Dr. Pepper Burgers made with a tangy sauce, grilled & glazed with Dr. Pepper for a sweet, flavorful cheeseburger!
It’s almost summertime and you know what that means… grilling season! This easy burger recipe is crafted with a unique twist: a sweet, tangy glaze made with Dr. Pepper soda! It creates a flavorful hamburger that stands out from the usual recipes.
Highlights of this Hamburger Recipe
- Dr. Pepper lovers- this one’s for YOU! We use the soda for flavor in the burger and in the glaze. It creates a subtle sweetness and lends its unique flavor that compliments the beef perfectly.
- Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor! I’ve actually stopped buying premade hamburger patties anymore because making them yourself is so much better.
- Double the recipe and plan for leftovers! One thing I really like about these burgers is how tender they are, texture wise. They’re perfect for dinner, but I love doubling it and planning for lunches throughout the week because these burgers, unlike others, don’t get super solid when reheated. Try it!
Ingredients for Glazed Dr. Pepper Hamburgers
Egg: You need one egg to help bind the mixture together.
Soda: Use ½ cup of Dr. Pepper soda, divided, for this recipe.
Ritz crackers: For great texture add ½ cup of crushed Ritz crackers.
Salad dressing: 6 TBSP of French salad dressing will flavor these burgers nicely.
Cheese: Adding grated Parmesan cheese gives these burgers a savory taste.
Salt: Season the meat mixture with salt to enhance the flavors well.
Beef: The base of this recipe is 1-½ lbs. of ground beef.
Buns: You need 6 hamburger buns to assemble each burger.
Key Tips for Making Dr. Pepper Burgers
- Choosing The Best Ground Beef: Ground beef should have a fat content between 15% and 20% for juicy, flavorful burgers. Leaner beef results in dry patties, while too much fat can cause flare-ups during grilling. Fresh, high-quality beef is preferable for the best taste and texture.
- Resist the urge to press down on burgers that are cooking!! I have no idea why this ever became popular. When I see all those amazing juices flowing out, it makes me want to cry! Don’t do it. Or if you do, don’t tell me about it. Ha!
- When cooking the burgers, cook until the center of the burger has about half the softness as it did when they were raw. You don’t want the center to have zero “give” and be super solid, nor do you want them to still feel raw. I like mine with just a touch of pink, but I find if I grill them until they’re more solid, they’re overcooked as they’ll continue cooking for a minute or so once off the grill.
How long are these burgers good for & how do you store them?
Cooked burgers last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Glazed Dr. Pepper Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- ½ cup Dr. Pepper soda
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 6 TBSP French salad dressing
- 2 TBSP grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1-½ lbs ground beef
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the egg, ¼ cup Dr. Pepper, cracker crumbs, 2 TBSP salad dressing, parmesan cheese, and salt. Add beef and mix well.
- Shape into six ¾-in. thick patties.
- In a bowl, combine the remaining Dr. Pepper and salad dressing; set aside.
- Grill patties, uncovered, over medium-hot heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on how big you made your burgers. Brush with Dr. Pepper mixture. Grill 2-3 minutes longer or until juices run clear, basting and turning occasionally. Serve on buttered, toasted buns with all the fixings your heart desires. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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What alternative ingredients can be used for gluten free burgers?
Gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs can replace Ritz crackers. Also use gluten-free hamburger buns or lettuce wraps to avoid gluten in the sandwich.
How can the Dr. Pepper glaze be modified for a spicier kick?
Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the glaze. Alternatively, mix in finely chopped jalapeños for more heat.
Is there a recommended cheese substitute for a lactose-free option?
Aged cheddar or Parmesan cheese labeled lactose-free works well or vegan cheese made from nuts or soy can be used for a dairy-free alternative.
What are some side dishes to pair with these burgers?
A simple coleslaw or a green salad balances the sweetness of the glaze. While oven-baked fries or roasted vegetables also complement the flavors.
Try more great beef dinner recipes here:
- This Ritz Cracker Meatloaf is the cozy, flavor-packed dinner you make once… and then crave forever—juicy, cheesy, and way better than the one you grew up with. An easy, no-fuss comfort food!
- Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Roast is one of those “throw it in and forget it” dinners that turns out ridiculously tender and full of bold, sweet-savory flavor.
- These Coca Cola Burgers are juicy, flavor-packed, and just a little unexpected—in the best way. With a hint of sweetness and ultra-tender texture, you’ll be hooked after the first bite.
- This Dutch Oven Cube Steak & Gravy is pure comfort food—fork-tender, rich, and smothered in savory gravy that tastes like it simmered all day. A seriously crave-worthy dish!
- Our Mini Cheddar Meatloaves are juicy, cheesy, and topped with a sweet-and-tangy glaze that takes them over the top. They’re easy, family-friendly, and way more fun (and flavorful) than a basic recipe.
Dr. Pepper Burgers made with simple ingredients and topped with a Dr. Pepper glaze! This easy burger recipe is a flavorful grilled dinner that stands out from the usual recipes.
Marsha says
I made these burgers and the last was really really good. My problem was they were really hard to grill. They were soft and fell apart. Had to grill them on foil. Any suggestions on what I did wrong? I doubled checked all the ingredients and I didn’t’ miss any.
Thanks,
Jessica says
Hi Marsha- did you use 1.5 lbs of beef? Sounds like the beef-to-flavorings ratio was a bit off. Another thought is to make sure everything is chilled.