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Savory Smash Burger Grilled Cheese Recipe with Caramelized Onions

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A quick and easy grilled cheese sandwich featuring a crispy smash burger patty, sweet caramelized onions, and a blend of melty cheeses for a comforting and indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ounces ground beef (80/20 blend) per patty
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season
  • Neutral oil (canola or vegetable), for cooking
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for caramelizing onions)
  • Pinch of salt (for onions)
  • Optional: pinch of brown sugar (for onions)
  • 2 slices thick-cut sandwich bread or sourdough per sandwich
  • About 2 ounces (60 g) cheese blend: sharp cheddar + American cheese slices
  • Unsalted butter, softened, for spreading on bread
  • Optional extras: dill pickles or pickled jalapeños
  • Optional extras: mustard or burger sauce

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally for about 20-25 minutes until the onions are deeply golden and sticky. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of brown sugar halfway through.
  2. Form the burger patty: Divide ground beef into 6-ounce balls. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Handle gently to keep tender.
  3. Heat the pan: Warm a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a teaspoon of neutral oil and let it shimmer.
  4. Smash the burger: Place a beef ball in the hot pan, immediately press down firmly with a spatula to about 1/4 inch thickness. Hold for 20-30 seconds to create a crust, then cook for 2 minutes without moving.
  5. Flip and add cheese: Flip the patty carefully, top with a slice each of sharp cheddar and American cheese. Cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patty is cooked through.
  6. Prepare the bread: Butter one side of each bread slice generously. Place buttered side down on a clean skillet over medium heat.
  7. Build the sandwich: On the non-toasted side of one bread slice, layer the cheese-covered smash burger, a generous pile of caramelized onions, and any optional pickles or sauces. Top with the other bread slice, buttered side up.
  8. Grill the sandwich: Cook on medium heat until the bread is golden brown and crisp (about 3-4 minutes). Flip carefully and grill the other side until equally golden and cheese is gooey inside.
  9. Serve immediately: Let the sandwich rest for a minute, then slice in half and enjoy.

Notes

Use high heat for smashing the burger to get crispy edges. Do not press the patty after flipping to keep it juicy. Butter the bread evenly for a golden crust. Caramelize onions low and slow for best flavor. For gluten-free, swap bread accordingly. For vegetarian, use portobello mushroom or plant-based patty. Reheat leftovers on stovetop to keep bread crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, grilled cheese, caramelized onions, sandwich, comfort food, quick dinner, easy recipe

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/savory-smash-burger-grilled-cheese-recipe-with-caramelized-onions-easy-and-perfect/