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French Onion Soup Burgers

French Onion Soup Burgers

French Onion Soup Burgers combine the rich, caramelized sweetness of French onion soup with juicy, perfectly seasoned beef patties, topped with melty Swiss or Gruyère cheese and served on toasted brioche buns. This comforting and indulgent twist on a classic burger delivers deep savory flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for a quick gourmet meal any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Burgers

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Swiss or Gruyère cheese slices (4 slices)
  • Brioche or sturdy burger buns (4)

For the Caramelized Onions

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves + extra for garnish
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced yellow onions and stir occasionally for 30-40 minutes until they become soft, deeply golden, and sweet. Add a splash of beef broth, fresh thyme, and optionally balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan and infuse flavor. Continue cooking until the liquid reduces and onions have a rich depth of flavor.
  2. Prepare the Patties: While the onions caramelize, gently mix ground beef with salt and pepper. Avoid overworking the meat to keep patties tender. Form into evenly sized patties slightly larger than your buns, as they will shrink during cooking.
  3. Cook the Burgers: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side to preferred doneness. During the last minute, layer a generous amount of caramelized onions on each patty and top with slices of Swiss or Gruyère cheese, allowing it to melt perfectly.
  4. Toast and Assemble: Lightly toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster for added texture and flavor. Place the cooked patties with melted cheese and onions on the bottom half of the bun. Top with additional fresh thyme if desired, then crown with the top bun to complete your French Onion Soup Burgers.

Notes

  • Low and slow is key for caramelizing the onions to build rich flavor.
  • Gently form patties to keep them juicy and tender; don’t over-handle the meat.
  • Use high-quality Swiss or Gruyère cheese for the best flavor and melting.
  • Toast the buns well to prevent sogginess and add crunch.
  • Let cooked patties rest for a few minutes before assembling to retain juices.
  • Caramelized onions can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Use gluten-free buns and ensure broth is gluten-free to make the recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup burger, caramelized onion burger, Swiss cheese burger, gourmet burger, comfort food burger