Bacon Cheeseburgers Coca Cola

Thick, juicy bacon cheeseburgers get an irresistible upgrade with sweet and tangy Coca Cola caramelized onions. This recipe combines perfectly seasoned ground beef patties grilled to juicy perfection with smoky bacon, sharp melted cheddar, and soft brioche buns. The Coca Cola onions add a lovely balance of sweetness that elevates every bite, making these burgers a backyard favorite and a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

I first made these burgers at a family cookout, and now no summer barbecue feels complete without them. Even my picky eaters adore the caramelized onions and always ask for seconds.

Ingredients

• Thick cut bacon: brings a smoky crunch and real bacon flavor Choose meaty slices with nice marbling for best texture
• Sweet onions: caramelize beautifully with soda Vidalia onions are perfect but mild yellow onions also work well
• Bacon drippings or good olive oil: build a richer flavor base Save the bacon fat after cooking for best results
• Kosher salt: keeps all the flavors bright and balanced Use flaky salt if you have it for better texture
• Black pepper: adds bold warmth Freshly cracked pepper gives the best aroma and taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes: optional bring just a touch of heat Add only if you want a hint of spice
• Coca Cola: provides tangy sweetness that helps the onions caramelize Use any classic cola as a substitute
• Ground beef with 85 percent or 80 percent lean: ensures juicy burgers Avoid extra lean for better flavor and texture
• Barbecue sauce: adds smoky tang Use your favorite bottled or homemade sauce for personal flair
• Seasoned salt: gives savory layers Lawry’s or homemade versions both work great
• Granulated garlic and onion powders: punch up true burger flavor Use fresh jars for the best aroma
• Cheddar cheese: melts creamy and sharp Choose a block and slice for maximum melt and flavor
• Brioche buns: offer a buttery soft base Toast or grill them for added flavor and crunch
• Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and condiments: let each burger be customized Pick the freshest produce for color and crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bacon:

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until deeply golden and crisp Transfer bacon to paper towels and save all the drippings in the skillet as this fat is key to the onion flavor

Slice and Sauté the Onions:

Peel onions and slice into quarter-inch thick rounds Separate into rings and toss into the bacon drippings or olive oil in the skillet Season with salt pepper and optional red pepper flakes Stir to coat evenly

Soften and Caramelize Onions:

Cook onions over medium heat uncovered Stir occasionally for ten to fifteen minutes until they become translucent and start to soften This slow cooking builds rich flavor so do not rush this step

Add Cola and Finish the Onions:

Pour in Coca Cola and stir once more Continue cooking uncovered over medium-low heat for twenty to thirty minutes until onions turn jammy glossy and deeply brown Most of the liquid should evaporate Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning

Mix and Shape the Burger Patties:

In a bowl gently mix ground beef barbecue sauce seasoned salt pepper garlic and onion powders Do not overwork the meat Divide into six balls Flatten each into a patty and press a small indentation in the center to prevent puffing Chill until ready to grill

Grill the Burgers:

Preheat grill to medium-high Brush grates lightly with oil Sear patties for five to eight minutes then flip and cook to desired doneness For well done aim for one hundred sixty five degrees Place cheddar slices on patties in the last minute to melt

Toast the Buns:

Spread butter on buns and toast on the grill or in a pan until golden and crisp This adds crunch and prevents sogginess from the toppings

Build and Serve:

Place patties on toasted buns Top each with crispy bacon tomato lettuce pickles and your favorite condiments Pile generously with caramelized Coca Cola onions Cap with the top bun and serve immediately

Pin

Coca Cola onions are my not so secret favorite part Every time I make these the kitchen fills with an amazing aroma and my kids hover nearby counting the minutes until the burgers come off the grill We once took these burgers on a picnic and the sweet smell of the onions even drew neighbors over asking what smelled so good

Storage Tips

Store leftover patties and onions separately in airtight containers Burgers stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge Reheat gently on the stove to keep them juicy Onions keep for about a week in the fridge and freeze well for up to a month

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer no pork use thick cut turkey bacon or omit bacon for a vegetarian-friendly burger Plant based ground meat works well instead of beef And try gouda or pepper jack cheese for a tasty twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve these burgers alongside crispy baked fries fresh coleslaw or corn on the cob Offer extra barbecue sauce for dipping and plenty of napkins since these get deliciously messy

Cultural Context

Pin

Bacon cheeseburgers are a classic American comfort food and the Coca Cola caramelized onions add a playful nod to Southern barbecue traditions This recipe blends diner-worthy flavors with the sweet magic of soda for a truly unique and memorable meal

Recipe FAQs

→ How do Coca Cola onions affect flavor?

Cooking onions in Coca Cola gently caramelizes them, creating a unique balance of sweet and savory flavors that enriches the burger.

→ What cheese melts best on these burgers?

Sharp cheddar cheese melts smoothly and adds a bold flavor that complements the smoky bacon and sweet onions perfectly.

→ Can the buns be substituted?

Yes, brioche buns are suggested for their buttery softness, but potato rolls, pretzel buns, or classic hamburger buns work well too.

→ Which ground beef blend is ideal for juicy patties?

Using 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ground beef helps keep patties juicy and flavorful without drying out on the grill.

→ Is it possible to prepare the onions in advance?

Definitely. The Coca Cola onions hold well in the fridge and can be gently reheated before serving.

→ How do I prevent burger patties from puffing up when cooking?

Press an indentation in the center of each patty before grilling to ensure even cooking and keep them flat.