Ever tried those amazing French Onion Burgers that taste like your favorite soup but in burger form? Game changer! I’ve been making these French Onion Burgers for years and lemme tell you – they’re always a hit. The combo of caramelized onions, melty gruyere cheese and that special sauce just works so perfect together. You get all those rich French onion soup flavors packed into a juicy burger. Trust me, you gotta keep reading cuz this might become your new fav burger recipe.
Why You’ll Love These French Onion Burgers
Making burgers can sometimes be boring – same old same old, ya know? That’s why these French Onion Burgers changed everything for me. Last summer I made these for a backyard BBQ and my brother-in-law (who’s super picky) asked for seconds! The great thing is you can adjust how you caramelize the onions – quick method for busy weeknights or low and slow when you got more time. Works with beef, turkey or even plant-based patties if that’s your thing.
The best part? These French Onion Burgers are totally customizable but still got that classic flavor that everyone recognizes. Let’s get into the deets!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Burgers:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 mix works best – the fat helps with juiciness but you could go leaner)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds umami flavor but soy sauce works too)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder (fresh garlic tends to burn so powder is better here)
- Salt and pepper (to taste – don’t skimp!)
- 4-6 burger buns (brioche is amazing but any kind works)
- 8 slices gruyere cheese (can sub swiss if gruyere’s too $$$)
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 4 large yellow onions (sweet onions work great too)
- 3 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted both fine)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (helps prevent butter from burning)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional but helps with caramelization)
- 1/4 cup beef broth (adds that French onion soup flavor – can use veggie broth for vegetarian)
- 1 tsp thyme (dried works but fresh is even better)
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp caramelized onion jam (optional but amazing – can use store bought)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make French Onion Burgers
Step 1: Caramelize Those Onions
- Slice onions thin – not too thin or they’ll burn, not too thick or they’ll take forever
- Heat butter and oil in large skillet over medium heat til butter melts
- Add onions and pinch of salt, cook 5 mins til they start to soften
- Lower heat to medium-low, add brown sugar if using
- Cook 25-40 mins, stirring every few mins (don’t stir too much or they won’t brown!)
- When onions are deep golden brown, add beef broth and thyme
- Cook another 5 mins til liquid mostly gone
- They’re done when super soft and deep caramel color – should taste sweet and rich
Pro tip: Make extra onions and save em for other meals! They keep like a week in fridge.
Step 2: Make the Burger Patties
- Put ground beef in large bowl, add Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt and pepper
- Mix gently with hands (don’t overwork or burgers get tough!)
- Form into 4-6 patties depending how big you want em
- Make slight indentation in center with thumb so they don’t puff up weird
Step 3: Make Special Sauce
- Mix all sauce ingredients in small bowl
- Taste and adjust seasonings
- Set aside or refrigerate if making ahead
Step 4: Cook Those Burgers
- Heat grill or cast iron skillet to med-high heat
- Cook patties 4-5 mins first side
- Flip once (don’t keep flipping or you’ll lose juices!)
- Add cheese slices during last 2 mins of cooking
- Cover briefly to help cheese melt
- Burgers done when internal temp reaches 160°F or your preferred doneness
Step 5: Assemble
- Toast buns slightly if desired
- Spread special sauce on bottom bun
- Add burger with melted cheese
- Top with generous amount of caramelized onions
- Add top bun and enjoy!
Amazing Variations of French Onion Burgers
Blue Cheese French Onion Burgers
Swap gruyere for blue cheese crumbles – gives incredible sharp tangy flavor that works great with sweet onions.
French Onion Turkey Burgers
Use ground turkey instead of beef for lighter option. Need inspo? Check out my Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers for tips on keeping turkey burgers juicy!
French Onion Smash Burgers
Make thinner patties and smash on hot griddle for crispy edges. For more smash burger goodness, try my Smash Burger Tacos too!
Low-Carb French Onion Burgers
Skip the bun and serve on lettuce wraps or in a bowl with extra onions and sauce. If you love low-carb options, my Keto Salmon Burgers might be your thing too!
French Onion Soup Burgers
Take it next level by serving with small side of beef au jus for dipping – just like French dip sandwich meets burger!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store leftover French Onion Burgers?
Store patties separate from buns in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat patties in microwave 30-45 seconds or in skillet over medium heat. Store caramelized onions separate – they’ll last about a week in fridge.
Can I make French Onion Burgers ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make patties and refrigerate raw up to 24 hrs. Caramelized onions can be made 3-4 days ahead and actually taste better next day. Special sauce lasts 4-5 days in fridge. Just assemble when ready to eat!
Why are my caramelized onions burning instead of caramelizing?
Heat prob too high! True caramelization happens slow on medium-low heat. If onions burning, lower heat and add tiny splash of water. Be patient – good caramelized onions take time but so worth it.
What’s the best cheese for French Onion Burgers?
Gruyere is traditional for French onion flavor but swiss, provolone or even mozzarella work great. Want something different? Try gouda or fontina for amazing melt factor.
Can I make French Onion Burgers in air fryer?
Yep! Cook at 375°F for about 10-12 mins, flipping halfway. Add cheese last 2 mins. Onions still need to be caramelized on stovetop tho.
What sides go best with French Onion Burgers?
Classic choices: french fries, sweet potato fries, or simple green salad. For something different try roasted garlic mushrooms or quick pickle slices that cut through richness.
How do I know when my French Onion Burgers are done?
Food safety peeps say ground beef should reach 160°F internal temp. I use meat thermometer to be sure. If you don’t have one, juices should run clear when you press patty.
Make These French Onion Burgers Your New Go-To
Whenever I make these French Onion Burgers, I think about how my dad always ordered French onion soup at restaurants but complained it was never as good as homemade. Same goes for these burgers – they got that homemade touch that restaurant versions just can’t match.
What I love most is seeing people take that first bite and get that look – you know the one – where their eyes get wide cuz they weren’t expecting so much flavor. These French Onion Burgers manage to be familiar and exciting at same time.
So fire up that grill or heat that skillet and give these a try! Tag me if you make em – love seeing your versions. And don’t be afraid to make em your own – cooking should be fun not stressful!
French Onion Burgers
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Grill or cast iron pan
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
- 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 mix
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-6 burger buns brioche or your favorite
- 8 slices Gruyere cheese or Swiss
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 4 large yellow onions sliced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar optional
- 1/4 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp thyme dried or fresh
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp caramelized onion jam optional
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook 5 mins until softened.
- Lower heat to medium-low. Add brown sugar (optional).
- Cook 25-40 mins, stirring occasionally.
- Add beef broth and thyme. Simmer 5 more mins until liquid is reduced. Set aside.
Make Burger Patties:
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef with Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Gently form into 4-6 patties. Press thumb in center of each.
Make Special Sauce:
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning. Refrigerate if making ahead.
Cook the Burgers:
- Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high.
- Cook patties 4-5 mins per side. Flip once.
- Add cheese during final 2 mins. Cover to melt.
Assemble the Burgers:
- Toast buns (optional).
- Spread sauce on bottom buns.
- Add burger patties, caramelized onions, and top buns. Serve!