Introduction: The Unstoppable Rise of Burgers—A New Twist on an Old Favorite
You’ve probably never met someone who doesn’t love a good burger. Whether you’re grilling them in the backyard, grabbing one from your favorite local joint, or crafting them in your own kitchen, burgers are a comfort food everyone can appreciate. But, just like any beloved dish, burgers evolve. What once began as a simple beef patty between two buns has blossomed into a creative canvas, offering endless ways to enjoy this classic favorite.
This year, burger trends are more exciting than ever. From plant-based options to gourmet toppings, there’s something for everyone. You don’t want to miss out on the innovative twists that will take your burger game to the next level. So, if you’re ready to discover the future of burgers, let’s dive into the top 10 burger trends you need to try this year.
1. Plant-Based Burgers: The Future of Burger Dining
Plant-based burgers are no longer just a niche market. They’re taking the food world by storm, and more people are opting for vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Whether you’re a full-time vegan or just looking to cut back on meat, plant-based burgers offer a delicious and satisfying alternative.
Why You Should Try It:
- Taste that rivals traditional burgers: Thanks to innovative brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger, these plant-based patties mimic the texture and flavor of beef, making it hard to tell the difference.
- Health and sustainability: Eating plant-based burgers can be a step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. They typically use fewer resources and produce less greenhouse gas emissions than animal-based products.
With the rise of plant-based options at major chains, you can now find these delicious alternatives at your favorite fast food spots. The future of burgers is undoubtedly plant-powered.
2. Gourmet Toppings: Elevating Your Burger Game
What’s a burger without the toppings? While lettuce, tomato, and pickles are classic, this year, burger toppings have gone gourmet. Restaurants and home cooks alike are getting creative, using high-end ingredients to elevate the flavor and experience of every bite.
Topping Ideas to Try:
- Truffle aioli: A decadent twist on classic mayo, truffle aioli adds a rich, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with a juicy burger.
- Caramelized onions: Sweet, savory, and slightly smoky, caramelized onions add a layer of flavor that’s perfect with any patty.
- Exotic cheeses: Forget cheddar! Try brie, goat cheese, or even a smoky gouda to give your burger a gourmet touch.
You’ll be surprised at how something as simple as a topping can transform your burger experience. Get creative, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
3. Smash Burgers: The Crispy, Juicy Trend You’ll Love
If you haven’t yet tried a smash burger, you’re missing out. This burger trend involves smashing the patty onto the grill or skillet, creating a crispy outer crust while maintaining a juicy, tender interior. The result is a burger that has the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Why Smash Burgers Are Trending:
- Crispy goodness: The technique creates a crispy, caramelized layer on the outside of the patty, giving it a savory crunch that pairs well with a soft bun.
- Quick and flavorful: Smash burgers cook fast, making them a perfect option for busy days or casual get-togethers.
Smash burgers are all about maximizing flavor and texture in a simple, yet irresistible way. Give them a try the next time you fire up the grill, and you’ll quickly understand why they’re so popular.
4. Regional Burger Influences: Exploring Burgers from Around the World
Burgers may have originated in the U.S., but they’re now a global phenomenon. Different regions are putting their own spin on the classic burger, infusing it with local flavors and ingredients. Whether you’re craving something spicy, sweet, or savory, there’s a regional burger trend for you.
Regional Burger Variations:
- Korean bulgogi burger: Combining tender beef with sweet, savory bulgogi sauce, this burger is a Korean-inspired twist that will excite your taste buds.
- Aussie “burger with the lot”: Topped with beets, pineapple, and a fried egg, this unique Aussie burger is a must-try for any adventurous eater.
Exploring regional burger influences gives you a chance to enjoy different cuisines and broaden your burger horizons. Each culture adds something unique to the burger experience.
5. Keto and Low-Carb Burgers: Delicious and Guilt-Free
As more people turn to keto and low-carb diets, the burger world is adapting. While traditional burgers come with a bun, this year, many places are offering keto-friendly alternatives like lettuce wraps or cauliflower buns. You can still enjoy all the flavors of a burger without the carbs.
Keto-Friendly Tips:
- Lettuce wraps: Instead of a traditional bun, use crisp lettuce leaves to hold your burger together. It’s fresh, crunchy, and low in carbs.
- Cauliflower buns: A great option for those looking to enjoy a more traditional bun feel while keeping it low-carb.
- Burger bowls: Deconstruct your burger and serve it in a bowl with your favorite toppings, like avocado, cheese, and grilled vegetables.
Keto and low-carb burgers allow you to enjoy the burger experience without the guilt, making them a perfect option for health-conscious eaters.
6. Burger Bowls: The New Way to Enjoy Your Favorite Burger
If you love burgers but are looking for a healthier or gluten-free option, burger bowls might be the answer. This trend involves deconstructing your burger and serving it in a bowl, minus the bun. You’ll get all the flavors of a burger, but in a more customizable and often lighter form.
Why Try Burger Bowls:
- Customization: You can load up your burger bowl with toppings like avocado, tomatoes, grilled onions, and more.
- Healthier alternative: Skip the carbs and still enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of a classic burger.
Burger bowls are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a burger while keeping things a bit lighter or more adaptable to dietary preferences.
7. Breakfast Burgers: A Trend You’ll Want to Wake Up To
Why should breakfast be limited to just eggs and toast? The breakfast burger trend is taking over, combining all your favorite morning ingredients into one delicious burger. Think fried eggs, crispy hash browns, and juicy patties, all served together for a hearty meal.
Breakfast Burger Ideas:
- Fried egg burger: Add a perfectly fried egg to your burger for extra richness and flavor.
- Hash brown burger: Replace the bun with crispy hash browns, adding a fun twist and satisfying crunch.
- Bacon and avocado: Top your breakfast burger with creamy avocado and crispy bacon for a winning combination.
Breakfast burgers aren’t just for the morning. Enjoy one anytime you need a filling, flavorful meal to start your day off right.
8. Impossible Burgers: Breaking Boundaries with Plant-Based Innovation
Impossible Burgers have made waves for their ability to mimic the taste and texture of real beef, making them a favorite among vegans and meat lovers alike. Made from plant-based ingredients, these burgers look, taste, and cook just like beef, making them a perfect substitute for anyone looking to reduce their meat consumption.
Why Impossible Burgers are a Game-Changer:
- Flavor and texture: Impossible Burgers are designed to be as close to real beef as possible. Their “bleeding” effect, created by beetroot, makes them indistinguishable from a traditional burger.
- Eco-friendly: By choosing plant-based options, you’re making an environmentally friendly choice, as they require less water and land to produce than meat burgers.
Impossible Burgers have changed the burger landscape and continue to grow in popularity. If you haven’t tried one yet, now is the time!
9. Customizable Burger Kits: Build Your Perfect Burger at Home
If you love the idea of creating your perfect burger but don’t want to shop for every ingredient, customizable burger kits are a great solution. These kits come with pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step instructions, so you can build a gourmet burger from the comfort of your home.
Benefits of Burger Kits:
- Convenience: No need to gather individual ingredients. Everything you need comes in a box.
- Variety: Choose from different patty types (beef, chicken, veggie) and an array of toppings to create your ideal burger.
- Fun: The process of building your own burger with friends or family is an enjoyable and interactive experience.
Burger kits are perfect for anyone who loves to cook but wants to save time on shopping and meal prep. Plus, they make for a fun family or date night activity.
10. Plant-Powered Sauces: New Flavors for Your Burger Experience
If you’re looking to elevate your burger without going overboard on cheese or meat, plant-powered sauces are a fantastic addition. These vegan and plant-based sauces can transform any burger, giving it a new depth of flavor without the need for traditional dairy or meat-based products.
Must-Try Plant-Powered Sauces:
- Cashew cream: A rich and creamy alternative to traditional mayo or aioli, perfect for adding a velvety texture.
- Avocado crema: Smooth and tangy, avocado crema adds a fresh, flavorful twist to any burger.
- Spicy hummus: For a little kick, try spicy hummus as a topping for your next burger.
These plant-based sauces are not only delicious but also healthier alternatives to traditional burger condiments. Plus, they help you explore new flavors and textures.
Conclusion: Which Burger Trend Will You Try This Year?
There you have it—the top 10 burger trends that are making waves this year. From plant-based options to breakfast burgers and gourmet toppings, there’s no shortage of exciting ways to enjoy a burger. No matter your dietary preferences or taste, these trends offer something for everyone.
So, what will you try first? Whether you’re looking for a healthier option, craving something new, or just want to elevate your classic burger, these trends are sure to satisfy. Let us know which burger trend you’re most excited to try in the comments below!
FAQs About Burger Trends
What’s the difference between a smash burger and a regular burger?
Smash burgers are made by pressing the patty onto the grill, creating a crispy, caramelized crust, while regular burgers are usually cooked without pressing the patty.
Are Impossible burgers suitable for vegans?
Yes! Impossible Burgers are made from plant-based ingredients and are fully vegan.
Can I make my own burger kit at home?
Absolutely! You can create your own burger kit by prepping all the ingredients ahead of time, from the patties to the toppings and sauces.
What are some unique burger toppings to try this year?
Some unique options include truffle aioli, caramelized onions, and exotic cheeses like brie or gouda.