Bunless Burgers Five Ways, Gluten-Free and Paleo-Style

With summer cookouts kicking off, change up your BBQs with bunless burgers that work well for a gluten-free or paleo eater – or if you’re looking for a lighter take on dinner.

Here are five truly delicious ways to go bunless this summer:

Sweet Potato Bun Burger

Sweet potatoes are a surprisingly great bun substitute. To start, slice two 1/4-inch-thick sweet potato rounds (the wider the sweet potato, the bigger the bun) and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of water and place them in the microwave for two minutes on high until they are slightly soft. Pat sweet potato rounds dry, brush them with oil and place them on the grill for 3-4 minutes on each side. We love our Sweet Potato Bun Burgers with guacamole, arugula and goat cheese.

Mushroom Bun Burger

Go bunless in a super easy and “meaty” way with portobello mushrooms. This is a quintessential way to eat a healthy burger while adding flavor — with very little prep time. Take portobello mushrooms, coat them in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Then, grill the mushrooms for eight minutes, flipping halfway through. Lay one mushroom “bun” down, add a Verde hamburger patty, and cover with your favorite toppings. We recommend bacon jam and cheddar cheese. Just add the top “bun” and enjoy!

Cauliflower Bun Burger

It might be more time-consuming to make than some other bunless options but baking up cauliflower buns is worth it for that bread-like feel. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups cauliflower rice, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1/2 tsp. baking powder. Add your seasonings of choice, such as 1/2 tsp. of a dried Italian herb blend. Mix to combine. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, add 1/2 cup of your “dough” and form into bun-shaped circles, packing tightly. Bake at 400°F for around 20 minutes until cooked through. Try this burger with garlic aioli, spinach and a slice of tomato.

Lettuce Wrap Burger

The easiest and perhaps the most well-known selection on our bunless list, a burger wrapped in lettuce leaves room for the extra toppings you love, all while lightening things up. Grill your Verde hamburger patty with Monterey Jack cheese and top it with bacon, caramelized onions, and burger sauce (one part ketchup, one part mayo). Then wrap it up!

Eggplant Bun Burger

Although eggplant isn’t conventionally eaten with burgers, it is an earthy and unique choice. Take two eggplant slices and pat dry with a paper towel. Brush them with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper. Grill them for four minutes on each side or until they are cooked all the way through. Top with parmesan cheese, avocado slices and a fried egg.