National Hamburger Day: 5 Best Recipes for the Start of Grilling Season

Graduation caps are flying, pool floats are being aired, the days are growing warmer, the evenings are getting longer, and the grills are heating up.

The unofficial start to summer is here. And grilling season kicks off with the celebration of National Hamburger Day on May 28th. There's no better way to honor this all-American classic than by firing up the grill and trying out some mouthwatering burger recipes.

Here are five fantastic burger recipes featuring some fancy ingredients to elevate your grilling game.

1. Classic Cheeseburger

Timeless and universally loved, the classic cheeseburger is a must-have for any grilling session.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 slices of American cheese

• 4 sesame seed buns

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• Dill pickles, sliced

• Ketchup and mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Form the ground beef into four patties, pressing a small indentation in the center to prevent puffing.

3. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

4. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness.

5. Add a slice of cheese to each patty in the last minute of grilling to melt.

6. Toast the buns on the grill for about 1 minute.

7. Assemble with onion slices, pickles, ketchup, and mustard.

2. BBQ Bacon Burger

For those who love a bit of smoky sweetness, the BBQ Bacon Burger is a surefire hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 slices of smoked bacon, cooked

• 4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese

• 4 brioche buns

• BBQ sauce

• Grilled onions

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Form the ground beef into four patties and season with salt and pepper.

3. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side.

4. Add cheese slices to the patties in the last minute of cooking.

5. Toast the brioche buns on the grill.

6. Assemble the burgers with a generous spread of BBQ sauce, bacon, and grilled onions.

3. Mushroom Swiss Burger with Garlic Aioli

Elevate your burger game with the rich, savory flavors of the Mushroom Swiss Burger.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 4 slices of Swiss cheese

• 4 whole wheat buns

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Sauté mushrooms in butter until golden brown.

3. Form the ground beef into four patties, season with salt and pepper.

4. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side.

5. Top each patty with Swiss cheese during the last minute of grilling to melt.

6. Toast the buns on the grill.

7. Mix mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon juice to make garlic aioli.

8. Assemble the burgers with sautéed mushrooms and a dollop of garlic aioli.

4. Black Bean Burger

(This recipe has been published in protest by the Subset Art Director. If you want to eat beans, just eat beans.)

Even those on a plant-based diet can join the celebration with this flavorful Black Bean Burger.

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and mashed

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup bell pepper, finely chopped

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 whole wheat buns

• Avocado slices

• Vegan chipotle mayo

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. In a bowl, mix the mashed black beans, breadcrumbs, red onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.

3. Form the mixture into four patties.

4. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, until crisp.

5. Toast the buns on the grill.

6. Assemble the burgers with avocado slices and vegan chipotle mayo.

5. Royal Burger with Fried Egg

Indulge in a burger fit for royalty with this luxurious combination of flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 slices of Gruyère cheese

• 4 pretzel buns

• 4 slices of prosciutto

• Arugula

• Truffle mayo

• 4 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Form the ground beef into four patties, season with salt and pepper.

3. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side.

4. Top each patty with Gruyère cheese during the last minute of grilling to melt.

5. Toast the pretzel buns on the grill.

6. Cook the prosciutto slices on the grill until crispy.

7. Fry the eggs in a pan until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.

8. Spread truffle mayo on the buns.

9. Assemble the burgers with crispy prosciutto, arugula, and top with a fried egg.

Tips for Grilling the Perfect Burger

1. Choose the Right Meat: An 80/20 blend of ground beef is ideal for juicy burgers.

2. Don’t Overwork the Meat: Handle the patties gently to avoid a tough texture.

3. Indent the Patties: Press a small indentation in the center to keep them flat.

4. Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before cooking to sear the meat properly.

5. Let the Meat Rest: Allow the burgers to rest for a few minutes after grilling to lock in the juices.

These recipes are just the beginning of a season full of grilling adventures. Whether you prefer your burger classic, smoky, savory, plant-based, or luxuriously gourmet, there's a perfect recipe here to kick off your National Hamburger Day celebrations in delicious style. Happy grilling!