Creative Burger Toppings: 20 Must-Try Recipes for Summer Grilling Season

Level Up Your Burger Game This Summer

At Martin’s, we’ll be the first to tell you: “It’s All About the Bun.” A soft, buttery Martin’s Potato Roll is the gold standard for any great burger. But… if we had to talk toppings, well—we’ve got some ideas.

With Memorial Day (May 26) and National Hamburger Day (May 28) just around the corner, it’s officially burger season. Whether you’re planning a backyard bash, a family cookout, or a chill grill night, it’s the perfect time to pair something new with those famous buns.

That’s why we’ve rounded up 20 of our most creative burger recipes featuring out-of-the-box toppings, unique sauces, and wacky flavor combos. From blueberry salsa to mac and cheese, guava BBQ sauce to fried jalapeños, these burgers are built to impress—all served on Martin’s rolls for that perfect bite, every time.

Need even more burger inspiration? Don’t miss our Seasonal Burger Guide and All-American Cookout Favorites for tips, pairings, and party-ready ideas.

 

20 Creative Burger Recipes to Inspire Your Summer Grilling

Ready to think outside the ketchup-and-mustard bottle? These burgers take toppings to a whole new level. We’re talking sweet, spicy, cheesy, fruity, and downright indulgent. Scroll through our list of 20 bold burger builds—all made with Martin’s Potato Rolls—and find your next grilling go-to!

1. Blueberry Salsa

This sweet-and-savory showstopper will have your guests doing a double take—in the best way.

Fresh blueberries take center stage in this vibrant, fruit-forward salsa, paired with jalapeños, red bell pepper, red onion, lemon juice, and chopped cilantro for a perfect balance of sweet, heat, and tangy. Spoon it generously over a freshly grilled burger and serve it on a soft Martin’s Sandwich Potato Roll for a unique twist that screams summer.

Try it here: Blueberry Salsa Burger

 

2. Sun-Dried Tomato Mayonnaise

Creamy, tangy, and full of flavor.

This simple yet flavorful spread combines creamy mayonnaise with rich sun-dried tomato pesto for a gourmet-level burger upgrade in seconds. It’s the perfect match for a juicy grilled patty and adds a burst of umami to every bite. Slather it generously onto a toasted Martin’s Sandwich Potato Roll and watch your backyard burger night instantly level up.

Try it here: Sun-Dried Tomato Mayonnaise Burger

 

3. Guava BBQ Sauce

A tropical twist on a cookout classic.

This sweet and tangy BBQ sauce blends guava paste with apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, lime juice, and smoky spices for a Caribbean-inspired flavor bomb. Simmered to perfection and brushed over an expertly grilled burger, it adds a sticky-sweet glaze with just the right balance of fruitiness and depth. Pair it with a Martin’s Sandwich Potato Roll for a summer burger that’s anything but ordinary.

Try it here: Guava BBQ Sauce Burger

 

4. Funnel Cake & Bacon Jam

Part state fair, part gourmet—this burger is pure indulgence.

This over-the-top creation layers together sweet and savory in the best way possible. Crispy homemade funnel cake (yes, funnel cake!) is dusted with powdered sugar and stacked between two cheesy beef patties. But the real magic? A generous dollop of sweet, smoky bacon jam that ties it all together. Serve it on a Martin’s Sandwich Potato Roll and prepare for a burger experience like no other.

Try it here: Funnel Cake & Bacon Jam Burger

 

5. Pimento Cheese

This Southern classic delivers creamy, cheesy comfort with a bit of a kick.

Pimento cheese is more than just a spread—it’s a burger’s best friend. This house-made version blends extra-sharp cheddar with cream cheese, mayo, chopped pimentos, and a dash of Tabasco for just the right amount of heat. Layer it over a juicy burger patty with sautéed onions, crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato, then serve it all up on a hearty Martin’s Big Marty’s Roll. It’s rich, indulgent, and packed with bold, down-home flavor.

Try it here: Pimento Cheese Bacon Burger

 

6. Warm Crab Dip

Surf meets turf in this decadent, coastal-inspired burger.

This burger takes the indulgence up a notch with a creamy, cheesy warm crab dip spooned right over a classic double-patty cheeseburger. Layered with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a sprinkle of fresh green onion, the crab topping adds a rich, savory seafood twist. Stack it all on a Martin’s Big Marty’s Roll for a bold, beachy bite that brings the shore to your summer cookout.

Try it here: Chesapeake Burger with Warm Crab Dip

 

7. French Fries, Cheese Curds & Gravy

A Canadian comfort classic—reimagined as a burger.

This burger takes inspiration from poutine, the beloved dish of crispy fries, melty cheese curds, and rich brown gravy. It starts with a juicy, herb-seasoned beef patty topped with cheese curds or fresh mozzarella, a generous handful of French fries, and a pour-over of homemade onion-shallot gravy. Served on a toasted Martin’s Sandwich Potato Roll, it’s savory, indulgent, and totally over the top—in the best way.

Try it here: Poutine Burger

 

8. Mango Salsa

A tropical topper that brings the heat—and the sweet.

This Caribbean-inspired burger packs a flavorful punch with a homemade mango salsa made from ripe mango, fresh cilantro, green onion, jalapeño, and a splash of lime juice. It’s the perfect complement to a jerk-seasoned beef patty topped with Colby Jack cheese. Add shredded lettuce, tomato, and a swipe of mayo, then sandwich it all on a Martin’s Sandwich Potato Roll for a bright, juicy burger that tastes like sunshine.

Try it here: Caribbean Beach Burger with Mango Salsa

 

9. Mac & Cheese

This burger brings the campfire comfort food vibes—no tent required.

Overflowing with creamy, cheesy, cracker-topped mac and cheese, this burger is a true summer cookout showpiece. It starts with a flame-grilled beef patty topped with melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles—all piled high on a Martin’s Big Marty’s Roll. But the star of the show? A generous scoop of smoky Campfire Mac & Cheese and a slather of roasted garlic aioli. One bite and you’ll wonder why all burgers don’t come with a side of mac built right in.

Try it here: Campfire Mac & Cheese Burger

 

10. Fried Jalapeños

A spicy stack for fans of bold, layered flavor.

This burger doesn’t hold back when it comes to heat. With melty pepper jack cheese, creamy chipotle ranch dressing, and a generous topping of lightly battered fried jalapeños, each bite delivers a warm, smoky kick. Fresh tomato and red onion add balance, while a Martin’s Sandwich Potato Roll ties it all together with its signature soft, buttery texture. It’s a fiery twist on the backyard classic you didn’t know you needed.

Try it here: Firecracker Burger with Fried Jalapeños

 

11. Fried Pickles

A crispy, tangy twist that brings bar-food flair to your backyard grill.

These oven-baked fried pickles deliver the perfect punch of salty, tangy flavor with a light, golden crunch. Coated in seasoned panko and paired with melty cheddar, grilled beef, sharp red onion, and a drizzle of creamy ranch dressing, this burger is a flavor-packed nod to a fan-favorite appetizer. Serve it on a Martin’s Slider Potato Roll for a slider-style stack that’s full of personality—and perfect for passing around at your next cookout.

Try it here: Fried Pickle Sliders

 

12. Lobster with Corn & Peach Salsa

Surf, turf, and summer produce—together in one unforgettable bite.

This burger pulls out all the stops with juicy ground beef, tender chunks of lobster, sweet corn and peach salsa, and a rich lemon browned butter aioli. It’s a true fusion of land and sea, topped with grilled seasonal ingredients and a hint of Thai chili heat. Serve it all on a classic Martin’s Sandwich Potato Roll for a gourmet-worthy backyard burger that feels like a vacation.

Try it here: Sweet Heat Surf & Turf Burger

 

13. Fried Green Tomato & Queso

A Southern-inspired stack with bold, crispy charm.

This double-patty burger is the definition of comfort food with a twist. It features golden fried green tomatoes, smoky bacon, caramelized onions, and a generous pour of warm queso dip—layered high between two juicy patties and crisp lettuce. All of it comes together on a Martin’s Big Marty’s Roll, offering the sturdy, buttery base needed to hold this towering, flavor-packed creation.

Try it here: Southern Stacked Burger

 

14. BBQ Pulled Pork

Double the meat, double the flavor.

This stacked burger brings together smoky, tender pulled pork and classic grilled beef patties for a barbecue-inspired masterpiece. Layered with melty Monterey Jack cheese, sweet pickle relish, crumbled bacon, and a pile of crispy fried onions, this burger is big, bold, and bursting with texture. Serve it on a Martin’s Big Marty’s Roll to handle every juicy, savory bite without missing a beat.

Try it here: BBQ Lover’s Burger

 

15. Greek Salad

A fresh, Mediterranean twist that lightens up your grill game.

This burger skips the heavy sauces in favor of a vibrant, chopped Greek salad made with cucumbers, grape tomatoes, feta, olives, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette. Piled high over a seasoned beef slider patty and served on Martin’s Slider Potato Rolls, it’s crisp, tangy, and full of flavor—perfect for a warm-weather cookout with a lighter touch.

Try it here: Greek Salad Burger Sliders

 

16. Chili & Cole Slaw

A messy, mouthwatering classic straight from the Carolinas.

This burger combines two cookout staples—meaty chili and tangy coleslaw—into one irresistible sandwich. A grilled beef patty is topped with melted American cheese, hearty homemade chili, and a creamy slaw made with cabbage, onion, vinegar, and mayo. It’s a Southern-style stack that’s big on flavor and nostalgia, served on a soft Martin’s Big Marty’s Roll to soak up every last bite.

Try it here: Carolina-Style Burger

 

17. Pico de Gallo

Fresh, zesty, and loaded with Tex-Mex flair.

This burger is a fiesta of flavors, starting with a spice-blended beef patty and finished with a colorful lineup of toppings. A spoonful of fresh pico de gallo adds brightness and bite, while sliced avocado, jalapeños, sour cream, and crumbled tortilla chips bring in creamy, spicy, and crunchy elements. Served on a toasted Martin’s Sandwich Potato Roll, it’s a vibrant, fully loaded burger that delivers excitement in every bite.

Try it here: Fajita Burger with Pico de Gallo

 

18. Guacamole

A creamy topping that brings cool contrast to spicy flavor.

Think of this burger as a cousin to the Fajita Burger—just with a rich, creamy twist. Seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and chipotle, the burger patties bring the heat, while a generous dollop of homemade guacamole cools things down with buttery avocado, red onion, cilantro, and lime. Served on a toasted Martin’s Sandwich Potato Roll and topped with melted cheddar, it’s a Tex-Mex-inspired burger that hits all the right notes.

Try it here: Southwest Chipotle Burgers with Guacamole

 

19. Fried Egg

A breakfast-meets-backyard classic that’s perfect any time of day.

This brunch-inspired burger layers savory bacon, melty Havarti cheese, and a sunny-side-up egg over a juicy beef patty—all topped with a rich, tangy maple aioli. The creamy yolk adds a luscious texture that ties everything together, while the sweet-savory aioli brings out the best in each bite. Served on a soft Martin’s Sandwich Potato Roll, it’s the kind of burger that makes you wonder why eggs aren’t on every dinner menu.

Try it here: Brunch Burger with Maple Aioli and Fried Egg

 

 

20. Homemade Steak Sauce

A rich, savory blend that brings steakhouse flavor to your backyard barbecue.

This burger gets the gourmet treatment with a deeply flavorful, from-scratch steak sauce made with tomato paste, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, raisins, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. The patties themselves are infused with a garlicky butter blend and brushed with sauce before hitting the grill, creating a juicy, umami-rich bite every time. Served on a toasted Martin’s Sandwich Potato Roll, this build proves that when it comes to flavor, homemade is hard to beat.

Try it here: Steak Burgers with Homemade Steak Sauce

 

Ready to Build Your Own Burger Bar?

With toppings this bold and buns this buttery, there’s no wrong way to build a burger. Whether you’re inspired by tropical salsas, crispy fried add-ons, or rich, cheesy sauces, these recipes are here to shake up your summer grilling lineup.

Want to turn your next cookout into a full-on burger experience? Check out our guide to creating a DIY burger bar complete with fixings, fun, and of course—plenty of Martin’s Potato Rolls.

>> Build Your Own Burger Bar

 

What Will You Try First?

From sweet and spicy to creamy and crunchy, these creative toppings bring something new to the table—and they all start with a Martin’s roll. So grab your favorites, fire up the grill, and let your taste buds lead the way.

Tried one of these burgers? We’d love to see it! Share your creations with us @potatorolls on Instagram or @MartinsPotatoRolls on Facebook!

 

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Related Blogs:

• https://potatorolls.com/blog/15-creative-sandwich-spreads
• https://potatorolls.com/blog/15-creative-spreads-part-2
• https://potatorolls.com/blog/seasonal-burger-summer