These burger recipes on the grill go far beyond the classic quarter-pound patty with a slice of American cheese. From lacy-edged smash burgers topped with crispy bacon to molten, cheese-stuffed Juicy Lucys, this collection highlights the best styles to fire up for any cookout. You’ll find recipes for smash burgers, smoked patties, bone marrow–basted burgers, taco-spiced smash burgers, and a bourbon bacon jam Juicy Lucy that makes fast-food burgers feel uninspired. Whether you cook on a flat griddle, charcoal kettle, or pellet smoker, these recipes showcase bold flavor and approachable techniques for every setup.
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Burger Recipes On The Grill
Smashed, Stuffed, Smoked, and Stacked
10 Recipes
Smash · Smoked · Griddle · Stuffed · Stacked
The Lineup
Smash Burger Recipes on the Grill
Ground beef is smashed onto a mound of thinly sliced onions on a screaming hot griddle so the onions caramelize into the patty and the edges go lacy and crispy. This technique changed home burgers and remains a must-learn if you want the classic smash texture and flavor.
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Patties go into the pellet smoker first, then finish with sharp cheddar and fresh jalapeño. The low smoke adds wood-fired depth that a griddle can’t replicate, and the cheese melts into the patty for consistent flavor in every bite.
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Crispy smash patties topped with a sweet-savory bacon jam that melts into the cheese. The jam adds caramelized onion, brown sugar, and smoky bacon notes that elevate a basic burger into something memorable.
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Griddle Burger Recipes and Stacked Builds
A foundational griddle smash: beef, salt, pepper, and American cheese. The flat top gives total surface contact for maximal crust and caramelization — the perfect base to build more elaborate burgers from.
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Juicy patties stacked with bacon and melted cheese between buttered, grilled Texas toast. More surface area, crunch, and butter than a bun, this build holds heavy toppings and delivers big flavor and texture.
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A seasoned patty between buttered, toasted bread with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and baconnaise. The format blends burger and sandwich elements into a crispy, savory hybrid that’s hard to beat.
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Smoked Burger Recipes on the Pellet Grill
Low-and-slow smoke builds a wood-fired layer before a hot finish. These smoked patties are topped with a jalapeño popper–style cream cheese and bacon filling that melts into the burger for rich, spicy results.
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Thicker patties smoke first, then finish with a sweet and savory bacon jam that melts into the cheese. Smoking deepens the beef flavor, making this a great choice when you want more complexity than a quick sear provides.
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Premium Burger Recipes Worth the Extra Effort
Patties basted with rendered bone marrow for an ultra-rich, buttery flavor that builds a glossy crust. Bone marrow adds a deep, beefy richness that elevates a smash burger toward steakhouse quality.
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Crispy smash patties finished with baconnaise — a smoky bacon-flavored mayo — that adds savory richness and ties each bite together. A well-crafted sauce can make a burger unforgettable, and this one delivers.
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Burger Recipes on the Grill
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If you enjoyed this roundup, explore our full library of grilling recipes for more ideas and techniques.
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PorkRibs, Chops & Pulled
ChickenWings, Thighs & Whole
TurkeySmoked & Roasted
SeafoodShrimp, Fish & Grilled
AppetizersDips, Sides & Snacks
Common Equipment Used
Heat-Resistant Gloves
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Burger Recipes on the Grill