Caramelized Onion, Swiss & Bacon Burger With Fries Recipe

Slice and cook

Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil and butter. When butter melts, add the thinly sliced onions and spread them in an even layer.

Season with 1/4 tsp salt and brown sugar (if using). Cook, stirring every 3–5 minutes, scraping the browned bits from the pan. Keep heat low–medium so onions soften and slowly brown, about 20–25 minutes total. If they begin to stick, add a tablespoon of water to deglaze.

When onions are deep golden-brown and sweet, remove from heat and set aside in a bowl. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking bacon, or prepare a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange bacon strips in a single layer and cook until crisp, about 10–12 minutes in the oven or 6–8 minutes per side in a skillet. Transfer to paper towels to drain and keep warm.

When cool enough to handle, halve each strip crosswise (so 2 slices per burger) and set aside.

Prep potatoes

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) if roasting fries, or heat oil to 350°F (175°C) if frying. Cut potatoes into 1/4–1/2 inch sticks. Rinse in cold water and drain; pat very dry with towels.

If oven-roasting: toss potato sticks with 1/4 cup oil, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp paprika. Spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and roast 25–30 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp.

If frying: working in batches, fry potatoes 3–4 minutes until pale golden, drain and rest 2 minutes, then fry a second time 2–3 minutes until crisp. Drain on paper towels and season with salt and paprika immediately.

Form patties

Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently form into patties about 3/4 inch thick, making a slight dimple in the center of each to prevent bulging. Do not overwork the meat.

Season both sides of each patty with 1/4 tsp salt and a pinch of black pepper (totaling the ingredient amounts). Brush or sprinkle each patty with a little Worcestershire sauce (about 1/4 tsp each).

Cook patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface. Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty and cover the pan or close the grill to melt the cheese.

Remove patties to a plate and tent with foil to rest 3–4 minutes.

Toast buns

While patties rest, spread butter on cut sides of buns and toast in a skillet or under broiler until golden, about 1–2 minutes.

Assemble burgers

On each bottom bun place lettuce leaf (if using) and a cheese-topped patty. Top with 2 halved bacon slices and about 1/4–1/3 cup caramelized onions (divide the cooked onions evenly). Add tomato slices if desired, then crown with the top bun. Serve immediately with fries and condiments on the side.