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Coca Cola Burgers

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Coca Cola burgers are delicious ground chuck beef burgers, seasoned with Coca Cola and French Dressing. These ingredients not only add moisture into the burger, but also great depth of spicy flavor. Why not try this great alternative to a traditional beef burger at your next family BBQ or Cookout?

Coca Cola Burgers

Coca Cola Burgers

These Easy Coca Cola Burgers are a twist on a traditional ground beef burger. I add Coca Cola and French dressing to the burger mixture and also combine these ingredients to form a glaze for basting the burgers while they cook on the grill.

The key a good burger full of juicy flavor, is to make sure you add plenty moisture into the patty mixture. I combine egg and saltine crackers, which not only binds the burger, but also helps to lock in moisture, along with the Coca Cola and French Dressing.

This recipe makes 12 cola burgers, and can be easily doubled up if you are feeding a crowd. Or make and enjoy some now and freeze some for a quick and easy dinner another night.

For a unique twist, instead of using raw onion try these amazing Quick Pickled Red Onions. In just 15 minutes you can add amazing flavor to these burgers!

Coca Cola Burger recipe ingredients

Coca Cola Burgers
  • BEEF: I used 3 pounds of ground chuck beef to make 12 burgers.
  • EGGS: I added 2 beaten eggs which help bind the burgers and also add moisture.
  • SODA: Coca Cola soda is added to the burger mix and is also used in the glaze for brushing over the burgers while they cook.
  • CRACKERS; I add crushed saltine crackers to the burger mixture which helps bind the burgers and keeps the moisture in.
  • SALAD DRESSING: I use French salad dressing both in the burger mixture and the glaze.
  • CHEESE: Parmesan cheese adds an extra touch of cheese, slightly salty flavor to the burger.
  • SEASONING: with the other flavors in the burgers I like to keep the seasoning simple with a little salt and black pepper.

How to make Coca Cola Burgers

Coca Cola Burgers
  • Preheat the grill to high heat, 450 to 500 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl, mix the ground chuck, eggs, ½ cup coca cola, crackers, 4 tablespoons dressing, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Coca Cola Burgers
  • Divide the meat mixture into 12 even-sized portions.
Coca Cola Burgers
  • Shape into burgers.
Coca Cola Burgers
  • Mix the remaining soda and salad dressing.
Coca Cola Burgers
  • Place the burgers on the grill and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Just prior to removing from the grill, brush one side of the burger patties with the soda mixture.
Coca Cola Burgers
  • Flip the burgers and brush the second side with the soda mixture.
  • Flip the burger again and cook until the sauce is caramelized.
Coca Cola Burgers
  • Serve the burgers on buns with lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and pickles.

Flavor variations

  • I’ve used ground beef, but you could make these burgers with ground lamb or pork, or try a combination of meats like beef and pork.
  • I’ve used Coca Cola, but Pepsi burgers work in much the same way. Both will add moisture and a touch of spicy flavor to the burger.
  • You can add extra spice to your burger with the addition of some smoked paprika, ground chili or red pepper flakes.
  • If you don’t have saltine crackers, substitute with panko breadcrumbs.

You can even  make your own homemade Panko bread crumbs! Making them at home is a simple and cost-effective alternative and they are so delicious!

Serving suggestions

I serve Coca Cola burgers on burger buns, with sliced lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and dill pickles. You can add some sauces, try my Homemade Spicy Ketchup or some of this delicious Dill Pickle Dip.

When it comes to sides, I love to serve Italian Roasted Potato Bites, Homemade French Fries or my Philly Cheesesteak Potato Skins with a salad, you should also try my Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad.

Coca Cola Burgers

Recipe hints & tips

  • Don’t be too heavy handed and over mix the burger mixture or you will end up with tough burgers. Mix just until everything is combined, then shape the burgers.
  • Divide and shape the mixture into even-sized burgers of similar thickness. This will help the burgers cook evenly at the same time on the grill.
  • To stop the burger mixture from sticking to your hands while shaping the burgers, wet your hands in a little cold water.
  • Once cooked, always allow burgers to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to be absorbed back into the burger, resulting in juicier burgers.

FAQs

What is a soda burger?

A soda burger is a burger where soda is added to the burger mix, and also combined with some French dressing to make a glaze/basting sauce to coat the burger while it is cooking.

How long does it take to cook a burger on the grill?

Cook times will vary depending on the size and thickness of the burgers. I like to cook burgers to medium, a total cook time of 8-9 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check they are done, the internal temperature for ground beef should reach 165 degrees F.

How do you stop burgers from falling apart?

Add beaten egg and crackers or breadcrumbs to a burger mixture, not only does this add in moisture, the these ingredients help to bind the burger mixture together.

Why add crackers or breadcrumbs to burgers?

Crackers or breadcrumbs are added to burgers to help bind the mixture together and hold in moisture while they are being cooked, which also holds in flavor.

How to store leftover coca cola burgers?

Once cooked and cooled, leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up 3-5 days. When ready to enjoy, heat up gently in a warm oven or in the microwave. Just take care not to overcook the burgers or they will become tough.

Can you freeze burgers?

Once cooked, the burgers can be cooled and placed in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

However, if I’m planning to freeze burgers, I prefer to freeze the patties before they are cooked. Prepare the burger patties, shaping them into individual burger shapes. Then place into an airtight container, placing a sheet of baking paper between each burger to stop them from sticking together. Then freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost the burgers overnight in the refrigerator to thaw them before cooking on the grill.

Coca Cola Burgers

Try some of my favorite ground beef recipes here at When is Dinner:

Yield: 12

Coca Cola Burgers

Coca Cola Burgers

Coca Cola burgers are delicious ground chuck beef burgers, seasoned with Coca Cola. The cola not only adds moisture into the burger, but also great spicy flavor. Cola is also mixed with French Dressing to base and glaze the burgers while they are cooking on the grill.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds ground chuck beef
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup Coca Cola soda, divided
  • 1 cup crushed saltine crackers
  • ¾ cup French salad dressing, divided
  • ¼ grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to high heat, 450 to 500 degrees F.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the ground chuck, eggs, ½ cup coca cola, crackers, 4 tablespoons dressing, parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. Divide the meat mixture into 12 portions and shape into burgers.
  4. Mix the remaining soda and salad dressing.
  5. Place the burgers on the grill and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, flipping halfway.
  6. Just prior to removing from the grill, brush one side of the burger patties with the soda mixture.
  7. Flip the burgers and brush the second side with the soda mixture.
  8. Flip the burger again and cook until the sauce is caramelized.
  9. Serve the burgers on buns with lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and pickles.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 446Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 142mgSodium: 351mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 0gSugar: 6gProtein: 34g

Nutritional information is approximate and for guidance only.

Did you make this recipe?

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