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French Onion Soup Burgers

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

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:27:23 GMT
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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

I stumbled upon this French Onion Soup Burger idea during one of my kitchen experiments and it's been a game changer. Imagine biting into a juicy burger topped with sweet melty onions and gooey Gruyère cheese it's like your favorite French onion soup transformed into the most amazing burger you've ever tasted. Every time I make these my kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma.

Why You'll Love This

These burgers combine everything we love about cozy French onion soup with that satisfying bite of a perfect burger. The best part? You don't need any fancy ingredients or special skills to make them. Every time I serve these at dinner parties people can't believe they came from my kitchen they taste that restaurant-worthy.

Essential Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: Go for that 80/20 mix it gives you the juiciest burgers. Trust me on this one the fat content matters.
  • Onions: I use sweet onions and let them cook nice and slow until they're golden and jammy.
  • Gruyère Cheese: This cheese melts like a dream and adds that nutty flavor we all love.
  • Buns: Pick sturdy ones that can handle all those toppings without falling apart.
  • Beef Broth: Just a splash while cooking the onions makes them taste amazing.
  • Butter and Olive Oil: The combo is perfect for getting those onions caramelized just right.
  • Seasonings: Simple salt and pepper work wonders and I love adding fresh thyme when I have it.

Easy Preparation Steps

Get Those Onions Going
Slice your onions thin pop them in a pan with butter and olive oil and let them do their thing. Give them a stir now and then splash in some beef broth when the pan gets dry. They'll need about 30 minutes to get perfectly golden.
Make Your Patties
Season that beef really well shape it into patties and cook them how you like. I use a cast iron skillet but the grill works great too.
Build Your Burgers
Pop a hot patty on your bun pile on those gorgeous onions and lay that Gruyère on top let it get all melty and delicious.
Time to Eat
Get these beauties to the table while they're hot. I love serving them with crispy fries or a fresh salad on the side.

Tips for Success

The secret's in those onions take your time with them low and slow is the way to go. If you can't find Gruyère Swiss cheese works in a pinch. Always toast those buns it makes such a difference. And let those patties rest for a few minutes after cooking they'll be 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

Variations to Try

Sometimes I make these with ground turkey when we're feeling lighter. Any melty cheese works great if you want to switch it up. Adding some garlicky mushrooms on top is heavenly and lately I've been loving them on brioche buns for a touch of sweetness.

Perfect for Any Occasion

I've made these for casual family dinners fancy dinner parties and cozy date nights at home. They always impress no matter the occasion. Pour a glass of red wine or grab your favorite beer and you've got yourself one amazing 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: ~