Summer may be the classic season for firing up the grill, but that doesn’t mean your Burgers have to go into hibernation once the weather cools down. In fact, fall might be the best time of year to bring cozy, hearty flavor pairings to your plate. (Honestly, who doesn’t love firing up the grill on a crisp autumn day?!?)

With a little creativity—think warm spices, earthy vegetables, smoky cheeses, and cozy sauces—your Burger can go from summer stunner to harvest hero in no time. Here’s how to build the ultimate fall-inspired, Schweid & Sons-approved Burger, bite by bite.

Cozy Cheeses for Fall

Nothing sets the tone of a fall Burger quite like the right cheese. Summer may have been all about melty American or pepper jack, but autumn calls for bold, nutty, smoky flavors that can stand up to the richness of quality beef. Here are some of our favorites:

• Sharp Cheddar: A classic that pairs beautifully with beef. Its tangy sharpness cuts through the richness of the patty and complements hearty toppings like caramelized onions. If you’re not sure where to start, our Bourbon Bacon Jam Burger is a fantastic way to kick off fall.
• Smoked Gouda: Its creamy texture and hint of smoke bring cozy campfire vibes without overpowering. It’s especially good in our Smoked Gouda Stuffed Burgers (paired with roasted mushrooms, perhaps?) or on our Rosemary Fig Burgers.
• Gruyère: Nutty and slightly sweet, Gruyère melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with savory elements like roasted squash or sautéed onions. Try it on our French Onion Burger for an instant autumn favorite.
• Blue Cheese: Fall and blue cheese go hand in hand. Its bold tang is perfect with everything from earthy mushrooms to sweet grilled pears. Try our Mushroom Blue Cheese Burger or Buffalo Burger to win your next game day gathering.

• Brie: For a diner-inspired twist, make our brie & caramelized onion patty melt.

Seasonal Produce Toppings

The harvest season offers plenty of inspiration for fun flavor matches. Instead of clinging to watery, past-season tomatoes, try some of our favorite fall ideas for Burger toppings:

• Caramelized Onions: Sweet, savory, and deeply golden brown, these are a fall classic that pair beautifully with sharp cheddar or Gruyère like on our French Onion Soup Burger.

• Roasted Mushrooms: Meaty and earthy, mushrooms make a Burger feel instantly cozier. Portobellos, shiitake, or cremini are all great choices for our Spicy Mount Mushburger.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Their smoky sweetness complements beef and pairs perfectly with creamy cheeses and earthy mushrooms like on our OMG Burger.
• Roasted Squash: Thin slices of butternut or acorn squash, roasted until caramelized, bring a subtle sweetness and hearty texture. Check out our Veggie Smothered Burger for inspiration!
• Grilled Apples or Pears: A little unexpected, but their sweetness pairs surprisingly well with savory patties and bold flavors like on our Sriracha Apple Bacon Burger. 
• Pickled Vegetables: Fall is a great season for preserving your bounty. Pickled beets, carrots, or even pickled apples can add tang and crunch. We also love this Pickled Onion Bacon Burger if you’d prefer something more familiar.

Fall-Forward Sauces

Every great Burger needs something that ties all the flavors together, and while ketchup and mustard are classics, we think the cooler weather calls for something richer, tangier, and more complex. Here are our favorite fall Burger sauce ideas:

• Cranberry Sauce or Chutney: Tart and slightly sweet, this holiday favorite cuts through savory beef and pairs beautifully with cheese. Don’t believe us? Try this Cranberry Brie Burger to see for yourself.

• Maple-Dijon Aioli: Blend Dijon mustard with a touch of maple syrup and mayo for a sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and creamy all at once. It’s an excellent upgrade for our Bacon Jam Smashburger.
• Caramelized Onion Jam: Sweet, savory, and sticky, this jam doubles down on fall flavors. Perfect for pairing with our French Onion Bourbon Burger!
• Gravy: Turn your Burger patty into our Schweid & Sons Salisbury Steak. It’s indulgent, decadent, and perfect for a cold night—especially when served with some cozy mashies on the side.

• Horseradish Cream: Slightly spicy and warming, it pairs especially well with roasted root vegetables and meaty mushrooms. Add a swipe to our Forager Burger for a little nose-clearing heat!
• Pumpkin Butter: Pumpkin spice might sound like an odd Burger pairing, but don’t knock it till you try it! Our Jack o’Burger is here to change your mind.

Greens and Slaws

Fall Burgers aren’t all about heavy flavors—fresh, peppery, or crunchy greens can balance things beautifully.

• Apple Slaw: Shredded cabbage, crisp apples, and a light vinaigrette bring crunch and brightness. Try adding a handful to our Very Best Smashburger for a fun seasonal twist.
  Arugula: Its peppery bite cuts through rich cheese and savory toppings, like on our Boursin Bliss Burger.
• Watercress: Slightly bitter and refreshing, it brings sophistication and balance. An excellent option for our Black Garlic Burger!
• Kale Slaw: Tossed with a tangy dressing, it adds crunch and a nutrient boost that’s quite welcome on our Smashed Avocado Sweet Potato Burgers.

The Perfect Fall Sides

Wondering what to eat with Burgers when it’s chilly out? While fries never go out of style, fall is the season to switch things up. These cozy Burger sides give you the chance to double down on seasonal produce and create a well-rounded meal.

• Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness plays perfectly with smoky or spicy Burger flavors.
• Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized sprouts tossed in balsamic glaze are hearty and seasonal.
• Butternut Squash Soup: For a cozier meal, pair your Burger with a creamy fall soup, like a diner-style soup & salad combo.
• Chili: Whether you prefer all beef, all beans, or something in between, chili and Burgers are a tailgating match made in heaven.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and beets bring earthy sweetness and pair beautifully with beef.
• Warm Grain Salads: Hearty quinoa or farro tossed with roasted vegetables and cranberries is perfect for adding a boost of fiber and color.

Tips for Cooking Burgers in the Fall

While we have lots of tips for making the perfect Burger, there are a few seasonally specific ones we’d like to highlight:

• Grill if you can: Cool weather grilling adds an extra smoky element, plus nothing beats the smell of a fall grill session.
• Cast Iron Skillet: If grilling isn’t an option, sear your Schweid & Sons patties in a cast iron skillet for deep caramelization.
• Warm the Buns: Lightly toasting your buns in butter or olive oil adds warmth and crispness that feels especially cozy in cooler months.
• Layer Wisely: Put wetter toppings (like slaws or chutneys) on the bottom bun and heavier toppings (like cheese or mushrooms) on top for balance.

Keep Burgers on the Table This Fall

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean it’s time to pack away the grill. From smoky cheeses to roasted seasonal vegetables, tart sauces, and cozy sides, we hope we’ve convinced you that Burgers can be as rich and comforting as any fall dish. The beauty of Burgers is how versatile they are. You can lean sweet, smoky, savory, or all of the above, so lean into the season! 

Looking to try these ideas at home? Shop our Schweid & Sons Burger patties and explore even more Burger recipes on our blog. Your next fall meal just might be your best Burger yet. Don’t forget to show us your magnificent creations on the socials—tag @schweidandsons so we can cheer you on!

• Browse our assortment of premium ground beef and Burger blends here.
• Where can you buy Schweid & Sons? Check out our store locator to find your closest retailer.
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• Share your favorite fall flavor Burger creations with us by tagging @schweidandsons or #schweidandsons on Instagram!