Description
Savory French onion soup burger blends classic French bistro comfort with American grill culture, creating a mouthwatering fusion of caramelized onions, melted gruyère, and juicy beef. Rich layers of flavor promise a memorable culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 slices Gruyere cheese (or Swiss cheese)
Aromatics and Herbs:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 0.5 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Transform sliced onions into a rich, caramel-like masterpiece by gently sautéing them in a blend of butter and olive oil over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes, stirring intermittently.
- Enhance the onion flavor profile by introducing sugar, balsamic vinegar, fragrant thyme, salt, and pepper, then reduce heat and allow the mixture to slowly develop deep golden hues over 20-25 minutes.
- Incorporate beef broth into the caramelized onions, simmering until the liquid reduces and concentrates the savory essence, then set the mixture aside for burger assembly.
- Craft burger patties from ground beef, seasoning them with salt and pepper to elevate natural meat flavors.
- Heat a grill or skillet to medium-high temperature and cook the meat patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, ensuring a perfect sear and juicy interior.
- During the final minute of cooking, crown each patty with a melting slice of Gruyère cheese, allowing it to transform into a luxurious, cascading layer.
- Prepare brioche buns by lightly toasting them to create a delicate, crisp foundation for the burger.
- Whisk together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to create a zesty, creamy spread that will complement the rich meat and onions.
- Assemble the burger by spreading the mustard mixture on the bottom bun, placing the cheese-topped patty, and generously layering the caramelized onions.
- Complete the burger with the top bun and optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of vibrant color and herbal freshness.
- Serve immediately alongside crispy fries or a crisp salad to round out this gourmet burger experience.
Notes
- Caramelize onions slowly to develop deep, rich flavor without burning, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.
- Use sweet onions like Vidalia for extra natural sweetness during caramelization process.
- Add splash of red wine instead of balsamic vinegar for more complex, robust flavor profile.
- Choose high-fat ground beef like 80/20 blend to keep burgers juicy and prevent drying out during grilling.
- Toast brioche buns lightly to maintain softness while adding slight crunch and preventing sogginess from burger’s moisture.
- Swap Gruyère for other melty cheeses like provolone or Swiss for different taste variations.
- Make vegetarian version using portobello mushroom caps or plant-based burger patties as meat substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg