Grilled Bacon Cheeseburgers

These Grilled Bacon Cheeseburgers with Coca Cola Onions take a beloved classic and turn it into a flavor-packed experience perfect for your next cookout. Combining juicy, smoky patties with sweet and tangy caramelized onions creates a delicious balance that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe elevates your usual burger with a unique twist that is surprisingly easy to pull off on the grill.

I remember the first time I made these burgers during a summer barbecue and how quickly they disappeared. The Coca Cola onions added that perfect hint of sweetness that paired beautifully with the savory beef and bacon.

Ingredients

• Sweet onions: each ring becomes tender and sweet once caramelized making the perfect topping
• Olive oil: to gently cook the onions without burning and bring out their natural sugars
• Kosher salt and pepper: for well-rounded seasoning of both the onions and meat
• Coca Cola: regular Coca Cola provides the sugars needed for deep caramelization in the onions
• Ground beef: using an 80/20 mix gives juicy patties with the right amount of fat and flavor
• BBQ sauce: adds a smoky, tangy layer directly into the ground beef for extra depth
• Garlic powder and onion powder: boost the savory flavor of the patties without overpowering
• Cheddar cheese: melts nicely with a sharp, creamy taste on the hot burger
• Brioche buns: soft and slightly sweet to complement the bold burger flavors
• Tomato slices and green leaf lettuce: offer fresh, crisp textures and bright color
• Bacon: thick cut applewood smoked bacon provides smoky, crisp contrast and richness

Instructions

Sauté the Onions:

Cut sweet onions into quarter-inch thick rings, discard the root and skin, separate the rings and heat a large skillet over medium. Add olive oil, season with kosher salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until soft and translucent.

Add Coca Cola to Caramelize:

Pour Coca Cola into the skillet with the onions and cook over medium for another 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions brown deeply and most of the liquid evaporates. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Burger Mixture:

Place ground beef in a large bowl and add BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands until seasonings are distributed without overworking the meat.

Shape the Patties:

Divide the meat into six equal portions and form patties, pressing a slight indentation in the center of each to help them cook evenly. Keep chilled until ready to grill.

Grill the Burgers:

Preheat grill to medium-high, cook patties about five to eight minutes on one side until browned, flip and continue until desired doneness. Add cheddar slices during the last minute to melt.

Assemble the Burgers:

Place bottom brioche bun, layer green leaf lettuce, tomato slice, cooked patty with melted cheese, two halves of crispy bacon, and a generous spoonful of Coca Cola caramelized onions. Top with bun and serve immediately.

My favorite part has to be the onions—they remind me of backyard barbecues with family, where everyone would gather around the grill swapping stories while waiting for that perfect juicy bite. The contrast of smoky bacon, savory beef, and sweet onions is unforgettable.

Storage Tips

Store leftover burgers separate from buns and toppings in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The Coca Cola onions keep very well and often taste better after a day as the flavors meld; patties freeze for up to three months if wrapped tightly and should be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can’t find Coca Cola, a cola-flavored soda with real sugar works best as diet sodas will not caramelize properly. Cheese can be swapped for pepper jack or Swiss for a different flavor, and if you do not have brioche buns, potato rolls or sturdy hamburger buns work well too.

Serving Suggestions

These burgers shine with classic sides like crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. Offer pickles and mayonnaise or a spicy chipotle sauce on the side for guests to customize their burgers, and pair with a cold beer or iced tea.

These grilled bacon cheeseburgers are a showstopper at any cookout and worth the little extra effort for the Coca Cola caramelized onions. Serve hot and enjoy the mix of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What ground beef is best for juicy burgers?

Choose an 80/20 ground beef blend or higher fat content for moist, flavorful patties. Angus beef or mixes with pork can add richness.

→ Why indent burgers in the center before grilling?

Indenting the center prevents the patties from puffing up as they cook, helping them stay evenly shaped and cook uniformly.

→ Can Diet Coca Cola be used for caramelized onions?

Regular Coca Cola is preferred because the sugar content aids caramelization, creating the rich flavor and color in the onions.

→ What type of bacon works best for these burgers?

Thick-cut applewood smoked bacon adds robust flavor and crispiness, but any favorite bacon works well.

→ How should leftovers be stored to maintain freshness?

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