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Caramelized Onion Smash Burgers Recipe

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4.2 from 8 reviews

These Caramelized Onion Smash Burgers feature juicy, thinly smashed patties topped with sweet, slowly caramelized onions and sharp cheddar cheese, all sandwiched between soft brioche buns. Enhanced with a flavorful garlic herb aioli and fresh leafy greens, this recipe delivers a savory and satisfying burger experience made from scratch in just about an hour.

Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

  • 2 medium sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Pinch of salt

Burgers

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ tablespoon canola or vegetable oil (or any high heat oil)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
  • 4 St Pierre Brioche Burger Buns
  • Leafy green lettuce (for topping)

Garlic Herb Aioli

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons chopped basil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the onions. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the onions with a pinch of salt and stir to combine. Cook, stirring often, for 20 to 30 minutes until soft and caramelized. For a faster process, add a pinch of sugar while cooking. Set aside once done; these can be made ahead and stored in the fridge submerged in olive oil.
  2. Prepare the Burgers: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and form each into a ball to prepare for smashing. Heat a large cast iron skillet or grill griddle over medium-high heat for 5 to 10 minutes until very hot.
  3. Cook the Patties: Brush the skillet with oil and add half of the butter. It will smoke briefly—work quickly. Place a beef ball on the skillet and smash it down with a press, spatula, or mason jar 1-2 times until about ½ inch thick. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Repeat with remaining beef portions. Cook patties for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges are crispy and brown.
  4. Flip and Add Cheese: Flip the burgers, season the other side with salt, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each patty and let it melt for about 60 seconds.
  5. Prepare Garlic Herb Aioli: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chopped basil, parsley, rosemary, minced garlic, and freshly cracked black pepper until well combined. This can be made ahead and chilled.
  6. Assemble the Burgers: Remove the patties from the heat. Spread garlic herb aioli on the bottom brioche buns. Top with a leaf of lettuce, then the cheeseburger patty, and finish with a generous portion of caramelized onions. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For even sweeter caramelized onions, add a pinch of sugar during cooking.
  • The burgers are best made on a cast iron skillet for a perfect sear and crust.
  • Using fresh herbs in the aioli boosts flavor but can be substituted with dried herbs if needed.
  • The caramelized onions and aioli can be prepared a day ahead for convenience.
  • Choose high-quality brioche buns for a soft, buttery complement to the savoriness of the burger.

Find it online: https://glowcooks.com/caramelized-onion-smash-burgers-recipe/