There’s nothing quite like delicious Smash Burgers with Chili Crisp Caramelized Onions for a satisfying meal. The crispy edges and sweet, sticky onions make these burgers special. Honestly, once you try them, you won’t want to go back!
This recipe solves soggy bun issues, greasy pan cleanup, uneven char, and bland onion flavor by caramelizing onions and producing juicy patties with crisp edges.
Sometimes, it’s hard to find a burger recipe that everyone loves. With my family having gluten allergies and me managing diabetes, it can be a little tricky. But with these smash burgers, I can whip up a tasty dish that fits our needs and pleases our guests, too!
The best part? These burgers only take about an hour from start to finish, including prep and cooking time. Cooking the onions slowly gives them that wonderful sweetness, while the smashing technique ensures crispy edges. You really can’t go wrong with this approach.
If you’re looking to add a little extra to your meals, try these burgers. If you love a tasty sauce, check out my Recipe Name for a yummy garlic shrimp pizza that’s sure to impress!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Texture You’ll Love : The St Pierre brioche gives these burgers a soft, buttery bite that contrasts beautifully with the crispy edges of the meat.
- Flavor Explosion : The combination of savory beef, sweet caramelized onions, and garlic herb aioli creates a rich and mouthwatering experience everyone will enjoy.
- Convenient Preparation : You’ll love how easy it is to whip up the aioli and manage the cooking process for these juicy smash burgers.
- Smart Storage Solution : Leftover caramelized onions can be stored submerged in olive oil, keeping them fresh and flavorful for your next meal.
Flavorful Caramelized Onion Smash Burgers
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet or Grill
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious smash burgers topped with sweet caramelized onions and cheddar cheese, perfect for grilling or skillet cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet onions (400g), thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56g), for onions
- pinch of salt, for onions
- 1 pound lean ground beef (454g) (93% lean)
- 11/2 teaspoon salt, for burgers
- 1/2 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil (7.5g)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (14g), for burgers
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or other cheese)
- 4 St Pierre brioche burger buns
- leafy green lettuce, for burgers
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120g), for aioli
- 2 tablespoons chopped basil (30g)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (30g)
- 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary (15g)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Onions First: Start by cooking your onions slowly over medium-low heat. You want them to soften and turn a lovely golden brown, filling your kitchen with that sweet onion aroma. Stir occasionally to keep them from burning. If they start cooking unevenly, just make sure to lower the heat a bit.
- Sear the Burger Patties: Next, heat up your grill or skillet until it is really hot. Add the beef and do not press down too much; you want those crispy edges. You will know they are ready when they have a nice caramelized crust. If you smash too hard, you risk losing all those juicy flavors so be gentle!
- Top with Onions: Once your burgers are almost cooked through, pile on those caramelized onions. The sweetness from the onions will blend beautifully with the savory meat. Keep an eye on them so the onions do not scorch while you finish cooking your burgers.
- Add the Cheese: Now is the time to add your cheese on top of the burgers. Cover with a lid and let it steam for a minute or so, so it melts perfectly. If you skip the lid, you might end up with half-melted cheese which is not as appealing.
- Assemble with Care: Gather your favorite burger toppings and assemble your delicious creation. The contrast of the hot patty and the cool toppings is a treat. Be cautious not to overload it, or your burger might fall apart when you take that first bite!
- Let It Rest: Give your burgers a minute or two on the plate before digging in. This lets the juices redistribute, keeping the burgers nice and juicy. Do not rush this step, or you will end up with a dry bite.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover onions submerged in olive oil in the fridge for future use.
- Expert Tips: To speed up onion caramelization, add a pinch of sugar. When smashing the beef, make sure it is slightly chilled to avoid breaking apart and ensure a solid patty. If the onions are not caramelizing evenly, maintain medium-low heat and stir them regularly for even cooking. For melted cheese that is gooey, cover the pan after adding the slices to help create steam and melt them properly. For well-balanced aioli, whisk the mayonnaise with herbs until fully combined, letting it sit for better flavor.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crispy fries or onion rings. Pair with a side salad for a lighter meal. Add pickles or jalapeños for extra kick.
- Recipe Variations: Use a different cheese like blue cheese for bold flavor. Swap in caramelized mushrooms for a meatless option. Add a fried egg on top for added richness.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose sweet onions that feel heavy for their size and have a firm texture for the best flavor. Opt for high-quality unsalted butter for richness. Find fresh lean ground beef from a butcher for the juiciest burgers. Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor. Fresh garlic is recommended over pre-minced for better taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredient Notes
- Sweet onions: These are key for that nice sweetness in your burgers. Look for ones that feel heavy for their size and have a firm texture.
- Unsalted butter: You’ll be using this for sautéing the onions and adding richness to the patties. I always opt for high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- Lean ground beef: This keeps your burgers juicy without being overly greasy. Try to find fresh meat from a butcher for the best results.
- Canola or vegetable oil: A little oil helps with cooking the burgers and keeps them from sticking. Canola is my go-to for its neutral taste.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a punch of flavor to the burgers. If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to swap it with pepper jack for some heat!
- Brioche burger buns: These lightly sweet buns are soft and the ideal vessel for your burgers. Make sure they’re fresh for that perfect bite.
- Leafy green lettuce: It brings crunch and freshness. I stick with romaine or butter lettuce for a nice texture and flavor contrast.
- Mayonnaise: This is for the aioli, giving a creamy base for the flavors. You can sub in Greek yogurt for a tangy twist if you’d like.
- Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, rosemary): They brighten up the flavors of the burger. Always go for fresh over dried to really make a difference.
- Garlic cloves: They add depth and a hint of zing. Fresh garlic is so much better than the pre-minced stuff, trust me on this!
- Freshly cracked black pepper: A dash of this adds a touch of heat. Grab whole peppercorns and crack them fresh for the best flavor.
Recipe Tips
- If caramelized onions are taking too long, add a pinch of sugar to speed up the process a bit.
- When smashing the beef, make sure it’s slightly chilled to avoid breaking apart and ensure a solid patty.
- If the onions aren’t caramelizing evenly, maintain medium-low heat and stir them regularly for even cooking.
- For melted cheese that’s gooey, cover the pan after adding the slices to help create steam and melt them properly.
- For well-balanced aioli, whisk the mayonnaise with herbs until fully combined, letting it sit for better flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these burgers with crispy fries or onion rings for a satisfying meal. A side salad works as a light complement to the dish.
Use the burgers in wraps or sandwiches for varied serving options. Adding pickles or jalapeños can provide a spicy touch to your meal.
Recipe variations
- You can use two medium yellow onions or sweet Vidalia onions in place of sweet onions for a different taste.
- Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce to the burger mix for a bolder flavor.
- Either use crumbled feta cheese for a tangy twist or swap caramelized mushrooms for a heartier meatless option.
- If making for more people, scale the meat to 2 pounds, and adjust the toppings accordingly for 8 servings.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your smash burgers with chili crisp caramelized onions fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover onions submerged in olive oil in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap caramelized onions in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Room Temperature: Keep freshly made smash burgers at room temperature in a covered plate for no more than 2 hours to maintain safety.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
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