Greek Burger: Tzatziki and Feta Fusion That Will Transform Your Backyard BBQ

I’ve always loved how Greek flavors can transform a simple dish into something extraordinary, and this Greek burger is no exception. Juicy, savory, and packed with Mediterranean goodness, it’s a delicious twist on the classic burger we all know and love. The creamy tzatziki sauce and tangy crumbles of feta take it to a whole new level of flavor.

What I adore about this recipe is how it brings together the fresh, vibrant ingredients Greece is known for. Each bite feels like a little escape to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just craving something unique for dinner, this burger is bound to impress.

Greek Burger: Tzatziki And Feta Fusion

When I set out to create the Greek Burger, I wanted to capture the essence of the Mediterranean in every bite. This recipe layers juicy grilled patties with creamy tzatziki, crumbled feta, and fresh toppings for an unforgettable burger experience. Let me walk you through the steps to bring this flavorful creation to life.

Ingredients

• For the Patties

• 1 pound ground lamb or beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated (excess liquid squeezed out)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

• Toppings

• 4 hamburger buns, lightly toasted
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 4 slices of tomato
• 4 leaves of lettuce
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Prepare The Tzatziki

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt and stir until well mixed. Refrigerate to let the flavors meld while you prepare the burgers.

2. Mix The Burger Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb or beef, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Work the mixture gently with your hands until everything is well combined. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape into patties, about ¾-inch thick.

3. Cook The Patties

Heat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Place the patties on the hot surface and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on your preferred level of doneness. For maximum juiciness, I aim for a medium level of doneness.

4. Toast The Buns

While the patties are cooking, toast the burger buns on the grill or in a skillet until lightly crisped.

5. Assemble The Burgers

Spread a generous layer of tzatziki on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a cooked patty on top, crown it with crumbled feta, a slice of tomato, a piece of lettuce, and a few red onion rings. Add an extra dollop of tzatziki before placing the top bun.

Pro Tip

For an extra burst of flavor, brush a little olive oil on the sliced buns before toasting. It adds a subtle crispness and elevates the Mediterranean vibe.

This burger is all about balance—the juicy, well-seasoned patty paired with the cool tzatziki, tangy feta, and fresh veggies creates a harmonious bite every time.

Ingredients

For The Burger Patties

• 1 pound ground lamb or beef (or a 50/50 mix for extra flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)

For The Tzatziki Sauce

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for the creamiest result)
• 1/4 cup cucumber, grated and squeezed of excess water
• 1 small clove garlic, finely minced or grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (optional, but it’s a nice touch)
• A pinch of salt

Additional Toppings

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 4-6 slices fresh tomato
• 4 leaves Romaine or butter lettuce
• 4 slices red onion
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional, but highly recommended)

For The Burger Bun

• 4 brioche or sesame seed burger buns
• Olive oil or butter (for brushing before toasting)

Tools And Equipment

When it comes to crafting this Greek Burger masterpiece, having the right tools and equipment makes all the difference. I always keep my kitchen and grill station stocked with essentials to ensure each step, from prepping to grilling, goes smoothly. Here’s what I use to bring my Tzatziki and Feta fusion burger to life:

Kitchen Tools

• Cutting board: Perfect for slicing vegetables like tomatoes, red onions, and cucumbers.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp, reliable knife is key for precision when prepping ingredients.
• Mixing bowls: Use one large bowl for mixing the ground meat and a smaller one for assembling the tzatziki sauce.
• Box grater: Necessary for grating the cucumber for that creamy tzatziki.
• Garlic press (optional): Speeds up mincing garlic, though you can do it with the knife too.
• Zester: For getting fresh lemon zest if you want to amp up your tzatziki.
• Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate measurements of herbs, spices, and liquids.

Cooking and Grilling Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet or grill: Ideal for achieving that deep sear on the patties if you aren’t grilling outdoors.
• Outdoor grill (optional): My personal favorite—it adds an unbeatable smoky flavor to the burgers.
• Grill brush: For cleaning the grates before you start cooking.
• Spatula: Designed for flipping those juicy patties cleanly without breaking them.
• Basting brush: For brushing olive oil on the buns before toasting.

Serving Essentials

• Tongs: Great for handling hot burger buns off the grill.
• Platter or serving tray: To assemble and present the burgers, because presentation matters.
• Small serving bowl: To hold extra tzatziki sauce for dipping or spreading later.

Directions

This Greek Burger is a celebration of bold Mediterranean flavors, with every ingredient working harmoniously to create the ultimate bite. Follow these simple steps to bring this tasty fusion burger to life.

Prep

1. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

• Start by grating 1 cucumber on the coarse side of a box grater. Squeeze out all the excess water using your hands or a clean kitchen towel.
• In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt, the grated cucumber, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well blended and refrigerate until ready to use.

1. Season the Meat

• In a large mixing bowl, add 1 pound of ground lamb or beef. Sprinkle in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined (don’t overwork the meat).
• Form the mixture into 4 equal patties, slightly larger than your burger buns. Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to keep them from puffing up while cooking.

1. Prepare the Toppings

• Slice 1 ripe tomato and 1 medium red onion into thin rounds. Wash and pat dry Romaine lettuce or butter lettuce leaves. Crumble 1/2 cup of feta cheese into small pieces. Set everything aside for easy assembly later.

1. Get the Buns Ready

• Halve your burger buns (I love using brioche or sesame seed buns for this recipe) and lightly brush the cut sides with olive oil or melted butter.

Cook

1. Preheat and Grill

• Heat your cast-iron skillet or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface with olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Place the burger patties on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without touching them. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare, or longer for your desired doneness.

1. Toast the Buns

• While the patties cook, place the prepared burger buns cut-side down on the grill or skillet. Toast them for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.

Assemble

1. Layer the Flavors

• Start with the bottom half of your toasted bun. Spread a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on top.
• Place a grilled patty over the sauce, then sprinkle crumbled feta cheese directly onto the warm meat so it begins to soften slightly.

1. Add Fresh Toppings

• Layer on a crisp lettuce leaf, a slice or two of tomato, and a few rings of red onion. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a couple of Kalamata olives for an extra briny kick.

1. Finish the Burger

• Spread more tzatziki sauce on the top bun (trust me, this adds even more flavor), then crown your burger. Serve immediately with some napkins—you’ll need them!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to showcasing this Greek Burger masterpiece, presentation and pairing are everything. Here are my favorite ways to serve this Mediterranean-inspired burger that’s guaranteed to wow anyone lucky enough to grab a bite.

Perfect Pairings for a Flavorful Meal

I always serve these burgers with sides that complement the fresh and savory Greek flavors. Here’s what I recommend:

• Crispy Greek Fries: Toss thin-cut fries with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, and a touch of salt, then bake or fry until golden. I sprinkle some crumbled feta and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over them right before serving.
• Veggie Skewers: Grill skewers stacked with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers brushed with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. The smokiness pairs perfectly with the grilled patties.
• Greek Salad: A bowl of Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olives, and red onion dressed with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano keeps things light while adding a vibrant touch to the table.

Serving Style Tips

Presentation makes a burger experience even more special. Here’s what I do:

• Extra Toppings on the Side: I place small bowls of extra toppings like crumbled feta, sliced red onions, and an additional dollop of tzatziki so people can customize their burgers even more.
• Toasted Buns Done Right: After brushing the brioche buns with olive oil and lightly toasting them, I line them up on a cutting board for a rustic yet elegant display.
• Garnished Platters: Serve the burgers on a large platter garnished with sprigs of dill and lemon wedges. It adds a touch of freshness and highlights the Greek theme.

Beverages That Match the Vibe

Pair your Greek Burger with drinks that balance the richness of the patty and feta while complementing the zestiness of the tzatziki. Some of my go-to options are:

• Iced Mint Lemonade: Refreshing and zesty; it’s perfect for cleansing your palate between bites.
• Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Assyrtiko is a great match for the Mediterranean flavors.
• Craft Beer: I love a light, citrusy wheat beer or a classic lager that won’t overpower the flavors of the burger.

Trust me, these serving suggestions are guaranteed to take your Greek Burger experience to the next level.

Make-Ahead Tips

Sometimes, prepping ahead can make all the difference, especially when you’re gearing up for a gathering or just want to streamline mealtime. I’ve got a few make-ahead tips that’ll help you stay ahead of the game while ensuring your Greek Burger tastes as fresh and delicious as if you made it on the spot.

Prep the Patties in Advance

You can mix the ground lamb or beef with seasonings like garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper up to 24 hours in advance. After mixing, shape the meat into patties and layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving you an even tastier bite.

Make the Tzatziki Ahead of Time

Tzatziki keeps well in the fridge, and in fact, it tastes better after sitting for a few hours. Prepare it by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh dill, and salt. Store the sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, and it’ll be creamy and refreshing, just as it should be.

Prep Your Toppings

Wash and dry your lettuce, slice your tomatoes and red onions, and crumble the feta cheese ahead of time. Store everything separately in zip-top bags or airtight containers in the fridge. Having these components ready will make burger assembly quick and hassle-free.

Toast the Buns Beforehand

If you want that perfect golden sheen on your burger buns, you can toast them slightly and let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight bag. For extra flavor, brush them with olive oil or butter before toasting. Reheat them briefly on the grill or skillet before assembling the burgers for maximum crunch.

Plan for Smooth Assembly

I like to lay out all the prepped ingredients—tzatziki, toppings, buns, and patties—on a large tray before I start grilling. It creates a burger “station” and speeds up the assembly process. Trust me, being organized makes a world of difference when you’re hosting or grilling for a crowd.

Conclusion

Crafting a Greek Burger with tzatziki and feta is more than just making a meal—it’s bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. The combination of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and thoughtful preparation creates a burger that’s both satisfying and unique.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself to something special, this recipe is sure to impress. With a little prep and the right ingredients, you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let the flavors transport you straight to Greece!