Grilled Bacon Cheeseburgers Coca-Cola

Take your classic burger up a notch with these Grilled Bacon Cheeseburgers with Coca Cola Onions. The juicy, flavorful patties combined with the sweetness of caramelized onions create a rich and satisfying burger experience that will impress everyone at your next cookout. This recipe transforms an ordinary backyard meal into something to really savor and remember.

I first made these burgers on a summer afternoon and was hooked by the flavor contrast that the onions brought. Now my family insists that these are the only burgers worth grilling when we fire up the barbecue.

Ingredients

• Sweet onions: essential for natural sweetness and perfect caramelization choose firm onions without blemishes
• Olive oil: for lightly sautéing the onions and enhancing their flavor
• Kosher salt and pepper: to season both onions and burger patties properly, bringing out the best taste
• Coca Cola: provides the sugar needed for caramelization and adds depth to the onion’s flavor use regular Coca Cola, not diet
• Ground beef: ideally 80/20 fat ratio or better for juicy, flavorful burgers Angus or mixed porkbeef can work well
• BBQ sauce: adds a smoky, tangy element mixed into the burger meat
• Garlic powder and onion powder: intensify the savory profile of the patties
• Cheddar cheese: for rich, melty topping that complements the smoky bacon and sweet onions
• Brioche buns: soft and buttery, they hold all the ingredients without falling apart
• Tomato slices and green leaf lettuce: for fresh, crisp contrast
• Bacon: choose thick cut applewood smoked bacon for best flavor and texture

Instructions

Sauté the Onions:

Cut the sweet onions into quarter inch round slices and separate the rings. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Season the onions with kosher salt and pepper and toss to coat. Cook the onions gently, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until they become translucent and just start to soften.

Add Coca Cola and Caramelize:

Pour Coca Cola over the onions and stir to combine. Reduce heat slightly and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply browned, soft, caramelized, and nearly all the liquid has evaporated. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Burger Mix:

While the onions cook, place ground beef in a bowl. Add BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix gently but thoroughly until just combined. Overmixing can make the patties tough.

Form the Patties:

Divide the meat into six equal portions. Shape each into a patty about three quarters of an inch thick. Press an indentation in the center of each to prevent puffing up during grilling. Place patties on a tray until ready to cook.

Grill the Burgers:

Preheat your grill to mediumhigh heat. Place the patties on the grill and cook undisturbed for five to eight minutes on the first side. Flip them carefully and cook to your desired level of doneness. For well done, aim for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Add Cheese and Assemble:

Remove the burgers from the grill and immediately top each with a slice of cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt as the burgers rest briefly. To assemble, place the bottom brioche bun on a plate. Layer with lettuce, a tomato slice, the burger patty, two halves of bacon, and a generous spoonful of Coca Cola caramelized onions. Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.

My personal favorite is the caramelized Coca Cola onions which add that perfect sticky sweet punch. I remember my first bite and the surprise on my friends’ faces, everyone agreeing that this twist elevated the whole experience.

Storage Tips

Keep leftover patties, onions, and toppings stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat patties without drying them out, warm them gently on a grill or stovetop over low heat. The onions reheat well in a skillet until warmed through. Avoid assembling the burgers ahead of time to keep buns from getting soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If brioche buns are not available, sturdy potato buns or classic sesame seed buns work well and hold up to the juicy ingredients. Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef but may require extra seasoning and careful cooking to maintain moisture. For a vegetarian option, use thick grilled portobello mushrooms and smoked gouda instead of bacon and ground beef.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these burgers with classic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob. A crisp pickle or tangy dipping sauces such as chipotle mayo can add extra layers of flavor. These burgers are also great served alongside a light green salad to balance the richness.

These grilled bacon cheeseburgers are a perfect blend of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What ground beef is best for these burgers?

Use an 80/20 ground beef blend or higher fat content like Angus for juiciness and flavor.

→ Why indent the center of burger patties?

Making an indentation prevents burgers from puffing up and helps them cook evenly.

→ Can Diet Coca-Cola be used for the caramelized onions?

Regular Coca-Cola is preferred as its sugar content helps create proper caramelization and flavor.

→ What type of bacon works best?

Thick-cut applewood smoked bacon adds smoky richness, though any favorite bacon will work.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store ingredients separately in the fridge up to 3 days; burgers can be frozen for up to 3 months.