French Onion Burgers

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

These gourmet burgers transform classic French onion soup flavors into burger form with caramelized onions, melted Gruyère, and optional broth for dipping.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 11 May 2025 20:57:53 GMT
A close-up of a gourmet burger featuring a juicy beef patty, melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a shiny brioche bun, garnished with herbs. Pin it
A close-up of a gourmet burger featuring a juicy beef patty, melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a shiny brioche bun, garnished with herbs. | zestplate.com

One day while playing around in my kitchen, I came up with this French Onion Soup Burger that totally changed my cooking game. Picture yourself taking a big bite of a tender burger topped with caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese – it's basically your beloved French onion soup turned into the tastiest burger you'll ever try. The amazing smell fills my whole kitchen whenever I whip these up.

What Makes These Special

These burgers take all the warm comfort of French onion soup and pack it into a mouthwatering burger experience. The great thing is you won't need anything fancy or complicated to make them. Everyone who tries these at my place can't believe they didn't come from a restaurant – they're that good!

Key Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: Look for 80/20 beef for the juiciest results. The fat really does make a difference.
  • Onions: Sweet onions work best when cooked slowly until they turn soft and golden.
  • Gruyère Cheese: This stuff melts beautifully and brings a wonderful nutty flavor.
  • Buns: Get ones that won't fall apart under all the toppings.
  • Beef Broth: Add a little while cooking onions for extra flavor.
  • Butter and Olive Oil: Using both helps get those onions perfectly caramelized.
  • Seasonings: Good old salt and pepper do the job, with fresh thyme as a nice bonus.

How To Make French Onion Soup Burgers

Start With The Onions
Cut onions into thin slices and toss them in a pan with butter and olive oil. Stir occasionally and add a splash of beef broth when things look dry. They'll need around 30 minutes to turn perfectly golden and soft.
Form And Cook The Patties
Mix in plenty of seasoning with your beef, shape into patties, and cook to your liking. I prefer my cast iron pan, but grilling works wonderfully too.
Stack Everything Together
Place your hot burger on the bun, add a heap of those beautiful onions, then top with Gruyère so it gets all melty.
Serve Right Away
Bring these to the table while they're still hot. They go great with some crunchy fries or a side salad.

Tricks For Perfect Results

Don't rush those onions - cooking them slowly makes all the difference. Can't get Gruyère? Swiss cheese works fine too. Don't forget to toast your buns for extra flavor. And always let your burgers rest a bit after cooking - they'll stay juicier that way.

A close-up of a juicy cheeseburger with caramelized onions on a glossy brioche bun, garnished with herbs and sea salt. Pin it
A close-up of a juicy cheeseburger with caramelized onions on a glossy brioche bun, garnished with herbs and sea salt. | zestplate.com

Tasty Alternatives

I sometimes swap in ground turkey for a lighter option. Feel free to try different cheeses that melt well. Adding some garlic-sautéed mushrooms takes these to another level, and lately I've been loving these on sweet brioche buns.

Great For Every Gathering

I've served these at family dinners, fancy get-togethers, and quiet nights in with my partner. They never fail to wow everyone. Grab your favorite beer or pour some red wine and you've got yourself an awesome meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long do onions take to caramelize?

About 20-25 minutes for proper caramelization.

→ Can I skip the wine?

Yes, use extra beef broth instead.

→ What cheese substitutes work?

Swiss or provolone can replace Gruyère.

→ Why use 80/20 beef?

Fat content keeps burgers juicy.

→ Can I make onions ahead?

Yes, reheat gently before serving.

French Onion Burgers

Juicy burgers topped with sweet caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese on buttery brioche buns. A bistro-style burger.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 large onions, sliced.
02 2 tablespoons butter.
03 1 tablespoon olive oil.
04 1 teaspoon sugar.
05 1/4 teaspoon salt.
06 1/4 cup beef broth.
07 1/4 cup white wine (optional).
08 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20).
09 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
10 1 teaspoon salt.
11 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
12 4 slices Gruyère cheese.
13 4 brioche buns.
14 2 tablespoons butter, melted.
15 Fresh thyme (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Caramelize onions for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Step 02

Deglaze with beef broth and white wine (optional).

Step 03

Mix ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Form into patties.

Step 04

Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side.

Step 05

Place Gruyère cheese on patties and let it melt.

Step 06

Toast brioche buns with melted butter.

Step 07

Assemble burgers with caramelized onions, fresh thyme, and serve with broth for dipping.

Notes

  1. Take time with onions.
  2. Can make onions ahead.
  3. Don't overwork meat.
  4. Serve with broth for dipping.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Grill or griddle.
  • Mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, cheese).
  • Wheat (buns).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~