Take Your Burger to the Next Level

This recipe comes from Mustard Seed Kitchen in Chicago, where chef Erick Williams serves thick, juicy and grilled burgers that remind him of his childhood. Don't skimp on the pickle mayo—it's a keeper.

Related: Grill Your Biggest, Best Burger Yet with Chicago Chef Erick Williams

Break the cardinal rule of grilling—don't press the patties!—with this diner-style smash burger, made on the grill in a cast-iron griddle or skillet. The recipe comes from Weber's Ultimate Grilling, by the grill company's resident chef, Jamie Purviance.

Related: How to Season, Cook With and Clean Cast-Iron Pans

Romesco is a garlicky Spanish sauce made of almonds, tomato and roasted red peppers. Here, it takes the place of ketchup on a spiced lamb burger topped with goat cheese. (Note: You can definitely make this burger with ground beef if you aren't a fan of lamb.)

This tasty burger is essentially a tender fish cake on a bun. The key is grinding or chopping the fish enough to hold together—but not so finely that it becomes mealy. 

Southside Minneapolis is home to this three-napkin burger famous for its molten cheese center. 

It's impossible to beat a burger served on a soft, pillowy brioche bun. This recipe (from Hewn bakery in Evanston, Illinois) makes a big batch, so you can keep a stash in the freezer for several meals.

After searing a burger on cast iron (and tasting the crust that develops), you may never grill burgers outside again. We topped ours with herby veggies and feta cheese.

Bring along extra toppers inspired by pizza-parlor classics: thinly sliced sweet peppers and onion, spinach, sautéed mushrooms, jarred banana peppers or sliced olives.

Try this easy, crunchy topper on sliders, hamburgers or hot dogs. 

This lamb burger explodes with flavor: aromatic herbs, tangy lemon mayo, sweet grilled onion. We love lamb's earthy flavor, but if you aren't sure your family or friends will agree, use a 50-50 blend of beef and lamb. Or seek out American-raised lamb, which is more mild than meat imported from New Zealand.

Horseradish mustard adds a kick to grilled burgers, while barbecue sauce and white Cheddar cheese create a flavorful topping combo.

Sugared bacon and melting cheese curds or string cheese make a mouthwatering filling for these behemoth burgers. 

Add kick to your burgers or sandwiches with this quick four-ingredient condiment.

Brush this super-easy sauce on burger patties, chicken or other meats for a punch of smoky flavor.

Imagine a holiday leftover sandwich, in burger form—sage-flavored turkey burger on a potato bun, topped with tangy cranberry sauce and crisp apple. And on the side? Sweet potato fries, naturally.

This simple, flavorful recipe comes from reader Doug Heiken of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. It's a quick, easy recipe to throw together if you have a vegetarian at a cookout.

Related: Fast-and-Easy Grilling Recipes

This sandwich looks a bit plain, but appearances can be deceiving. It's packed with flavor. Mustard, herbs and lemon zest season the meat, which is topped with wine-poached pears, sharp cheddar and pepper jelly. 

Start with ground turkey for this tall burger that offers big flavor from curry powder, garlic, red onion and jalapeno pepper. A cool and creamy aioli tops the grilled sandwich. 

Top burgers with a spoonful of homemade pimiento cheese, or stuff the burgers with cheese before grilling. The recipe also gives an alternative for grinding your own burgers from hanger steaks.

Our light-as-a-summer-breeze cantaloupe-strawberry relish contrasts with a brawny bison burger full of chopped apple and jerk seasoning. To keep it from getting too cute, we slapped it on Texas toast.

Irish flavors infuse this burger recipe, which calls for mixing corned beef, cabbage, and caraway seeds into ground beef. Serve with grilled onions and spicy horseradish mustard.