Dad’s Cola Burgers

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Jun. 20, 2022
Before you hand out the drinks, save a little soda to make these delectable burgers. Cola—used in the meat mixture and brushed on during cooking—really sparks the flavor and takes this favorite to a whole new level. —Emily Nelson, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Dad’s Cola Burgers Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup crushed saltines (about 15 crackers)
  • 1/2 cup (nondiet) cola, divided
  • 6 tablespoons French salad dressing, divided
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 6 hamburger buns, split
  • Optional toppings: Lettuce leaves and tomato and red onion slices

Directions

  1. Combine saltine crumbs, 1/4 cup cola, 3 tablespoons salad dressing, egg, Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add beef; mix well. Shape into six 3/4-in.-thick patties (the mixture will be moist); sprinkle with remaining salt. Combine remaining 1/4 cup cola and 3 tablespoons salad dressing.
  2. Grill patties, covered, over medium heat 3 minutes per side. Brush with cola mixture. Grill, brushing and turning occasionally, until a thermometer reads 160°, 3-4 minutes longer. Serve on buns; if desired, top with lettuce, tomato and onion.

Nutrition Facts

1 burger: 419 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.