French Onion Smash Burger (Print)

Savory smash burgers topped with caramelized onions and melted cheese on soft slider buns.

# Components:

→ Caramelized Onions

01 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
05 - ½ teaspoon salt
06 - ¼ cup beef broth (optional)

→ Smash Burgers

07 - 1½ pounds ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 - 8 slices Gruyère cheese or Swiss cheese
10 - 8 slider buns

→ For Serving

11 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
12 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
14 - 8 pickle slices (optional)

# Directions:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and golden brown, about 25 minutes. Stir in beef broth during the last 5 minutes, scraping up browned bits. Remove from heat and set aside.
02 - Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (approximately 3 ounces each). Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot. Place each portion on the skillet and press firmly with a sturdy spatula to about ½-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until edges are crisp and browned. Flip each patty, top with caramelized onions and a cheese slice, cover, and cook for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts.
03 - Toast slider buns cut side down in a dry skillet until golden. Combine mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, then spread this mixture on the bottom half of each bun. Place the burger patty topped with onions and cheese on each bun. Garnish with chopped chives and a pickle slice if desired. Cover with the top bun.
04 - Serve sliders immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The caramelized onions come together sweeter and silkier than you’d expect, and they linger in memory long after dinner.
  • These sliders are festive, forgiving, and reliably crowd-pleasing — even among folks who claim they’re not burger people.
02 -
  • If you rush the onions, they’ll end up steamed and limp instead of lusciously golden and sweet; slow and steady is crucial.
  • Pressing too hard on the beef after the first smash just forces the juices out and leaves burgers dry, so smash once, then hands off.
03 -
  • Let the onions go longer than feels reasonable — truly golden onions are a flavor game changer.
  • Smash the burgers with a strong spatula immediately after placing them on the pan for best crispy crust.
Back