50 States, 50 Burgers: Iconic American Hamburger Recipes

Few foods capture the American spirit quite like the hamburger.

From backyard barbecues to roadside diners and gourmet kitchens, the burger has become more than just a meal – it’s a canvas for regional pride, creativity, and flavor.

Every state adds its own twist, drawing from local ingredients, culinary traditions, and a love for hearty comfort food.

This cross-country burger tour celebrates the best of what each state brings to the table – literally. You’ll find smoky barbecue in Texas, buttery indulgence in Wisconsin, green chile heat from New Mexico, and tropical sweetness straight from Hawaii.

Some recipes honor old-school diner roots, while others push boundaries with unexpected toppings and inventive sauces. Together, they tell the story of America’s culinary diversity – one patty at a time.

Whether you’re a grill master looking for new inspiration or a traveler hungry to taste the nation’s best bites, these 50 iconic American hamburger recipes will showcase the delicious range of regional flavor across the U.S.

So grab your spatula, fire up the grill, and get ready to take a bite-sized road trip through every corner of America – from the rocky coasts of Maine to the sunny shores of California.

Let’s explore how every state flips the classic burger into something unmistakably its own.

The Northeast: Classic Comfort with Local Flair

From buttery lobster rolls to maple-glazed bacon, the Northeast knows how to turn comfort food into a regional statement. These burgers capture the charm of coastal towns, local dairies, and old-school diners – hearty, unfussy, and full of flavor.

1. Maine – Lobster Roll Burger

Maine takes its seafood seriously, and this burger proves it. A juicy beef patty topped with buttery lobster chunks, lemon mayo, and a toasted brioche bun turns two New England icons – the burger and the lobster roll – into one indulgent bite.

Lobster Roll Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 2–3 oz cooked lobster chunks
• 1 brioche bun
• 1 tbsp butter
• Lemon mayo (1 tbsp mayo + 1 tsp lemon juice)
• Lettuce

Instructions:

1. Grill the beef patty to medium.
2. Toast bun with butter.
3. Mix lobster with lemon mayo.
4. Assemble: bun, patty, lettuce, lobster mixture, top bun.

2. New Hampshire – Maple Bacon Burger

Nothing says New England like pure maple syrup. Here, a drizzle of syrup caramelizes over smoky bacon and melted cheddar, giving each bite a balance of sweet and salty that feels right at home in the Granite State.

Maple Bacon Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 2 slices bacon
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• 1 slice cheddar cheese
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Cook bacon until crispy; drizzle maple syrup on top.
2. Grill patty; melt cheddar on top.
3. Assemble burger: bun, patty, bacon, top bun.

3. Vermont – Cheddar Melt Burger

Home to some of the best dairy in America, Vermont keeps it simple: thick-cut beef, sharp aged cheddar, and a toasted buttered bun. The cheese does all the talking – creamy, tangy, and unmistakably local.

Cheddar Melt Burger

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 2 slices sharp cheddar
• 1 buttered burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty to desired doneness.
2. Top with cheddar while hot to melt.
3. Toast bun lightly; assemble burger and serve.

4. Massachusetts – Fenway Frank Burger

Boston’s baseball spirit meets backyard grilling. This burger piles on grilled hot dog slices, onions, mustard, and relish – a nod to the Fenway Frank that’s as bold and satisfying as a day at the ballpark.

Fenway Frank Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1 hot dog, grilled and sliced
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp relish
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill beef patty and hot dog.
2. Place sliced hot dog on patty.
3. Top with mustard, relish, bun top.

5. Rhode Island – Coffee Milk Burger

Inspired by the state’s official drink, this creation features a coffee-milk glaze brushed onto the patty as it cooks. The result: a subtle sweetness that deepens the beef’s savory richness, perfect for Rhode Island’s diner culture.

Coffee Milk Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1 tsp coffee-milk glaze (coffee + condensed milk + pinch salt)
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; brush lightly with coffee milk glaze.
2. Toast bun, assemble patty, bun top, and serve.

6. Connecticut – Steamed Cheeseburger

Invented in Meriden, this regional classic swaps the grill for a steam tray. The patties cook gently in steam, locking in moisture, while cubes of cheddar melt into molten perfection. It’s old-school comfort food at its purest.

Steamed Cheeseburger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1 slice cheddar
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Steam beef patty until cooked through.
2. Place cheddar on patty to melt.
3. Serve on toasted bun.

7. New York – Pastrami Deli Burger

New York’s deli scene takes center stage here: a thick beef patty topped with layers of hot pastrami, Swiss cheese, and spicy brown mustard. It’s part burger, part Reuben – and entirely Manhattan-worthy.

Pastrami Deli Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 2–3 slices pastrami
• 1 slice Swiss cheese
• 1 burger bun
• 1 tsp mustard

Instructions:

1. Grill patty, melt Swiss cheese on top.
2. Layer pastrami over cheese.
3. Spread mustard on bun; assemble and serve.

8. New Jersey – Taylor Ham Breakfast Burger

The Garden State’s love affair with breakfast sandwiches shines through in this burger. Crispy Taylor ham (or pork roll), a runny fried egg, and melted American cheese come together for an all-day breakfast on a brioche bun.

Taylor Ham Breakfast Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1 fried egg
• 2 slices Taylor ham (or pork roll)
• 1 slice American cheese
• 1 brioche bun

Instructions:

1. Cook beef patty and ham slices.
2. Fry egg sunny side up.
3. Assemble: bun, patty, ham, cheese, egg, top bun.

9. Pennsylvania – Philly Cheesesteak Burger

Philadelphia’s favorite sandwich gets the burger treatment. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, and melted provolone top a beef patty, capturing that famous cheesesteak flavor in a handheld burger form.

Philly Cheesesteak Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• ½ cup sautéed onions and bell peppers
• 1 slice provolone cheese
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions and peppers until soft.
2. Grill patty; melt provolone on top.
3. Layer veggies on patty; assemble burger.

10. Delaware – Crab Cake Burger

Where land meets sea, Delaware delivers. A tender beef patty shares the bun with a golden crab cake, bound by creamy remoulade sauce. It’s a surf-and-turf celebration that captures the coastal essence of the First State.

Crab Cake Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 2–3 oz crab cake
• 1 tbsp remoulade sauce
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill beef patty to desired doneness.
2. Pan-fry crab cake until golden.
3. Spread remoulade on bun; assemble beef, crab cake, top bun.

The South: Bold Flavors, Big Traditions

The South does comfort food like no other. From sweet peaches to smoky barbecue, every burger here carries a touch of local pride and tradition – hearty, flavorful, and just a little indulgent.

11. Maryland – Old Bay Burger

Old Bay seasoning is Maryland’s culinary signature, and this burger gives it the spotlight. The patty gets a dusting of Old Bay before grilling, then it’s topped with creamy crab dip for a true Chesapeake Bay experience.

Old Bay Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 slice cheddar cheese
• 1 burger bun
• Optional: lettuce and tomato

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle Old Bay on patty before grilling.
2. Melt cheddar on top; toast bun.
3. Assemble with optional lettuce and tomato.

12. Virginia – Pimento Cheese Burger

In the South, pimento cheese is more than a spread – it’s a way of life. A generous scoop of it melts over the patty, giving every bite a creamy, peppery kick that defines Virginia comfort food.

Pimento Cheese Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 2 tbsp pimento cheese
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; spread pimento cheese on top while hot.
2. Toast bun and assemble burger.

13. North Carolina – Carolina BBQ Burger

North Carolina’s barbecue legacy meets the burger bun in this smoky, tangy creation. Topped with pulled pork, slaw, and a vinegar-based sauce, it’s a messy, mouthwatering ode to the state’s pitmaster tradition.

Carolina BBQ Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

1. 1 beef patty
2. 2 tbsp pulled pork
3. 1 tbsp Carolina-style vinegar slaw
4. 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; top with pulled pork.
2. Add slaw and top bun. Serve messy and delicious.

14. South Carolina – Fried Green Tomato Burger

Crispy fried green tomatoes stack atop a juicy patty with a drizzle of remoulade. The tart crunch cuts through the richness, adding that unmistakable Southern charm.

Fried Green Tomato Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1 slice fried green tomato
• 1 tbsp remoulade
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Pan-fry green tomato slice until golden.
2. Grill beef patty; top with remoulade and tomato.
3. Assemble on bun.

15. Georgia – Peach Bourbon Burger

Sweet, boozy, and perfectly Southern – grilled peaches glazed in bourbon sauce crown this burger. Add bacon and melted brie, and you’ve got Georgia’s hospitality between two buns.

Peach Bourbon Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1 grilled peach slice
• 1 tsp bourbon glaze
• 1 slice brie cheese
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; melt brie on top.
2. Brush peach slice with bourbon glaze and grill lightly.
3. Assemble burger with peach and top bun.

16. Florida – Cuban Burger (Frita Cubana)

Born in Miami’s Cuban-American kitchens, the frita mixes beef and chorizo, topped with shoestring fries, ketchup, and onions. Smoky, spicy, and addictively crispy – it’s Florida’s street-food gem.

Cuban Burger Recipe (Frita Cubana)

Ingredients:

• 1 beef-pork patty
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 2–3 shoestring fries
• 1 burger bun
• 1 tsp sautéed onions

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; melt cheese if desired.
2. Top with onions, ketchup, and fries.
3. Serve on bun.

17. Alabama – White BBQ Burger

Alabama’s famous white barbecue sauce, made from mayo, vinegar, and horseradish, transforms this burger into something special. The tangy creaminess cuts through smoky grilled beef – a backyard favorite reinvented.

White BBQ Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 2 tbsp white barbecue sauce
• 1 slice cheddar
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; melt cheese on top.
2. Spoon white BBQ sauce over patty.
3. Assemble burger.

18. Mississippi – Catfish Burger

In the Delta, catfish reigns supreme. A golden-fried catfish fillet replaces the traditional beef patty, served with spicy remoulade and lettuce on a soft roll. Light, crispy, and pure Southern soul.

Catfish Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 fried catfish fillet
• 1 burger bun
• 1 tbsp spicy remoulade
• Lettuce

Instructions:

1. Fry catfish fillet golden brown.
2. Spread remoulade on bun; add lettuce.
3. Place catfish on top, cover with bun.

19. Louisiana – Cajun Blackened Burger

This burger gets the Louisiana treatment with a blackened spice rub – paprika, cayenne, and garlic – seared into the patty. Add a spoonful of Creole aioli and you’ve got a bold, fiery bite that sings of the bayou.

Cajun Blackened Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1 tsp Cajun spice rub
• 1 tbsp Creole aioli
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Coat patty in Cajun spice; grill to preferred doneness.
2. Spread aioli on bun; assemble burger.

20. Tennessee – Jack Daniel’s Glazed Burger

From Lynchburg to Nashville, Tennessee is whiskey country. Here, a Jack Daniel’s glaze caramelizes over the patty as it grills, topped with caramelized onions and cheddar for a sweet-and-smoky finish.

Jack Daniel’s Glazed Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1 tbsp Jack Daniel’s glaze
• 1 slice cheddar
• 1 burger bun
• 1 tbsp caramelized onions

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; brush with Jack Daniel’s glaze near the end.
2. Top with cheddar and caramelized onions.
3. Assemble burger.

21. Kentucky – Bourbon Bacon Jam Burger

Kentucky brings its bourbon expertise to the burger. A spoonful of bourbon bacon jam – smoky, sweet, and sticky – melts into the beef, balanced with sharp cheddar and crisp lettuce.

Bourbon Bacon Jam Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1 tbsp bourbon bacon jam
• 1 slice cheddar
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; melt cheddar on top.
2. Spoon bourbon bacon jam over patty; assemble bun.

22. Arkansas – Fried Pickle Burger

Arkansas claims fried pickles as its own, and this burger gives them center stage. The crunch of golden fried pickles pairs perfectly with tangy ranch and a juicy patty for the ultimate fairground favorite.

Fried Pickle Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 2 fried pickle slices
• 1 tbsp ranch
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; toast bun.
2. Spread ranch; top with patty and fried pickles.

23. West Virginia – Ramp and Swiss Burger

When spring hits, wild ramps are everywhere in West Virginia. Their garlicky bite is sautéed and piled onto a beef patty with melted Swiss – a seasonal twist that captures Appalachian flavor in every bite.

Ramp and Swiss Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1–2 tbsp sautéed ramps (wild onions)
• 1 slice Swiss cheese
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; melt Swiss cheese on top.
2. Sauté ramps lightly and place on burger.
3. Assemble on bun.

The Midwest: Hearty, Homegrown, and Unapologetically Comforting

The Midwest is burger country through and through. Known for its dairy, meat, and no-nonsense cooking, this region delivers big flavors with honest ingredients – buttery buns, melty cheese, and beef that speaks for itself.

24. Ohio – Buckeye Burger

Inspired by the state’s favorite candy, this unexpected combo features creamy peanut butter spread on a beef patty, topped with bacon and cheddar. It’s sweet, salty, and surprisingly addictive – much like Ohio’s charm itself.

Buckeye Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 2 slices bacon
• 1 slice cheddar
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill beef patty; melt cheddar on top.
2. Fry bacon until crisp.
3. Spread peanut butter on top of patty; add bacon and bun top.

25. Michigan – Olive Burger

A Michigan diner staple, this burger swaps ketchup for a tangy olive mayo that cuts through the beef’s richness. It’s briny, creamy, and distinct – a flavor born in Lansing and beloved statewide.

Olive Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1 tbsp olive mayo (mayonnaise + chopped green olives)
• 1 slice Swiss cheese
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; melt Swiss on top.
2. Spread olive mayo on bun; assemble patty and top bun.

26. Indiana – Breaded Pork Tenderloin Burger

Bigger than the bun and fried to golden perfection, Indiana’s breaded pork tenderloin sandwich doubles as the state’s unofficial burger. Add lettuce, tomato, and mayo – no frills, just pure Midwestern comfort.

Breaded Pork Tenderloin Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 breaded pork tenderloin (pounded thin)
• 1 burger bun
• Lettuce, tomato, onion
• 1 tbsp mayo

Instructions:

1. Fry breaded tenderloin until golden and cooked through.
2. Spread mayo on bun; layer lettuce, tomato, onion, and pork.

27. Illinois – Chicago-Style Burger

Like the city itself, this burger doesn’t do subtle. It’s built with a poppy-seed bun, sport peppers, yellow mustard, onions, relish, and tomato slices – a playful nod to the Chicago hot dog in burger form.

Chicago-Style Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1 poppy-seed bun
• Yellow mustard, chopped onions, sliced tomato, pickles
• Sport peppers (optional)
• 1 slice American cheese

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; melt cheese on top.
2. Layer mustard, onions, tomato, pickles, and sport peppers on bun.
3. Assemble patty and top bun.

28. Wisconsin – Butter Burger

In Wisconsin, more butter is never a bad thing. Melted butter is spooned over both the patty and bun, creating a rich, juicy masterpiece. Add a slice of local cheddar and you’ve got dairy-state perfection.

Butter Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1–2 tsp butter
• 1 slice cheddar cheese
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; melt cheddar on top.
2. Spread butter on hot patty and bun.
3. Assemble and serve immediately.

29. Minnesota – Juicy Lucy

This Minneapolis invention hides molten cheese inside the patty itself. Bite in, and gooey American cheese spills out – a brilliant twist on the classic cheeseburger that’s as fun to eat as it is to say.

Juicy Lucy Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 thin beef patties
• 2 slices American cheese
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Place cheese between the two patties; pinch edges to seal.
2. Grill sealed patty until cooked through.
3. Toast bun; serve burger hot for gooey cheese inside.

30. Iowa – Loose Meat Sandwich

Not exactly a burger in shape but in spirit, Iowa’s loose meat sandwich features crumbled, seasoned beef served on a soft bun with pickles and mustard. Simple, hearty, and nostalgic, it’s pure diner tradition.

Loose Meat Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients:

• ½ lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp chopped onions
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 soft hamburger bun

Instructions:

• Cook ground beef and onions in skillet until browned.
• Drain excess fat; mix in mustard.
• Spoon onto bun and serve loose and hearty.

31. Missouri – St. Louis Slinger Burger

A breakfast favorite turned burger legend, the Slinger stacks a beef patty with hash browns, chili, and a fried egg. It’s messy, over-the-top, and unapologetically satisfying – exactly how St. Louis likes it.

Louis Slinger Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1 fried egg
• ¼ cup hash browns
• 2 tbsp chili
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; top with hash browns and chili.
2. Fry egg and place on top; assemble bun and serve messy.

32. Kansas – BBQ Burnt End Burger

Kansas City’s claim to barbecue fame – the burnt end – crowns this burger with smoky, caramelized beef chunks. Drizzled in barbecue sauce, it’s meaty, sticky, and finger-licking perfect.

BBQ Burnt End Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 2–3 oz burnt ends (cubed brisket)
• 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
• 1 slice cheddar
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill beef patty; melt cheddar on top.
2. Layer burnt ends on patty; drizzle BBQ sauce.
3. Assemble bun and serve.

33. Nebraska – Runza Burger

Inspired by the state’s beloved Runza sandwich, this burger combines seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, and cabbage under melted Swiss. It’s a warm, hearty nod to Nebraska’s German roots.

Runza Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 2 tbsp sautéed cabbage and onions
• 1 slice Swiss cheese
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; melt Swiss on top.
2. Top with sautéed cabbage and onions.
3. Assemble on bun.

34. North Dakota – Bison Burger

Lean, rich, and naturally flavorful, bison is North Dakota’s pride. A bison patty with caramelized onions and smoked gouda gives this burger a rustic, range-inspired flavor that’s pure Great Plains goodness.

Bison Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 bison patty
• 1 slice smoked gouda
• 1 tbsp caramelized onions
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill bison patty to medium; melt gouda on top.
2. Add caramelized onions; assemble bun.

35. South Dakota – Chislic Burger

Based on the local delicacy of cubed, skewered beef, this burger chops up marinated beef cubes and grills them into a tender patty. It’s a meaty, garlicky, no-nonsense creation that fits South Dakota’s rugged spirit.

In the Midwest, burgers aren’t just fast food – they’re family recipes, diner staples, and community traditions. Every bite feels like home.

Chislic Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• ¼ cup marinated beef cubes (optional as topping)
• 1 slice cheddar or Swiss
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; melt cheese on top.
2. Optional: layer chopped marinated beef cubes on patty.
3. Assemble bun and serve.

The West & Southwest: Smoke, Spice, and Open-Range Flavor

In the wide-open spaces of the American West, burgers aren’t just grilled – they’re forged in fire. From smoky brisket to fiery green chiles, these states serve up bold flavors that capture the spirit of independence and heat of the desert sun.

36. Texas – BBQ Brisket Burger

Everything’s bigger – and smokier – in Texas. This burger stacks slices of tender smoked brisket over a juicy beef patty, drenched in barbecue sauce and crowned with crispy onions. It’s equal parts burger and pitmaster masterpiece.

BBQ Brisket Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 2–3 oz sliced smoked brisket
• 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
• 1 slice cheddar cheese
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; melt cheddar on top.
2. Layer smoked brisket over patty; drizzle BBQ sauce.
3. Assemble bun and serve.

37. Oklahoma – Onion-Fried Burger

Born during the Great Depression, Oklahoma’s onion-fried burger remains a local legend. Thinly sliced onions are smashed into the beef on a hot griddle, caramelizing together into sweet, crispy perfection.

Onion-Fried Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• ½ cup thinly sliced onions
• 1 burger bun
• 1 slice cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Grill patty.
2. Sauté onions directly on patty or in pan until caramelized.
3. Top patty with onions, cheese (optional), and bun.

38. New Mexico – Green Chile Cheeseburger

New Mexico’s signature ingredient, the Hatch green chile, makes this burger unforgettable. Flame-roasted chiles bring heat and smoky flavor to a juicy patty blanketed in melted cheddar. Simple, spicy, and 100% local.

Green Chile Cheeseburger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 2–3 roasted Hatch green chiles
• 1 slice cheddar cheese
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; melt cheese on top.
2. Slice chiles; place over patty.
3. Assemble on bun and serve.

39. Arizona – Sonoran Southwest Burger

Inspired by the Sonoran Desert, this burger layers pepper jack cheese, roasted jalapeños, and chipotle mayo for a smoky, spicy finish. Each bite balances heat and creaminess – the essence of Arizona flavor.

Sonoran Southwest Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1 slice pepper jack cheese
• 1–2 roasted jalapeños
• 1 tbsp chipotle mayo
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; melt cheese on top.
2. Top with jalapeños and chipotle mayo.
3. Assemble bun.

40. Colorado – Bison Blue Burger

Colorado ranching tradition shines through in this lean bison burger topped with tangy blue cheese and caramelized onions. Lighter than beef but full of flavor, it’s a Rocky Mountain favorite built for altitude appetites.

Bison Blue Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 bison patty
• 1 slice blue cheese
• 1 tbsp caramelized onions
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill bison patty to medium.
2. Melt blue cheese on top; add caramelized onions.
3. Assemble bun and serve.

41. Utah – Fry Sauce Burger

Utah’s claim to fame is its pink, tangy fry sauce – a mix of ketchup and mayo that locals swear by. Spread generously over a thick beef patty with lettuce and pickles, it’s a simple burger that proves sauce can make the meal.

Fry Sauce Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 2 tbsp fry sauce (mayo + ketchup)
• Lettuce, tomato
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty.
2. Spread fry sauce on bun; add lettuce and tomato.
3. Assemble patty and top bun.

42. Nevada – Vegas Casino Burger

Only in Las Vegas could a burger be this extravagant. Think wagyu beef, truffle aioli, caramelized onions, and maybe even edible gold leaf. Decadent, flashy, and indulgent – it’s Vegas in sandwich form.

Vegas Casino Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 wagyu beef patty
• 1 tbsp truffle aioli
• 1–2 caramelized onions
• 1 burger bun
• Optional: edible gold leaf

Instructions:

1. Grill patty to desired doneness.
2. Spread truffle aioli on bun; top with onions.
3. Assemble patty; add gold leaf for extra flair.

43. Idaho – Potato Burger

Idaho proudly celebrates its state crop by stacking crispy hash browns on top of the patty. The result: a crunchy, buttery layer of potatoes that adds comfort and texture to every bite.

Potato Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• ½ cup crispy hash browns
• 1 slice cheddar cheese
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; melt cheddar.
2. Top with hash browns; assemble on bun.

44. Montana – Elk Burger

In Big Sky Country, game meat rules the grill. A tender elk patty with smoked gouda and caramelized onions delivers rich, earthy flavor – rustic and hearty, just like the Montana outdoors.

Elk Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 elk patty
• 1 slice smoked gouda
• 1 tbsp caramelized onions
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill elk patty to medium.
2. Melt gouda on top; add caramelized onions.
3. Assemble bun.

45. Wyoming – Cowboy Burger

A nod to chuckwagon cooking, this burger combines BBQ sauce, crispy onion rings, cheddar cheese, and smoky bacon. Big, bold, and unapologetically messy – the perfect fuel for the open range.

From brisket and green chiles to bison and elk, the West knows how to turn rugged simplicity into rich, unforgettable flavor. Every burger here feels like it’s been kissed by smoke and sun.

Cowboy Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1 onion ring
• 1 slice cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
• 1 slice bacon
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; melt cheese on top.
2. Layer onion ring, bacon, and BBQ sauce on patty.
3. Assemble bun.

The Pacific States & Non-Contiguous: Fresh, Bold, and Full of Sunshine

Out west, burgers go beyond beef. California, the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Hawaii bring freshness, fusion, and flair – proof that the classic American burger thrives on reinvention.

46. California – Avocado Sourdough Burger

California’s burger is as bright and fresh as its coastline. Creamy avocado, crisp sprouts, and Monterey Jack cheese sit on a toasted sourdough bun. It’s health-conscious, West Coast cool, and effortlessly satisfying.

Avocado Sourdough Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• ½ avocado, sliced
• 1 slice Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 burger bun (toasted sourdough)
• 1 tbsp lettuce or sprouts

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; melt cheese.
2. Layer avocado and greens.
3. Assemble on toasted sourdough bun.

47. Oregon – Mushroom Swiss Truffle Burger

Oregon’s lush forests inspire this earthy, indulgent burger. Sautéed wild mushrooms and Swiss cheese are finished with a drizzle of truffle aioli, making it a gourmet nod to the Pacific Northwest’s foraging culture.

Mushroom Swiss Truffle Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• ½ cup sautéed wild mushrooms
• 1 slice Swiss cheese
• 1 tsp truffle aioli
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; melt Swiss cheese on top.
2. Top with mushrooms and truffle aioli.
3. Assemble bun.

48. Washington – Salmon Burger

This coastal favorite swaps beef for wild-caught salmon blended with herbs and lemon zest. Topped with dill yogurt sauce and arugula, it’s light, flavorful, and quintessentially Pacific Northwest.

Salmon Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 salmon patty (fresh, seasoned)
• 1 tbsp dill yogurt sauce
• Arugula or lettuce
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Pan-sear salmon patty until cooked through.
2. Spread dill sauce on bun; add greens.
3. Assemble patty and top bun.

49. Alaska – Reindeer Burger

In the Last Frontier, reindeer isn’t just a holiday mascot – it’s dinner. A reindeer patty offers lean, gamey flavor, balanced by caramelized onions and sharp cheddar. It’s a rugged burger fit for the Alaskan wilderness.

Reindeer Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 reindeer patty
• 1 slice cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp caramelized onions
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill reindeer patty to medium.
2. Melt cheese; add onions.
3. Assemble bun.

50. Hawaii – Teriyaki Pineapple Burger

Hawaii’s iconic burger brings the tropics to the grill. Glazed in sweet teriyaki sauce and topped with a grilled pineapple ring, lettuce, and mayo, it’s sunshine on a bun – the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and island charm.

Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1 grilled pineapple ring
• 1 tbsp teriyaki glaze
• Lettuce
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; brush with teriyaki glaze.
2. Top with pineapple and lettuce.
3. Assemble bun.

Bonus: Hawaii – Loco Moco Burger

Another Hawaiian twist on comfort food, the loco moco features a beef patty topped with a fried egg and rich brown gravy over rice – or in this case, a toasted bun. It’s messy, comforting, and utterly satisfying.

Loco Moco Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 beef patty
• 1 fried egg
• 2 tbsp brown gravy
• 1 burger bun

Instructions:

1. Grill patty; place on bun.
2. Fry egg sunny side up.
3. Pour gravy over patty and egg; top with bun.

From the tang of truffle to the sweetness of pineapple, the Pacific coast and islands showcase how diverse – and endlessly inventive – the American burger can be. Whether it’s ocean-fresh salmon or tropical fusion, each one captures its home’s unique flavor and laid-back attitude.

A Nation Built on Burgers

From Maine’s buttery lobster-topped creation to Hawaii’s sweet teriyaki masterpiece, every burger in America tells a story. It’s a story of regional pride, local ingredients, and creativity born from tradition – proof that a simple patty and bun can hold an entire country’s personality between them.

Across 50 states, the burger takes on countless forms: smoked, steamed, spiced, or stacked high with unlikely toppings. Yet, no matter how it’s served, the heart of the American burger remains the same – comfort, community, and flavor you can taste in every bite.

Maybe that’s what makes it more than just food. It’s a shared experience, from diners to drive-thrus, cookouts to county fairs. Each burger is a reflection of its home – the farms that raise the beef, the sauces born from family recipes, the roadside grills that bring people together.

So whether you’re flipping a classic butter burger in Wisconsin, biting into a green chile cheeseburger in New Mexico, or trying a homemade version of your state’s signature stack, remember: every burger is part of the same delicious story – the story of America itself.

Now it’s your turn. Fire up the grill, grab your favorite toppings, and taste your way across the country – one state, one bite, and one burger at a time.

Featured image credit: @burger