Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey! Just be aware that it may need a little extra moisture, so you might want to add more marinade or cheese to keep it juicy.

What kind of smoker should I use?

Any type of smoker will work, whether it’s electric, charcoal, or gas. Just make sure you have some hickory wood chunks or chips for that lovely smoke flavor.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can form and freeze the patties. Just thaw them in the fridge before smoking them for the best texture.

How do I know when my burgers are done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The burgers should reach 165 degrees F for safe consumption.

What sides pair well with Smoked Cajun Burgers?

Classic sides include coleslaw, corn on the cob, and potato salad. You can also serve it with crispy fries for a complete meal.

Smoked Cajun Burgers

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
Cook the Onions: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and salt. Sauté until golden and caramelized, about 15 minutes.
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.
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

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