It's Burger Time: 10 Recipes to Up Your Grill Game

By Jill Anton and Lori Powell
July 02, 2014
Credit: DANIEL HENNESSEY
Even the choosiest kids love a good burger! Shake up your family's backyard barbecue routine with these creative recipes.
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BBQ Pork Burgers

Credit: Johnny Valiant
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Ground pork and bacon make these burgers are doubly delicious. Use wet hands to shape burger patties. The meat will be less likely to stick to your fingers.

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Salmon-Dill Burger

Credit: Johnny Valiant
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Served on lettuce or tucked into a bun, these salmon burgers may just turn picky eaters into seafood-lovers. Get a head start on these, or any burgers. Form them up to one day before grilling. Store patties in the refrigerator between layers of parchment paper or plastic wrap.

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Black Bean and Herb Burgers

Credit: Johnny Valiant
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Vegetarian burgers don't have to be boring. These black bean burgers are filled with flavor and budget-friendly to boot.

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Family Dinners: 4 Tips To Make Them Better

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Tex-Mex Burgers

Credit: Johnny Valiant
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No grill? Use a stovetop grill pan or cook the burgers under the broiler. To help the burger cook more evenly, use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each raw pattie.

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Thai Turkey Burgers

Credit: Johnny Valiant
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Serving fruit at dinner is a smart way to get veggie-averse kids to eat more produce. And don't forget, toasted buns make for tastier burgers. Just place them on the grill a few minutes before serving.

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Thai Turkey Burgers

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Get Saucy!

Credit: Johnny Valiant

Whip up these homemade condiments to give basic burgers a little more kick.

Garlicky Olive Spread Mix 1/4 cup store-bought olive tapenade with one clove chopped, sautéed garlic.

Saucy Avocado Smash one avocado with 1 Tbs. low-fat mayo.

Sweet 'n' Smoky Combine equal parts store-bought barbecue sauce and ketchup.

Kickin' Ketchup Add 1/2 tsp. Sriracha to 1/4 cup ketchup.

Potato Chip Dip Stir together 1/4 cup caramelized onions with 1/2 cup low-fat sour cream.

Great Green Sauce Combine chopped basil, cilantro, chives, and/or parsley with chopped garlic. Add enough olive oil so the herbs are just saucy.

Cheese Please Spread Mix store-bought blue-cheese dressing with chopped chives or scallions.

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Aussie Burger

Credit: DANIEL HENNESSEY
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This down-under classic is traditionally topped with sliced pineapple and an egg! (We suggest going with one or the other based on what your kiddos like.) 

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Turkey-Swiss Burger

Credit: DANIEL HENNESSEY
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A hearty serving of veggies—sautéed spinach and mushrooms—is built right into this burger.

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Mexican Bean Burger

Credit: DANIEL HENNESSEY
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It's a taco! It's a burger! It's a salad! Get your kids to give meat-free a go with this south-of-the-border spin.

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Asian Shrimp Sliders

Credit: DANIEL HENNESSEY
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These burgers have an extra layer of crunch (and flavor!) thanks to panko breadcrumbs. Plus, they're a good way to introduce seafood to picky kids. 

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All-American Cheeseburger

Credit: DANIEL HENNESSEY
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The secret ingredient? Sweet pepper jelly! 

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