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Smoked Cajun Burgers with Cheese

A flavor explosion you won't forget! Juicy, smoky Cajun burgers packed with pepper jack cheese and topped with sweet caramelized onions and a zesty Cajun sauce. Perfect for BBQs or any gathering!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Smoking Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 burgers
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cajun Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 lemon juiced
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Tony’s Lite Creole Seasoning
For the 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
For the Burgers
  • 3 pounds ground chuck
  • 10 ounces pepper jack cheese cubed (1/4 inch cubes)
  • 1 bottle Tony’s Creole Style Burger Marinade
For the Caramelized Onions
  • 2 sweet onions chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon salt
For Assembly
  • Toasted buns
  • Colby Jack 3 Pepper Cheese

Equipment

  • Smoker
  • medium bowl
  • Large bowl
  • Parchment paper
  • Skillet
  • Instant-read Thermometer

Method
 

  1. 1. Prepare the Cajun Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Tony’s Lite Creole Seasoning. Stir until combined. Refrigerate to let flavors meld.
  2. 2. Prepare the Cajun Burger Rub: In another bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and Tony’s Lite Creole Seasoning. Mix well.
  3. 3. Prepare the Burger Patties: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chuck, pepper jack cheese cubes, and Tony’s Creole Style Burger Marinade. Form into 1/3 to 1/2 pound patties, about 1/2-inch thick. Place on parchment paper and freeze for 20 minutes.
  4. 4. Caramelize the Onions: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped sweet onions and salt. Cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft, golden brown, and sweet.
  5. 5. Smoke the Burgers: Preheat smoker to 250-275°F using hickory wood. Place chilled patties in the smoker for 30-40 minutes. After 20 minutes, add Colby Jack 3 Pepper Cheese to each patty. Continue smoking until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let burgers rest for 6 minutes.
  6. 6. Assemble the Burgers: Toast burger buns. Spread Cajun sauce on the bottom bun, place a smoked patty on top, add caramelized onions, and top with the other bun.

Notes

Make the Cajun sauce and burger rub a day in advance. Caramelized onions can also be made ahead and reheated.