These elevated burgers are sure to impress this summer, making them perfect for Father’s Day, the Fourth of July, or any backyard barbecue. First, make thick burger patties and grill them. Top the burgers with an excellent aged cheddar, such as Kerrygold. Then,sauté sweet yellow onions until they are a deep golden brown — this is an easy way to achieve faux caramelized onions. For added flavor, include crispy bacon, cooked on a sheet pan for a hands-off, mess-free approach. Finally, complete the burger with lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and mustard. What to serve with is burger? Check out some of our popular summer side dishes.

How to make Caramelized Onion and Aged Cheddar Burgers

Serve 6 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 20-25 mins

Ingredients:

• 2-2 ½ lbs. ground beef, shape into 5-6 oz. round patties
• Salt and pepper or favorite burger seasoning
• 6-12 slices of bacon (1-2 per burger), optional
• 4-6 oz. aged cheddar (like Kerrygold), thinly sliced
• 6 brioche or sesame seed buns
• 1-2 large tomatoes, sliced
• Iceberg or crisp butter lettuce,
• Mayo and yellow mustard

Caramelized Onions:

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1-2 tbsp. butter, ghee, or olive oil
• Salt
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar (optional)

Directions:

1. Divide and shape ground beef into 6 large round burger patties. Season with salt and pepper or your favorite burger seasoning and set aside.
2. For the onions: In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, add butter, ghee, or olive oil, then thinly sliced onions. Season with salt, then sauté for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep brown and caramelized. Deglaze every now and then with splashes of water to help the onions cook down and avoid burning. Optionally, add 1 tbsp. of brown sugar. Once caramelized and deep golden brown, remove from the heat and set aside.
3. For the bacon: Lay bacon slices on a aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Place in a cold oven, then set to 400 degrees and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked and just crisp. Remove and drain the grease. Once cooled, cut or tear the slices in half to fit the burgers.
4. While the bacon cooks, heat a grill to medium heat. Slice the tomato and season the slices with salt. Set aside. Slice the aged cheddar and set it aside.
5. Once the grill reaches about 500 degrees, place the seasoned burger patties on the grate and close the lid. Grill for 5-6 minutes.
6. Open the grill, flip, and lay slices of aged cheddar on the patties. Close the lid and grill for another 5-6 minutes. This will yield medium burgers, but continue to cook until you reach your desired preference.
7. Remove the patties from the grill and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes.
8. If desired, toast the buns on the grill or in a pan while the burgers rest.
9. Assemble the burgers: Spread mayo and mustard on the bottom and top bun. Place a piece of lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by a tomato slice, and the burger. Top with two to four bacon halves, then a spoonful of caramelized onions, and crown the burger with the top bun.