Smoked Cajun Burgers

Are you ready to fire up your grill and impress your friends and family with a sensational twist on a classic? Smoked Cajun Burgers are bursting with flavor, combining the bold spices of Cajun cuisine with the rich, smoky taste from the smoker. This recipe isn’t just about making a burger; it’s about creating an experience that will leave everyone wanting more. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Cajun Burger

These Smoked Cajun Burgers are not your run-of-the-mill patties. Infused with tangy flavors and spicy notes, each bite is an explosion of taste. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

1. Flavor-Packed: The unique Cajun spices elevate the burger beyond the ordinary, making it a standout at any cookout.
2. Smoky Goodness: Smoking the burgers adds a depth of flavor that grilled burgers simply can’t achieve.
3. Customizable: You can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste and add toppings to create your perfect burger.
4. Easy to Prepare: With straightforward instructions, even beginner cooks can master this recipe.
5. Great for Gatherings: These burgers are perfect for family barbecues, tailgating, or a summer dinner party.

Smoked Cajun Burgers

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 burgers 1x

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Description

These Smoked Cajun Burgers are loaded with bold, smoky flavor and spicy kick from a homemade Cajun rub and sauce. Juicy ground chuck patties are mixed with pepper jack cheese, marinated, and grilled to perfection. Piled high with buttery onions, spicy cheese, and optional toppings like jalapeños and avocado, these burgers are perfect for your next BBQ.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cajun Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Tony’s Lite Creole Seasoning

Cajun Burger Rub:

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Tony’s Lite Creole Seasoning

Burger Patties:

• 3 pounds ground chuck
• 10 ounces pepper jack cheese, cubed
• 1 bottle Tony’s Creole Style Burger Marinade

Toppings:

• 2 sweet onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon salt
• Toasted buns
• Colby Jack 3 Pepper Cheese slices

Optional Add-Ons:

• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Pickles
• Jalapeños
• Extra Cajun sauce
• Avocado slices

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cajun Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Tony’s Lite Creole Seasoning. Chill in the fridge until ready to use.
2. Mix the Cajun Rub: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and Tony’s Lite Creole Seasoning in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Make the Patties: In a large bowl, mix ground chuck with cubed pepper jack cheese. Pour in Tony’s Creole Style Burger Marinade and gently mix until just combined. Form into 6–8 patties.
4. Season and Smoke: Sprinkle the Cajun rub evenly over both sides of each patty. Preheat your smoker or grill to 250°F (121°C) and smoke burgers for 45–60 minutes or until desired doneness.
5. Cook the Onions: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and salt. Sauté until golden and caramelized, about 15 minutes.
6. Assemble the Burgers: Toast the buns. Place each patty on the bottom bun, top with Colby Jack 3 Pepper Cheese, caramelized onions, and any optional toppings. Drizzle with Cajun sauce and top with the other bun.
7. Serve: Serve hot with fries, slaw, or a crisp pickle on the side.

Notes

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the rub or sauce.
• Let the burger patties rest for 5 minutes before assembling to retain juices.
• You can refrigerate leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Smoked/Grilled
• Cuisine: Southern, Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burger (with bun and toppings)
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: smoked cajun burgers, spicy burgers, cajun burger recipe, creole burgers, grilled burgers with cheese

Ingredients You’ll Need for Smoked Cajun Burgers

Here’s what you’ll need to get started on your journey to making Smoked Cajun Burgers. Make sure to gather all these ingredients before you begin!

Essential Ingredients

• Cajun Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Tonys Lite Creole Seasoning

• Cajun Burger Rub:

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Tonys Lite Creole Seasoning

• Burger Patties:

  • 3 pounds ground chuck
  • 10 ounces pepper jack cheese, cubed
  • 1 bottle Tonys Creole Style Burger Marinade

• Toppings:

  • 2 sweet onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • Toasted buns
  • Colby Jack 3 Pepper Cheese (for that extra kick)

Optional Add-Ons

• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Pickles
• Jalapeños
• Extra Cajun sauce for drizzling on top
• Avocado slices

How to Make Smoked Cajun Burgers: Step by Step

Making Smoked Cajun Burgers is a fun and rewarding process. Follow this detailed guide to create your savory masterpieces!

Step 1: Prepare the Cajun Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayo, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 lemon juiced, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon Tonys Lite Creole Seasoning.
2. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This will be your delicious Cajun sauce.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it. This allows the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Make the Cajun Burger Rub

1. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons black pepper, and 2 teaspoons Tonys Lite Creole Seasoning.
2. Use this rub to season your burgers, giving them that extra layer of flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Burger Patties

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 pounds of ground chuck, 10 ounces cubed pepper jack cheese, and 1 bottle of Tonys Creole Style Burger Marinade.
2. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients without overworking the meat. Over-mixing can make the burgers tough.
3. Divide the mixture into portions, forming either 1/3 or 1/2-pound balls.
4. Flatten each ball into patties that are about 1/2 inch thick.
5. Place the patties on parchment paper and place them in the freezer for 20 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while cooking.

Step 4: Caramelize the Onions

1. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Add the 2 chopped sweet onions and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of salt.
3. Cook for about 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. This brings out their sweet, rich flavor.

Step 5: Smoke the Burgers

1. Preheat your smoker to a temperature between 250 to 275 degrees F. Use hickory wood chunks for a fantastic smoky flavor.
2. Once preheated, place the burger patties on the smoker grates.
3. Smoke the patties for 30 to 40 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
4. In the last few minutes of cooking, place a slice of Colby Jack 3 Pepper Cheese on top of each patty, allowing it to melt beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble the Burgers

1. Toast your burger buns until they are golden brown.
2. Spread a generous amount of your prepared Cajun sauce on the bottom bun.
3. Add a smoked burger patty, topped with your caramelized onions.
4. If desired, drizzle on more Cajun sauce and finish with the top bun.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Serving Suggestions for Smoked Cajun Burgers

When it comes to serving these mouthwatering Smoked Cajun Burgers, the options are endless! Here are a few great ideas:

• Classic Sides: Pair your burgers with crispy French fries, onion rings, or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness.
• Add Variety: Set up a burger bar with a variety of toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, jalapeños, and avocado to allow guests to customize their burgers.
• Beverage Pairing: Complement these burgers with ice-cold drinks—think craft beers, sweet tea, or your favorite homemade lemonade.
• Themed Meal: For a Cajun-themed dinner, serve with red beans and rice, corn on the cob, or spicy coleslaw.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Smoked Cajun Burgers

• Watch the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that your patties reach 165 degrees F for perfect doneness.
• Don’t Skip the Chilling: Freezing the patties for 20 minutes helps them cook evenly and retain their shape.
• Experiment with Meat: While ground chuck is recommended, try mixing in ground pork or turkey for a different flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare and freeze the patties in advance. Just thaw and smoke them when you’re ready to cook!
• Tweak the Spice: If you like it spicier, consider adding diced jalapeños to the meat mixture or topping your burgers with hot sauce.

Easy Variations for Smoked Cajun Burgers

While this recipe stands strong on its own, feel free to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few easy variations to consider:

• Spicy Cajun Burgers: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick.
• Cheesy Cajun Delight: Stuff the patties with additional cheese before forming them, so the cheese oozes out when cooked.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef with black bean patties or chickpea patties for a tasty vegetarian twist.
• Different Cheeses: Try using different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or crumbled feta for varied flavor profiles.

Storage Tips to Store Smoked Cajun Burgers

If you have leftover burgers (which is a rarity with these delicious patties), here’s how to store them effectively:

• Refrigeration: Place leftover cooked patties in an airtight container, storing them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Uncooked patties can be frozen. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply thaw if frozen and then warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through. Grilling them for a few minutes can help regain some smokiness.

Conclusion

Smoked Cajun Burgers are more than just a meal; they are a flavorful adventure that brings bold Cajun spices and the irresistible taste of smoked beef together. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a delicious homemade burger, this recipe is sure to impress. Embrace the fun of grilling, and enjoy every bite of your mouthwatering creation!

FAQs About Smoked Cajun Burgers

Enjoy making these Smoked Cajun Burgers at home, and don’t forget to share your cooking adventures with friends and family!

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