Ask Difference

Patty vs. Burger — What's the Difference?

By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on July 6, 2024
A patty is a flat, round piece of ground meat or other ingredients, while a burger typically refers to a patty served in a bun with toppings.
Patty vs. Burger — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Patty and Burger

ADVERTISEMENT

Key Differences

A patty refers to a molded piece of ground meat, vegetables, legumes, or other ingredients, shaped into a flat, round form. Patties can be made from a wide variety of ingredients and are cooked by frying, grilling, or baking. They are a versatile food item that can be found in many dishes beyond burgers, such as Salisbury steak or inside a sandwich. On the other hand, a burger is a specific type of sandwich that includes a meat or alternative patty as its central component, served inside a split bun. Burgers are often accompanied by a variety of toppings and condiments like lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise.
While the term "patty" focuses on the form and composition of the food item, without specifying its use, "burger" implies a particular assembly and presentation, usually including a bun and several toppings. This distinction means that while all burgers contain a patty, not all patties are used to make burgers. For example, a vegetable patty might be served on a plate with sides, not in a bun, and thus would not be considered a burger.
Patties can be made from a multitude of ingredients catering to various dietary preferences, including beef, chicken, turkey, beans, lentils, and mushrooms. The term is generic and does not indicate the specific flavor profile or cooking method. Conversely, burgers have a more defined expectation regarding how they are served and eaten, typically with hands and often customized with a wide range of toppings to suit individual tastes.
The preparation of a patty involves seasoning and shaping the chosen ingredients into rounds, which are then cooked to the desired level of doneness. Burgers, however, involve additional steps, including selecting the type of bun and toppings, which play a significant role in defining the final flavor and texture of the dish. The choice of bun, from classic sesame to brioche or whole grain, and the variety of possible toppings and condiments, allow for endless customization of the burger, making it a globally popular dish with regional variations.
The key difference lies in the broader culinary use and ingredient flexibility of patties versus the specific assembly and serving style of burgers, which includes a patty as a central element but is characterized by its inclusion in a bun with toppings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Definition

A molded piece of ground meat or other ingredients, shaped into a flat, round form
A sandwich that includes a patty, served inside a bun with various toppings

Ingredients

Can be made from meat, vegetables, legumes, etc
Includes a meat or alternative patty, bun, and toppings like lettuce, tomato, and condiments

Serving Style

Served alone or as part of different dishes
Served in a bun as a sandwich with toppings

Variability

Ingredient flexibility, not necessarily served in a bun
Typically served in a bun, with a wide range of possible toppings

Culinary Use

Versatile, used in various cuisines and dishes
Specific to sandwiches, especially those served with a bun and toppings

Compare with Definitions

Patty

Focus on the ingredient's flavor, with minimal additional toppings.
The ground turkey patty was seasoned with just salt and pepper for simplicity.

Burger

Burgers are a staple in fast food and casual dining.
The fast-food chain introduced a new line of signature burgers.

Patty

Patties are used in different dishes, not limited to burgers.
For dinner, she made a Salisbury steak using a finely seasoned beef patty.

Burger

Often comes with lettuce, tomato, onions, and sauces.
He customized his burger with extra pickles and a special sauce.

Patty

Can be fried, grilled, or baked, depending on the recipe.
He grilled the chicken patties until they were perfectly charred.

Burger

Enjoyed worldwide with regional toppings and flavors.
In India, the burger was adapted with a spiced potato patty and chutney.

Patty

Offers options for various diets, including vegetarian and vegan.
The mushroom patties served as a delicious vegan option at the barbecue.

Burger

Can be served with different types of buns, from sesame to brioche.
The gourmet burger was served on a freshly baked brioche bun.

Patty

A patty can be made from various ingredients, offering flexibility in cuisine.
The lentil patty was a hit at the vegetarian dinner.

Burger

A burger is a type of sandwich that includes a patty inside a bun.
She ordered a cheeseburger with a juicy beef patty and all the fixings.

Patty

A patty or burger (in British English) is a flattened, usually round, serving of ground meat and/or legumes, grains, vegetables, or meat alternatives. Patties are found in multiple cuisines throughout the world.

Burger

A flat round cake of minced beef that is fried or grilled and typically served in a bread roll; a hamburger.

Patty

A small rounded, flattened cake of food, especially one made from ingredients that have been previously ground, chopped, or minced
A hamburger patty.
A peppermint patty.

Burger

A sandwich consisting of a bun, a cooked beef patty, and often other ingredients such as cheese, onion slices, lettuce, or condiments. Often used in combination
A cheeseburger.

Patty

A patty shell.

Burger

A similar sandwich with a nonbeef filling. Often used in combination
A crab burger.
A tofu burger.

Patty

A small pie; a pasty.

Burger

(informal) A hamburger.

Patty

(US, Australia, New Zealand) A flattened portion of ground meat or a vegetarian equivalent, usually round but sometimes square in shape.
The cook fried the hamburger patty, then put it in a bun.

Burger

A similar sandwich or patty.

Patty

(Jamaica) A pastry with various fillings and spices baked inside a flaky shell, often tinted golden yellow with an egg yolk mixture or turmeric.

Burger

A stereotypical well-off Pakistani aspiring to a westernized lifestyle.

Patty

(England, strictly MLE) A foolish or stupid person.

Burger

An American.

Patty

A little pie.

Patty

Small flat mass of chopped food

Patty

Small pie or pasty

Patty

Round flat candy

Common Curiosities

What's the main difference between a patty and a burger?

A patty is a flat, round food item made from ground ingredients, while a burger refers to a sandwich that includes a patty inside a bun with toppings.

What are common toppings for a burger?

Common toppings include lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, cheese, mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise.

Can you eat a patty without a bun?

Yes, patties can be enjoyed without a bun, either alone or as part of various dishes.

Is a burger considered fast food?

While burgers are a staple of fast food, they can also be gourmet and made with high-quality ingredients.

What makes a burger a burger?

A burger consists of a meat or alternative patty served in a bun, typically with toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and condiments.

What kind of buns are used for burgers?

Burgers can be served with various types of buns, including sesame, brioche, potato, and whole grain buns.

Can you customize a burger?

Yes, burgers are highly customizable with a choice of toppings, sauces, and the type of bun.

Can a patty be vegetarian?

Yes, patties can be made from a variety of ingredients including vegetables and legumes, catering to vegetarian and vegan diets.

Are all patties made from meat?

No, patties can be made from meat, vegetables, legumes, and other ingredients.

How do you cook a patty?

Patties can be fried, grilled, or baked, depending on the recipe and preference.

Share Your Discovery

Share via Social Media
Embed This Content
Embed Code
Share Directly via Messenger
Link
Previous Comparison
Ambiance vs. Atmosphere
Next Comparison
Casserole vs. Stew

Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

New Comparisons

Trending Terms