These French Onion Burgers are juicy patties topped with rich, caramelized onions and melted cheese. Imagine the deliciousness of a classic French onion soup, but in burger form!
Talk about a twist! Every bite feels like a tasty party in your mouth. I love to serve these with crispy fries. They’re so good, I might even be tempted to have two! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a healthier option, 90/10 or even ground turkey works well, but keep in mind they may be less juicy.
Onion: A large yellow onion is the best choice for caramelization because of its sweetness. If you want a milder taste, sweet onions like Vidalia can be great too. Red onions can also work, but they may add a slightly different flavor.
Butter: While butter adds richness to the onions, you can use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss is classic, but feel free to swap in Gruyère for a richer flavor, or try a sharp cheddar if that’s more your style.
Brioche Buns: Brioche are nice and soft, but any sturdy bun will do. Consider ciabatta or whole wheat buns for a different texture, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions takes patience but transforms their taste beautifully. Here are key tips to get those onions golden brown:
- Start with medium heat to avoid burning. If the heat is too high, the onions might brown unevenly.
- Add a pinch of salt right away. This helps draw out moisture, speeding up the process.
- Stir every few minutes, but not constantly. Let them sit to achieve that lovely brown color.
- Cooking takes about 15-20 minutes, so don’t rush it! If they start to stick, splash a bit of beef broth to deglaze. This adds extra flavor.
How to Make French Onion Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 brioche hamburger buns
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for grilling)
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh thyme or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total, including 20 minutes for caramelizing the onions and 10 minutes for cooking the burgers and assembling them. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelizing the Onions:
Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the thinly sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Cook the onions, stirring them occasionally, until they become caramelized and beautifully golden brown. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Once caramelized, pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Let them cook for another 5 minutes, then give it a good stir and set aside.
2. Preparing the Patties:
While the onions are caramelizing, take the ground beef and shape it into four patties. Make sure they are slightly larger than your brioche buns, as they will shrink a little while cooking. Season both sides of each patty generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
3. Cooking the Burgers:
Next, heat up your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and drizzle it with some olive oil to prevent sticking. Once ready, place the patties on the grill and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on one side. When they are nice and seared, flip them over and place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes or until the burgers are cooked to your liking (medium-rare is about 135°F).
4. Toasting the Buns:
In the final minute of cooking, take the brioche buns and place them cut-side down on the grill. This will toast them lightly and give them an extra delicious flavor.
5. Assembling the Burgers:
Now it’s time to put everything together. Take the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun and place a cheeseburger patty on top. Add a generous spoonful of the caramelized onions over the cheese. Finally, add the top half of the bun to complete the burger.
6. Serving:
For a nice finishing touch, you can garnish your burgers with fresh thyme or parsley if you’d like. Serve them immediately while they’re hot and enjoy your delicious French Onion Burgers!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be delicious alternatives, but keep in mind they might be leaner than beef. To maintain moisture, consider adding a bit of olive oil or mayonnaise to the meat before forming patties. Adjust cooking time slightly, as poultry may cook faster than beef.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make these burgers gluten-free by substituting the brioche buns with gluten-free hamburger buns. Check the Worcestershire sauce as well, as some brands contain gluten. You can also make your own by mixing tamari with a bit of apple cider vinegar!
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
To store any leftovers, let the burgers cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or on the grill until warmed through.
Can I Prepare the Caramelized Onions in Advance?
Definitely! You can caramelize the onions a day in advance. Simply let them cool and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble the burgers, just reheat them in a skillet over low heat until warm.
