7 Vegetables That Are Way Better on a Bun than a Veggie Burger

updated May 1, 2019

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Grilled Eggplant Burgers with Halloumi Cheese (Image credit: Karen Biton-Cohen)

If you’ve had your fill of veggie burgers this summer, but still want to load up on the vegetables, it’s time to reach for any one of these sturdy vegetables that make an awesome substitute on a hamburger bun.

Roasted Sweet Potato, Goat Cheese & Arugula Sandwiches (Image credit: Emma Christensen)

1. Sweet Potato

Sliced in thick rounds and grilled or roasted, sweet potato is a hearty veggie burger substitute. It holds up on a bun and doesn’t need much in the way of toppings, although a little tangy goat cheese and peppery arugula provide a nice contrast to its natural sweetness.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato, Goat Cheese & Arugula Sandwiches

2. Eggplant

Eggplant is a classic stand-in for meat, as it soaks up flavor and feels substantial. Grill thick rounds so they get a little charred and smoky, and pile them on a bun with pesto and grilled halloumi cheese.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant Burgers with Halloumi Cheese

3. Tomato

Summer tomatoes are so juicy and sweet that they deserve the spotlight. Slice an extra-thick round and place it on your bun. Pile it with fresh mozzarella and basil and you’ve got a caprese salad in “burger” form.

4. Portobello Mushroom

The best thing about a portobello mushroom is that it actually tastes meaty. It also holds up well on a bun. Grill it and finish it off with any of your favorite burger toppings.

Get the Recipe:

Jared’s Portabella Mushroom Burger

5. Zucchini

Thick-cut grilled zucchini slices have that smoky flavor that screams summer. Slide them onto a bun swiped with tangy mustard or creamy mayo for a veggie burger substitute that won’t weigh you down. Crunchy lettuce and slices of tomato are also nice additions.

6. Roasted Red Peppers

Whether you roast them yourself or just buy them from the store, roasted red peppers are a classic sandwich filling that can really hold their own on a bun. A bit of fresh mozzarella or crumbled feta along with a little arugula helps finish them off.

Learn How: How To Roast Peppers

7. Cauliflower

Slice cauliflower into thick “steaks” and grill them, and you’ve got a wonderful substitute for a veggie burger. Cauliflower takes well to any and all seasonings, which means if you sprinkle on anything from curry powder to chipotle powder, you can boost its flavor before putting it on your bun.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Chipotle Lime Cauliflower Steaks

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