full Korean Chicken Burgers recipe here.
Jalapeno Popper Burgers
Imagine thick, beefy burgers topped with a creamy, spicy, cheesy jalapeño mixture. This next-generation burger melts that topping right over the patty for incredible flavor in every bite.
See the full Jalapeno Popper Burgers recipe here.
Savory Turkey Burgers
Herbs and spices like cilantro, mint, garlic, and ginger give these turkey burgers a delicious twist. Serve them on soft brioche buns or as a lettuce wrap with mango and avocado.
Read the full Savory Turkey Burgers recipe here.
Blackstone Smash Burgers
Thin, beefy, and packed with flavor, these smash burgers are a must-try for outdoor griddle owners. They cook quickly and are easier to make than you might think.
Find the full Blackstone Smash Burgers here.
Sweet Potato Turkey Burgers
Sweet potato keeps these turkey burgers tender, juicy, and flavorful. Grill them for extra deliciousness when you want to switch up your burger routine.
Check out the full Sweet Potato Turkey Burgers recipe here.
Protein Burgers
Serve a bunless Protein Style Burger Board with turkey burgers, crunchy lettuce, and all your favorite toppings–served on a dinner board!
Discover the full Protein Style Burger Board recipe here.
Sweet Potato Lentil Burgers Recipe
These vegetarian lentil burgers are tender, creamy, and rich – never dry or crumbly. Serve them on brioche buns with avocado, aioli, and microgreens. A homemade cilantro-yogurt aioli adds even more flavor.
Find the full Sweet Potato Lentil Burgers Recipe here.
Thai Sloppy Joes
Delicious Thai Sloppy Joes, with a red curry peanut sauce, are served on small ciabatta buns, almost like a slider. We make a homeamde Mango Cucumber Summer Slaw that is out of this world. Every bite is dreamy – and perfect for a light lunch or snack dinner. Serve out by the pool or for picnics in the park!
Read the full Thai Sloppy Joes recipe here.
Burger Sauces, Condiments, and Sides
Complete your backyard burger menu with mouth-watering sauces, condiments, and delicious side dishes!
Basic Burger Condiment Platter
This simple condiment platter is the perfect companion for sliders, regular burgers, or cheeseburgers. It has everything you need to build your ideal burger.
Follow the full Basic Burger Condiment Platter here.
Smash Burger Sauce
This special burger sauce gets a tangy kick from pickle juice and a touch of sriracha. Use it on burgers, wraps, sandwiches, or as a fry dip.
Follow the full Smash Burger Sauce recipe here.
Creamy Jalapeno Coleslaw
Cool, crunchy coleslaw meets the fiery crunch of fresh jalapeños in this Southwestern spin. Infused with lime and cilantro, it’s creamy, refreshing, and can be prepped ahead of time.
Follow the Creamy Jalapeno Coleslaw here.
Avocado Garlic Aioli Sauce Recipe
Made with garlic, avocados, and Veganaise, this creamy aioli is perfect for burger season. Garnish with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or let guests add their own.
Find the full Avocado Garlic Aioli Sauce Recipe here.
Sweet Onion Sauce
This thick, rich, creamy onion sauce (also called sweet onion brown butter) is addictively delicious. Use it on burgers, grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or even crackers.
Discover the full Sweet Onion Sauce recipe here.
Pickled Red Onions Recipe
These quick-pickled red onions add bright, vinegary flavor to burgers, sandwiches, tacos, pizza, and more. They’re tangy, flavorful, and easy to keep on hand.
Find the full Pickled Red Onions Recipe here.
Best Thousand Island Dressing Recipe
Creamy, tangy, and made with simple pantry ingredients, this homemade Thousand Island dressing beats store-bought every time. Drizzle it on salads, spread it on burgers, or layer it onto Reuben sandwiches.
Follow this Best Thousand Island Dressing Recipe here.
Berry Barbecue Sauce Recipe
This sweet and savory barbecue sauce gets a hint of summer berries without being overly acidic or spicy. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks.
See this Berry Barbecue Sauce Recipe here.
Bacon Onion Jam
Crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and Dr Pepper simmer into a sweet, savory, smoky jam. This rich spread elevates sandwiches, burgers, and cheese boards with minimal hands-on effort.
Find the full Bacon Onion Jam here.
Tennessee Onions Recipe
Soft, buttery, and caramelized to perfection, these baked Tennessee onions fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. They’re an easy, dependable side for everything from weeknight chicken to a backyard barbecue.
Follow the Tennessee Onions Recipe here.
Pickle de Gallo
A riff on pico de gallo, this addictive dip stars sweet and garlicky pickles mixed with crunchy veggies and a little heat. Grab your favorite tortilla chips and dig in.
Find the full Pickle de Gallo recipe here.
Baked Curry Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet and salty oven-baked sweet potato wedges are tossed with oil and sprinkled with curry and flake salt. A simple, flavorful side.
Read the full Baked Curry Sweet Potato Fries recipe here.
Baked Beans with Ground Turkey
These meaty, saucy baked beans are sweet, tangy, and oh-so-good. Based on a vintage “cowboy beans” recipe, they’re as delicious as comfort food gets.
See the full Baked Beans with Ground Turkey here.
Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan
Tender-crisp zucchini rounds are topped with seasoning and a generous amount of Parmesan. In the air fryer, the cheese turns golden, melty, and irresistible.
Follow this Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan recipe here.
Grilled Tequila-Pineapple Skewers
Fruity, smoky, and grilled to perfection, these skewers let the tequila flavor really shine. They’re an easy, juicy hit at any BBQ or party.
Follow this Grilled Tequila-Pineapple Skewers recipe here.
Sunflower Crunch Salad
This sunflower crunch salad combines broccoli, crisp bell pepper, red onion, sweet dried apricots, salty bacon bits, and sunflower seeds, all coated in a creamy jalapeño dressing. Serve it as a side dish with burgers.
Follow this Sunflower Crunch Salad recipe here.
Arugula Burrata Salad (with Honey Lemon Dressing)
Creamy burrata, peppery arugula, sweet tomatoes, and strawberries come together with a quick honey lemon dressing. Candied pecans add crunch, making this salad elegant enough for a holiday feast or summer gathering.
Follow this Arugula Burrata Salad here.
Creamy Dill Pasta Salad
Crisp vegetables and tender elbow pasta are tossed in a tangy dill sauce with sweet pickle relish. This make-ahead classic stays refreshing and satisfying thanks to al dente pasta that won’t get soft.
Follow this Creamy Dill Pasta Salad recipe here.
Cucumber Melon Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
Juicy cantaloupe, crisp cucumber, salty feta, and fresh herbs create a cooling summer salad. Drizzled with a zesty honey-lime dressing, it comes together in 15 minutes or less.
Follow this Cucumber Melon Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing recipe here.
Summer Slaw
This light, refreshing slaw features mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, and cabbage in a simple dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any summer holiday gathering.
Follow this Summer Slaw recipe here.
Fruit Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
A creamy sour cream and maple dressing studded with poppy seeds makes this fruit salad irresistible. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s a sweet, tangy side or dessert for your next backyard burger meal.
Follow this Fruit Salad with Poppyseed Dressing recipe here.
Have leftover burger patties? Use them for other delicious burger ideas, such as Burger Tacos, Burger Bowl Recipe, or Smash Burger Salad!
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
