6 Ways to Eat a Burger Without a Bun

You might want to opt out of a standard hamburger bun (whether you’re gluten free, on the Keto diet or simply watching your carb intake). But you shouldn’t have to miss out on the whole picnic! These burger bun substitutes will solve your sandwich situation–and make sure you chow down on an amazing grilled burger!

Portobello Mushrooms

Big enough to cover a burger and sturdy enough to hold things together, portobello mushroom caps are one of the best burger bun substitutes. Plop them on the grill with everything else, brush with olive oil and herbs, and they’ll be ready in 8 to 10 minutes. Bonus—thanks to their color and shape, they even look like buns!

Fresh Lettuce

Shake Shack offers lettuce “buns” on its menu so you know it must be good! You can use any variety of lettuce but romaine is sturdy and will hold up well to whatever toppings you use. Bonus–wrapping your burger in a large leaf acts as a pocket to catch any stray condiments. No more mess!

Tomatoes

You likely eat tomatoes on your burger anyway…so why not just turn the tomato into a bun? Take a whole tomato and slice it in half horizontally, placing the burger in between the two halves. (Scooping out the seeds will help make it less messy.) Skip the grocery store and snag your tomatoes from the local farmers market for added flavor!

Eggplant

You can either grill or roast your eggplant slices for this alternative. Either way is a win: You get a crispy exterior with a light and airy inside (like a real bun!) along with plenty of nutrients and vitamins. These work for every diet—paleo, Keto, gluten-free, vegan, Whole30…you name it. We love eggplant on the grill!

Sweet Potatoes

Skipping the bun doesn’t have to mean skimping on carbs (they are necessary for energy, after all). And sweet potatoes are chock-full of complex carbs, aka the good kind. Cut your potatoes into slices about 1/2 inch thick, lay flat on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 400°F for about 25 minutes. These “buns” make great toast the following morning, too.

Cauliflower

It seems like cauliflower can be used for everything these days, from low-carb cauliflower rice to healthy pizza. And now it can be a burger bun, too. You can make your own using riced cauliflower, almond and coconut flour, Parmesan cheese and eggs. You simply combine the ingredients, press into a muffin top pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Keep in mind that these burger bun substitutes aren’t just great for those of us on special diets. They’re also an easy—and delicious—way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal. And doing that while feasting on a burger? Sign us up!

Our Best-Ever Burger Recipes—Just Skip the Bun!

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Mushroom Burgers Ready to turn over a new burger? I guarantee no one will be missing the beef after tasting these vegetarian burgers. They're moist, tender and full of flavor. —Denise Hollebeke, Penhold, Alberta Go to Recipe We look forward to serving these burgers at our Memorial Day cookout.

Taste of Home

Barbecued BurgersI can't take all the credit for these winning burgers. My husband's uncle passed down the special barbecue sauce recipe. We love it on everything...it was only natural to try it on, and in, burgers. Add cheese and bacon to take them over the top. —Rhoda Troyer, Glenford, Ohio

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If you're loving these recipes, discover more of our best hamburger recipes.

Herb & Cheese-Stuffed Burgers Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Herb & Cheese-Stuffed BurgersTired of the same old ground beef recipes? This quick-fix burger alternative, with its creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds. —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio. If you like this, you must check out our collection of delicious stuffed burgers.

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Taste of Home

Aloha BurgersI love hamburgers and tropical fruit, so it just seemed natural for me to combine them. My family frequently requests this unique Hawaiian pineapple burger recipe. It's a nice change of pace! —Joi McKim-Jones, Waikoloa, Hawaii

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All-American HamburgersWe do a lot of camping and outdoor cooking. Hamburgers are on our menu more than any other food. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida

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Garbanzo Bean BurgersThese chickpea burgers are totally awesome. I think I’d rather have one than any cheeseburger at a restaurant. They really rock! —Berea Rider, East Point, Kentucky

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Tuna BurgersMy family members were so accustomed to typical beef burgers that they were hesitant to try these when I first made them. Any skepticism disappeared after just one bite. —Kim Stoller, Smithville, Ohio

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Open-Faced Chicken Avocado BurgersTo dress up each chicken avocado burger, spread the Italian bread with creamy mayo and top with thick slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato. Serve with buttered boiled potatoes or a salad. —Lisa Hundley, Aberdeen, North Carolina.

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Mushroom-Stuffed CheeseburgersNo need to call my family twice when these burgers are on the menu. Get ahead of the game and stuff them ahead of time, then grill later. — Joyce Guth, Mohnton, Pennsylvania

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Taste of Home

Grilled Chicken Ranch BurgersThis is one of the most fantastic, flavorful burgers I've ever made. Ranch is a favorite in dips and dressings, and believe me, it doesn't disappoint in these burgers, either! —Kari Shifflett, Lake Mills, Iowa

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