If you’re trying to switch things up from a traditional burger bun, these four ideas are fun, fresh, and easy to make. Start with a juicy beef patty, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, then choose your favorite “bun” alternative.
1. Cucumber Burger
Ingredients
- 1 ground beef patty
- 1 large cucumber
- 1 slice cheddar cheese
- 2–3 slices tomato
- A few thin slices red onion
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Optional: mustard or mayonnaise
Step 1: Cook the Burger
Season the beef patty with salt and black pepper.
Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat and cook the patty for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your preferred doneness.
Step 2: Add the Cheese
Place the cheddar cheese on top during the final minute of cooking.
Cover the pan briefly so the cheese melts.
Step 3: Prepare the Cucumber
Cut a large cucumber into two thick rounds.
Pat the cut surfaces dry with a paper towel so the burger doesn’t become too watery.
Step 4: Assemble
Place one cucumber slice on a plate.
Add the cheeseburger patty, tomato slices, and red onion.
Top with the second cucumber slice.
Serve immediately.
2. Tomato Burger
Ingredients
- 1 ground beef patty
- 1 large firm tomato
- 1 slice cheddar cheese
- 2 strips cooked bacon
- Lettuce leaves
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional: burger sauce
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Season the beef patty and cook in a hot skillet or on a grill for 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
Step 2: Melt the Cheese
Add the cheddar during the last minute and allow it to melt over the patty.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato
Cut two thick slices from the middle of a large, firm tomato.
Lightly pat them dry.
Step 4: Build the Burger
Place one tomato slice on a plate.
Add lettuce, the beef patty with melted cheese, and crispy bacon.
Top with the second tomato slice.
Add your favorite burger sauce if desired.
3. Lettuce-Wrapped Burger
Ingredients
- 1 ground beef patty
- 2–4 large lettuce leaves
- 1 slice cheddar cheese
- 2 tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Pickles, optional
- Salt and black pepper
- Your favorite burger sauce
Step 1: Cook the Patty
Season the beef with salt and pepper.
Cook on a skillet or grill for approximately 4–5 minutes per side, until safely cooked through.
Step 2: Melt the Cheese
Place cheese over the patty during the last minute of cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Lettuce
Wash and thoroughly dry several large lettuce leaves.
Choose sturdy leaves that are large enough to wrap around the burger.
Step 4: Assemble
Place two lettuce leaves together.
Add tomato, onion, pickles, and the cheeseburger patty.
Add your sauce.
Place another lettuce leaf on top and wrap the burger tightly.
4. Grilled Pineapple Burger 🍍
Ingredients
- 1 ground beef patty
- 2 thick pineapple rings
- 1 slice cheddar cheese
- 2 strips cooked bacon
- 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Season the beef patty with salt and pepper.
Cook in a skillet or on a grill for 4–5 minutes per side, adjusting for thickness and desired doneness.
Step 2: Grill the Pineapple
Lightly brush the pineapple rings with olive oil.
Place them on a hot grill or skillet and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, until lightly caramelized and showing grill marks.
Step 3: Melt the Cheese
Place cheddar on the burger during the final minute of cooking.
Allow it to melt completely.
Step 4: Add the Bacon
Cook the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Assemble
Place one grilled pineapple ring on a plate.
Spread a little barbecue sauce over it.
Add the cheeseburger patty, melted cheese, and crispy bacon.
Top with the second pineapple ring.
Serve hot.
My pick: the pineapple + bacon + cheddar + barbecue sauce combination gives you the biggest sweet-and-savory flavor, while the cucumber version is especially crisp and refreshing.
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