Introduction
The French Onion Soup Burger is an absolute gem when you want to combine the savory comfort of a classic French onion soup with the heartiness of an all-American hamburger. This recipe brings a little twist to the table, melding the rich, caramelized flavor profile of the soup with the juicy, satisfying bite of a burger. Making a French Onion Soup Burger is a surefire way to delight your family with something different from the usual burger fare. It’s perfect for those evenings when you just want to cozy up with something familiar yet a touch more elevated. The onions take a little love and patience to caramelize, but the reward is every bit as rich as those moments around the table with your loved ones.
A side of crispy, golden fries or a fresh green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with these burgers. They’re hearty and filling, so lighter sides work best to balance the meal.
French Onion Soup Burgers
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 slices of Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Optional: 1/4 cup beef broth
Directions
Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted, stir in your sliced onions, sugar, and balsamic vinegar. The sugar and vinegar help the onions attain that beautiful deep caramelization.
Step 2: Cooking the Onions
Cook the onions for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to become super soft and a rich, golden brown color. Patience here is key – don’t rush these beauties.
Step 3: Adding Garlic and Thyme
Next, sprinkle the onions with the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional minute or two until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside. If the mixture is very dry, you can add a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pan and add more flavor!
Step 4: Forming the Patties
While onions are cooking, form the ground beef into 4 patties and season each with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 5: Cooking the Patties
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties to your preferred doneness – about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Step 6: Melting the Cheese
In the final minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover to melt the cheese. If cooking inside, you can also pop the skillet under a broiler for a quick melt.
Step 7: Assembling the Burgers
Place each cooked patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Top the patties generously with the caramelized onion mixture.
Step 8: Serving
Cap it off with the top bun and serve these French Onion Soup Burgers piping hot.
Variations & Tips
Catering to Picky Eaters
If you’re catering to picky eaters, simply set some caramelized onions aside before adding the garlic and thyme to keep it simple for the kiddos.
Lighter Option
For a lighter option, use ground turkey instead of beef and opt for whole wheat buns.
Extra Flavor
For an extra pop of flavor, mix a little Dijon mustard or horseradish cream into your burger mix before forming the patties.
Resting the Patties
Always rest your patties for a few minutes after cooking to let those delicious juices redistribute.
FAQs
Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time?
Yes, you can caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them gently in a skillet before using them in the burgers.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss or Gruyère cheese is traditional for French onion soup, you can use any cheese you like. Provolone, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar would work well.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme. Use about half the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Can I grill the patties instead of using a skillet?
Yes, you can grill the patties on an outdoor grill for a smokier flavor. Just be sure to cook them over medium-high heat and monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
How can I make the burgers more kid-friendly?
To make the burgers more kid-friendly, you can omit the thyme and garlic from the caramelized onions. Serve with a side of ketchup or their favorite dipping sauce.
Conclusion
These French Onion Soup Burgers will have everyone around your table asking for seconds. It feels special, like Sunday dinner, but it’s easy enough for a weeknight – a perfect recipe to add to your family favorites! The rich, caramelized onions paired with juicy, flavorful patties and melty cheese create a burger experience that’s both comforting and gourmet. Enjoy this delightful twist on two classic dishes and make your next meal a memorable one.