Smoked Cajun Cheese Burgers
If you’re ready to level up your burger game with bold, smoky flavor and a little Southern attitude, these Smoked Cajun Cheese Burgers are calling your name. Picture juicy, flame-kissed patties seasoned with spicy Cajun goodness, topped with melty cheese, and stacked high on a toasted bun it’s smoky, cheesy, savory perfection with every bite. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer cookout or craving a little spice on burger night, trust me, this one’s a game-changer. You’re going to want extra napkins… and maybe seconds.
Why You’ll Love Smoked Cajun Cheese Burgers
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Great for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or game day burgers are always a win.
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and pantry spices turn into something truly mouthwatering.
Quick and Easy: Mix, shape, season, and grill it’s that simple.
Customizable: Add bacon, different cheeses, or extra toppings to suit your cravings.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Smoked Cajun Cheese Burgers
Here’s what brings the smoky heat and juicy flavor to these burgers:
Ground Beef (80/20):
Just the right amount of fat for juicy, flavorful patties that stay moist while grilling.
Cajun Seasoning:
A zesty, peppery spice blend that brings the heat smoky, bold, and packed with flavor.
Cheddar Cheese (or Pepper Jack):
Melty, sharp, and gooey adds a creamy contrast to the spicy patties.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder:
Layered flavor that enhances the savory depth of the beef.
Smoked Paprika:
Boosts that rich smoky flavor without needing a smoker (though smoking the burgers is even better!).
Salt & Pepper:
Essential for flavor balance season generously.
Burger Buns:
Soft and sturdy enough to hold all the juicy, cheesy goodness.
Toppings (Optional):
Lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, spicy mayo, or your favorite BBQ sauce.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Heat your grill, smoker, or cast-iron skillet to medium-high. If smoking, preheat to 225°F and get your wood chips ready (hickory or mesquite are perfect).
Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix ground beef with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently combine don’t overmix, or the burgers may become tough.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Oil the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking. If using a smoker, place a drip tray underneath to catch any fat and keep the fire clean.
Assemble the Dish: Shape the mixture into equal-sized patties, slightly larger than your buns (they’ll shrink a bit when cooking). Press a small indent in the center to help them cook evenly.
Cook to Perfection:
– Grilling: Grill burgers for 4–5 minutes per side, adding cheese in the final minute.
– Smoking: Smoke burgers for about 1 hour at 225°F, then sear quickly on high heat and add cheese.
– Pan-frying: Cook in a hot skillet, 4–5 minutes per side, flipping once and adding cheese to melt.
Finishing Touches: Toast the buns for 1–2 minutes on the grill or in a skillet. Assemble burgers with your favorite toppings and condiments.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, stacked high, and dripping with flavor. These are bold, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 540
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Smoked Cajun Cheese Burgers
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with Cajun fries or sweet potato wedges for a spicy-sweet combo.
Add coleslaw or pickled jalapeños for crunch and zing.
Pair with a cool ranch dipping sauce or smoky BBQ sauce.
Serve with grilled corn or a zesty corn salad.
Enjoy with an ice-cold soda or craft beer to cool the heat!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Don’t press the patties while cooking it squeezes out the juices.
Use a meat thermometer 160°F for fully cooked beef.
Rest the burgers for 3–5 minutes after cooking to keep them juicy.
Double the Cajun seasoning if you like it extra spicy.
Add a slice of avocado or fried egg for the ultimate burger indulgence.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Absolutely just check the salt content and adjust additional seasoning if needed.
2. What kind of cheese is best?
Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or even smoked gouda work beautifully.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, shape the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
4. Can I freeze the patties?
Yes! Freeze raw or cooked patties between layers of parchment for up to 2 months.
5. What type of beef should I use?
80/20 ground chuck is ideal for juicy, flavorful burgers.
6. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Sure bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then finish under the broiler to melt the cheese.
7. How do I keep the burgers from drying out?
Don’t overcook and let them rest before serving to retain juices.
8. What if I don’t have a grill?
A cast-iron skillet or grill pan on the stove works great.
9. How can I make this spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or sliced jalapeños to the mix.
10. Can I make them with chicken or turkey?
Yes just reduce the cooking time slightly and ensure they reach 165°F internal temp.
Conclusion
Smoked Cajun Cheese Burgers are bold, fiery, and totally irresistible. With that perfect hit of heat, melty cheese, and juicy beef, they’re everything you want in a burger and then some. Whether you’re lighting up the grill for a summer BBQ or just craving a little Southern comfort, this burger delivers big-time. So fire it up, pile it high, and get ready to savor a smoky, spicy bite of burger bliss.
Print
Smoked Cajun Cheese Burgers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Smoked Cajun Cheeseburgers bring the heat and the flavor! Juicy beef patties seasoned with bold Cajun spices, slow-smoked to perfection, then topped with melty cheese and stacked on a toasted bun — this burger is smoky, spicy, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion, spicy mayo
- Optional: wood chips for smoking (hickory or mesquite)
Instructions
- Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C) using indirect heat. Add wood chips if using a smoker for added flavor.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Form mixture into 4 equal patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each to prevent puffing.
- Place patties in the smoker and cook for 45–60 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), flipping halfway through if using a grill.
- Top each patty with a slice of cheese during the last 5 minutes of smoking to melt.
- Remove burgers from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Assemble on toasted buns with desired toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ground chuck for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
- Try homemade Cajun seasoning for a personal twist.
- Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for even more kick.
- These burgers can also be cooked on a grill or stovetop if smoking isn’t available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with bun and cheese
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: smoked cajun burger, cajun cheeseburger, spicy smoked burger, grilled burgers, smoked beef patties