Imagine the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup transformed into a juicy, mouthwatering burger. That's exactly what you get with French Onion Soup Burgers—a delicious fusion of two classic dishes. These burgers combine the caramelized onions, gooey Gruyère cheese, and beefy goodness of French onion soup with the satisfying bite of a burger. Perfect for a unique dinner or a weekend BBQ, these burgers are sure to impress family and friends. Let's dive into this recipe and discover how to create this culinary delight at home.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
For the Burgers:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 slices Gruyère cheese
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized.
- Stir in the beef broth and balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Set the onions aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Burger Patties
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until just combined; do not overwork the meat.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty, slightly larger than the burger buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Burgers
- Preheat a grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Gruyère cheese on each patty, allowing it to melt.
Step 4: Prepare the Buns and Condiments
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Spread the mayo-mustard mixture on the cut sides of each toasted burger bun.
Step 5: Assemble the Burgers
- Place a cheeseburger patty on the bottom half of each bun.
- Top with a generous portion of caramelized onions.
- Optionally, sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
- Place the top half of the bun on the onions, pressing down gently to secure.
Cooking Note
- Caramelizing Onions: Be patient with the onions; slow cooking is key to achieving deep, rich caramelization.
- Cheese Melt: To help the cheese melt evenly, cover the skillet or grill with a lid or foil during the last minute of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Sides: Serve these French Onion Soup Burgers with classic French fries, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Beverages: Pair with a robust red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a refreshing cold beer.
Tips
- Ground Beef: Use 80% lean ground beef for juicy and flavorful burgers.
- Onion Prep: Slice the onions as evenly as possible to ensure uniform caramelization.
- Advance Prep: Caramelize the onions in advance and refrigerate. Reheat gently before assembling the burgers.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 750
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 980mg
Conclusion
French Onion Soup Burgers are a delightful twist on a classic burger, infusing the rich, comforting flavors of French onion soup into a handheld feast. These burgers are perfect for any occasion, offering a gourmet touch that will make your meal memorable. With caramelized onions, melted Gruyère cheese, and a perfectly seasoned beef patty, each bite is an explosion of flavor. Give this recipe a try and elevate your burger game to a whole new level. Enjoy cooking and savor every delicious bite!
French Onion Soup Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Experience the taste of French onion soup in a burger! These French onion soup burgers are topped with caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese, perfect for a gourmet meal at home.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 4 slices Gruyère cheese
- 4 burger buns
- ¼ cup beef broth
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until they start to soften, about 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle sugar over onions and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized, about 20 more minutes. Set aside.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined and form into 4 patties.
- Grill patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until desired doneness.
- During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Gruyère cheese on each patty and allow to melt.
- Toast burger buns on the grill.
- To assemble, place patties on buns, top with caramelized onions and a splash of beef broth.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the onions while caramelizing.
- Serve with a side of French fries or a simple green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
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