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French Onion Soup Burger Recipe: A Gourmet Twist on a Classic Favorite

By Emma :

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

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French Onion Soup Burger

French Onion Soup Burger is everything you love about French onion soup, but in burger form! With juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, and melty Gruyère cheese, all piled into a toasted brioche bun, this burger is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or your next barbecue. Let’s dive in and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These French Onion Soup Burgers

These burgers are irresistible for so many reasons:

  • Rich, caramelized onions: Slow-cooked onions bring out their natural sweetness, adding a depth of flavor that’s reminiscent of French onion soup.
  • Melty Gruyère cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, lending a creamy texture and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the onions and beef.
  • Juicy, flavorful beef patties: We use an 80/20 ground beef blend for maximum juiciness, and a quick grill or skillet sear locks in all that flavor.
  • Toasted brioche buns: The soft, slightly sweet brioche buns are perfect for holding all the components of this savory masterpiece.

If you’re looking for a burger that’s anything but boring, this recipe is for you!

Ingredients for French Onion Soup Burgers

To make this deliciously decadent burger, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for juicier burgers)
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
  • 4 brioche burger buns
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

Before getting started, make sure you have these kitchen essentials:

  • A large skillet for caramelizing the onions
  • Grill or skillet for cooking the burgers
  • A spatula for flipping the patties
  • Small bowl for mixing the sauce

How to Make French Onion Soup Burgers

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to make these incredible burgers.

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

This is where the magic begins! Start by heating the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Once the onions start to soften, add the sugar, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the onions cook for another 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized. The key here is patience—low and slow cooking brings out the sweetness of the onions. Finally, pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for 5 minutes until reduced. Set the onions aside once done.

Step 2: Prepare the Burgers

While the onions are cooking, you can start preparing the burger patties. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Shape the ground beef into 4 equal patties, making sure to season them generously with salt and pepper.

Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on your desired level of doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Gruyère cheese on each patty, allowing it to melt to perfection. Gruyère has a rich, nutty flavor and melts beautifully, creating that gooey, cheesy layer we all love.

Step 3: Assemble the Burgers

To build these amazing burgers, first lightly toast your brioche buns. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, then spread the mixture on the bottom halves of the buns.

Place one cheesy beef patty on each bun, then pile on a generous portion of caramelized onions. Add the top bun, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and get ready to dig in!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

These French Onion Soup Burgers are best served with crispy fries or a fresh salad. The rich, umami flavor from the onions and beef, combined with the creamy melted cheese, creates a bite that’s incredibly satisfying. Every mouthful is packed with layers of flavor that will make these burgers an instant hit at your table.

Tips for Making the Perfect French Onion Soup Burger

  • Take your time with the onions: Caramelizing onions takes time, but the results are well worth the wait. Don’t rush this step.
  • Use high-quality beef: An 80/20 ground beef blend ensures the burgers stay juicy while cooking.
  • Toast the buns: Lightly toasting the brioche buns gives them a nice texture and helps keep the buns from getting soggy.

What to Serve with French Onion Soup Burgers

These burgers are so flavorful that simple sides work best. Try serving them with:

  • French fries: Classic crispy fries are always a good choice!
  • Sweet potato fries: For a healthier twist, sweet potato fries offer a slightly sweet contrast to the savory burger.
  • Fresh salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette will balance the richness of the burger.
  • Roasted vegetables: Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans are all great options.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store the burger patties and caramelized onions separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the patties in a skillet over medium heat until hot, and gently reheat the onions in a microwave or on the stovetop. Assemble the burgers just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes! You can caramelize the onions and form the burger patties ahead of time. Store the onions in the fridge for up to 3 days, and keep the formed patties covered in the fridge for 1-2 days before cooking.

Can I substitute the Gruyère cheese?

Absolutely! While Gruyère adds a rich, nutty flavor, Swiss cheese works as a great substitute. For something different, you could even try provolone or mozzarella.

How do I know when my burger is cooked to perfection?

A medium-rare burger should have an internal temperature of about 130-135°F, while a well-done burger will be around 160°F. Always use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results.

Conclusion

These French Onion Soup Burgers bring all the indulgent flavors of the classic soup into a juicy, cheesy burger. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a weekend cookout, they’re sure to impress with their rich caramelized onions, melted Gruyère cheese, and juicy beef patties. Pair them with your favorite sides and enjoy an unforgettable meal that’s anything but ordinary!


Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 680
  • Protein: 34g
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Fat: 42g

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French Onion Soup Burger Recipe: A Gourmet Twist on a Classic Favorite


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  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Imagine all the rich, comforting flavors of French onion soup transformed into a juicy, mouthwatering burger. With perfectly caramelized onions, melted Gruyère cheese, and juicy beef patties, these French Onion Soup Burgers are an indulgent twist on the classic burger that will take your taste buds to new heights. Topped with a touch of Dijon-mayo spread and served on toasted brioche buns, this burger is gourmet comfort food at its best.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for juicier burgers)
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
  • 4 brioche burger buns
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  • Caramelize the Onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add sugar, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes until onions are golden and caramelized. Add beef broth and simmer until reduced, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
  • Prepare the Burgers: Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Shape ground beef into 4 equal patties, seasoning with salt and pepper. Grill or cook for 4-5 minutes per side, topping each with a slice of Gruyère cheese during the last minute of cooking to melt.
  • Assemble the Burgers: Lightly toast the brioche buns. Mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl, then spread on the bottom halves of the buns. Place the cheesy beef patties on each bun and top with a generous portion of caramelized onions. Add the top bun and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
  • Serve: Serve immediately with fries or a salad and enjoy!

Notes

  • Gruyère Substitutes: If you can’t find Gruyère, Swiss cheese or provolone work beautifully.
  • Caramelizing Onions: Patience is key! Low and slow cooking gives the onions their sweet, caramelized depth of flavor.
  • Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your burger reaches your preferred doneness—160°F for well-done, 130-135°F for medium-rare.
  • Make Ahead: You can caramelize the onions and form the patties in advance to save time!
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling / Skillet
  • Cuisine: American, French-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burger
  • Calories: 680 kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 760mg
  • Fat: 42g
  • Saturated Fat: Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

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