Despite originating with the ancient Romans, burgers—especially cheeseburgers—are an American favorite, with over 50 billion consumed annually. Each U.S. region has its own twist on the classic bun-patty-cheese combo. The variations are endless and delicious, from California's avocado addition to Georgia's glazed-donut-encased Luther burger. Here's a guide to 20 regional cheeseburger styles that showcase America's love for this iconic fast-food staple.
Butter Burger
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Wisconsin takes the cheeseburger to the next level with the Butter Burger. Here, more means more butter. It's either baked into the bun, slathered on top, or even packed into the burger meat. Toppings can be anything your heart desires. Mainly found in Wisconsin, you can also get this dairy delight in 26 states at Culver's. Butter overload, but who's complaining?
California Burger
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California is known for its fresh produce, so it's no surprise their cheeseburger gets a green upgrade. The California Burger features creamy avocado slices or guacamole, adding a rich buttery flavor. This burger is a true West Coast delight, combined with the usual lettuce, tomato, cheese, and bacon. Imagine biting into that on a sunny California day. Pure bliss!
Deep-Fried Burger
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Tennessee's take on the cheeseburger involves a deep-fried twist. The beef patty is deep-fried in beef tallow at Dyer's in Memphis, giving it a crispy outer layer and a juicy center. Topped with cheese, sliced onions, pickles, and mustard, this burger will definitely send you straight to nap time. It's simply a deep-fried dream.
Fried Onion Burger
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The Fried Onion Burger, hailing from Oklahoma, has its roots in the Great Depression. To make the meat stretch further, onions were smashed into the patty while grilling. This method gave a more filling meal without breaking the bank. Today, it's a beloved classic, still served with onions caramelized right into the burger. It's a taste of history in every bite!
Frita Cubana
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Miami's Little Havana brings us the Frita Cubana, a burger style that traveled from Cuba in the 1960s. This burger features a thin patty topped with ketchup, diced onions, and crispy potato strings. It's a delightful mix of textures and flavors, offering a bit of Cuban culture in every mouthful. Perfect for those who love a little crunch with their bite.
Green Chile Cheeseburger
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New Mexico's Green Chile Cheeseburger adds a spicy kick to the classic burger. Legend has it this burger was created for Manhattan Project scientists. When ramekins for green chile sauce ran out, it was added directly to the burger. The result? A deliciously spicy burger with green chile sauce, lettuce, tomato, and onion. Science never tasted so good!
Guber Burger
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Missouri's Guber Burger is for the adventurous eater. This burger is topped with a heaping scoop of peanut butter, which melts over the patty and bun. The combination of savory beef and sweet, creamy peanut butter is surprisingly delicious. It's a quirky twist that you just have to try. Peanut butter on a burger? Why not.
Juicy Lucy
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Minnesota's Juicy Lucy is all about the cheese — inside the burger! A slice of cheese is placed between two patties, creating a molten core. Legend says the name came from a customer's exclamation, “That's one juicy Lucy!” It's a beloved treat in Minneapolis and beyond. Each bite delivers a cheesy surprise. Cheese lovers, rejoice!
Luther Burger
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Georgia's Luther Burger swaps out the traditional bun for glazed donuts. Yes, donuts! The result is a sweet-and-salty creation that's hard to resist. Named after singer Luther Vandross, who allegedly made this swap when he ran out of bread, it's a decadent treat for the brave. A donut and burger combo? Sign us up!
Loose Meat Sandwich
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Iowa's Loose Meat Sandwich, also known as the Tavern Sandwich, skips the patty for cooked ground beef. It's packed into a bun with cheese, onions, pickles, ketchup, and tomato. This messy yet delicious burger is a staple in the Midwest. It's not pretty, but it's oh-so-good. Sometimes, messy is best.
Nutburger
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From Butte, Montana, comes the Nutburger, a unique concoction with salted peanuts and Miracle Whip atop the patty. This odd combination delivers a salty and creamy taste that's surprisingly good. It's definitely an acquired taste, but for those who love it, there's nothing quite like it. Only in Montana!
Jersey Slider
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New Jersey's Jersey Slider is a miniature burger packed with flavor. Typically topped with dill pickles or onions, these sliders are a favorite at White Manna Hamburgers in Hackensack. They're served with crinkle-cut fries and milkshakes, making for a perfect meal. Small but mighty, these sliders are a must-try. Grab a few—you won't regret it!
Olive Burger
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Michigan's Olive Burger is all about the olives. A beef cheeseburger topped with a mixture of mayo and sliced green olives, it's a unique twist that's loved locally. Some versions mix the olives into the cheese, but the result is always tangy and savory. If you're an olive fan, this burger will hit the spot.
Pastrami Burger
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Utah's Pastrami Burger is a meat lover's dream. A juicy beef patty is topped with thinly sliced pastrami, cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. It's a hearty, flavorful creation that's sure to satisfy. This burger combines the best of a pastrami sandwich with the classic cheeseburger. Meat lovers, unite!
Patty Melt
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The Patty Melt is a diner classic with roots in Los Angeles. A beef patty is smothered in Swiss cheese and caramelized onions, then sandwiched between toasted rye bread. Some versions use Texas toast for a garlicky twist. It's a deliciously cheesy, savory treat that's beloved nationwide. A proper comfort food, it's perfect for any time of day.
Pimento Cheeseburger
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In the Deep South, the Pimento Cheeseburger reigns supreme. This burger features a thin patty topped with pimento cheese and sometimes chilis, along with the usual lettuce, tomato, and onion. Believed to have originated in Columbia, South Carolina, it's a creamy, spicy delight. Pimento cheese on a burger? Southern comfort at its best!
Poached Burger
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Wisconsin offers another unique take on the Poached Burger. At Pete's Hamburgers, the patty is cooked on a flat-top grill filled with water and onions, which infuses the meat with flavor as it cooks. The burger is finished with onions and mustard or horseradish mustard but no cheese. Poached and perfect, it's a Wisconsin favorite.
San Antonio Bean Burger
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Texas gets creative with the San Antonio Bean Burger. This beef patty is smothered in Cheez Whiz, refried beans, chopped onions, and Fritos. It's a messy, crunchy delight that's uniquely Texan. Forget the vegetarian bean patty—this burger brings beans and beef together in a tasty harmony. Yeehaw!
Slugburger
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Mississippi's Slugburger, also known as the Dough Burger, dates back to 1917. It's a beloved local treat, originally made with beef and fillers like flour or breadcrumbs to save money. Fried to perfection, it's served with pickles, onions, and mustard. Affordable and delicious, this burger is a true Southern gem.
Steamed Cheeseburger
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Connecticut's Steamed Cheeseburger offers a different cooking method. The patty is steamed in a tray above boiling water, resulting in a moist, tender burger without the char. It's traditionally served on non-toasted buns with your choice of toppings. Steamed and dreamy, the unique texture makes it a must-try.
Theta Burger
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Oklahoma's Theta Burger was created for a sorority at the University of Oklahoma. This burger features mayo, hickory barbecue sauce, shredded cheddar, and dill pickles. The combination of flavors is a hit, making it a beloved local favorite. Created for the Thetas, enjoyed by everyone. It's a burger worth cheering for!
