Hey, you there! Dump those burger buns, I have something waaaay more fun for you.
Sure, a nice brioche or pretzel bun can be tasty, but those cheap little soggy burger buns can get old sometimes, let's be honest.
Why not mix things up, and see how shameless you can make your burger? From cinnamon rolls to meat hunks to deep fried stuff and even *gasp* vegetables, there's something for everyone here, whether you are looking for a healthy (or just fun) gluten replacement or you want to go HAM for a bacon overload.
1. Ramen Bun
Honestly, the ramen burger is DELICIOUS, fun and easy. Personally, I like to cook my ramen in concentrated broth until it's still a bit crunchy (it will cook through all the way later, I promise) and then make sure to chill and press it for long enough so that it keeps its shape. P.S. Here's an eggless version.
2. The Ultimate Mac-and-Cheese Burger
I just have one question: How come mac and cheese buns are not the standard way to eat burgers? What's with this whole "bread" thing?
3. Zero Carb Bacon Bun Burger
"Healthy!" This "bun" is just gobs of bacon rolled up together, and it really couldn't get more fabulous. If you're in the mood, you can stuff it with whatever you want, likely maybe some pre-cooked mushrooms, cheese and/or avocado. It really doesn't get much better than a bacon mound though.
4. Mushroom Cheeseburger Calzone
These easy and conveniently portable calzone/burger hybrids are super versatile. You can play up the pizza aspect by adding marinara and pepperoni, or you can make it more burgeresque by searing a patty (instead of crumbling the beef as this recipe recommends) so that it takes on a more burgeriffic texture.
5. The Hamburger Fatty Melt
This burger more than earns its name, considering that two halves of a grilled cheese sandwich act as the bun in a common sense-defying act of brilliance. Add anything you want to it, like bacon, a fried egg, pickles or chipotle mayo.
6. Arepas
Fried cornmeal makes for an AMAZING and often gluten-free bun, just so you know -- but if you're banking on it being totally GF, make sure you double-check the packaging, since not all cornmeal is free of the stuff.
7. Deep-Fried Burger
Forget the bun. Take two thin patties, smoosh them together with some cheese and then dunk the whole thing in a beer batter (batter recipe here). Drop it into a sizzling hot deep fryer or vat of boiling oil, and you have yourself an artery-clogging meal for the ages.
7. Cinnaburger
If sweet-savory combos never fail to lure you in, you'll need to make this easy, shamelessly delicious abomination. This recipe is great with store-bought rolls or dough, but if you want to go the extra mile, here is a great way to DIY them. You can also make a similar burger with a glazed donut.
8. Portobello Mushroom "Buns"
There are a number of different ways you can do this -- do you want them crispy? Softer? These buns won't let you down. Try them with a turkey burger topped with mozzarella (optional), fresh basil, heirloom tomatoes and a bit of olive oil/vinegar, marinara sauce or pesto.