Types of Burgers
There are more types of burgers than most menus show. Some are defined by the toppings, some by the way the patty is cooked, and some by the number of patties stacked on the bun. This guide sorts the main styles so you can tell a smash burger from a patty melt and pick the right size for your appetite.
Where it helps, we link to similar items on the Freddy’s menu pages of this site, such as the Jalapeno Pepper Jack Double and the Freddy’s Cheeseburger.
Common Types of Burgers
| Type | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Hamburger | A cooked beef patty on a bun with simple toppings and no cheese |
| Cheeseburger | A hamburger with melted cheese such as American, cheddar, Swiss or pepper jack |
| Bacon cheeseburger | A cheeseburger with crisp bacon added |
| Smash burger | A ball of beef pressed flat on a hot griddle for a crisp, lacy crust |
| Steakburger | A burger marketed as ground steak cuts, often thin and seared |
| Patty melt | A beef patty with cheese and onions served on grilled bread |
| Slider | A small burger on a mini bun, often served in pairs or trios |
| Veggie or black bean burger | A meat-free patty made from vegetables, beans or grains |
Many restaurants mix these ideas. A bacon cheeseburger can also be a smash burger, and a double can be a steakburger.
Burger Styles by Patty Count
Patty count changes the size, the calories and the price more than any other choice. Many burger menus, including Freddy’s, offer single, double and triple stacks, so confirm the sizes available at your location.
| Style | Patties | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single | One | A lighter meal or a kids meal |
| Double | Two | A standard full-size burger |
| Triple | Three | A big appetite or sharing |
Thin patties stack well, which is why double and triple steakburgers still fit in one hand.
Specialty and Alternative Burgers
Chicken and turkey burgers use poultry instead of beef, while veggie and black bean burgers are built for people who avoid meat. If you like the flavors of a burger without the bun, look at bowls such as the Steak Burger Bowl or the Veggie Burger Bowl, which serve burger toppings in a different format.
How to Choose the Right Burger
Start with your appetite and any dietary needs, then pick the toppings. Cheese, bacon and sauces add flavor and calories, while lettuce, tomato and onion add freshness with little extra. If you have an allergy or follow a special diet, check the official nutrition and allergen information instead of guessing from the name.
Types of Burgers by Region and Style
Regional styles add even more types of burgers. A Midwestern butter burger is cooked with butter on the bun, a California-style burger leans on fresh produce and special sauce, and a Southwestern burger adds green chiles or jalapeños. A smash burger is the best-known thin style served at fast casual restaurants.
| Style | Defining Feature |
|---|---|
| Butter burger | Buttered, toasted bun |
| California style | Lettuce, tomato and spread |
| Southwest style | Chiles or pepper jack |
| Smash burger | Pressed thin for crisp edges |
How Toppings Change the Types of Burgers
Toppings turn one patty into many different burgers. Lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles make a classic, bacon and cheese make a richer burger, and grilled onions and Swiss make a patty melt. See our guides to the best lettuce for burgers and best onion for burgers to pick toppings with care.
Whatever you pick, the types of burgers you can order are nearly endless, so start with a patty count and build from there. The Freddy’s Original Double is a good example of a classic two-patty build.
Conclusion
Knowing the types of burgers makes ordering easier: choose a style, choose how many patties you want, and then adjust toppings. Whether you prefer a classic cheeseburger, a seared steakburger or a plant-based patty, the details on the menu tell you what you are getting.
