Bacon Cheeseburgers with Coca Cola Onions

Bacon cheeseburgers with Coca Cola onions take classic comfort food somewhere extra special. I love how the sweet tang of the onions combines with smoky bacon and gooey cheddar, all on buttery toasted brioche. This recipe turns out like something from your favorite diner, juicy and packed with flavor.

My family begs for these burgers every backyard cookout and even picky eaters devour the onions They never even make it to leftovers

Ingredients

• Thick cut bacon: brings a smoky crunch and real bacon flavor Look for meaty slices with nice marbling
• Sweet onions: caramelize beautifully with soda Vidalia onions are perfect or try any mild yellow onion
• 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 Go for a flaky salt if you have it
• Black pepper: adds bold warmth Freshly cracked gives the best kick
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): bring just a touch of heat Only add if you want a bit of spice
• Coca Cola: means tangy sweetness that helps the onions caramelize Any classic cola works in a pinch
• Ground beef: choose 85 percent or 80 percent lean for juicy burgers Avoid extra lean for best texture
• Barbecue sauce: brings a smoky tang Use your favorite bottled sauce or homemade for personal flair
• Seasoned salt: gives savory layers Lawry’s or homemade both work in burgers
• Granulated garlic and onion powder: punch up true burger flavor Look for fresh jars for best scent
• Cheddar cheese: melts creamy and sharp Choose a block and slice it yourself for maximum melt
• Brioche buns: offer a buttery soft base Toast or grill 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 over medium-high heat in a large skillet until it is deeply golden and crisp Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain and save all the drippings in the skillet This rich fat gives the onions signature depth

Slice and Sauté the Onions:

Peel onions and cut into quarter inch thick rounds Separate layers into rings Toss them into the bacon drippings or olive oil in your skillet Season with salt pepper and optional red pepper flakes Stir well

Soften and Caramelize Onions:

Let onions cook over medium heat uncovered and stir occasionally for about ten to fifteen minutes You want them translucent and starting to go soft Do not rush this browning step because the flavor gets deeper as they cook

Add Cola and Finish the Onions:

Pour in the Coca Cola and stir once more Keep cooking uncovered over medium-low for another twenty to thirty minutes until the onions turn jammy glossy and brown Most liquid should be gone Stir now and then to prevent sticking

Mix and Shape the Burger Patties:

In a mixing bowl use your hands to gently blend ground beef barbecue sauce seasoned salt pepper garlic and onion powder Mix until just combined and divide into six even balls Flatten each into a patty and press an indent into the center This keeps them from puffing up Chill on a sheet pan until ready to grill

Grill the Burgers:

Heat your grill to medium-high and brush grates lightly with oil Sear patties for five to eight minutes then carefully flip and finish until done to your liking For well done go to one hundred sixty five degrees Place cheese slices on each patty during the last minute to melt

Toast the Buns:

Spread buns with butter and toast on the grill or in a pan until golden and crisp This keeps them from getting soggy

Build and Serve:

Layer patties on buns Top each with bacon tomato lettuce pickles and your favorite condiments Pile high with caramelized Coca Cola onions and cap with the top bun Serve hot right away

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Coca Cola onions are my not so secret favorite here Every time I make these my kitchen smells incredible and my kids hover until the burgers come off the grill We once took these burgers on a picnic and the onions had people wandering over asking what smelled so good

Storage Tips

Store any leftover patties and onions separately in airtight containers Burgers keep for three days in the fridge Reheat over low heat on the stove to keep them juicy Onions last up to a week and freeze well for a month

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not eat pork try thick cut turkey bacon or leave it out for a vegetarian option Plant based ground meat works great in place of beef and you can swap in gouda or pepper jack cheese for a fun twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve these burgers with crispy baked fries a fresh coleslaw or corn on the cob Offer extra barbecue sauce and lots of napkins since things get deliciously messy

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Cultural Context

Bacon cheeseburgers are pure Americana and the Coca Cola onions give a playful nod to Southern barbecue traditions This recipe fuses classic burger stand flavors with the sweet magic of old school soda

Recipe FAQs

→ How do Coca Cola onions change the flavor?

Cooking onions with Coca Cola imparts a subtle sweetness and deep caramelized flavor, enhancing every bite with a unique savory-sweet balance.

→ What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and offers bold flavor, but feel free to substitute with American, Swiss, or your favorite cheese for variety.

→ Can I use a different type of bun?

Absolutely! Brioche buns are soft and buttery, but potato rolls, pretzel buns, or classic hamburger buns work well too.

→ What's the best beef blend for patties?

Choose ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy, flavorful burgers that stay moist when grilled.

→ Is it possible to make the onions ahead of time?

Yes, Coca Cola onions can be prepared in advance and reheated when assembling burgers, saving time on busy days.

→ How can I prevent burgers from puffing up in the center?

Press an indentation in the center of each patty before grilling, helping them cook evenly without doming in the middle.