Description
Delicious smash burgers topped with sweet caramelized onions and cheddar cheese, perfect for grilling or skillet cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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