Introduction
This French Onion Soup Burger recipe brings the beloved flavors of French onion soup into a delicious burger form that’s sure to impress. When I made these burgers for a family gathering, they were a hit! The caramelized onions brought out a deep, rich flavor, and the Gruyère cheese melted beautifully over the patties. It’s a fantastic way to elevate a simple burger, and the family couldn’t get enough of the savory goodness in each bite.
Ingredients
- For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 slices of Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- For Garlic Butter Buns (optional):
- Additional butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and sugar, cooking for about 20-25 minutes or until the onions are deeply caramelized. Stir occasionally, and add a splash of beef broth if they start to stick. Once caramelized, stir in fresh thyme.
- Prepare the Burger Patties: In a mixing bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Form the mixture into 4 equal patties.
- Cook the Patties: In a separate skillet or on a grill, cook the patties to your desired level of doneness.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Buns: If desired, mix butter and minced garlic and spread on each bun half. Toast until golden brown.
- Assemble the Burgers: On the bottom half of each bun, place a burger patty. Top with a generous amount of caramelized onions and a slice of cheese. Place under a broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Serve: Sprinkle fresh thyme over the melted cheese, cover with bun tops, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 650 kcal
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve
- Serve with a side of crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
- Try adding a side of garlic butter or aioli for dipping.
- Complement with a chilled, light beer or sparkling lemonade for a refreshing contrast.
Additional Tips
- Use a cast iron skillet for best caramelization.
- Add a pinch of baking soda to onions for faster caramelization.
- Don’t overmix the ground beef to maintain juicy, tender patties.
- Chill the patties for 10 minutes before cooking to hold their shape.
- Toast buns to keep them from getting soggy under the toppings.
Recipe Variations
- Substitute Gruyère with Swiss or Provolone cheese for a different flavor.
- Make it spicy by adding a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Use chicken or turkey patties for a leaner option.
- Add mushrooms to the caramelized onions for an earthy flavor twist.
- Replace hamburger buns with brioche buns for extra softness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with coleslaw or pickles on the side.
- Offer extra caramelized onions for those who love the flavor.
- Pair with a bowl of French onion soup for a theme meal.
- Add a handful of arugula or baby spinach for freshness.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or herb mayo.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Cooked burger patties can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Refrigerating: Store leftover patties and caramelized onions in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or in a skillet on medium heat until heated through.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe.
- How do I keep the patties juicy? Don’t overmix the beef, and avoid pressing down while cooking.
- Can I make this without Worcestershire sauce? Yes, try soy sauce or balsamic vinegar as a substitute.
- What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese? Swiss, Provolone, or Havarti cheese work nicely as alternatives.
- How long should I cook the onions? Around 20-25 minutes, or until deeply golden and caramelized.
- Can I add mushrooms? Absolutely, sautéed mushrooms pair well with the caramelized onions.
- Is there a gluten-free option? Use gluten-free buns and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Do I have to use beef broth? You can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
- Can I make these burgers in advance? Yes, prepare the patties and onions ahead and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
- What’s the best way to melt the cheese? Broil assembled burgers for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Conclusion
These French Onion Soup Burgers are a unique, flavorful twist on traditional burgers, combining caramelized onions, rich cheese, and juicy patties to create an unforgettable meal. Perfect for family dinners or a special treat, these burgers will satisfy any craving for comfort food with a gourmet touch. Enjoy this recipe with friends and family, and watch as everyone comes back for seconds!
PrintFrench Onion Soup Burgers 🍔🧅
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These French Onion Soup Burgers bring the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup into a juicy, cheesy burger. With caramelized onions, melted Gruyère cheese, and a touch of thyme, this burger is perfect for an elevated casual meal.
Ingredients
- For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 slices of Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- For Garlic Butter Buns (optional):
- Additional butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and sugar, cooking for about 20-25 minutes or until the onions are deeply caramelized. Stir occasionally, and add a splash of beef broth if they start to stick. Once caramelized, stir in fresh thyme.
- Prepare the Burger Patties: In a mixing bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Form the mixture into 4 equal patties.
- Cook the Patties: In a separate skillet or on a grill, cook the patties to your desired level of doneness.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Buns: If desired, mix butter and minced garlic and spread on each bun half. Toast until golden brown.
- Assemble the Burgers: On the bottom half of each bun, place a burger patty. Top with a generous amount of caramelized onions and a slice of cheese. Place under a broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Serve: Sprinkle fresh thyme over the melted cheese, cover with bun tops, and serve immediately.
Notes
For added flavor, try using garlic butter on the buns before toasting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 120mg