French Onion Burgers combine the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup with the satisfying bite of a grilled burger. This mouthwatering creation features tender beef patties topped with sweet, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a variety of optional toppings, all nestled in a soft, toasted bun. It’s the perfect comfort food, bringing together two favorites into one gourmet burger experience that’s bound to please any crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect blend of two beloved comfort foods: burgers and French onion soup.
- Rich, savory caramelized onions that add depth of flavor.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Melted cheese and juicy beef patties make every bite satisfying.
- Perfect for casual dinners, game days, or backyard cookouts.
- Versatile cooking options: grill or stovetop.
- Customize with your favorite toppings, cheeses, and sauces.
- Great for impressing guests with minimal effort.
- Delicious on toasted brioche, pretzel, or crusty artisan rolls.
- Pairs wonderfully with crispy fries, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Yellow or sweet onions, thinly sliced
- Butter or olive oil, for cooking
- Beef broth (optional, for deglazing onions)
- Worcestershire sauce, for added flavor
- Swiss, provolone, or Gruyère cheese (for melting over the burgers)
- Toasted burger buns or rolls of your choice
- Optional toppings: Dijon mustard, garlic aioli, fresh arugula, sautéed mushrooms, fresh thyme, or crispy fried onions.
Directions
- Caramelize the onions: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Stir frequently and cook for 25-30 minutes, until the onions turn a deep golden brown and become caramelized. For added depth of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth or Worcestershire sauce. Set the caramelized onions aside.
- Prepare the patties: While the onions are cooking, shape the ground beef into 4 patties, season with salt and pepper on both sides, and set them aside.
- Cook the burgers: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on your desired doneness. In the final minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheese and cover with a lid to allow the cheese to melt.
- Toast the buns: Toast your burger buns until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Assemble the burgers: Place the cooked patties on the toasted buns. Generously top with the caramelized onions and add any additional toppings, such as Dijon mustard, garlic aioli, or fresh thyme, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve these French Onion Burgers hot, and enjoy the perfect blend of juicy beef, savory onions, and melty cheese.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 burgers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes (including onion caramelization)
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Variations
- Use ground turkey or plant-based patties for a lighter or vegetarian version of the burger.
- Swap out the cheese for a different variety like cheddar, mozzarella, or even blue cheese for an added flavor twist.
- Turn these into sliders for a fun, party-friendly version.
- Add crispy fried onions or onion rings for extra texture and flavor.
- Spread garlic butter on the buns before toasting for an extra layer of richness.
- For a French-inspired touch, use a French baguette roll to serve the burgers.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover patties and caramelized onions separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm the patties in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Reheat the onions in a pan over low heat to preserve their flavor and texture.
- Toast the buns fresh when assembling the burgers for the best result.
French Onion Burger
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 4 buns toasted burger buns Brioche, pretzel, or crusty artisan rolls work well.
- 2 medium yellow or sweet onions thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil for caramelizing onions
- 1/4 cup beef broth optional, for deglazing onions
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 slices Swiss or Gruyère cheese melted over burgers
- 1 tsp salt for seasoning beef patties
- 1 tsp pepper for seasoning beef patties
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard optional topping
- 1 tbsp garlic aioli optional topping
- 1/4 cup fresh arugula optional topping
Instructions
- Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized (about 25-30 minutes). Optionally, deglaze with beef broth or Worcestershire sauce for added flavor.
- While onions are caramelizing, form the ground beef into 4 patties. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the beef patties on a grill or in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side or until desired doneness.
- In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheese and cover with a lid to melt.
- Toast the buns until golden and crispy.
- Assemble the burgers: place the cooked patties on the buns, top with caramelized onions, and add any additional toppings like Dijon mustard, garlic aioli, or fresh arugula.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
FAQs
What makes these burgers “French onion”?
The classic French onion flavors come from the deeply caramelized onions, which add sweetness and depth, combined with the melted cheese that mimics the gooey, savory qualities of French onion soup.
What’s the best cheese for these burgers?
Gruyère is the traditional cheese used for its smooth melt and flavor, but Swiss, provolone, or even mozzarella work wonderfully as well.
Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the caramelized onions up to 5 days in advance. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the burgers.
How do I know when the burgers are done?
To ensure the burgers are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Ground beef should be cooked to 160°F for full doneness. Alternatively, cook them to your preferred level of doneness by adjusting the time on the grill or skillet.
Can I use store-bought caramelized onions?
While fresh caramelized onions provide the best flavor, pre-made caramelized onions or onion jam can be used in a pinch for a shortcut.
Can I grill these burgers instead of cooking them in a pan?
Yes, absolutely! Grill the burgers as you normally would, and cook the caramelized onions in a skillet on the side to keep them rich and flavorful.
What’s the best bun for these French Onion Burgers?
Brioche buns, pretzel rolls, or crusty artisan bread all work well because they are sturdy enough to handle the juicy patty and caramelized onions without falling apart.
Can I freeze the patties?
Yes! You can freeze the raw patties by placing parchment paper between each patty to prevent sticking. Thaw before cooking. You can also freeze the caramelized onions in small portions for future use.
How do I prevent the burgers from falling apart?
Use a meat blend that’s 80% lean beef and 20% fat for the juiciest patties. Avoid overmixing the meat when forming the patties, and don’t press them down while cooking to retain their shape.
Are these burgers spicy?
These burgers are not spicy by default. However, you can add a bit of heat by using spicy mustard, pepper jack cheese, or hot sauce as toppings.
Conclusion
French Onion Burgers elevate your burger game by combining the luxurious taste of caramelized onions, savory melted cheese, and juicy beef into one unforgettable burger experience. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or serving up burgers for a backyard BBQ, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect balance of gourmet and comfort food, and sure to be a hit at any occasion.
French Onion Burgers Recipe
Pin Recipe
These French Onion Burgers are indulgent and flavorful. The juicy beef patties are topped with sweet caramelized onions and melty cheese, served in a soft bun with a creamy Dijon sauce. It’s like turning your favorite soup into a next-level burger!
Author: Beth
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop or Grill
Cuisine: American, French-Inspired
Ingredients:
- Caramelized Onions:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)
- For the Burgers:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices Gruyère cheese (or Swiss)
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- For the Dijon Spread:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Caramelize the onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add sliced onions, salt, sugar, and thyme. Cook, stirring often, for 25–30 minutes until deeply golden. Add balsamic vinegar in the last few minutes, if using. Set aside.
- Make the spread: In a small bowl, mix mayo, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the burgers: Shape ground beef into 4 patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet or grill pan, cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side (for medium), adding a slice of cheese on top during the last minute to melt.
- Assemble: Spread Dijon mayo on toasted buns. Place a patty on each bun, then top with a generous pile of caramelized onions. Add the top bun and serve hot.
Notes:
- Add a splash of beef broth or wine to the onions while caramelizing for extra flavor.
- Pair with crispy fries or a green salad.
- For a vegetarian version, swap in plant-based patties and vegan cheese/mayo.