Grilled Bacon Cheeseburgers (Printer-Friendly)
Burgers grilled with smoky bacon and melted cheddar topped with caramelized Coca Cola onions and fresh brioche buns.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 -
1 large sweet onion, sliced into 1/4 inch rings
02 -
3 leaves green leaf lettuce
03 -
3 tomato slices
→ Meat & Cheese
04 -
680 g (1.5 lb) ground beef, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
05 -
6 slices cheddar cheese
06 -
6 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon
→ Buns
07 -
6 brioche buns, split
→ Condiments & Seasonings
08 -
120 ml (1/2 cup) Coca-Cola
09 -
30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
10 -
45 ml (3 tbsp) barbecue sauce
11 -
5 ml (1 tsp) kosher salt, plus additional to taste
12 -
3 ml (1/2 tsp) ground black pepper, plus additional to taste
13 -
3 ml (1/2 tsp) garlic powder
14 -
3 ml (1/2 tsp) onion powder
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Slice the sweet onion into 1/4 inch rings, discarding root and skin, then separate into individual rings. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, kosher salt, and black pepper; stir to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes until translucent and soft. Pour in Coca-Cola and continue cooking until onions caramelize and liquid evaporates, approximately 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly by hand until evenly incorporated. Divide mixture into six equal portions and shape each into a patty approximately 1.5 cm thick. Make a shallow indentation in the center of each to prevent bulging during grilling. Place patties on a tray until ready to cook.
03 -
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Place patties on the grill and cook for 5-8 minutes on the first side. Flip and continue grilling until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) for well done. Remove from heat and place a slice of cheddar cheese atop each patty to melt.
04 -
Place bottom halves of brioche buns on serving plates. Layer with green leaf lettuce and tomato slices. Add each burger patty, then lay half a slice of bacon on top. Spoon caramelized Coca-Cola onions over bacon and cover with the top bun. Serve immediately.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Indenting the center of each patty prevents shrinking and ensures even cooking.
02 -
Use regular Coca-Cola for caramelization; diet varieties will not achieve the same flavor.
03 -
Burgers and components can be refrigerated separately for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.