Wondering what seasoning to put on your Burgers? At Schweid & Sons, we’re purists, the best Burger seasoning is simply a sprinkle of kosher salt to bring out the full potential of our high-quality beef. That said, there’s something to be said for a well-crafted seasoning blend—especially if you’re looking to mix things up or wow your guests at the next cookout. 

In this post, we’ll break down the best spices for Burgers, how to build and store your own custom blends, and the science behind seasoning timing. Whether you’re a Burger minimalist or a Burger maximalist, these seasoning tips will help you make the most of every bite.

The Best Burger Spices

When it comes to seasoning beef, not all spices are created equal. A good Burger seasoning blend should highlight the natural umami of the meat, not mask it. Here are a few pantry staples that consistently deliver:

• Salt – The foundation of most seasoning blends. It enhances beef’s flavor without overpowering it. We like using kosher salt, which has smaller flakes and makes it easier to season evenly without getting overly salty. Sea salt also works!
• Black Pepper – Adds a mild heat and aroma. Make sure to use freshly cracked pepper for the best flavor—pre-ground pepper doesn’t taste like much. Feel free to swap in white pepper if you like. 
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Alliums add a savory depth, sweetness and balance.
• Smoked Paprika – For a subtle, smoky undertone that enhances the char-grilled flavor.
• Chili Powder or Cayenne – Optional if you like a bit of kick.
• Brown Sugar – A pinch can balance spice and add a hint of caramelization on the grill.

How to Create a Burger Seasoning Blend

If you’ve ever wanted to make your own Burger seasoning from scratch, you don’t need to be a chef—just think in parts. A good Burger blend should hit the big flavor notes—salty, spicy, sweet, and savory. Here’s a simple ratio to follow:

• 2 parts salt – Kosher or sea salt is ideal. Note that Diamond Kosher Salt is considerably less salty than sea salt or Morton’s Kosher Salt, so you’ll want to roughly double the amount used.
• 2 parts heat – Black pepper, chili powder, cayenne, or crushed red pepper flakes.
  2 parts sweet – Brown sugar, coconut sugar, or even ground cinnamon for a hint of Mediterranean-inspired complexity.
• ½ part smoke or umami – Think smoked paprika, ground dried mushrooms, soy sauce powder, or even a touch of ground coffee or cocoa powder.

Mix the ingredients together thoroughly and taste a pinch before committing it to your next batch of Burgers. Store in an airtight spice jar or resealable bag in a cool, dry place—your blend should stay flavorful for about 4–6 months. 

Bonus Tip: Double your batch, divvy it into small mason jars, and label it with a fun name (like “Grillmaster Gold” or “Burger Magic”) so you can gift it to your fellow Burger fans and potluck-hosting pals.

5 Creative Burger Seasoning Blends

To get your creative juices sizzling, here are a few blends that bring something unique to the table (just follow the ratio above!):

• Southwest Kick – Perfect for seasoning our Roasted Poblano Burgers, Cilantro Lime Sauce Burgers, and Mexican Burgers. Want to work without a recipe? Pair it with pepper jack cheese and grilled onions for bold, Tex-Mex flair.
  • Salt: Kosher salt
  • Heat: Chili powder, black pepper
  • Sweet: Brown sugar
  • Smoke/Umami: Smoked paprika
• Steakhouse Blend – Use for crafting a fun twist on our Boursin Bliss Burgers, Mushroom Swiss Burgers, or Mushroom Blue Cheese Burgers! It’s also the perfect blend for Bistro Burger Steaks. 
  • Salt: Sea salt
  • Heat: Cracked black pepper
  • Sweet: Onion powder
  • Umami: Dried rosemary + Worcestershire powder
• Everything Bagel Burger Rub – Burgers for brunch? We say 1000 times, YES! Try this deli-inspired blend on our egg-topped Lincoln Sliders, Eggs Benedict Burgers, or Eggs Over Easy Burgers. 
  • Salt: Flake salt
  • Heat: Black pepper
  • Sweet: Dried onion flakes
  • Umami: Poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and garlic powder
• Umami Bomb – This one is great for just about any Burger you can think of. We think it’d really shine with our Umami Dearest Burgers, Glazed Kimchi Burgers, and Veggie Smothered Burgers. 
  • Salt: Kosher salt
  • Heat: White pepper
  • Sweet: Onion powder
  • Umami: Dried mushroom powder, soy sauce powder, garlic powder
• Backyard BBQ Burger Rub – A salty-spicy-sweet crowd-pleaser! This one is great on our Triple Smash Burgers, Double Bacon Cheeseburgers, and White BBQ Burgers. 
  • Salt: Sea salt
  • Heat: Cayenne + black pepper
  • Sweet: Brown sugar

You’ll find lots of ways to use these special seasonings for Burgers by checking out our favorite Burger recipes—from classic Monterey Jack Burgers to inventive stackers like the Black Iron Burgers.

To Mix In or To Sprinkle On? That Is the Question.

There’s a bit of debate about how best to season Burger patties—should the seasoning be mixed into the ground beef or sprinkled onto the patties just before cooking? Here’s our take:

• Mixing into the meat can distribute flavor throughout, but it can also affect the texture of the burger, especially if you overmix.
• Sprinkling on the outside gives you that flavorful crust when seared on a hot grill or skillet.

Our vote? Start with one of our expertly blended pre-portioned patties, sprinkle your preferred seasoning on the outside, and focus on the grill. No fuss, no mess, and no tough Burgers here!

How to Season Burgers for Grilling

Here’s the best way to season Burgers, Schweid & Sons-style:

• Use ¾ to 1 teaspoon of seasoning per ¼-pound patty, depending on your blend’s saltiness.
• Season the patties just before they hit the grill. Salt draws out moisture, so avoid salting too early or you risk a dry Burger.
• Don’t forget both sides. Even seasoning means even flavor.
• Press lightly to make sure all surfaces of the patty get heat evenly distributed. Never smash seasoned patties unless you’re making smash Burgers—you don’t want to squish out all that juicy flavor!

Best Store-Bought Burger Seasoning Blends

If you’re short on time, there’s no shame in reaching for a quality store-bought blend. Look for:

• No added fillers or preservatives
• Clear labeling of spices and herbs
• Coarse, natural salt (like kosher or sea salt)

Brands like Spiceology, Kinder’s, or McCormick Grill Mates offer solid options. Just read the label to avoid over-salting, and remember you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away!

Start Burger Seasoning Season with Schweid & Sons!

Whether you’re starting from scratch or reaching for a go-to blend, great Burger seasoning starts with great beef. Our pre-portioned Burger patties are crafted from high-quality cuts, ready to handle whatever spice profile you’re craving. So go ahead—experiment, taste, and enjoy the process. After all, when you’ve got a Burger worth seasoning, everything else falls into place!

Looking for a guide for future Burger seasoning blends? Use this chart below to get the perfect seasoning blend every time, no matter what flavor profile you’re in the mood for!

• Find all Schweid & Sons’ premium Burger blends here.
• Shop your local grocers for Schweid & Sons using our store locator link here.
• Tag us with your favorite way to season a Burger on Instagram using @schweidandsons or #schweidandsons.
• Sign up to get all the latest recipes and product news via email.