We showcased techniques learned in lockdown, and nailed recipes with the confidence of experience through necessity.

How then to top that backyard burger bash joythissummer?

Our answer: literallytoppingit.

Plate on a table with a burger, corn on the cob, and slice of watermelon

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

This summer, make a better burger by finding your signature topping combination.

Heres to a hot burg summer.

But why stop at savory when you might have a wider spectrum of flavor?

Jar of creamy peanut butter

Simply Recipes / Megan Gordon

Go ahead and skip that degree of separation by combining the salad course with the main!

A pliant, soft bun that will conform to the rigid iceberg would be best.

So why not trade pork meatballs for a turkey patty, or grilled chicken for ground?

Fried Egg Recipe cook the egg

Sally Vargas

For bread, a hard kaiser roll can get you close enough.

This combo works for seafood, too.

A white fish or shrimp burger changes things up.

Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

Sheryl Julian

Arugulas bitterness keeps all the other flavors in peppery check.

Chicken or turkey burgers will do just as well as beef to let your toppings sing.

Slather your top bun with sweet bacon jam and load up the bottom with pimento, then chopped scallions.

Vietnamese Carrot Daikon Pickles Do Chua

Elise Bauer

This riff will work well on a chicken, turkey, or shrimp burger, too.

A seeded multi-grain or whole wheat would do well here.

How to make guacamole - smashing avocado with fork

Elise Bauer

Sliced scallions

Elise Bauer

Fig jam in a jar

Elise Bauer

A wooden spoon stirring caramelized onions in a cast iron skillet to show how to make caramelized onions.

Cambrea Bakes

Pimento Cheese in bowl surrounded by crackers

Elise Bauer

marinated-roasted-red-bell-peppers-method-2

Elise Bauer