Crispy Cheddar Frico Cheeseburgers with Caramelized Onion Jam and Roasted Broccoli

Take your cheeseburger to the next level with a crispy cheddar frico-a baked cheese crisp that adds a delightful crunch. Paired with sweet caramelized onion jam, juicy tomato slices and a toasted brioche bun, this burger is a true showstopper. Serve alongside roasted broccoli for a complete meal that’s both comforting and impressive.

Making frico at home is easier than you think: just bake piles of shredded cheddar until golden and lacy. The onion jam comes together quickly with a splash of sherry vinegar and a pinch of sugar, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a backyard cookout, these burgers are sure to become a favorite.

Log in to save recipes and build weekly shopping lists.

Ingredients

1 unit Yellow OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Roma TomatoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Brioche BunsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

8 ounce Broccoli FloretsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 teaspoon Sherry VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Cheddar CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon KetchupView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Salt, to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Pepper, to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F with racks in the middle and top positions. Wash and dry all produce. Halve, peel and thinly slice the onion. Slice the tomato into rounds. Halve the brioche buns. Form the ground beef into two patties, each slightly wider than the buns.
2. Toss the broccoli florets on a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast on the top rack until browned and slightly crispy, 15-20 minutes.
3. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring, until soft, 5-6 minutes. Stir in half the sherry vinegar (use all for 4 servings) and 1 teaspoon sugar (2 teaspoons for 4 servings). Simmer until the liquid is nearly evaporated, 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the onion jam to a small bowl and wipe out the pan.
4. Grease a second baking sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment paper. Place the shredded cheddar on the sheet in two even piles (four piles for 4 servings). Bake on the middle rack until the cheese is melted in the center and crispy at the edges, 5-7 minutes. Let cool on the sheet for about 1 minute, then transfer to a plate using a spatula to cool completely.
5. Season the patties all over with salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in the same pan used for the onion jam over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook to your desired doneness, 3-6 minutes per side. Meanwhile, place the buns cut-side up on the baking sheet used for the frico. Toast in the oven until golden, 3-4 minutes.
6. Assemble each burger: place a patty on the bottom bun, top with onion jam, tomato slices, ketchup and a cheddar frico. Close with the top bun. Serve with the roasted broccoli on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different cheese for the frico?

Yes, you can use other hard cheeses like Parmesan or Gruyère, but cheddar gives a classic flavor and crisps up beautifully.

How do I store leftover onion jam?

Store the onion jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before using.

Can I make these burgers on a grill?

Absolutely! Cook the patties on a grill over medium-high heat. The frico can be baked in the oven as directed, then added to the grilled burgers.