Crispy Cheddar Burger with Caramelized Onion Jam and Roasted Broccoli

Take your burger to the next level with a crispy cheddar frico-a baked cheese crisp that adds an irresistible crunch. Paired with sweet and tangy caramelized onion jam, ripe tomato slices and a juicy beef patty on a toasted brioche bun, this burger is a flavor explosion. Serve alongside roasted broccoli for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and impressive.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish. The key is the frico: cheddar cheese baked until golden and lacy, then layered on the burger. The onion jam, made with sherry vinegar and a touch of sugar, provides a perfect balance. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout.

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Ingredients

10 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Cheddar CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Red OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit TomatoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Sherry VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Brioche BunsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

8 ounce Broccoli FloretsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit KetchupView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

unit SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

unit PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Wash and dry all produce. Halve, peel and thinly slice the red onion. Slice the tomato into rounds. Halve the brioche buns. Form the ground beef into two 1-inch thick patties and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Toss the broccoli florets on a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast until slightly crispy and tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, 5-6 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar, then simmer until the liquid has nearly evaporated. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the caramelized onion jam to a bowl and set aside.
4. Line another baking sheet with parchment paper (if you don’t have parchment, you can remove the frico from the baking sheet while still hot). Place the cheddar cheese in two even piles on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the cheese is melted in the center and crispy at the edges, 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
5. In the same large pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over high heat. Add the burger patties and cook to your desired doneness, 3-6 minutes per side. After flipping the patties, place the brioche buns cut-side down on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 3-4 minutes until golden.
6. Assemble the burgers: spread a layer of caramelized onion jam on the bottom bun, top with the patty, tomato slices, a drizzle of ketchup and a cheddar frico. Close with the top bun. Serve immediately with the roasted broccoli on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different cheese for the frico?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with Parmesan, Gruyère or any hard cheese that melts well and becomes crispy.

How do I prevent the frico from sticking to the baking sheet?

Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. If you don’t have either, remove the frico from the baking sheet while it’s still hot using a thin spatula.

Can I make the onion jam ahead of time?

Absolutely! The caramelized onion jam can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.