East Tennessee burger culture is having a moment. From Knoxville to the Smoky Mountain tourist strip, burgers are getting bigger, bolder, and more creative without losing the comfort-food soul that locals love. Right now, the most popular “styles” are less about a single recipe and more about the experience: thick patties, craveable sauces, serious toppings, and builds that are designed to be remembered. Below are the burger styles showing up everywhere in East Tennessee, plus how Cookie Dough Monster puts its own signature spin on them.

What burger styles are trending in East Tennessee right now?

Across East Tennessee, the hottest burger styles share a few themes: bigger patties, layered textures, and flavors that hit sweet, smoky, spicy, and savory all in one bite. People are still ordering classics, but they want upgrades like bacon jam, queso, onion rings, truffle, and specialty cheeses. Social media also drives the trend toward burgers that look stacked and photo-ready, which pushes “tower” burgers and saucy builds into the spotlight.

If you want the East Tennessee flavor story in one place, this deep dive captures the vibe: best flavors of East Tennessee in one burger.

The “big patty” burger: thick, juicy, and built like a meal

One of the biggest shifts in East Tennessee is the move toward burgers that feel like a full meal on their own. Thick patties deliver a satisfying bite and hold up better to heavy toppings like queso, bacon, and onion rings. This is also the style that keeps visitors full during long days of walking, shopping, and attractions in the Smokies.

Cookie Dough Monster leans hard into this style with 8oz patties as the foundation for many signature builds. If you love the idea of a bigger, more filling burger, you will like this explainer: why 8oz patty burgers are everywhere lately.

The classic American burger is still king, but it has to be perfect

Even with all the wild toppings, classic never goes out of style in East Tennessee. The difference now is that diners expect the classic to be done right: properly seasoned beef, melted cheese, fresh toppings, and a bun that holds everything together. When the classic is great, it becomes the baseline that people judge all other burgers against.

At Cookie Dough Monster, one of the “top of the top” choices for first-timers is the Betty White, a clean, classic build that nails the basics. If you want a guide to timeless pairings and what makes classics stay popular, read: classic burger combos that never go out of style.

Bacon-forward burgers: smoke, crunch, and salty satisfaction

If East Tennessee had a universal burger language, bacon would be part of it. Bacon-forward burgers are popular because they instantly add smoky depth and a crisp bite that contrasts with a juicy patty. The best versions layer bacon with a sauce that matches it, like smoky BBQ, garlic aioli, or a sweet heat drizzle.

Cookie Dough Monster has multiple bacon-powered options, but if you want a single standout to represent the style, you will see why locals love bacon builds once you start exploring. For a practical breakdown of what makes a bacon burger hit just right, this is worth a read: why handcrafted burgers deliver better flavor.

BBQ burgers: smoky sauce, sweet notes, and vacation energy

BBQ burgers are consistently popular in East Tennessee because they match the region’s love for smoky, sweet-savory comfort food. They also feel “vacation-ready” for Smoky Mountain visitors because they are bold, familiar, and satisfying. A great BBQ burger usually relies on three things: a smoky sauce, a creamy or melty element, and a topping that adds texture.

Cookie Dough Monster’s BBQ Bacon is a strong example of how this style can go from basic to memorable with the right build choices. If you want tips on nailing BBQ style at home, this guide is helpful: the secret to a great grilled burger.

Queso and chili burgers: messy, comforting, and extremely popular

Another style exploding in East Tennessee is the queso and chili burger. It is comfort food turned up to max. These burgers win because they are hearty, warm, and rich, which makes them perfect for cooler evenings or a big hunger day. The key is balance: spice from jalapeños, salt from cheese, and a patty strong enough to carry it.

Cookie Dough Monster leans into this style with burgers like Spicy Queso, which brings together queso, chili, and crunch elements for texture. If you love this direction, you will also appreciate the ingredient philosophy behind it: why fresh ingredients matter in every bite.

“Mac on a burger” builds: comfort food stacked on comfort food

Mac and cheese burger builds are trending because they combine nostalgia with indulgence. East Tennessee diners love comfort food, and mac on a burger is the definition of it. Done right, it adds creamy texture and a rich, buttery flavor that turns the burger into an all-in-one comfort meal.

Cookie Dough Monster’s Mac Daddy is a perfect example of this style, especially for visitors who want one meal that feels like a reward. If you want a blueprint for customizing comfort builds without going overboard, this guide helps: how to build your perfect burger.

Burger “towers”: onion rings, bold sauces, and photo-ready stacks

East Tennessee is full of burger lovers who want the wow factor. Tower burgers are popular because they photograph well and eat like an event, not just lunch. The essentials are height, crunch, and a sauce that ties everything together. Onion rings, fried toppings, and thick layers of cheese are common.

Cookie Dough Monster has several burgers that fit the “tower” mindset with big textures and bold builds. If you want ideas for taking a burger from normal to unforgettable using toppings, start here: how to upgrade your burger with unique toppings.

Truffle-style burgers: the gourmet trend that keeps growing

Truffle-style burgers are increasingly popular because they feel premium without being complicated. Earthy truffle notes pair well with mushrooms, provolone, and garlic-forward sauces. In East Tennessee, this style is especially common at places that want to offer an elevated option alongside classic comfort.

Cookie Dough Monster’s Everyday I’m Truffling fits this trend with an upscale flavor direction that still feels hearty and satisfying. If you want to understand what makes a burger truly “gourmet,” this is the best place to start: what makes a gourmet burger actually gourmet.

Steak-topped burgers: bringing steakhouse vibes to a burger bun

A growing East Tennessee style is the steak-topped burger. It takes the burger format and adds steakhouse energy using sliced steak, sautéed veggies, and sauces that feel rich and savory. It is popular because it feels special, and it matches the “treat yourself” mindset of Smoky Mountain trips.

Cookie Dough Monster’s SteakHouse burger leans into this style with picanha steak and bold sauces. If you are shopping the most filling, meat-forward styles, this guide is useful: top burger picks for serious meat lovers.

What are the top two Cookie Dough Monster burgers right now?

If you want “top of the top” picks that reflect what East Tennessee diners actually crave, start with these:

1) Bacon Bomber

This is a high-impact, flavor-forward burger built for people who want smoky, spicy, and bold in one bite. It is also a crowd favorite for a reason: it brings the wow factor and the comfort factor together.

2) Betty White

This is the go-to classic. It is clean, balanced, and perfect for anyone who wants to judge a burger place by how well they execute the basics.

You can see both on the official menu here: browse our Dang Ol’ Burgers lineup.

Conclusion: Try the trend, then make it your own

East Tennessee burger trends are all about two things: comfort and creativity. Whether you want a classic burger done perfectly, a bacon-and-BBQ hit, a queso-loaded comfort bomb, or a truffle-forward gourmet build, the region is serving options that feel fun and satisfying.

Takeaways to remember

• The big patty style is growing fast because it eats like a complete meal.
• Comfort stacks like mac-and-cheese and queso burgers are dominating cravings.
• Gourmet styles like truffle and steak-topped burgers are becoming mainstream.

Want help choosing the right style for your mood before you visit? Start with this quick guide: the perfect burger for your mood.

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