One of the big rewards of hosting is impressing your guests with something that’s delicious and unexpected. With summer in full swing and grills getting fired up regularly, it's time to kick your burger game up a notch. Here we have five burgers bursting with flavor and creative flair. We also have wine recommendations for each recipe, with picks to please both casual wine drinkers and enophiles alike—because every host deserves to sip while they flip.
Gourmet Cheeseburgers with Cheese Expert David Gibbons
In his “Finding Cheeseburger Heaven” feature, David Gibbons, the co-author of Mastering Cheese, takes a deep dive into five variations on a classic. “Since what goes on top is literally and figuratively the highlight, it’s important to use the finest quality cheeses,” writes Gibbons. Along with tips for achieving a great char while keeping the inside juicy, here you will find the perfect recipe for a simple beef smash burger topped with American, Colby or Cheddar. Want to experiment more? He also shares recipes for a gourmet beef patty with blue cheese, a turkey burger with Swiss Emmental, a Greek burger with feta and Kalamata olives, and an “Italian Special” with mozzarella, shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano and marinara sauce. When it comes to wine, head over to our sommelier recommendations for some great tips on what to pour (including rosés and chillable reds) alongside these classics at your next cookout.
Masala-Spiced Turkey Burger with Mango Chutney
You’ll never underestimate this red-meat alternative again after trying this creative take on the classic turkey burger. The easy-to-incorporate addition of garam masala, pepper and lightly sweated onion and garlic to the turkey will take your patties straight to the next level. Putting together these summer-y sammies is a breeze: Just top with jarred mango chutney to add fruity flavor, as well as shredded carrots and sprouts for a touch of freshness. And instead of a bun, wrap the burger in naan bread warmed on the grill. To keep the sunny vibe going, pair a refreshing, off-dry Washington Riesling or similar white wine with this flavor-packed turkey burger.
Korean BBQ Burger with Kimchi, Miso Mayo and Fried Egg
This burger is packed with savory flavors from the addition of miso mayo and Korean BBQ sauce, complemented with a topping of tangy kimchi. All of the ingredients can easily be store-bought, unless you want to make them from scratch. From the kitchen of Finger Lakes chef Christopher Bates, of F.L.X. Wienery and other restaurants, the umami and meaty strength of this dish finds its match in a juicy Pinot Noir with dark fruit flavors and enough tannin structure to stand up to the full-bodied fare. If Finger Lakes Pinot Noir isn’t readily available where you live, try Burgundy values such as Bouchard Père & Fils Côte de Nuits-Villages 2017 (90, $35) or Albert Bichot Bourgogne Origines 2022 (90, $30).
Salmon Burger with Roe, Dill and Bacon
This recipe for a salmon burger from Wicked Good Burgers by Andy Husbands, Chris Hart and Andrea Pyenson uses the belly meat of the fish to ensure the interior of the patty stays tender and flavorful, while the outside can get a nice char. The addition of an easy dill mayo and crème fraîche transform this healthy alternative to beef into something more indulgent. The pièce de résistance, however, is the dollop of fresh salmon roe, mixed with crumbled bacon, on top to add a delicious pop of salinity and savoriness. The perfect balance of richness and freshness, this burger is an ideal partner to a full-bodied California Chardonnay.
Burgers Florentine
Runny eggs are as much at home on a burger as on a Benedict. This benny-based burger swaps in fried eggs for poached, but still brings together all the best Florentine flavors, with toppings of spinach and an easy hollandaise sauce all served on a grilled English muffin. Try this burger with a juicy, velvety Portuguese red from the Douro Valley; Touriga Nacional blends can support the meaty and earthy flavors of the beef and spinach while cutting through the creamy combo of hollandaise and egg yolk. This recipe was tested with a Casa Ferreirinha Douro Papa Figos, but Quinta do Noval’s Duriense Cedro do Noval 2019 (91, $24) or CARM’s 2020 Douro Reserva (92, $32) both deliver great quality for the price and would fit the bill for this brunch-inspired entrée perfectly.
