French Onion Burger Patties with Gruyère

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 slices Gruyère cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 hamburger buns

Steps

1. 1 In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
2. 2 Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
3. 3 In a bowl, combine ground beef, caramelized onions, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix gently.
4. 4 Form into 4 patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each.
5. 5 Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness.
6. 6 During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of Gruyère and let melt.
7. 7 Toast the hamburger buns lightly.
8. 8 Assemble burgers by placing a patty on each bun, and serve immediately.

Equipment

• Skillet
• Grill or stovetop grill pan
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Variations

• Add blue cheese crumbles for a tangy twist.
• Substitute Gruyère with Swiss cheese for a classic option.

Substitutions

• If Gruyère is unavailable, use Swiss or Havarti cheese.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.

Pairings

• Classic coleslaw
• Garlic aioli

Nutrition

Tips

• Using a meat thermometer ensures your burgers reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
• For a smokier flavor, grill the patties over indirect heat.

Storage

Store assembled burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat.

Freezing: Freeze uncooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crispy French fries and a side of tangy coleslaw.
• Pair with a cold IPA or a glass of Chardonnay.

FAQ