Description
These Gourmet French Onion Soup Burgers are a delicious twist on the classic burger, featuring sweet caramelized onions, melted Gruyère cheese, and savory Worcestershire-seasoned beef patties. Toasted buns with a hint of garlic butter complete this flavorful and satisfying meal, perfect for a gourmet dinner or weekend cookout.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Caramelized Onions
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced (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)
For the Burgers
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices Gruyère or Swiss cheese
For the Buns
- 4 sturdy hamburger buns
- Additional butter for toasting the buns
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sugar, stirring occasionally as you cook them slowly for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden and soft. If the onions begin to stick or the pan gets too dry, deglaze it by adding the beef broth and scraping up the flavorful browned bits to infuse the onions with deep flavor.
- 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 for tender patties. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into patties, pressing a slight indentation in the center to help them cook evenly.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until they reach your preferred doneness. Just before finishing cooking, lay a slice of Gruyère or Swiss cheese on each patty to melt.
- Toast the Buns: Optional but recommended: mix minced garlic with softened butter and spread this mixture on the cut sides of the hamburger buns. Toast them in a skillet or on the grill until they are golden and fragrant.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place each cooked burger patty onto the toasted bun bottom, spoon over a generous amount of caramelized onions, and sprinkle with fresh or dried thyme if using. Top with the bun halves and serve immediately for a rich, savory burger experience.
Notes
- Caramelizing onions slowly over medium heat is key to unlocking their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Using an 80/20 ground beef blend ensures juicy burgers with the right amount of fat.
- Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle umami note but can be omitted or substituted for a vegetarian version.
- Gruyère cheese melts beautifully and complements the sweetness of the onions; Swiss cheese is a fine alternative.
- Toasting buns with garlic butter is optional but adds a wonderful aromatic touch.
- These burgers pair well with crispy fries or a simple green salad.
