A Smoked Chocolate Burger is a unique burger recipe that combines the smoky flavors of a traditional BBQ burger with a surprising twist: melted chocolate. It’s the perfect dish for those who want to add some creativity to their summer cookouts or who are looking for a new flavor sensation.
This recipe is ideal for those who love burgers and want to experiment with different flavor profiles. The smoked chocolate burger is perfect for those who want to add some variety to their usual BBQ fare. The recipe combines the classic smoky flavor of a BBQ burger with the sweetness of melted chocolate, creating a unique and delicious taste experience.
The smoked chocolate burger is a perfect example of how experimentation in the kitchen can lead to unexpected and delicious results. By combining two seemingly unrelated flavors, this recipe offers a new take on a classic dish. So fire up your pellet smoker and get ready to impress your guests with this delicious and innovative recipe.
How To Make Smoked Chocolate Burgers
Step 1: Preheat Your Pellet Smoker
The first step to smoking burgers on a pellet smoker is to preheat it to 350°F. This temperature is perfect for cooking burgers to a safe internal temperature while still allowing them to get that smoky flavor we all love. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions on how to preheat your pellet smoker.
Step 2: Mix the Beef and Seasoning
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with 2 tsp of your favorite BBQ seasoning. You can choose to keep it simple here and use salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Use your hands to mix the seasoning into the beef until it is evenly distributed. Then, form the beef into 4 equal-sized burger patties. Keep in mind that the burgers will shrink as they cook, so it’s important to make them slightly larger than the size of the buns.
Step 3: Brush the Patties with Olive Oil
Brush each seasoned patty with a little bit of olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the smoker. This will also help create a nice crust on the outside of the burgers.
Step 4: Smoke the Burgers
Place the patties on the smoker grill gratesand smoke them for 20-25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. This will ensure that they are fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
While the burgers are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the chocolate chips and stir until they are fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can easily burn.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
When the burgers are almost done, place a slice of sharp cheese on top of each patty and let it melt. This will add an extra layer of flavor and creaminess to the burgers. If you’re not a fan of sharp cheese, smoked cheddar is a great option as well.
Step 7: Toast the Buns
Toast the burger buns on the smoker for a minute or two until they are lightly crispy. This will give the buns a nice texture and make them more enjoyable to eat.
Step 8: Assemble the Burgers
To assemble the burgers, start by spreading a tablespoon of horseradish sauce on the bottom bun. This will add a nice kick of flavor to the burger. Then, add a slice of red onion and a few slices of pickles on top of the sauce. Next, place the smoked cheeseburger patty on top of the vegetables.
Step 9: Add the Chocolate Sauce
Drizzle the melted chocolate sauce over the patty, making sure to cover it evenly. This may seem like an unusual addition to a burger, but the sweetness of the chocolate pairs surprisingly well with the savory flavors of the beef and BBQ seasoning.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, add the top bun and serve your delicious signature burger. The combination of smoky beef, melted cheese, tangy pickles, and sweet chocolate is sure to impress your taste buds. Enjoy!
Tips For Making Smoked Chocolate Burgers
While the recipe for smoked chocolate burgers on a pellet smoker may seem intimidating, it’s actually a very simple process that anyone can master. With a few tips and tricks, you can create a delicious and unique burger that is sure to impress your family and friends. Here are some helpful tips for making smoked chocolate burgers that you may find useful:
Experiment with Different Toppings
One of the best things about making burgers is that you can customize them with your favorite toppings. While the recipe calls for red onions and pickles, feel free to experiment with different toppings like grilled onions, jalapenos, avocado, or even bacon. The possibilities are endless!
Don’t Overwork the Beef
When mixing the seasoning into the ground beef, be careful not to overwork the meat. Overworking the beef can make it tough and chewy. Use your hands to gently mix the seasoning into the beef until it is evenly distributed, and then form the patties.
Use High-Quality Chocolate
The chocolate sauce is the star of this recipe, so make sure to use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. Look for chocolate that has a high percentage of cocoa solids and avoid chocolate that contains added oils or fillers.
Double the Recipe for Larger Crowds
If you’re cooking for a larger crowd, consider doubling the recipe and making half-pound patties instead of quarter-pound patties. This will ensure that everyone gets a hearty burger and it’s always better to have leftovers than to run out of food.
Serve with a Cold Beverage
Finally, smoked chocolate burgers can be quite rich and heavy, so make sure to serve them with a cold beverage like iced tea, lemonade, or your favorite beer. This will help balance out the flavors and make the meal more enjoyable.
Best Beer To Serve With Smoked Chocolate Burgers
Nothing beats a cold beer with a delicious burger, especially a burger as unique as a smoked chocolate burger! Here are my top three beer pairings for this recipe.
Remember, when it comes to pairing beer with food, there are no hard and fast rules – it’s all about finding flavors that complement and enhance each other. So feel free to experiment and find the perfect dessert beer pairing for your smoked chocolate burger!
Imperial Stout
Similar to a regular stout, an imperial stout has a higher ABV and a richer, more complex flavor profile. The chocolate and coffee notes in an imperial stout can complement the flavors of the smoked chocolate burger and add an extra layer of decadence to the meal.
Chocolate Porter
A chocolate porter is a darker beer with a smooth, sweet finish that can bring out the chocolate flavor in the burger. The roastiness of the beer can also complement the smoky flavor of the burger.
Milk Stout
Milk stouts are sweet and creamy, with a smooth mouthfeel that can help balance out the savory flavors of the burger. The milk sugars in the beer can also bring out the sweetness in the chocolate sauce.
Related Recipes
- Grilled Frozen Burgers
- Smoked Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Smoked Beer Can Burgers Recipe
- Smoked Hamburgers
- Ice Cube Burger Recipe
Smoked Chocolate Burger
Equipment
- BBQ Grill Accessories (Tongs and others)
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 3 tbsp of horseradish sauce
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 pickles, sliced plus 1 tbsp
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 4 sharp cheese slices
- 4 burger buns
- 2 tsp BBQ seasoning chopped finely
- 1 tbsp of butter
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your pellet smoker to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with 2 tsp of BBQ seasoning. Mix well and form into 4 equal-sized burger patties.
- Brush each patty with olive oil to prevent sticking and place them on the smoker.
- Smoke the burger patties for 20-25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
- While the burgers are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the chocolate chips and stir until melted and smooth.
- When the burgers are almost done, place a slice of sharp cheese on each patty and let it melt.
- Toast the burger buns on the smoker for a minute or two until they are lightly crispy.
- To assemble the burgers, spread a tablespoon of horseradish sauce on the bottom bun. Add a slice of red onion, a few slices of pickles, and the smoked cheeseburger patty.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate sauce over the patty, then add the top bun.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious smoked chocolate burger!
Smoked Chocolate Burger FAQs
What type of beef is best for making smoked burgers?
Ground beef with a fat content of 80/20 is best for making juicy and flavorful burgers.
How can I prevent the burgers from sticking to the smoker grill grates?
Brush each patty with a little bit of olive oil before smoking to prevent them from sticking to the smoker.
What temperature should burgers be cooked to?
Cook the burgers to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure that they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
Can I use a gas grill instead of a pellet smoker to smoke burgers?
Yes, you can use a gas grill instead of a pellet smoker, however, you won’t get the same smoky flavor unless you also use a smoker tube filled with wood chips. Follow the same instructions but adjust the heat and cooking time accordingly.
What type of cheese should I use for the smoked chocolate burgers?
Sharp cheddar, smoked cheddar, or smoked gouda cheeses work well with the smoky and chocolate flavors of these burgers.
How can I make the horseradish sauce for the burgers?
Mix together mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, and salt to taste to make the horseradish sauce.
What type of chocolate should I use for the melted chocolate sauce?
Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for the best flavor and texture.
What type of beer pairs well with smoked chocolate burgers?
Dark and rich beer styles such as stouts, porters, and brown ales pair well with the smoky and chocolate flavors of the burgers.