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- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) - 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced - 4 slices of Swiss cheese - 4 burger buns (preferably brioche) - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh thyme leaves When I make French onion burgers, I love using the best ingredients. The ground beef is key. I choose a mix that has 80% lean meat. This gives the burger a juicy and tasty bite. Yellow onions add sweetness and depth. Slicing them thin helps them caramelize well. Swiss cheese melts beautifully on the burger. It adds a creamy layer that pairs perfectly with the onions. For the buns, I recommend brioche. They have a soft and buttery texture that elevates the meal. I also pay attention to seasonings. Unsalted butter and olive oil help caramelize the onions. Sugar enhances their natural sweetness. Garlic powder adds an extra punch of flavor. A pinch of salt and pepper rounds out the seasoning. Lastly, fresh thyme leaves make a lovely garnish. They add color and a hint of earthiness to the dish. This simple herb brightens up the rich flavors. For a full recipe, you can explore how these ingredients come together in a wonderful meal. To make the caramelized onions, heat a large skillet on medium. Add two tablespoons of unsalted butter and one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the butter melts, add one large, thinly sliced yellow onion, a teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir the onions often for about 25 minutes. They will turn a lovely golden brown. This slow cooking brings out their sweet flavor. Tips for achieving perfect caramelization: - Use low to medium heat: High heat can burn the onions. - Be patient: Caramelizing takes time but is worth it. - Stir frequently: This helps cook them evenly. Grab a mixing bowl and add one pound of ground beef. Use beef that is 80% lean and 20% fat for the best taste. Mix in one teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your liking. Make sure the spices blend well with the meat. When shaping, divide the meat into four equal pieces. Form each piece into a patty. Make these patties a bit bigger than the buns. They will shrink while cooking. You can cook the burgers on a grill or in a skillet. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties on the hot surface and sear them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. This depends on how you like your burgers cooked. Best practices for cheese melting: - Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty in the last minute of cooking. - Cover the pan or grill. This traps heat and helps melt the cheese nicely. Follow these steps carefully, and you will have flavorful French onion burgers ready to enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking process mentioned earlier. To boost the French onion flavor, use fresh onions. Fresh onions add a sweet taste and aroma. Caramelizing them well is key. Cook them slowly over low heat for great results. Stir them often to prevent burning. Adding a teaspoon of sugar helps them caramelize nicely. For juicier burgers, choose ground beef with 20% fat. This keeps the meat moist and tasty. Don't overmix the beef; handle it gently. French onion burgers pair well with crispy fries or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with a side of onion rings for fun. For a nice touch, use a wooden board to present the burgers. Add extra sprigs of thyme around the burgers for color. This makes your meal look inviting and delicious. One common mistake is pressing down on the burgers while they cook. This squeezes out juices and makes them dry. Another mistake is cooking burgers on too high heat. This can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness. Aim for 160°F for perfect burgers. Lastly, don't skimp on seasoning. Salt and pepper make a big difference in flavor. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese on your French onion burgers. Swiss cheese is tasty, but other options work too. Try provolone for a creamy melt. Cheddar brings a sharp flavor and great color. Mixing cheeses can also be fun! Use a blend of Swiss and cheddar for a gourmet touch. This combination adds depth to your burger's taste. Not everyone wants beef, and that’s okay! You can use ground turkey or chicken instead. These options are lighter yet still delicious. For a vegetarian spin, try a black bean or lentil patty. Season it well to capture that French onion flavor. You still get the rich taste without meat. Toppings and sauces can elevate your burger. A creamy garlic aioli pairs nicely with the sweet onions. You can add a tangy barbecue sauce for a fun twist. Sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon add great texture. For a fresh touch, add arugula or spinach instead of lettuce. These toppings enhance the burger's flavor and make each bite exciting. For full details on making these savory burgers, check out the Full Recipe. After you enjoy your French onion burgers, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place the burgers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty for up to three days. To avoid soggy onions, store them separately in another container. This helps maintain their texture and flavor. When it's time to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way to reheat burgers is in a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water, and cover it. This method keeps the burger juicy while warming it through. You can also use the microwave. Place the burger on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts until warm. If you want to save burgers for longer, freeze them. Wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. For more details, check the Full Recipe. French onion burgers mix classic burgers with the sweet and savory taste of French onion soup. The key flavors come from caramelized onions and Swiss cheese, which create a rich and creamy experience. Each bite bursts with umami, making these burgers special and satisfying. Yes, you can prepare French onion burgers ahead of time. Cook the patties and caramelize the onions, then store them in the fridge. Use airtight containers to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the patties and onions. This makes meal prep easy and saves you time during busy weeks. To check if your burger is cooked right, use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for beef burgers is 160°F (71°C). This ensures that your burger is juicy and safe to eat. A well-cooked burger will have a nice brown color on the outside while staying moist inside. French onion burgers blend savory flavors and textures. We covered key ingredients like ground beef, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese. I also shared tips for seasoning, cooking methods, and common mistakes to avoid. Remember to try different cheeses and toppings for a twist. These burgers are easy to customize and perfect for sharing. Enjoy your cooking journey and create a meal that impresses everyone!

French Onion Burgers

Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Savory French Onion Burgers! Learn how to create juicy beef patties topped with sweet, caramelized onions and gooey Swiss cheese, all served on toasted brioche buns. This recipe is perfect for any burger night and is sure to impress your family and friends. Click through to discover the full recipe and tips for the ultimate burger experience! Enjoy a delicious meal tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)

1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

4 slices of Swiss cheese

4 burger buns (preferably brioche)

Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, combine the unsalted butter and olive oil, then place over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the thinly sliced onions alongside the sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally for about 25 minutes, allowing the onions to cook down until they are beautifully golden brown and caramelized, developing a rich, sweet flavor.

    Season the Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure ingredients are evenly mixed. Divide the seasoned beef into four equal portions and shape each portion into patties. It’s important to make these patties slightly larger than the buns since they will shrink as they cook.

      Cook the Burgers: Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the burger patties on the cooking surface and sear them for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, lay a slice of Swiss cheese atop each patty and cover to let the cheese melt into gooey perfection.

        Toast the Buns: As the burgers cook, take the opportunity to toast the burger buns. Place them on the grill or in another skillet, toasting just until they are golden brown and slightly crispy to the touch.

          Assemble the Burgers: Begin the assembly by placing each melted cheese-covered burger patty on the base of a toasted bun. Generously spoon the caramelized onions over each patty, allowing the rich sweetness to complement the savory beef. Finish by sprinkling fresh thyme leaves on top for an aromatic touch.

            Serve: Cap each burger with the top bun and serve immediately while everything is hot and fresh.

              Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Create an inviting display by serving the burgers on a rustic wooden board, alongside a side of crispy fries or a light salad. Garnish your platter with extra sprigs of thyme for an elegant splash of color and aroma!