Craving a juicy burger? This easy homemade garlicky smash burger with caramelized onions is a quick weeknight dinner solution, made with freshly ground beef and sweet onions, save for later and cook tonight

Garlicky Smash Burger with Caramelized Onions Recipe

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, garlicky smash burger, topped with sweet caramelized onions and melted cheese, all nestled between a toasted bun. This recipe is a game-changer for burger lovers, requiring minimal effort but yielding maximum flavor. By utilizing everyday ingredients and a few clever techniques, you can create a truly impressive dish that’s sure to become a favorite. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and with a few simple substitutions, you can tailor it to your dietary preferences and ingredient availability.

Why This Works

The balance of flavors in this recipe is key, combining the pungency of garlic, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and the richness of cheese to create a truly satisfying taste experience. Plus, all the ingredients are easily accessible at your local grocery store.
The preparation is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. You can have all the components ready in under 30 minutes, and the cooking process is largely hands-off.
Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the end result is remarkably impressive. The caramelized onions add a depth of flavor and a beautiful, golden-brown color, while the garlicky smash burgers are cooked to perfection. It’s a dish that’s sure to wow your family and friends without requiring a lot of fuss.

Key Ingredients

To make this recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients. For the burgers, you’ll need ground beef (though you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative if you prefer), garlic, salt, and pepper. For the caramelized onions, you’ll need sliced onions, olive oil, salt, and a pinch of sugar. You’ll also need some cheese (such as cheddar, American, or mozzarella), buns, lettuce, tomato, and any other toppings you like. If you want to get really creative, you can add some bacon, avocado, or a fried egg to take your burger to the next level.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Finely chop the garlic and slice the onions. Divide the ground beef into four portions and shape each one into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly into a patty, making sure to handle the meat gently to avoid compacting it too much.
Step 2: Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re deep golden brown and caramelized. This should take about 20-25 minutes, so be patient and let the onions do their thing. While the onions are cooking, preheat a griddle or grill to medium-high heat.
Step 3: Once the griddle is hot, add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes on the first side, until they’re seared and nicely browned. Flip the burgers and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until they’re cooked to your desired level of doneness. While the burgers are cooking, toast the buns on the griddle and melt some cheese on top of each patty.
Step 4: To assemble the burgers, spread a layer of caramelized onions on the bottom bun, followed by a cooked patty, a few slices of cheese, some lettuce, tomato, and any other toppings you like. Top with the top bun and serve immediately.

Handy Tips

When cooking the onions, make sure to stir them occasionally to prevent burning. You can also add a pinch of salt to help bring out their natural sweetness.
Don’t press down on the burgers while they’re cooking, as this can squeeze out juices and make them dry. Instead, let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side.
If you’re using a griddle or grill, make sure to oil it before cooking to prevent the burgers from sticking. You can also use a bit of oil to brush the buns and give them a nice golden brown color.

Heat Control

When cooking the burgers, it’s essential to control the heat to achieve the perfect level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook the burgers for 3-4 minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature of 130-135°F. For medium, cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature of 140-145°F. For well-done, cook for 7-8 minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F or higher. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, and always let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor is essential in this recipe, as it provides a nice textural contrast to the softness of the burger and the onions. To achieve a nice crunch, make sure to toast the buns on the griddle or grill until they’re lightly browned and crispy. You can also add some crunchy toppings like lettuce, tomato, or bacon to give the burger some extra texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a cast-iron skillet or a griddle to cook the burgers, as these retain heat well and can achieve a nice sear. You can also use a grill or a broiler to cook the burgers, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet or griddle, as this can lower the temperature and prevent the burgers from cooking evenly. Cook the burgers in batches if necessary, and always make sure to leave a little space between each patty.
Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving, as this allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax. This will result in a more tender and juicy burger that’s sure to impress.

Storage Tips

If you’re not serving the burgers immediately, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Reheat the burgers in a skillet or oven until they’re warmed through, and always check the internal temperature to ensure food safety.
You can also freeze the burgers for up to three months, either cooked or uncooked. Simply wrap the burgers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook the burgers, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or cook them from frozen in a skillet or oven.
For leftover caramelized onions, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat the onions in a skillet or oven until they’re warmed through, and use them as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or salads.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give this recipe as a gift, you can package the burgers and caramelized onions in a cute container or bag. Simply wrap the burgers individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in a paper bag or container with a lid. Add a few toppings like cheese, lettuce, and tomato, and include a few slices of bread or a bag of buns. You can also include a few condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise, and a few pickles or chips on the side. This is a great gift idea for friends, family, or coworkers, and it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or party.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar, American, or mozzarella, to give the burgers a unique flavor. You can also add some grated Parmesan or feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
🌟 Add some creative toppings like bacon, avocado, or a fried egg to give the burgers a gourmet twist. You can also try using different types of lettuce, tomato, or pickles to add some extra flavor and texture.
🌟 Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative to give the burgers a leaner or more sustainable option. You can also try using different types of meat, such as lamb or pork, for a more exotic flavor.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the burgers are too dense or dry, try adding a little more fat or using a different type of meat. If the onions are too crispy or burnt, try cooking them at a lower temperature or stirring them more frequently.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have garlic, you can substitute it with onion powder or shallots. If you don’t have cheese, you can substitute it with a dairy-free alternative or omit it altogether.
Over/undercooking signs: If the burgers are overcooked, they’ll be dry and tough. If they’re undercooked, they’ll be pink or raw in the center. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, and always let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure food safety.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the burgers for up to three months, either cooked or uncooked. Simply wrap the burgers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free buns and condiments. Be sure to check the ingredient labels to ensure that all the components are gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double or triple the recipe as needed. Simply multiply the ingredients and cook the burgers in batches if necessary. Keep an eye on the temperature and cooking time, and always let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure food safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this garlicky smash burger with caramelized onions recipe is a game-changer for burger lovers. It’s easy to make, requires minimal effort, and yields maximum flavor. By using everyday ingredients and a few clever techniques, you can create a truly impressive dish that’s sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavor variations. With this recipe, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a burger master, and your taste buds will thank you.

Juicy Garlicky Smash Burger Caramelized Onions