Bacon Cheeseburgers with Coca Cola Onions

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Thick, juicy bacon cheeseburgers meet a flavorful twist in this classic favorite, featuring sweet Coca Cola caramelized onions. Ground beef patties are seasoned and grilled, then crowned with cheddar, crispy bacon, and a generous spoonful of tender onions simmered until golden brown in soda for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Serve on lightly toasted brioche buns with tomatoes, pickles, lettuce, and all your favorite condiments for an irresistible combination that brings out the best in every bite. Enjoy these burgers straight from the grill for a satisfying and memorable meal.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Wed, 18 Jun 2025 21:06:52 GMT
A cheeseburger with bacon and tomato on a bun. Save
A cheeseburger with bacon and tomato on a bun. | lilicooks.com

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
A cheeseburger with bacon and onions. Save
A cheeseburger with bacon and onions. | lilicooks.com

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

Two bacon cheeseburgers with Coca Cola onions. Save
Two bacon cheeseburgers with Coca Cola onions. | lilicooks.com

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.

Bacon Cheeseburgers Coca Cola Onions

Thick bacon cheeseburgers with Coca Cola onions, cheddar, and fresh toppings on toasted buns for an irresistible meal.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
45 min
Overall Time
65 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Coca Cola Onions

01 4 medium-large sweet onions (e.g., Vidalia), sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
02 2 Tbsp bacon drippings or olive oil
03 2 tsp kosher salt
04 1 tsp black pepper
05 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
06 1 cup Coca Cola

→ Bacon Cheeseburgers

07 2 lbs ground beef (85/15 or 80/20)
08 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray's)
09 2 tsp seasoned salt
10 1 tsp black pepper
11 1 tsp granulated garlic
12 1 tsp onion powder
13 6 slices cheddar cheese
14 6 brioche buns, buttered and toasted or grilled
15 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp
16 Toppings: sliced tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, condiments (for serving)

Steps

Step 01

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside on paper towels to drain. Reserve the drippings in the skillet.

Step 02

Add the sliced onion rings to the skillet with bacon drippings (or olive oil). Add kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until onions are translucent and softened.

Step 03

Pour Coca Cola into the skillet with the onions and stir. Continue cooking uncovered over medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes until liquid reduces and onions are caramelized and browned. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 04

In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, barbecue sauce, seasoned salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, and onion powder. Mix with your hands until evenly combined. Divide into six patties and press an indentation into the center of each patty. Chill the patties until ready to grill.

Step 05

Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Place the patties on the grill and cook 5-8 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook to your desired doneness (165°F for well done). In the last few minutes of grilling, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese. Remove patties to a platter.

Step 06

Place cooked patties on toasted brioche buns. Top with crisp bacon, caramelized Coca Cola onions, tomato slices, lettuce, pickles, and condiments of choice. Serve immediately.

Required Tools

  • Large 12-inch skillet
  • Grill
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (brioche buns)
  • Contains dairy (cheddar cheese)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 644
  • Fats: 42 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 44 g