Recipe: Pelicans' King Cake Burger

What started as a flash promotion and menu item for Mardi Gras week is here to stay. The King Cake Burger has been so popular, the chefs at the Smoothie King Center, home of the New Orleans Pelicans, say it is here to stay. 

Can't make it down to New Orleans? We got you covered. Make this Mardi Gras-themed burger at home! 

Source: Centerplate

Makes: 8 burgers

Ingredients

For burgers:

• 8 beef or turkey burgers, grilled

• enough king cake to make 8 buns

For spread:

• 4 cups cooked, crumbled bacon

• 4 cups caramelized onions, rough chopped

• ¼ cup chipotle peppers, chopped

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 Tbsp. Montreal steak seasoning

• ½ Tbsp. cinnamon

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup water 

For garnish: Shredded lettuce and tomato, as needed

Directions

1. Combine bacon, onions and peppers. Cook in pan over medium heat to bring flavors together. Add brown sugar, steak seasoning and cinnamon. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

2. Blend in cream cheese (in mixing bowl or food processor). When blended, add a little water to make mixture more spreadable.

3. Assemble burgers: Spread bacon mixture on both buns, top with burger, lettuce and tomato and sprinkle with extra green or purple Mardi Gras sugar if desired.

Enjoy!