The sun is shinning and table is set for a perfect picnic. You can smell the grill although the wind is kind enough to blow the smoke away from the table. With a cold bottle of your favorite iced tea in hand it seems to be the start of a perfect summer.
Yet when everyone sits down to eat something is off. You watch your little sister bite into a burger dripping with barbecue sauce and crunchy onions. Your dad is slathering on your favorite spicy brown mustard before putting the top of the bun on his burger. You look at your plate of quinoa salad, avocado and plump strawberries with a hint of wistfulness. It’s not that the food on your plate doesn’t taste good. It’s delicious actually…but it makes you feel just a little left out.
Your decision to give up red meat doesn’t have to leave you out of the family cookout. Veggie burgers have greatly improved over the years. Boxed varieties can stand up well to the grill and homemade versions will look so good you might make a convert or two. (At least for that day.) If you want the authentic cookout experience, then a frozen veggie burger is the safest best. Just put down some foil on the grill to avoid an unexpected meaty surprise.
Grill Worthy Frozen Veggie Burgers
Beyond Meat Beast Burger has the most calories but no soy or gluten. It’s hefty size makes you really feel like you’re indulging.
Gardein Ultimate Beefless Burger has a few more ingredients than the others but it feels the most like a traditional burger. A great choice for new vegetarians!
Amy’s All American Veggie Burger is the classic favorite frozen burger in our house. They are non-GMO and vegan but meat eaters will enjoy them too.
If you would prefer a homemade burger, these baked versions are great. You can make them a little ahead of time and set the oven timer to coincide with when the food on the grill is ready to serve.
Delicious Homemade Veggie Burger Recipes
Black Bean Hemp Burger from Protein Ninja is a new find from my favorite new cookbook. I think the secret to the great taste is roasted pumpkin seeds and a tortilla chip crust.
Black Bean Patties from Tosca Reno’s Eat Clean Cookbook is the staple for movie night at our house. The recipe makes a bunch and they freeze well for future cookouts.
White Bean Bistro Burger from Oxygen Magazine is a burger with a twist. You can skip the fried egg on top for ease or to make it vegan but definitely keep avocado!
Pro tips!
- Don’t skimp on the condiments. Even the best tasting veggie burger loves a little help. I love avocado and salsa on my black bean burgers.
- If you want to save calories use a sandwich thin vs. a tradional bun. You won’t miss all the extra bread with a thick delicious burger smothered in barbeque sauce and onions.
- Follow the cooking instructions on the bag or box. We don’t have a grill so I use my cast iron skillet on the stove. Microwaving a frozen burger is not the best tasting option. There is a huge difference in taste and texture.
What’s your favorite way to indulge in a burger and say veggie friendly? Try one of these and tell me what you think!