Swiss Onion Burger Recipe

Swiss Onion Burger Recipe

This Swiss Onion Burger is a savory masterpiece that combines juicy, seasoned beef with melted Swiss cheese and caramelized onions for a mouthwatering experience. Perfect for a backyard cookout or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is a simple yet gourmet twist on a classic burger. Get ready to savor the rich flavors and creamy textures that make this Swiss Onion Burger a new family favorite!

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Elevate your burger game with this Swiss Onion Burger recipe! Juicy beef, melted Swiss cheese, and caramelized onions—your new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Swiss Onion Burger Recipe

• Rich, Savory Flavors: The combination of juicy beef, melty Swiss cheese, and sweet caramelized onions creates an irresistible taste that’s both comforting and gourmet.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of common ingredients to make this delicious burger, making it an easy option for a quick meal.
• Versatile Preparation: Whether you cook it on the stovetop, under a broiler, or on the grill, this burger turns out perfectly every time. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings.
• Easily Adaptable: You can easily swap out the beef for a plant-based patty or experiment with different cheeses and buns to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Try this easy Swiss Onion Burger for dinner tonight! Packed with flavor and perfect for a family meal or cookout.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest burgers. You can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based patty for a leaner or vegetarian option (or even a combination of meats).
• Swiss Cheese: The mild, nutty flavor of Swiss cheese complements the onions perfectly. Substitute with provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a different cheese experience.
• Onions: Yellow or sweet onions are ideal for caramelizing, but you can use red onions for a sharper taste or shallots for a more delicate flavor.
• Butter or Olive Oil: Use butter for richer, more flavorful caramelized onions, or opt for olive oil if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option.
• Burger Buns: Brioche buns add a soft, slightly sweet touch, but you can use any buns you like, such as whole wheat, pretzel, or gluten-free buns. Our family loves using soft and fluffy potato buns for our burgers!
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the beef. Feel free to add garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite spice blend for extra flavor. Kinder’s Steak Blend Seasoning is a great option 🙂
• Optional Toppings: Customize your burger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, bacon, or any other favorite toppings. We added arugula and A1 steak sauce for a flavor combo that was so delicious!

Mouthwatering Swiss Onion Burger: The perfect combination of juicy beef, Swiss cheese, and sweet caramelized onions!

Swiss Burger Bombs, Circa 2018

Back when we originally posted this recipe in 2018, Keaton titled it “Swiss Burger Bombs.” He stuffed the inside of the burger with Swiss cheese before cooking, so that each burger had a layer of gooey, melted cheese inside.

We’ve updated this recipe to simply have the cheese on the outside of the patty, like a normal burger. But we want to make sure you still have the instructions for this yummy variation! See the original Swiss Burger Bombs instructions below. 

How to Make Burger Bombs

STEP 1 – Prepare the Beef

In a large mixing bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Mix until evenly combined, but don’t overwork the meat to avoid tough burgers.

STEP 2 – Form the Patties

Divide the ground beef into equal portions. For each burger, split the portion in half to create two thinner patties of the same size.

STEP 3 – Add the Cheese

Place a slice or a small handful of shredded Swiss cheese in the center of one of the thin patties. Be sure to leave some space around the edges to seal the patty.

STEP 4 – Seal the Patty

Place the second thin patty on top of the cheese-covered one. Carefully press the edges together, sealing the cheese inside. Gently shape the patty to ensure the cheese is fully enclosed, forming a “bomb.”

STEP  5 – Cook the Burger Bombs

Heat a skillet or grill to medium-high heat. Cook the Swiss Burger Bombs for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Be careful not to press down on the burgers while cooking, as this could cause the cheese to leak out.

Love burgers? This Swiss Onion Burger takes it to the next level with gooey Swiss cheese and caramelized onions. A must-try!

How to Make this Swiss Onion Burger Recipe

How to Make Swiss Onion Burgers

Gather Ingredients

• Ground meat of choice (we used a combination of 80/20 beef and lean turkey)
• Swiss cheese slices
• Yellow or sweet onions
• Butter or olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Burger buns
• Optional toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, etc.)

Caramelize the Onions

• Slice the onions thinly.
• Heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
• Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, golden brown, and caramelized, about 20-30 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt.

Shape the Patties

• In a large bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper, mixing gently to combine.
• Divide the beef into equal portions and shape each into a patty about 1/2 inch thick, creating a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.

Cook the Patties

• Preheat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
• Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your burgers more well-done.
• During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty and cover the skillet or close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt.

Toast the Buns (Optional but Recommended)

• If desired, lightly toast the burger buns on the grill or in a skillet until golden brown.

Assemble the Burgers

• Place each cooked patty on the bottom half of a bun.
• Top with caramelized onions.
• Add any additional toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, or pickles.
• Close the burger with the top bun.

Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the Swiss Onion Burgers immediately with your favorite sides, like crispy oven baked fries, gilled asparagus, or a fresh green salad.

Hosting a BBQ? Impress your guests with these Swiss Onion Burgers—juicy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious!

How to Broil Burgers 

Prepare the Patties:

• Preheat your oven’s broiler to high (500ºF).
• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
• Shape the ground beef into patties, making a round indentation in the center of each to prevent them from puffing up as they cook (I pressed the bottom of a drinking glass into the patty). Season both sides as desired.

Position the Oven Rack

• Adjust the oven rack so that it’s about 4-6 inches from the broiler element (usually the top slot). This will ensure the burgers cook quickly and get a nice, browned crust.

Place the Patties on the Baking Sheet

• Arrange the patties on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching. This allows for even cooking.

Broil the Burgers:

• Place the baking sheet under the broiler.
• Broil for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare burgers. Broil longer if you prefer your burgers more well-done (I did 5 minutes for well done burgers). Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

Rest the Burgers:

• Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the burgers from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the burgers juicy.

Juicy beef, melty Swiss cheese, and caramelized onions—this Swiss Onion Burger is burger perfection! Try it today!

Continue to Content

Swiss Onion Burger Recipe

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Upgrade your burger with this Swiss Onion Burger recipe! Simple, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with everyone.

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Ingredients

• 2 lb (900g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
• 6 slices Swiss cheese
• 1-2 large yellow or sweet onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 burger buns (brioche or your choice)

Additional Toppings

• A1 Steak Sauce
• Arugula
• Kinder Steak Blend Seasoning

Instructions

Prepare the Onions:

• Slice the Onions: Thinly slice 2-3 yellow or sweet onions.
• Heat the Skillet: Place a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan on the grill over medium-low heat.
• Caramelize the Onions: Add 1-2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil to the skillet. Once melted, add the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes until the onions are soft, golden brown, and caramelized. Season with a pinch of salt.
• Set Aside: Once caramelized, remove the skillet from the grill and set the onions aside.

Prepare the Grill:

• Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent the burgers from sticking.
• Shape the Patties: While the grill is heating, divide your ground beef into equal portions and shape each into patties about 1/2 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.
• Season the Patties: Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.

Grill the Burgers:

• Place the Patties on the Grill: Arrange the patties on the grill grates. Grill the burgers for 4-5 minutes on the first side without pressing down, allowing a good sear to form.
• Flip the Burgers: Flip the patties and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time if you prefer your burgers more well-done.
• Add the Swiss Cheese: During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty. Close the grill lid to let the cheese melt.

Toast the Buns (Optional):

• Toast the Buns: If desired, place the burger buns on the grill, cut side down, during the last minute of grilling. Toast until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.

Assemble the Burgers:

• Layer the Toppings: Place the grilled patties on the bottom half of the toasted buns. Top each with a generous spoonful of caramelized onions.
• Add Additional Toppings: Customize your burger with any additional toppings and/or seasoning.
• Close the Burgers: Top with the other half of the bun.

Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Swiss?

Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with other types like provolone, cheddar, or mozzarella. Each will bring a unique flavor to the burger, but Swiss cheese offers a distinctive, mild, and nutty taste that pairs well with caramelized onions.

2. How do I caramelize onions for the burger?

To caramelize onions, cook them slowly over medium-low heat with a bit of butter or oil, stirring occasionally. It usually takes about 20-30 minutes for the onions to turn golden brown and develop a sweet flavor.

3. Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the burger patties and caramelized onions in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cook the patties and assemble the burgers just before serving for the best taste.

4. What type of buns should I use?

Brioche buns are a great choice for Swiss Onion Burgers because they’re soft and slightly sweet, complementing the savory flavors. However, you can use any burger buns you prefer, like pretzel buns or whole wheat.

5. Can I grill these burgers instead of cooking them on the stovetop?

Absolutely! Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor to the burgers. Just be sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and cook the patties over medium-high heat.

6. How do I keep my burger patties from shrinking?

To minimize shrinkage, make a slight indentation in the center of each patty before cooking. This helps the patty hold its shape and cook evenly.

7. Can I add extra toppings to the Swiss Onion Burger?

Yes! Feel free to add toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, or bacon to customize your burger to your taste.

8. What side dishes go well with Swiss Onion Burgers?

These burgers pair perfectly with classic sides like French fries, potato salad, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.

9. Can I make this burger with a plant-based patty?

Yes, you can use your favorite plant-based burger patty as a substitute for the beef. The caramelized onions and Swiss cheese (or a plant-based alternative) will still bring great flavor.

10. How do I store leftover Swiss Onion Burgers?

Store leftover burger patties and caramelized onions separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat before assembling.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 492Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 1213mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 2gSugar: 6gProtein: 30g

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