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Grilled Bacon Cheeseburgers

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

These grilled bacon cheeseburgers are elevated with smoky bacon and melted cheddar cheese, paired perfectly with sweet and tangy Coca Cola caramelized onions. Preparing the onions with olive oil and Coca Cola enhances their sweetness, complementing the savory beef patties seasoned with garlic and onion powder. Making an indentation in the burger patties ensures they stay evenly cooked without puffing up. Serve them on brioche buns with fresh lettuce and tomato for a satisfying and flavorful cookout experience.

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A smiling chef holding a plate of food.
By Lina Lina
Last updated on Sat, 08 Nov 2025 22:53:32 GMT
A grilled bacon cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato. Bookmark
A grilled bacon cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato. | tinycakee.com

Take your classic burger up a notch with these Grilled Bacon Cheeseburgers featuring Coca Cola caramelized onions. The combination of juicy, flavorful patties, smoky crispy bacon, and sweet tangy onions creates a burger experience that will elevate any cookout or family dinner. This recipe brings layers of savory and sweet together, making it a memorable meal you can enjoy anytime you're grilling.

I first made these burgers for a summer barbecue and they quickly became the star of the show. The caramelized onions with Coca Cola were a game changer and everyone kept asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

  • Sweet onions: bring natural sweetness and soften beautifully when caramelized. Choose firm, unblemished onions for best results
  • Olive oil: for sautéing the onions, look for extra virgin for richness and flavor
  • Kosher salt and pepper: essential for seasoning both the onions and the burger meat to draw out flavors
  • Coca Cola: the sugar in regular Coke helps the onions caramelize perfectly avoid diet varieties
  • Ground beef: aim for an 80/20 or higher fat content for juicy flavorful patties Angus is ideal if you can find it
  • BBQ sauce: adds complexity and a hint of smoky sweetness to the patties
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: boost savory depth inside the burger mix
  • Cheddar cheese: melts perfectly over the grilled patties for classic cheeseburger goodness
  • Brioche buns: soft, slightly sweet buns complement all the bold flavors
  • Tomato slices: fresh and juicy to balance the richness
  • Green leaf lettuce: adds crunch and freshness
  • Bacon: thick cut applewood smoked is my favorite for smoky, crispy texture

Instructions

Sauté the Onions:
Cut the onions into quarter inch rings, removing root and skin, then separate rings. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil, onions, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat evenly and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent.
Add Coca Cola to Caramelize:
Pour Coca Cola into the skillet with the onions. Stir to combine, then continue cooking for 15 to 20 minutes over medium heat until the onions are fully caramelized, soft, browned, and most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare Burger Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix gently but thoroughly, ensuring all seasonings are evenly distributed.
Form Patties:
Divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape each into a patty. Make an indentation in the center of each burger to keep it from puffing up while cooking. Place patties on a tray until ready to grill.
Grill the Burgers:
Heat your grill to medium-high. Place burgers on the hot grill grates and cook for 5 to 8 minutes on the first side. Flip once and cook to your preferred doneness. For well done, aim for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from heat and immediately place a slice of cheddar over each patty to melt.
Assemble the Burgers:
Place the bottom half of a brioche bun on your plate. Layer with green leaf lettuce and a slice of tomato. Add the burger patty with melted cheese, then top with two halves of crispy bacon. Spoon a generous portion of Coca Cola caramelized onions on top before adding the top bun. Serve right away while warm.
A close up of a grilled bacon cheeseburger.
A close up of a grilled bacon cheeseburger. | tinycakee.com

I love the Coca Cola onions because they bring a sweet and slightly tangy counterpoint to the smoky bacon and savory beef. This combination reminds me of summer evenings with my family gathered around the grill, everyone happily digging into these rich burgers with smiles all around.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cooked onions and bacon keep well for three days. Burger patties can be frozen raw in a sealed bag for up to three months and thawed overnight in the fridge before grilling.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer, any cola with sugar can substitute Coca Cola but avoid diet varieties as they won’t caramelize properly. For bacon, feel free to use your favorite brand or style, whether thick cut or thin but expect slightly different textures. Cheddar cheese can be swapped with American, Monterey Jack, or your preferred melting cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with classic sides like fries, grilled corn, or a crisp green salad. Pickles and your favorite burger condiments like mustard or mayonnaise work well alongside the Coca Cola onions to balance flavors.

A close up of a grilled bacon cheeseburger.
A close up of a grilled bacon cheeseburger. | tinycakee.com

These Grilled Bacon Cheeseburgers with Coca Cola caramelized onions are a crowd pleasing upgrade for any meal. Serve them warm and enjoy.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What ground beef is ideal for burgers?

An 80/20 mix or higher fat content is best to ensure juicy, flavorful burgers. Angus or beef-pork blends work well too.

→ Why indent the burgers before grilling?

Indenting helps prevent the patties from puffing and shrinking during cooking, keeping them evenly shaped.

→ Can Diet Coca Cola be used for caramelized onions?

Regular Coca Cola is preferred for the sugar content that aids caramelization and adds rich flavor to the onions.

→ What type of bacon works best?

Thick cut applewood smoked bacon adds smoky depth, but any preferred bacon style can be used.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store ingredients separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Burgers can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed overnight in the fridge.

Grilled Bacon Cheeseburgers

Smoky grilled bacon cheeseburgers with sweet Coca Cola caramelized onions, perfect for summer cookouts.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
By Lina: Lina

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Requires Moderate Experience

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 6 Portion Count (6 burgers)

Dietary Options: ~

What You’ll Need

→ Vegetables

01 2 large sweet onions, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch rings
02 3 leaves green leaf lettuce
03 6 slices tomato

→ Meats

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 BBQ sauce
09 1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 1 teaspoon onion powder
11 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
13 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for seasoning
14 1 cup Coca-Cola (regular, not diet)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Slice onions into 1/4 inch rings, separating them. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, stirring to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and soft, approximately 15 minutes.

Step 02

Add 1 cup of Coca-Cola to the skillet with the onions. Stir to combine and continue cooking until the onions are browned, caramelized, very soft, and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 03

In a large bowl, mix ground beef with BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper by hand until thoroughly combined.

Step 04

Divide mixture into six equal portions and shape into patties approximately 1.25 cm (1/2 inch) thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent bulging during grilling. Place patties on a tray until ready to grill.

Step 05

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill patties for 5 to 8 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) for well done. Place a slice of cheddar cheese atop each patty during the final minute to melt. Remove from heat.

Step 06

Place brioche bun bottoms on serving plates. Layer with lettuce leaf, tomato slice, burger patty with melted cheese, half a slice of bacon per burger (broken to fit), and a generous portion of Coca-Cola caramelized onions. Top with bun crown and serve immediately.

Helpful Hints

  1. Indenting the burger patties helps maintain shape and prevents them from puffing up while cooking.
  2. Use regular Coca-Cola for caramelizing onions to achieve optimal sweetness and flavor; diet varieties lack necessary sugar.
  3. Leftover components can be refrigerated separately for up to 3 days. Patties may be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Grill
  • Mixing bowl
  • Sheet tray

Allergy Information

Review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy, gluten, and pork