French Onion Soup Burgers Recipe

If you love the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup and the juicy satisfaction of a perfectly cooked burger, you’re in for a treat! These French Onion Soup Burgers combine caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a flavorful beef patty to create the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a weekend barbecue, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love These French Onion Soup Burgers

Rich, deep flavors – Caramelized onions give these burgers an irresistible taste.

Juicy and cheesy – Topped with melted Gruyère or Swiss cheese for the ultimate indulgence.

Easy to make – Simple steps, yet the taste is restaurant-quality.

Perfect for any occasion – Whether grilled or pan-seared, they’re always a hit!

Ingredients

For the Caramelized Onions:

  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Burgers:

  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for best juiciness)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Toppings & Buns:

  • 4 slices Gruyère or Swiss cheese
  • 4 brioche or sturdy burger buns
  • 2 tbsp butter (for toasting the buns)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional, for extra richness)
  • Fresh thyme (for garnish, optional)

Instructions For The Best French Onion Soup Burgers

Homemade French Onion Soup Burgers stacked with gooey cheese and golden onions.
This burger takes comfort food to the next level.

Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions

  1. Melt butter and heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with salt. Stir occasionally, letting them soften and release moisture.
  3. After about 10 minutes, add sugar (if using) and continue cooking until the onions turn golden brown (about 25-30 minutes).
  4. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let the liquid cook down until the onions are jammy and caramelized.
  5. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Burgers

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  2. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties slightly larger than the buns (they will shrink when cooked).

Step 3: Cooking the Burgers

For Pan-Seared Burgers:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease it.
  2. Place the patties in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on one side before flipping.
  3. Add a slice of cheese to each burger and cover the pan. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked to your desired doneness.

For Grilled Burgers:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, adding cheese during the last minute.

Step 4: Assembling the Burgers

  1. Toast the brioche buns in a pan with butter until golden.
  2. Spread a layer of mayonnaise on the bottom bun (optional).
  3. Place the cooked burger patty with melted cheese on the bun.
  4. Top generously with caramelized onions.
  5. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and close the bun.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these French Onion Soup Burgers with crispy fries, a fresh green salad, or even a warm bowl of French onion soup for a true bistro experience!

Tips for the Best French Onion Soup Burgers

Take your time caramelizing the onions – This step is crucial for deep flavor.

Use high-quality cheese – Gruyère melts beautifully, but Swiss or provolone are great alternatives.

Don’t overwork the meat – Handling the beef too much can make the patties tough.

Toast your buns – It adds texture and prevents sogginess.

Let the burgers rest – Resting for 5 minutes after cooking helps retain juiciness.

Frequently Asked Questions About French Onion Soup Burgers

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can work as substitutes, but they may be slightly drier. Consider adding a bit of olive oil or a splash of beef broth to keep them moist.

What if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?

No problem! Swiss, provolone, or even white cheddar are delicious alternatives.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the cooked patties and onions separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat for the best texture.

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes! Shape the patties and prepare the onions in advance. Store them separately and cook fresh when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

These French Onion Soup Burgers are a gourmet twist on a classic burger, bringing all the savory, cheesy goodness of French onion soup into every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner, they’re sure to impress. Try them today and experience a new level of burger bliss!

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French Onion Soup Burgers Recipe

These French Onion Soup Burgers combine all the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup with the juicy indulgence of a perfectly grilled burger. Topped with caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese, and served on toasted buns slathered with a flavorful onion mayo, these burgers are a gourmet twist on a comfort food classic.

  • Author: Mirayam
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Caramelized Onions:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)

For the Burgers:

pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Cheese & Assembly:

4 slices Gruyère or Swiss cheese

4 brioche or hamburger buns, toasted

2 tablespoons butter (for toasting buns)

Optional Onion Mayo Spread:

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add sliced onions and salt, stirring occasionally for about 25–30 minutes, until deeply golden and soft. Add sugar to help with caramelization, and finish with balsamic vinegar if using. Set aside.

Prepare Burger Patties:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently and form into 4 equal patties, slightly wider than the buns to allow for shrinkage.

Cook the Burgers:
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side or until desired doneness is reached. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Gruyère cheese on each patty and cover the pan to melt the cheese.

Toast the Buns:
Spread butter on the cut sides of the buns and toast them in a skillet until golden brown and crisp.

Make the Onion Mayo (Optional):
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, onion powder, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Adjust to taste.

 

Assemble the Burgers:
Spread the onion mayo on the bottom bun. Add the burger patty with melted cheese, then pile high with caramelized onions. Top with the other bun and serve hot.

Notes

Make it leaner: Use ground turkey or lean beef if preferred, though the richness of 80/20 ground beef adds great flavor.

Cheese swap: Gruyère is traditional for French onion soup, but Swiss or Provolone also work well.

Onion hack: Caramelized onions can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Bun upgrade: Brioche buns add a buttery touch, but any quality burger bun will work.

Serving idea: Pair with roasted potatoes or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 635 kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 860mg
  • Fat: 41g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24g
  • Trans Fat: 0.7g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

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