Description
These Gourmet French Onion Soup Burgers combine the rich, caramelized flavor of classic French onion soup with juicy, savory beef patties, topped with melted Gruyère cheese and served on toasted buns. A delicious and comforting twist on a traditional burger, perfect for an elevated casual meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramelized Onions
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced (use sweet or yellow onions)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, optional)
Burger Patties
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembly
- 4 slices Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 4 sturdy hamburger buns
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Additional butter for toasting the buns
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sugar, then cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to incorporate that rich flavor. Cook a few more minutes until the liquid reduces slightly. Optionally, sprinkle in fresh or dried thyme during this step.
- Prepare the Burger Patties: In a mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, being careful not to overwork the meat. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form each into a patty, making a slight indentation in the center to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side until they reach your desired doneness and have a nice sear.
- Toast the Buns: (Optional) Mix the minced garlic with softened butter and spread it on the cut sides of the hamburger buns. Toast the buns in a skillet or on the grill until they are golden and slightly crispy.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place each cooked patty on the toasted buns, then top with generous spoonfuls of the caramelized onions and a slice of Gruyère or Swiss cheese. Optionally, sprinkle thyme over the top for extra aroma and flavor.
- Serve: Cover with the top half of the buns and serve immediately, enjoying the rich, layered flavors of this French onion soup inspired burger.
Notes
- Use sweet or yellow onions for best caramelization and flavor.
- Be patient while caramelizing onions; slow cooking develops the sweetest and richest taste.
- Choose a beef blend with 80/20 fat ratio for juicy burgers.
- Gruyère cheese melts beautifully and complements the onion flavor perfectly, but Swiss cheese is a good substitute.
- To add an extra layer of flavor, spread garlic butter on the buns before toasting.
- If you want more herbaceous notes, fresh thyme is recommended over dried.
