French Onion Burgers are a fun twist on a classic! Juicy beef patties topped with sweet caramelized onions and melted cheese make every bite so tasty.
I love how these burgers bring the flavors of French onion soup right to the grill! Perfect for barbecue nights when you want something special without too much fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend provides a nice mix of fat and flavor, keeping the burgers juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but they may result in drier patties.
Sweet Onion: Using large sweet onions ensures a deliciously sweet and mild flavor. If you can’t find them, yellow onions work too, but they will have a sharper taste.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully and adds a smooth texture. Gruyère is also an excellent choice for a stronger flavor. You can substitute provolone or mozzarella if needed, but the melting qualities may vary.
Brioche Buns: Brioche adds a touch of richness. If you’re looking for something lighter, whole wheat or potato buns are good alternatives, giving a different texture and flavor.
Beef Broth: It adds depth to the onion mixture. If you’re avoiding beef, vegetable broth works just as well in terms of flavor.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is essential for bringing out their sweet flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat, then add butter and oil to a skillet. The combination prevents the butter from burning.
- Add the sliced onions and mix in the salt. The salt helps draw out moisture.
- Cook slowly for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn a deep golden brown. Be patient; this is where the magic happens!
- In the last minute, sprinkle the garlic powder and mix well. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to add extra flavor.
Tip: If they stick to the pan, add a splash of water to loosen them up while keeping the cooking process going.
How to Make French Onion Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
- 4 brioche buns
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: Fresh thyme for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious French Onion Burger recipe takes about 35-40 minutes total—15-20 minutes to caramelize the onions, 10 minutes to prepare and cook the patties, and a few minutes to assemble everything. It’s a great dish for a cozy meal at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted, toss in the sliced onions and sprinkle them with salt. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally for about 15-20 minutes, until they turn a lovely golden brown and caramelize beautifully. Near the end, sprinkle in the garlic powder and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring everything together. Remove the skillet from heat and set the onions aside.
2. Prepare the Patties:
In a large mixing bowl, season the ground beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix gently until combined, then divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty and make a small indentation in the center of each to help them cook evenly without puffing up.
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties on the grill or skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness. Just before they’re done, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty and let it melt while the burgers finish cooking.
4. Toast the Buns:
If you’d like, you can toast the brioche buns. Place them on the grill or in a separate skillet until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
5. Assemble the Burgers:
Now for the fun part! Take the bottom half of each toasted bun and place a cheesy beef patty on top. Add a generous helping of the caramelized onions over the patty, then finish with the top half of the bun.
6. Serve:
Optional: Garnish your burgers with fresh thyme for a lovely touch. Serve them right away and enjoy the rich, savory flavors that remind you of classic French onion soup, but in a fun burger form!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that turkey may be slightly drier, so consider adding a little more olive oil or seasoning to keep the moisture in. You may also want to use a bit of extra broth during cooking to enhance the flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the patty in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. You can also reassemble the burger with fresh buns and toppings for a quick meal!
Can I Make the Caramelized Onions Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can caramelize the onions a day in advance! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat them on the stovetop briefly before adding them to your burgers to give them back their warmth and aroma.
What Can I Substitute for Swiss Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, Gruyère is a delicious alternative that pairs well with the flavors of the burger. Other great options include provolone or a sharp cheddar for a different taste. Just aim for a cheese that melts nicely on the burger!
