The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
If you’ve ever looked at a burger and thought, “There’s gotta be more to it than this,” you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, staring at a plain patty, wondering why it doesn’t excite me anymore.
I used to think burgers were just beef, cheese, lettuce, and maybe a tomato. Boring, right? Then I tried a burger with a fried egg, spicy mayo, and crushed chips. It completely changed how I thought about burgers. That one bite said, Hey, we don’t have to be basic anymore.
This article isn’t just a list. It’s a celebration of the weird, wild, and wonderful burgers you probably haven’t tried, but should. Some are crunchy. Some are spicy. A few don’t even have buns. But all of them will make you hungry in a good way.
So if you’re ready to meet burgers with personality, keep going. And bring a napkin. Things might get messy.
Sweet Potato Burger Bowl
A sweet potato burger bowl is a bunless, plant-based meal that stacks roasted sweet potatoes, a veggie patty, and toppings in a bowl. It’s healthy, filling, and super easy to customize.
The first time I had one of these, I honestly thought I’d still be hungry. I mean… no no bun? But after the first few bites, I was sold. The roasted sweet potatoes were soft and a little caramelized, and the veggie patty had just enough spice. Add a little avocado and a runny egg on top? Game over.
What I love most is how flexible it is. You can throw in grilled veggies, chickpeas, or even a bit of cheese if you’re feeling it. No rules—just stuff you like, stacked in a bowl.
Best for: Vegans, gluten-free eaters, and anyone sick of boring salads
Try it with: Roasted sweet potato rounds, black bean patty, avocado, and tahini sauce.
Kobe Beef Burger
A halal Kobe beef burger is made using certified halal Wagyu beef that comes from the same cattle breed as Kobe, but raised and processed according to halal guidelines. It’s buttery, juicy, and melts in your mouth.
Now let me be real for a second, Kobe beef isn’t easy to find in halal form. The real stuff is from Japan and is strict on how it’s raised, but some halal butchers do sell Wagyu beef that’s just as good (sometimes better, honestly). The key is checking that it’s halal certified and not mixed with non-halal meats or fats.
The first time I tried a halal Wagyu burger, I was shocked by how soft the patty was. It felt like it had already been marinated in butter, but it hadn’t. That’s just the fat marbling doing its thing.
If you’re someone who usually avoids beef because it feels too heavy, this burger might change your mind. It’s rich, but not greasy. Flavorful, but not overpowering.
Best for: Burger lovers who want something fancy but still 100% halal
Try it with: Toasted brioche bun, halal Wagyu patty, caramelized onions, garlic mayo (without wine vinegar), and rocket leaves
Surf & Turf Burger
A halal surf & turf burger combines a halal beef patty with seafood like grilled shrimp or fish, just make sure the seafood and meat are both halal-certified. It’s a fancy burger you can make at home.
Now look, I used to think “surf & turf” meant steak and lobster with butter and wine, not halal. But once I figured out how to halal-ify it, this burger became one of my favorites to make for special dinners.
Here’s how I do it: I use a thick halal beef patty and top it with lightly seasoned shrimp (just salt, pepper, and garlic). Then I add a creamy, dairy-based sauce, usually something like garlic yogurt or a tahini lemon blend. No wine, no pork, no questionable seafood. Just flavor.
The trick is balance. You don’t want to drown the shrimp in sauce or bury the beef. When is it done right? It tastes like something from a restaurant, but you made it in your kitchen.
Best for: Celebrations, date nights, or when you want to impress someone
Try it with: Halal beef patty, grilled shrimp, lemon-garlic yogurt sauce, soft toasted bun
Masala Burger (Trader Joe’s Style – Halal Version)
A halal masala burger is a spiced veggie burger made with ingredients like lentils, potatoes, peas, and Indian spices. It’s completely meat-free and perfect for vegetarians or anyone who loves bold flavor.
I first found this idea in the freezer aisle at Trader Joe’s. But their version wasn’t certified halal, so I tried making it myself at home. Honestly? Mine turned out even better (no shade, TJ’s).
The patty is a mix of mashed potatoes, lentils, peas, and chopped onions, all mixed with masala spices like cumin, coriander, and a little garam masala. You can pan-fry it in olive oil or bake it if you want to go lighter.
What I love about this burger is how much it tastes like something you’d eat at a family dinner. It’s warm, spiced, and cozy. It doesn’t try to be meat, it’s proud to be what it is. And that confidence comes through in every bite.
Best for: Halal vegetarians, meat-free Mondays, or Desi food lovers
Try it with: Masala veggie patty, red onion slices, yogurt-mint chutney, toasted bun
Cowboy Burger
A halal cowboy burger is a smoky beef burger topped with crispy onion rings, barbecue sauce, and sometimes halal beef bacon. It’s bold, messy, and full of Western-style flavor.
Now, traditionally, this burger comes stacked with pork bacon and alcohol-based BBQ sauce, not for us. But here’s the good news: you can make an incredible cowboy burger with all halal ingredients, and it’ll still knock your socks off.
Here’s how I build mine:
- A thick, halal beef patty
- Crispy homemade onion rings
- Smoked halal beef bacon (optional, but amazing)
- A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce (make sure it’s alcohol-free or make your own with ketchup, molasses, vinegar, and spices)
The first time I served this at a family BBQ, it disappeared in minutes. My cousin had sauce on his cheek and didn’t even care; it’s that kind of burger.
Best for: Backyard barbecues, Friday night cravings, or when you want to eat with both hands
Try it with: Halal beef patty, onion rings, beef bacon, BBQ sauce, toasted sesame bun
Garlic Overload Burger
A garlic overload burger is exactly what it sounds like: a halal beef burger stacked with layers of garlicky flavor sauce, toppings, and even garlic in the bun. It’s not shy, and neither should you be.
I still remember the first time I made this at home. My mom walked into the kitchen, sniffed the air, and said, “Someone’s not kissing anyone today.” She wasn’t wrong.
But here’s the thing: when done right, this burger isn’t harsh, it’s bold. The garlic brings warmth, not burn. You just have to know how to use it. I usually roast whole garlic cloves in the oven until they’re sweet and soft, then mash them into mayo or yogurt. Add a slice of grilled garlic chicken (or just a beef patty with extra garlic seasoning), and boom, you’ve got a flavor bomb.
No alcohol, no pork, no fuss. Just layers of halal-approved deliciousness.
Best for: Garlic fans, adventurous eaters, or people who aren’t worried about their breath
Try it with: Roasted garlic mayo, halal beef patty, crispy fried garlic bits, garlic butter-brushed bun
Pepper Burger
A pepper burger is a spicy halal beef burger layered with pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and black pepper seasoning. It’s hot—but not in a “drink milk now” kind of way. It’s more like a “Wow, that’s got a nice kick” kind of heat.
I made this one for the first time on a rainy evening when I wanted something warm and satisfying—but with a little attitude. I took a halal beef patty, seasoned it with black pepper and chili flakes, added grilled jalapeño slices, and topped it with halal-certified pepper jack cheese.
Here’s the twist I discovered: mix a little crushed black pepper into the mayo. Just trust me. It’s spicy, creamy, and brings the whole burger together. If you want even more heat, drizzle some halal-friendly hot sauce or sriracha.
And no, it’s not too spicy for beginners. You can always take the peppers off. But if you leave them on? Get ready to feel the flavor.
Best for: Spice lovers, rainy day cravings, and people tired of bland burgers
Try it with: Halal beef patty, grilled jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, black pepper mayo, soft white bun
Loco Burger
A loco burger is a halal beef burger that goes a little crazy with toppings—think fried egg, spicy mayo, avocado, and crunchy chips. It doesn’t follow the rules, and that’s exactly why it’s fun.
The first time I had a loco burger, I didn’t even know what I was biting into. There were crushed tortilla chips in there. A runny egg. Sriracha dripping out the back. And you know what? It was kind of amazing.
It’s the kind of burger you build when you’re hungry and indecisive. You start with a juicy halal patty and just keep adding whatever sounds good. Sometimes I go with a sunny-side-up egg. Other times I toss in some pickled onions or crushed Flamin’ Hot chips. Yeah, I said it.
And the best part? You can totally make it your own. There’s no “wrong” version of a loco burger. The whole point is to go a little over the top—but keep it halal.
Best for: People who like trying new things, late-night cravings, and flavor chaos
Try it with: Halal beef patty, fried egg, avocado, spicy mayo, crunchy chips, soft burger bun
Colossal Burger
A colossal burger is a massive halal beef burger stacked high with multiple patties, cheese, sauce, and toppings. It’s big, messy, and meant to make you say, “Whoa.”
I made one of these for a cousin’s birthday last summer. Three halal beef patties, double cheese, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, and homemade burger sauce—stacked so tall I needed a skewer to hold it together. He looked at it like it was a challenge… and yes, he finished it. (Barely.)
Colossal burgers aren’t about fancy ingredients. They’re about going all-in. The fun is in the size. But here’s my tip: don’t just stack for the sake of stacking. Make sure each layer adds flavor. And keep the ingredients halal, of course. That means no pork bacon, no wine-based sauces—just solid, juicy, halal-certified ingredients.
If you’ve never tried building your own mega burger at home, do it. You’ll laugh at how hard it is to eat—and then you’ll keep going because it tastes too good to stop.
Best for: Big eaters, birthdays, food dares, or when “normal” just won’t cut it
Try it with: 2–3 halal beef patties, double cheese, lettuce, grilled onions, burger sauce, large toasted bun
Crispy Burger
A crispy burger is usually a halal chicken or beef burger that’s been breaded and fried until golden and crunchy. It’s like fried chicken and a burger had a delicious baby—and yes, it’s as good as it sounds.
The first crispy burger I had was at a halal food truck late one night. I still remember the sound it made when I bit into it. That crunch was loud enough to turn heads. And the inside? Juicy and perfectly seasoned.
At home, I use boneless halal chicken thighs, dip them in buttermilk (or yogurt for a halal-friendly substitute), then dredge them in spiced breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. You can air-fry or deep-fry depending on your mood (and how much cleanup you’re okay with).
The crispy texture pairs perfectly with soft burger buns and creamy sauces. Sometimes I add a slice of cheese, but honestly, even plain mayo and lettuce make this burger shine.
Best for: Fried food fans, kids, or anyone who loves that crispy crunch
Try it with: Halal crispy chicken or beef patty, iceberg lettuce, pickles, creamy mayo or sriracha sauce, soft bun
Hickory Burger
A hickory burger is a halal beef burger infused with smoky BBQ flavors, usually through a hickory-flavored sauce or grilled onions. It’s sweet, savory, and tastes like it came straight off a backyard smoker.
Okay, so let’s be honest: not everyone has a smoker or time to slow-cook meat for hours. I definitely don’t. But you can still get that rich, smoky taste using halal-friendly hickory BBQ sauce or even liquid smoke (a few drops go a long way—trust me).
The first time I made a halal hickory burger, I used store-bought halal BBQ sauce (alcohol-free, of course) and grilled some onions until they were soft and golden. I layered that on a juicy beef patty with a slice of smoked cheddar, and wow—it smelled like a summer cookout in my kitchen.
The key is balance. You don’t want to overdo the smoke or sweetness. Let the meat shine, then add just enough sauce to wake everything up.
Best for: Fans of BBQ flavor, family dinners, and cozy weekends
Try it with: Halal beef patty, hickory BBQ sauce (halal), grilled onions, smoked cheese, toasted bun
Burger Texan
A halal Texan burger is a bold, spicy halal beef burger topped with chili, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and sometimes pickled onions. It’s messy, flavorful, and gives you a little taste of Texas right in your kitchen.
I first made one of these on a game day. I wanted something more exciting than regular burgers. So I simmered halal ground beef with chili seasoning (no beer or wine—just spices), piled it on a soft bun, added cheddar and pickled onions, and—yes—the spices made the room smell amazing.
It got messy fast. Chili dripped down my fingers. But each bite was warm and comforting, with just enough heat from the jalapeños to keep me interested. I ended up needing plenty of napkins—and I didn’t care.
Best for: Game nights, cold weather, spicy-food fans
Try it with: Halal chili beef, jalapeños, cheddar cheese (halal), pickled onions, toasted bun
