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Smoked Cajun Cheese Burgers

Juicy, smoky beef patties seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice blend, topped with melted cheddar, crispy bacon bits, and a zesty remoulade sauce on a toasted brioche bun.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 850
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Burger Patties
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Cajun Remoulade
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp relish or minced pickles
Assembly
  • 4 brioche buns buttered
  • 8 slices cheddar cheese
  • 1 large red onion sliced rings
  • 0.5 cup bacon bits crispy cooked
  • 1 head lettuce

Equipment

  • Grill or Cast Iron Skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, hot sauce, lemon juice, pickle relish, and 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef with Worcestershire sauce and all dry spices. Mix gently by hand until combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Form the meat into 4 large or 8 thin patties (for double stack). Press a thumb imprint into the center of each.
  4. Preheat grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a small amount of oil or bacon fat.
  5. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on one side until a crust forms. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes.
  6. Place cheese slices on patties, cover with a lid or basting dome, and cook for 1 minute until cheese is fully melted.
  7. Meanwhile, toast buttered brioche buns on the grill or skillet until golden brown.
  8. Assemble burgers: Bottom bun, sauce, lettuce, patty with cheese, red onion, bacon crumbles, more sauce, and top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra smoke flavor without a grill, add 1/2 tsp liquid smoke to the beef mixture.