Grilled Bacon Cheeseburgers

These Grilled Bacon Cheeseburgers with Coca Cola Onions bring a delicious twist to the timeless burger. The combination of juicy beef patties, smoky bacon, melted cheddar, and sweetly caramelized onions infused with Coca Cola makes every bite unforgettable. Perfect for summer cookouts or any day you want to impress with minimal fuss.

I first made these burgers on a sunny weekend afternoon and they instantly became the star of our family cookouts. Now every time we grill, these are the ones everyone requests first.

Ingredients

• Sweet onions: provide natural sweetness and soften beautifully when cooked, choose firm onions without blemishes
• Olive oil: used to lightly coat the onions for sautéing, look for extra virgin for best flavor
• Kosher salt and pepper: essential seasoning to bring out all the savory notes
• Coca Cola: the key to creating perfectly caramelized onions with a sweet depth, use classic not diet
• Ground beef: an 80/20 mix works best for juicy flavorful patties, you can try Angus for extra quality
• BBQ sauce: adds smoky tang inside the meat, pick your favorite brand or homemade version
• Garlic powder and onion powder: boost savory flavor without overpowering
• Cheddar cheese: melts wonderfully on the hot patties, sharp or mild according to preference
• Brioche buns: soft slightly sweet perfect for holding thick burgers without falling apart
• Tomato slices: fresh acidity balances the richness
• Green leaf lettuce: adds crisp texture and freshness
• Bacon: thick cut applewood smoked is preferred for deep smoky flavor but use your favorite

Instructions

Sauté the Onions:

Cut the sweet onions into quarter inch rings, discard the root and skin, then separate the rings. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the onions along with kosher salt and pepper, stirring to coat. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions become translucent and start softening.

Add Coca Cola and Caramelize:

Pour in Coca Cola, stirring to mix with the onions. Continue cooking for 15 to 20 minutes more until the onions are deeply browned, soft, caramelized, and most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Burger Mixture:

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands for easy mixing and to evenly distribute seasonings.

Form and Shape Patties:

Divide the mixture into six equal portions. Shape each into a patty and make a shallow indentation in the center to prevent puffing up during grilling. Place patties on a tray until ready to cook.

Grill the Burgers:

Preheat the grill to medium high heat. Place the patties on the grill and cook for 5 to 8 minutes on the first side until they develop a nice crust. Flip and continue grilling until reaching desired doneness, keeping in mind well done is about 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from heat and place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.

Assemble the Burgers:

Put the bottom half of a brioche bun on your plate. Layer with green leaf lettuce and a tomato slice. Add the cheesy burger patty then top with bacon broken in half to fit nicely. Spoon generous portions of the Coca Cola onions over the bacon and cap with the top bun. Serve immediately to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors and textures.

My favorite part is definitely the Coca Cola onions. They remind me of those summer evenings when the grill smoke mingles with the sweet caramel aroma, making everyone gather around hungry and happy.

Storage Tips

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers to keep flavors fresh longer. The onions keep well for up to three days refrigerated. Burgers can be stored cooked or uncooked in the fridge for a couple of days or frozen for months. When reheating cooked burgers, warm slowly to avoid drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken burgers work if you want a lighter option, though they benefit from added fat like olive oil or bacon for moisture. Instead of Coca Cola, try using root beer or apple cider for a different caramelized onion flavor. Swap cheddar for gouda or pepper jack for a new cheesy twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these with classic grilled corn on the cob or crispy fries. A side of coleslaw or potato salad can balance the richness nicely. Pair with a cold soda or an ice cold beer for the ultimate backyard vibe.

These grilled bacon cheeseburgers offer bold sweet and smoky flavors that are easy to make and perfect for gatherings. Don’t skip the Coca Cola onions for the best results.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of ground beef is best for grilling?

Use an 80/20 mix or higher fat content for juicy, flavorful burgers. Angus or a pork-beef blend enhances richness and tenderness.

→ Why indent the center of burger patties?

Indenting helps the burgers cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle, maintaining a flat shape on the grill.

→ Can diet soda be used for caramelizing onions?

Regular Coca Cola is recommended as its sugar content aids in proper caramelization and adds natural sweetness to the onions.

→ What bacon works best for these burgers?

Thick-cut applewood smoked bacon adds a robust smoky flavor but feel free to use your preferred bacon type for personal taste.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store components separately in the fridge up to 3 days. Patties freeze well up to 3 months and should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator.