How to Make the Best Burger: Tips, Toppings, and the Ultimate Summer Burger Bar

Hands down, bar none, the burger is the quintessential American food. Summer is officially here, and we salute this humble yet delicious American classic. No summer cookout would be complete without some sort of burger—and today, I’m sharing exactly how to create the best burger bar that will steal the show at your next gathering.

Burgers have a way of bringing people together, whether you’re flipping patties on the grill in the backyard or building a towering creation at a restaurant. But what makes the best burger? Is it the juicy beef, the perfect sear, the gourmet toppings, or the soft, fresh bun? Truthfully—it’s all of those things, and a little bit of love.

Before we get into the tips, let’s talk about why this beloved food has captured my heart and my taste buds for so many years.

The Secret to Juicy, Flavor-Packed Burgers

There are a lot of stories about the origins of the burger. Some point to Hamburg, Germany, while others trace it to minced meat creations in England. The modern hamburger, as we know it, took center stage at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair alongside other American staples like hot dogs, iced tea, and ice cream cones. From that moment on, burgers became a part of our culinary identity.

For me, nothing beats a juicy burger fresh off the backyard grill. Here are my tried-and-true grilling tips for the perfect burger every time:

Choose the right beef-to-fat ratio
For ultimate flavor, I prefer 80/20 ground beef. The 20% fat ensures your burger stays juicy and rich without drying out.
Don’t overwork the meat
Handle the beef gently. Over-mixing can make burgers tough. Lightly form your patties just larger than the bun to allow for shrinkage, and make a small thumb indentation in the center to help them cook evenly.
Keep seasoning simple
The best burger doesn’t need a spice rack worth of ingredients. Salt, pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce are all you need to enhance the beef’s natural flavor. Sometimes, I sneak in a pat of butter for extra richness.
Master your cooking method
While I love a charcoal grill for smoky depth, a gas grill or even a cast-iron skillet can yield fantastic results. Aim for medium-rare to medium—about 130–145°F—flipping only once for that irresistible crust.
Never smash your burgers
Pressing down on a burger while cooking squeezes out flavorful juices. Resist the urge, and let the grill or pan do its magic.

These grilling tips ensure every bite is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. But even the best patty needs the right toppings to shine.

Creative Burger Toppings to Wow Your Guests

Toppings are where you can really get creative. A classic cheeseburger will always have a place in my heart, but a summer cookout is the perfect opportunity to experiment. A well-curated burger bar can turn an ordinary meal into a gourmet event.

Here are some of my favorite burger topping ideas, many inspired by Southern flavors and In the Curious Kitchen products:

Pimento Cheese + Hot Pepper Jelly + Bacon
Creamy, tangy pimento cheese melts beautifully over a hot patty, while sweet heat from our hot pepper jelly and the crunch of crispy bacon make every bite unforgettable.
Beer Cheese + Caramelized Onions + Jalapeño Rings
Our Beer Cheese spread pairs wonderfully with the rich sweetness of caramelized onions and the pop of heat from jalapeño slices.
Bourbon Blueberry Jam + Brie
For a gourmet twist, spread our limited-edition Bourbon Blueberry Jam over a thick slab of brie for a sweet-savory combination that’s as elegant as it is delicious.
Bourbon Honey Mustard + Mild Cheese + Lettuce + Tomato
A tangy-sweet sauce with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and a gentle cheese like Havarti keeps things fresh and bright.

And of course, don’t forget the classic toppings:

Slices of vine-ripened tomatoes (heirloom varieties add beautiful color)
Fresh, crisp lettuce (butter, romaine, iceberg—choose your favorite)
Pickles (dill, bread-and-butter, sweet, or spicy—offer variety)
Onions (raw, grilled, or caramelized)
A wide selection of cheeses (cheddar, Swiss, brie, blue, feta, provolone, gouda, muenster)

The key is to mix familiar favorites with adventurous choices so guests can customize their burgers to suit their taste.

Perfect Sides and Salads to Complete Your Summer Cookout

No summer cookout is complete without sides that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the main event. Our Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs bring creamy, tangy Southern flair to the table and are always the first to disappear. For something fresh and colorful, try our Summer Vegetable Salad—a vibrant mix of seasonal produce tossed in a light, zesty dressing that perfectly balances the richness of a juicy burger. If you’re craving something warm and savory, our Roasted Broccoli with Shallot Dressing delivers a smoky, caramelized bite with a pop of bright flavor. And, of course, the classic Potato Salad remains a must-have—creamy, comforting, and the perfect cool side to round out your burger bar spread. Together, these dishes create a menu that’s as inviting as it is memorable, ensuring every guest leaves full and happy.

How to Set Up the Ultimate DIY Burger Bar for Summer Cookouts

If you really want to impress at your next summer cookout, set up a DIY burger bar. Not only does it give your guests the freedom to create their own masterpiece, but it also makes the experience interactive and fun.

Here’s how to do it:

Start with quality patties
Grill them fresh and keep them warm in a covered chafing dish so guests can assemble at their own pace.
Offer multiple bun options
Include sesame seed buns, brioche, pretzel rolls, and gluten-free alternatives to cater to all preferences.
Create topping stations
Group toppings by flavor profile—classic, spicy, sweet-savory, and gourmet—so guests can experiment with combinations.
Don’t forget condiments
Ketchup, mustard, and mayo are staples, but also offer BBQ sauce, aioli, sriracha mayo, and specialty spreads like our Bourbon Honey Mustard.
Add sides for the full experience
Think crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, onion rings, and fresh salads to balance the meal.

A burger bar transforms a regular cookout into a gourmet gathering, encouraging creativity and conversation. Plus, it’s an easy way to showcase unique products like the ones we make at In the Curious Kitchen.

Sweet Endings: Desserts to Delight Your Summer Guests

Every unforgettable summer cookout deserves a sweet finale, and these desserts are the perfect way to end your gourmet burger feast. Our Boozy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies combine rich chocolate with the bold, bourbon-soaked flavor of our signature Boozy Cherries®—a grown-up twist on a nostalgic treat. For something cool and refreshing, our Summertime Lemon Pie offers a bright citrusy bite that’s as sunny as the season itself. If you prefer a rustic finish, our Peach Crostata showcases juicy, ripe peaches baked in a flaky, golden crust—best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And for a colorful, crowd-pleasing option, our Blueberry Lemon Cupcakes bring together sweet blueberries and zesty lemon in every fluffy bite. No matter which you choose, these desserts add the perfect touch of Southern hospitality to your summer celebration.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the best burger isn’t about following strict rules—it’s about making something you and your guests love. Use these grilling tips, explore bold burger topping ideas, pair them with irresistible sides and salads, and finish with indulgent desserts to make your next summer cookout unforgettable. Whether you go classic with cheddar and lettuce or adventurous with brie and blueberry jam, you’ll be serving more than just food—you’ll be serving joy.

So, fire up that grill, invite your friends and family, and get ready to make the best burger of the season.

Cheers!
MK