Change Up Your Charcuterie Game With A Burger Board This Summer

Charcuterie boards, butter boards, and even salsa boards have nothing on the awe-inspiring burger board — yes, you read that correctly. Burgers are the latest meal to undergo board-ification, and to be honest, we couldn't be more thrilled. Transforming the humble hamburger and hinting at the many ways it can be elevated with seemingly endless toppings, burger boards are sure to be the "it" meal for summer entertaining.

Despite the fact that you could simply grill up burgers for a crowd, burger boards have an undeniable wow factor. Neatly laid on a gigantic plank, all the fixings of a flavorful burger are available right at your fingertips. With so many flavors and textures to experiment with, the unique grazing platter gives even the pickiest of diners the chance to customize their burger to suit their personal preferences. It might even encourage experimentation with unlikely toppings like peanut butter and candied bacon saddled on top of a grill-kissed Angus patty.

A meal in itself, the board can also be supplemented with fresh summery salads when hosting backyard picnics for a crowd. Alternatively, burger boards can just as easily be transformed into more regal slider boards. Perfect for those with smaller appetites or as an ideal snack while enjoying a cocktail party, the grazing board is effortlessly impressive. 

The success of a burger board starts, naturally, with a delicious burger. While classic beef is a great option, you can also opt for chicken, salmon, or even bean for your burgers. As for whether or not to top with cheese, leave some burgers plain, and others topped with a slice of whatever melty variety your heart desires.

Next, consider the supporting elements of the burger board. Lightly toast up one or two bun options like a classic brioche or pretzel bun; pitas, bagels, or keto-friendly butter lettuce are also great choices. You'll want to offer the traditional fixings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles but also include creative and unexpected ones like grilled pineapple, sliced jalapeños, fried eggs, or kettle chips. Alongside ketchup, mustard, and mayo, you can also invite guests to play with flavor by adding condiments like chimichurri, tomato chutney, hot honey, or even pesto.

While there's no definitive way to arrange your burger board, it's best to be strategic. For example, you might want to fan buns and burgers directly on the plank, but remember to keep wet ingredients like stacks of just-washed lettuce and juicy tomatoes at a distance. Likewise, sauces and messier toppings should be kept in small bowls or jars, scattered across the board for pops of color. So long as there's enough variety and ingredients are easy to access, there's not much else to consider when assembling an impressive burger board!