French Onion Soup Burgers
French Onion Soup Burgers combine the rich, caramelized sweetness of slow-cooked onions with juicy beef patties and melted Swiss cheese, inspired by the classic French onion soup. This comforting and gourmet twist on a burger offers perfectly balanced savory and sweet flavors, easy preparation, and versatile options suitable for any occasion.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: American French-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps used)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb high-quality 80/20 ground beef
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
- 4 burger buns, soft yet sturdy
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Caramelize the onions: Thinly slice yellow onions. Heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet, add onions, and cook slowly for 30-40 minutes, stirring often until deeply browned and sticky. Near the end, deglaze the pan with beef broth and sprinkle fresh thyme to infuse flavor.
- Prepare the beef patties: Season ground beef with salt and pepper. Form into 4 evenly sized patties (4-6 ounces each), being careful not to overhandle to keep them tender.
- Cook the patties: Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat. Cook patties until browned on one side, then flip. Just before finishing, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty to melt slightly.
- Toast the buns: Slice burger buns and toast them lightly on the grill or in a pan with some butter until golden brown to add crispness and enhance flavor.
- Assemble the burgers: Spread a generous layer of caramelized onions over the melted cheese on the patties. Place patties on toasted buns and add any additional desired garnishes before serving.
Notes
- Low and slow onions: Don’t rush caramelizing onions; patience brings out their sweetest flavor.
- Rest the patties: Let cooked burgers rest a few minutes to retain juiciness.
- Use a cast iron skillet: It helps achieve a better sear and even cooking for the patties.
- Fresh thyme is key: Adds authentic herbal notes that elevate the dish.
- Don’t overload the bun: Keep toppings balanced to avoid sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: French onion soup burger, caramelized onion burger, gourmet burger recipe, beef burger with Swiss cheese, comfort food burger