French Onion Soup Burger

Description:
The French Onion Soup Burger combines two delicious favorites—burgers and French onion soup—into one savory masterpiece. Topped with sweet caramelized onions, melted Gruyère cheese, and a rich broth-infused sauce, this burger brings all the comforting flavors of French onion soup to a juicy beef patty. It’s perfect for a gourmet twist on your classic burger night!

Ingredients

For the Burgers:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche or toasted baguette)

For the French Onion Soup Topping:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (to help caramelize the onions)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, or use beef broth)
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme leaves (fresh or dried)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Burger Assembly:

• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (or Swiss cheese)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the French Onion Soup Topping

1. In a large pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes, until the onions become golden brown and caramelized.
3. Once the onions are caramelized, add the wine (if using) and cook for another 2-3 minutes to reduce the liquid.
4. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes to deepen the flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Burgers

1. Preheat your grill or stovetop griddle over medium-high heat.
2. While the grill heats, divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and form into patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each to prevent puffing up while cooking.
3. Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side (or longer for desired doneness), until a meat thermometer reads 160°F (71°C) for medium.

Step 3: Assemble the Burgers

1. During the last minute of cooking the burgers, sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese on top of each patty and cover with a lid to melt the cheese.
2. Toast the hamburger buns lightly on the grill or in a pan.
3. Spread Dijon mustard (optional) on the bottom half of the bun.
4. Place the cooked burger patty on the bun, and top generously with the caramelized French onion soup mixture.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and top with the other half of the bun.

Step 4: Serve

• Serve your French Onion Soup Burger immediately with your favorite side (fries, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables).

Tips for Success:

• Customize the Cheese: Gruyère is the classic choice for French onion soup, but Swiss, fontina, or even cheddar work well too!
• Make Ahead: The caramelized onions and broth mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat when assembling the burgers.
• Beef Alternatives: If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but beef really brings out the richness in this recipe.

Serving Recommendations:

• Pair with a glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, for a rich and satisfying meal.
• A side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries complements the flavors wonderfully.

Nutrition (Per Serving, ~4 servings):

Approximate values

• Calories: 570
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 850mg

The French Onion Soup Burger is a deliciously indulgent way to enjoy the flavors of French onion soup in a whole new form—juicy, cheesy, and irresistible!