Grilled Bacon Cheeseburgers (Printer-Friendly Version)
Smoky grilled burgers with crispy bacon and sweet Coca Cola caramelized onions for bold summer flavors.
# Ingredients Needed:
→ Vegetables
01 -
1 large sweet onion, sliced into 1/4 inch rings
02 -
6 leaves green leaf lettuce
03 -
6 slices tomato
→ Meat
04 -
900 grams (2 pounds) ground beef 80/20 blend
05 -
6 slices thick cut applewood smoked bacon
→ Dairy
06 -
6 slices cheddar cheese
→ Breads
07 -
6 brioche buns
→ Condiments & Spices
08 -
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
09 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
10 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
11 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
12 -
Kosher salt, to taste
13 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Beverages
14 -
180 ml (6 fl oz) Coca-Cola
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Slice the sweet onion into 1/4 inch rings, discarding root and skin. Separate the rings and set aside.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions become translucent and soften.
03 -
Pour Coca-Cola into the skillet with the onions. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until onions caramelize, darken, soften, and almost all liquid evaporates, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
04 -
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper thoroughly by hand until evenly combined.
05 -
Divide the meat mixture into six equal portions. Shape each into a patty approximately 1.5 cm thick, pressing a slight indentation in the center of each to prevent bulging during grilling. Arrange patties on a tray and set aside until grilling.
06 -
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, ensuring surface is clean and lightly oiled.
07 -
Place patties on the grill and cook for 5 to 8 minutes on the first side. Flip and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) for well-done.
08 -
Remove patties from grill, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each, and allow to melt while resting for 1 to 2 minutes.
09 -
Place bottom halves of brioche buns on serving plates. Layer each with a lettuce leaf, tomato slice, a burger patty with melted cheese, two halves of bacon, and a generous portion of Coca-Cola caramelized onions. Cover with top bun.
10 -
Serve immediately while warm.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Indenting burger patties prevents center puffing and ensures even cooking.
02 -
Use regular Coca-Cola for better caramelization; diet versions lack necessary sugar.
03 -
Store leftovers separately in refrigerator up to 3 days; freeze patties up to 3 months.