Craving a cheeseburger? Whether you prefer your juicy meatless patties medium, rare, or well done—here are some of the best plant-based products to choose from and a handful of vegan cheeseburger recipes to try. Plus, we’ve included some tasty vegan beers to round out your meal.
How to Make the Ultimate Cheeseburger
You can’t make the best vegan cheeseburger without the best plant-based patties. If you don’t want to make your own vegetable-based patty, Beyond Meat’s “bleeding” burgers and Impossible Foods’ burger patties have a meaty texture and flavor similar to beef. Incogmeato by Morningstar Farms and Lightlife also carry plant-based burgers perfect for grilling.
And don’t forget about the cheese! Top off that grilled-to-perfection burger with Field Roast Chao creamy cheese slices. Dairy-free brands like Daiya, Miyoko’s Creamery, and Follow Your Heart also carry delectable cheese slices that are so burger-worthy.
There are a few kitchen gadgets that can help you whip up your burgers. Nonstick grill pans can give you that grilled-to-perfection look minus an actual barbecue grill. If you do choose to make your own hamburger patty, you may need a blender to combine all of your ingredients together. A burger press can also be very useful for compacting your scrumptious patty.
7 Must-Try Cheezeburger Recipes
Now that we’ve got the basics down, here are seven must-try cheeseburger recipes. And if you’re looking to round out your meal with a delicious beer pairing—we’ve got you covered.
1. Bacon Cheeseburger
For all the meat-lovers out there, we present to you: the ultimate bacon cheeseburger. The bacon is made from rice paper. But feel free to substitute with smoky tempeh or any other vegan bacon brand you love. Load it with your favorite toppings—pickles, tomatoes, grilled onions—and serve with a side of salty fries. Try and leave room for dessert—we dare you. Get the recipe here.
Suggested beer pairing: Porters pair nicely with smoky flavors—so if you’re adding on crispy strips of tempeh bacon, pair your burger with a Michelob Porter.
2. Veggie-Packed Burger
With a meaty texture that rivals beef burgers, this juicy veggie burger will have you savoring every last bite. Packed with nutritious vegetables, it’s equal parts healthy and delicious. Get the recipe here.
Suggested beer pairing: For an all-purpose beer that pairs with just about anything, including a juicy burger, opt for a Brooklyn Brewing Lager.
3. Mushroom and Black Bean Burger
If you’re looking for a vegetable-based patty, these mushroom and black bean burgers are your go-to. These veggie patties are also packed with brown rice, bread crumbs, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. And soy sauce and nutritional yeast give them a salty umami flavor. Get the recipe here.
Suggested beer pairing: Porters, amber beers, and nutty brown ales pair well with savory flavors. Complement the mushrooms and other veggies in this burger with a Bell’s Amber Ale.
4. Beetroot Burger With Cheese Sauce
Burger King, move aside. The meatiness of this burger is made possible with purple beetroot, mushrooms, and lentils. Yum. The delicious burgers feature a creamy cheese sauce made with silken tofu, nutritional yeast, dijon mustard, and an array of seasonings. Try eating just one. Get the recipe here.
Suggested beer pairing: IPAs and American wheat beers help cut the richness of creamy spreads. Pair this cheese sauce-heavy veggie burger with a Bell’s Brewery Two Hearted Ale.
5. In-N-Out-Style Cheeseburger
In-N-Out’s meatless offerings are scarce—their “veggie burger” contains no patty, only lettuce, tomato, and onions in between a toasted bun. As we patiently wait for the burger chain to embrace veganism, you can bite into your very own In-N-Out-style vegan cheeseburger with this recipe. It features Beyond Meat’s plant-based patties and Follow Your Heart’s cheddar cheese slices. It even has a vegan version of the chain’s special sauce. Get the recipe here.
Suggested beer pairing: Wheat-based ales also pair well with just about anything. They complement a wide array of textures and flavors. Pair this tasty veggie burger with a Starr Hill The Love wheat beer.
6. “Cheesy” Broccoli Burger
For a comforting meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious—this cheezy broccoli burger recipe reigns supreme. The patty is packed with healthy veggies like broccoli, chickpeas, and carrots, as well as flaxseed, oats, and nutritional yeast for that oh-so-cheezy flavoring. The best part about this recipe? You can whip it up in under 30 minutes. Get the recipe here.
Suggested beer pairing: White IPAs complement creamy cheeses. Their piney hop profile also blends well with earthy flavors like mushrooms and oats. Pair this cheesy broccoli burger with a Vault White IPA.
7. Sweet Potato Burger
Jam-packed with flavor and bursting with spices and herbs, this sweet potato burger will give your taste buds an exciting jolt. In addition to roasted sweet potatoes, the patty features white beans and Panko bread crumbs. Top it with avocado, vegan mayo, red onion, dairy-free cheese, and Spicy Nasoya Kimchi for deliciousness with every bite. Get the recipe here.
Suggested beer pairing: Hoppy IPAs accentuate the heat of spicier flavors. For an added spicy kick to this veggie burger, try a Fort George 3-Way IPA.
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