Glazed Cola Burgers
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Looking for a fun way to change up your usual summer burgers? These Glazed Cola Burgers are a delicious twist on a classic grilled favorite. Cola is mixed into the burger meat and used in the glaze brushed over the patties while they cook. That gives the burgers a slightly sweet, savory flavor that makes them stand out from an everyday hamburger.
The burger mixture differs from a traditional plain beef patty and is more like a meatloaf mixture. Along with the ground beef, you mix in crushed saltine crackers, an egg, cola, French dressing, Parmesan cheese, and salt. The crackers and egg help hold the patties together, while the dressing, cola, and cheese add moisture and plenty of flavor.
As the burgers grill, brush them with a simple glaze made from more cola and French dressing. The glaze adds another layer of sweetness and creates a flavorful coating on the outside of each patty. The cola and French dressing combine to give these burgers a sweet-and-savory taste that works especially well for summer cookouts and family dinners.
Ingredients for Glazed Cola Burgers
- GROUND BEEF – Ground beef forms the base of these hearty burger patties. An 80/20 or 85/15 blend works well because a little fat helps keep the burgers juicy and flavorful while grilling.
- EGG – The egg acts as a binder, helping the ground beef, crackers, and other ingredients hold together. This is especially helpful because these patties have a softer, meatloaf-style mixture.
- COCA-COLA – Cola adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the burger mixture. It is also used in the glaze, where its sugars help create a flavorful coating on the patties as they grill.
- SALTINE CRACKERS – Crushed saltines absorb some of the liquid and help hold the patties together. They also give the burgers a tender texture similar to meatloaf.
- FRENCH OR CATALINA SALAD DRESSING – French dressing adds sweetness, tanginess, and seasoning to both the patties and the glaze. Its tomato-based flavor pairs well with the cola and gives the burgers their distinctive sweet-and-savory taste.
- PARMESAN CHEESE – Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor to the burger mixture. It also contributes a little extra richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
- SALT – Salt enhances the beef’s flavor and brings out the cola glaze’s sweetness and tanginess. You only need a small amount since the crackers, dressing, and Parmesan already contain salt.
- HAMBURGER BUNS – Hamburger buns provide the perfect base for serving the glazed burgers. Briefly toast the cut sides on the grill to add flavor and help keep the buns from getting soggy.
- OPTIONAL TOPPINGS – Lettuce leaves, tomato, onion, pickles, and cheese let everyone customize their burger. Crisp lettuce and pickles balance the sweet glaze, while tomato, onion, and cheese add freshness, flavor, and richness.
Instructions for Glazed Cola Burgers
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, 1/4 cup cola, crushed saltine crackers, 2 tablespoons French dressing, Parmesan cheese, and salt. Crumble the ground beef over the mixture, then gently mix everything together until evenly combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, since that can make the burgers tough.
Divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape each one into a patty. I like to use a patty press. The mixture will be softer and moister than a traditional burger mixture, so handle the patties gently as you shape them.
In a small bowl, stir together the remaining cola and French dressing. Set this basting sauce aside to use as the glaze while the burgers cook.
Place the patties on a medium-heated grill. Grill for about 3 minutes per side, then brush with the cola glaze. Continue grilling for another 6 to 8 minutes, turning and brushing the burgers occasionally, until the centers reach 160 degrees.
Serve the glazed hamburgers on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cola works best for these burgers?
Regular cola works best because the sugar adds sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize as the burgers cook. Diet cola is not recommended because it will not create the same flavor or glaze.
Why are saltine crackers added to the burger mixture?
The crushed crackers help absorb some of the liquid and hold the patties together. They also give the burgers a softer, meatloaf-style texture.
Will the burgers taste strongly like cola?
No. The cola adds a mild sweetness rather than a strong soda flavor. It blends with the French dressing to create a sweet and tangy glaze.
Why is the burger mixture so moist?
The egg, cola, and French dressing make the mixture softer than a traditional hamburger mixture. Handle the patties gently and make sure the grill is hot before adding them.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Yes. Shape the patties, place them on a covered tray, and refrigerate them until you are ready to grill. For the best texture, prepare them no more than one day in advance.
Can I cook these burgers on the stovetop?
Yes. Cook them in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Brush them with the cola glaze as they cook and continue until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
When should I add cheese to the burgers?
Place the cheese on the patties during the final minute or two of cooking. Close the grill lid briefly to help it melt.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Mix the ingredients until just combined, shape the patties firmly but gently, and chill them in the refrigerator before grilling if they feel especially soft. Avoid moving them too much during the first few minutes of cooking.
Top 5 Tips and Tricks
Do not overmix the ground beef. Mix the meat mixture only until evenly combined. Overworking the meat can make the finished burgers dense and tough.
Handle the moist patties gently. These patties are softer than regular burgers because of the cola and dressing. Shape them carefully, and refrigerate briefly if they are difficult to handle.
Use regular cola instead of diet. The sugar in regular cola adds flavor and helps the glaze develop a slightly caramelized finish.
Wait before adding the glaze. Grill the burgers for a few minutes on each side before brushing them. Adding the glaze too early can burn the sugars.
Check the temperature instead of relying on color. Cook the ground beef patties until the center reaches 160 degrees. A meat thermometer is the easiest way to make sure they are cooked safely without overcooking them.
For more recipes like this, try:
Glazed Cola Burgers
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup cola divided
- ½ cup saltines crushed (about 15)
- 6 Tbsp French salad dressing divided
- 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese grated
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 6 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings lettuce leaves, sliced tomato, sliced red onion, pickles, and sliced cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the egg, 1/4 cup cola, cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons French dressing, Parmesan cheese, and salt. Crumble the beef over the mixture and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 6 patties (the mixture will be moist).
- In a small bowl, combine remaining cola and salad dressing; set aside.
- Grill burgers over medium heat for 3 minutes on each side. Brush with cola mixture. Continue grilling until a thermometer reads 160°, 6-8 minutes, brushing and turning occasionally. Serve patties on buns with optional toppings as desired.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Taste of Home.
