Bourbon Cheeseburger with Caramelized Onions
Experience a gourmet burger joint in your own home with this incredibly delicious Bourbon Cheeseburger. Featuring sweet, sticky caramelized onions infused with bourbon and a hint of brown sugar, a juicy seasoned beef patty topped with sharp cheddar, all piled on a soft brioche bun. It's surprisingly easy and perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large bowl
- Grill or Griddle
- Tongs or Spatula
Ingredients
For Caramelized Onions
- 1 tbsp neutral oil like vegetable or canola
- 1 large sweet onion about 12 oz, julienned
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 0.25 tsp salt
For Burgers
- 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 brioche buns split and toasted
- 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- optional toppings lettuce, tomato, pickles
Instructions
- Step 1: Caramelize Those Onions: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the julienned sweet onion and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and deep golden brown. Pour in the bourbon and cook for 1-2 minutes until it bubbles and steams. Stir in the brown sugar and 1/4 tsp salt; cook for another 2-3 minutes until sticky and glazed. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Burger Patties: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and form each into a 3/4-inch thick patty. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb.
- Step 3: Cook the Burgers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (or heat a cast iron skillet/griddle over medium-high heat). Place patties on the hot grill/skillet. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 6-7 minutes per side for medium. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each patty and let it melt.
- Step 4: Toast the Buns: While the cheese is melting, quickly toast the split brioche buns on the grill grates for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or in a toaster.
- Step 5: Assemble the Burgers: Place a toasted bottom bun on your plate. Top with a cheesy burger patty, a generous pile of the caramelized onions, and any optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles. Add the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
Customize your burger with different cheeses like Provolone, Swiss, Gruyere, or smoked cheddar, or swap brioche buns for potato, pretzel, or sesame seed buns. For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the meat mix or top with pickled jalapeños. You can prepare the caramelized onions a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge. Always handle ground meat gently to avoid tough burgers. Keep meat cold until forming patties. Don't press down on burgers while cooking to keep them juicy. Let cooked burgers rest 1-2 minutes before assembling. Store leftover cooked patties in the fridge for 3-4 days, and onions for 5-7 days.