French Onion Burgers Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 hamburger buns, split
• 1/4 cup butter
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 (1 ounce) packet dry onion soup mix
• 12 slices Havarti cheese
• 6 tablespoons mayonnaise

Directions

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the hamburger bun halves, cut-sides down, in the hot skillet. Toast until lightly golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the buns and set them aside on a plate.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat. While the grill is warming up, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat on the grill. Add the sliced mushrooms and onions. Season with salt and black pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are lightly browned and tender, about 20 minutes.
3. While the mushrooms and onions are cooking, place the ground beef in a bowl and add the onion soup mix. Use your hands to mix everything together. Form the beef mixture into 6 equal-sized hamburger patties.
4. Lightly oil the grill grates. Place the burger patties on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes. Flip the patties and continue grilling until they reach your desired doneness. To check, insert a meat thermometer into the center of the patties; the temperature should reach 180F (82C).
5. Once the burgers are cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes.
6. Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on each toasted bun half. Place a cooked burger patty on the bottom half of each bun. Top with an equal portion of the sauted mushrooms and onions.
7. Place a slice of Havarti cheese on top of each burger and sandwich with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	961
Total Fat	63g	81%
Saturated Fat	27g	137%
Cholesterol	213mg	71%
Sodium	1108mg	48%
Total Carbohydrate	35g	13%
Dietary Fiber	3g	9%
Total Sugars	6g
Protein	61g	122%
Vitamin C	4mg	4%
Calcium	529mg	41%
Iron	7mg	39%
Potassium	928mg	20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind French Onion Burgers

French Onion Burgers are a creative twist on two culinary classics: the traditional American hamburger and the French onion soup. This fusion likely emerged in the late 20th century, when chefs and home cooks alike began experimenting with comfort foods by combining rich flavors and textures. By incorporating the savory depth of caramelized onions, mushrooms, and onion soup mix into a burger, this dish captures the essence of French onion soup while retaining the simplicity and accessibility of a burger. Its origin is attributed to inventive American kitchens looking to elevate casual dining without losing the familiarity of the beloved hamburger.

Regional Variations and Features

While French Onion Burgers are broadly considered an American innovation, certain regional variations have developed over time. In the Midwest, for instance, the burger often features a thick slice of Havarti or Swiss cheese and a heavier focus on caramelized onions. Coastal versions, particularly on the West Coast, might include sauted mushrooms and a lighter, tangy sauce to balance the richness of the beef. The core concept remains the same, but the presentation and additional toppings reflect local tastes and ingredient availability, making each regional adaptation slightly unique.

How They Differ From Similar Dishes

French Onion Burgers are distinct from other onion-topped burgers or mushroom burgers because they aim to replicate the signature flavor profile of French onion soup. Unlike a standard mushroom Swiss burger, the use of dry onion soup mix blended into the ground beef adds a concentrated, savory depth. The inclusion of caramelized onions and sometimes sauted mushrooms further differentiates it from simpler onion burgers. The combination creates a layered taste experience: sweet, salty, and umami all in one bite.

Where They Are Typically Served

These burgers are versatile in their serving locations. Casual dining restaurants and gourmet burger joints often feature them on their menus, emphasizing the elevated take on a classic burger. They are also popular for backyard barbecues and social gatherings, where the rich flavor and hearty ingredients make them crowd-pleasers. Some cafes even offer mini versions as sliders, perfect for appetizer platters or sharing.

Interesting Facts

• Despite their name, French Onion Burgers are an American creation, blending European-inspired flavors with American fast-food culture.
• Incorporating onion soup mix into the meat is a secret shortcut that enhances umami without lengthy cooking processes.
• Pairing these burgers with a crisp white wine or a mild lager is a nod to their French culinary inspiration.
• Many home cooks find that resting the patties after grilling allows the flavors from the onions and mushrooms to fully meld, resulting in a juicier burger.
• Some variations even add a splash of cognac or brandy to the onions while caramelizing, mimicking classic French onion soup techniques.

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