Cola Burgers

As soon as warm weather hits where I live in Northern Wisconsin (where we are almost guaranteed to get a foot of snow sometime in April), it’s time to break out the grill and get cooking outside. From barbecued chicken to baby back ribs, our grill definitely gets a workout in the summer season. One thing that’s in constant rotation on our summertime dinner menu is hamburgers, whether they’re classic cheeseburgers or more unexpected ones like cola burgers.

Burgers endlessly customizable with burger toppings, but you can flavor burgers with mix-ins, too. This unique recipe for cola burgers combines ground beef with cola, crushed saltines, grated Parmesan and French salad dressing to make them unforgettably moist and juicy.

Ingredients for Cola Burgers

• Egg: Adding an egg helps bind all the ingredients together.
• Cola: For the best results (and flavor), use regular cola rather than diet cola.
• Saltines: The crushed saltines absorb the burger’s moisture, helping them hold their shape on the grill. You could substitute panko bread crumbs for the crushed saltines if needed.
• French dressing: This classic salad dressing adds sweet and tangy flavor to the burgers. Use your favorite store-bought bottle, or try our recipe for homemade French dressing.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory flavor to the burgers. Grate it fresh for the best flavor.
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the burgers and counters the sweetness of the cola.
• Ground beef: The best ground beef for burgers is typically a blend of 80% lean and 20% fat. You can use leaner meat, but the burgers might not be as juicy.
• Hamburger buns: Toast the split buns under the broiler or on the grill for added texture.
• Optional toppings: Serve these burgers with your favorite toppings such as lettuce leaves, sliced tomato, sliced red onion, pickles and sliced cheese.

Directions

Step 1: Make the burger patties

In a large bowl, combine the egg, 1/4 cup cola, the cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of salad dressing, the Parmesan cheese and the salt. Crumble the beef over the mixture, and mix it lightly but thoroughly. Shape the mixture into six 3/4-inch-thick patties (the mixture will be moist).

Editor’s Tip: To help prevent the burgers from falling apart, refrigerate the patties for about 20 minutes before grilling them.

Step 2: Mix the basting sauce

In a small bowl, combine the remaining cola and salad dressing, and set the mixture aside.

Step 3: Grill the burgers

Grill the burgers, covered, over medium heat for three minutes on each side. Brush them with the cola mixture. Continue grilling until a thermometer reads 160°F, six to eight minutes, brushing and turning occasionally. Serve them on buns with optional toppings as desired.

Cola Burgers Variations

• Use a different dressing: Catalina dressing, which is similar to French dressing but has a more savory flavor, can also be used in this recipe. Steak sauce, barbecue sauce and Russian dressing are also popular variations that work well.
• Use a different soda: Replace the cola with your favorite can of bubbly. Root beer is a common variation that will taste just as great.
• Make it into meatloaf: Because of the added egg and cracker crumbs, this recipe would also make a great meat loaf. Form the meat into a log on a baking sheet, or place it in a loaf pan. Bake it in a 350° oven until the interior reaches 160°.
• Switch up the meat: You can also make these burgers with ground turkey or ground chicken, but you’ll want the internal temperature to reach 165°.

How to Store Cola Burgers

Leftover cola burgers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. Ideally, you should store the patties separately from any toppings or buns. Leftover buns can be stored at room temperature.

What’s the best way to reheat cola burgers?

The best way to reheat cola burgers is in the oven or in the microwave. To reheat them in the oven, cook them on a baking sheet at 375° until they’re heated through, 10 to 15 minutes. If you need the burgers reheated in a flash, pop them in a microwave-safe dish, cover them, and microwave them in 45-second bursts until they’re hot.

Can you freeze cola burger patties?

You can freeze the patties either uncooked or cooked. To freeze the uncooked patties, place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them until they’re firm, about 30 minutes. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe storage bag and freeze them for up to three months.

To freeze cooked patties, first let them cool, then place them in an airtight container, separated by pieces of parchment or waxed paper. Store them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw raw or cooked patties in the refrigerator overnight.

Cola Burgers Tips

What should you serve with cola burgers?

These cola burgers go great with all your favorite hamburger sides, including onion rings and french fries. For something a little lighter, try an easy Caesar salad, a pasta salad or grilled corn.