French onion burgers are the ultimate comfort food fusion—juicy beef patties loaded with sweet, caramelized onions and melty cheese, all tucked into a toasted bun. Inspired by the flavors of classic French onion soup, this burger brings savory richness, depth, and mouthwatering satisfaction to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines two comfort food classics into one unforgettable meal
- Rich, savory flavor from deeply caramelized onions
- Gooey melted cheese adds extra indulgence
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend grilling
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- Yellow onions, thinly sliced
- Butter or olive oil
- Worcestershire sauce
- Beef broth (optional, for extra onion flavor)
- Salt and pepper
- Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- Burger buns
- Optional toppings: Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, arugula, or sautéed mushrooms
directions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter or heat olive oil. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook slowly, stirring often, until golden and caramelized—about 25–30 minutes. Add a splash of beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor if desired.
- While the onions cook, form ground beef into patties and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a separate skillet or on a grill, cook the burger patties over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached.
- Top each patty with cheese and cover for a minute to melt.
- Toast the buns until lightly golden.
- Assemble burgers: place the patty on the bottom bun, top with a generous scoop of caramelized onions, and add any extra toppings you like. Finish with the top bun and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes
Variations
- French dip-style: Serve with a small side of beef broth for dipping
- Turkey or chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option
- Cheese swap: Try provolone, Havarti, or white cheddar if you don’t have Swiss or Gruyère
- Add herbs: Mix thyme or rosemary into the onions for an extra layer of flavor
- Garlic aioli: Spread a homemade or store-bought garlic aioli on the buns for a gourmet finish
storage/reheating
Store cooked patties and caramelized onions separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Warm onions in a pan or microwave.
To freeze: wrap patties individually and store in freezer bags. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
What kind of onions are best for French onion burgers?
Yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing due to their natural sweetness, but white or red onions can also be used.
How do I caramelize onions properly?
Cook them low and slow with a bit of butter or oil, stirring often for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
Can I make the onions ahead of time?
Yes, caramelized onions can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
What’s the best cheese for French onion burgers?
Gruyère is traditional, but Swiss, provolone, or even mozzarella work well.
Can I grill these burgers?
Absolutely. Grill the patties and toast the buns, then top with warmed caramelized onions and cheese.
What buns go best with these burgers?
Brioche or potato buns add a soft, buttery flavor that complements the richness of the burger.
How do I prevent the burger from falling apart?
Use ground beef with some fat content (80/20) and avoid overmixing the meat when forming patties.
Can I add other toppings?
Yes—try arugula, sautéed mushrooms, or a spread of Dijon mustard or mayo.
Are French onion burgers gluten-free?
Use gluten-free buns and ensure your Worcestershire sauce and broth are gluten-free.
Can I freeze cooked burgers?
Yes, wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
Conclusion
French onion burgers take everything you love about French onion soup and wrap it up in a juicy, cheesy burger that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling out or craving a cozy dinner in, this recipe delivers bold flavor and pure comfort in every bite
Print
French Onion Burgers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Dinner Ideas
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These French Onion Burgers are juicy, flavorful, and loaded with sweet caramelized onions and melty cheese, all tucked into a toasty bun. Inspired by classic French onion soup, this burger has rich savory notes, a buttery onion topping, and plenty of gooey goodness. Perfect for cookouts, cozy dinners, or when you just want a seriously satisfying burger.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions:
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2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)
For the Burger Patties:
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1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
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4 burger buns
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4 slices Gruyère cheese (or Swiss)
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Mayo or garlic aioli (optional)
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Fresh thyme or parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
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Make the caramelized onions: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and season with salt and pepper. Cook slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden brown. Stir in balsamic vinegar at the end if using. Set aside.
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Form the patties: In a large bowl, mix ground beef with Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Divide into 4 equal patties and shape them slightly wider than your buns (they’ll shrink when cooked).
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Cook the burgers: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking. Add cheese slices during the last minute of cooking and cover the pan to melt.
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Toast the buns: While the burgers cook, lightly toast the buns in a skillet or under the broiler.
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Assemble: Spread mayo or aioli on the buns if desired. Place a burger patty on the bottom bun, top with a generous scoop of caramelized onions, and sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley. Add the top bun and serve warm.
Notes
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Gruyère gives that classic French onion soup flavor, but Swiss, provolone, or white cheddar work too.
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To save time, you can caramelize the onions ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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For a fun twist, try adding a spoonful of onion soup mix to the beef mixture.
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