Ultimate Double Cheeseburger
Caramelized Onions

Elevate your burger game with this ultimate double cheeseburger, featuring perfectly seared smash-style patties, melted cheddar, and sweet caramelized onions.

Ingredients

• 1 brioche or standard burger bun
• 2 frozen beef patties
• 2 slices yellow cheddar cheese
• 12 white onion
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter (divided)
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• 1-2 dill pickles
• to taste black pepper
• to taste salt

Instructions

1. 1Slice the onions

   

   Begin by peeling a white onion, cutting it in half, and slicing it into thin, uniform strips on a cutting board. These sliced onions will be caramelized to add a rich, sweet, and savory depth to the cheeseburger.

   Tip: Try to slice the onions as evenly as possible so they cook and caramelize at the same rate in the pan.
2. 2Caramelize the onions

   

   Heat a splash of olive oil in a pan and add the sliced onions to soften them. As they begin to cook down, add a pat of butter to the pan. Toss the onions constantly as the butter melts, enhancing the aroma and helping them develop a sweet, golden-brown caramelization.

   Tip: Keep the heat at medium to medium-low. Caramelizing onions takes patience; dont rush the process or they might burn.
3. 3Dice the pickles

   

   Take a few dill pickles and finely dice them into very small pieces. The sharp, tangy acidity and crunchy texture of the pickles will cut through the richness of the beef and cheese, forming the perfect base for the burger sauce.

   Tip: Pat the pickles dry with a paper towel before chopping to prevent the extra brine from making your burger sauce too watery.
4. 4Add sauce ingredients

   

   In a small glass bowl, add the mayonnaise and finely chopped pickles. Squeeze in a generous amount of ketchup and a touch of yellow mustard to form the base of your secret sauce.

   Tip: Adjust the ratio of ketchup to mayonnaise based on your preference for sweetness versus creaminess.
5. 5Mix the burger sauce

   

   Season the gathered ingredients with a dash of black pepper, then stir everything together vigorously until it forms a smooth, cohesive burger sauce. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

   Tip: You can prepare this sauce ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. 6Flatten the beef patties

   

   Take a completely thawed frozen beef patty and place it between two sheets of parchment paper. Press down firmly to flatten it out as much as possible. Season the surface with black pepper. Increasing the surface area of the meat ensures maximum contact with the pan for a perfect caramelized crust.

   Tip: Ensure the beef patties are fully thawed before pressing; otherwise, they may break apart instead of flattening smoothly.
7. 7Toast the burger buns

   

   Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and melt a knob of butter. Place the burger buns cut-side down into the pan and toast until the edges are golden brown and crispy. This creates a delicious buttery barrier that prevents the sauce and meat juices from making the bread soggy.

   Tip: Dont walk away during this step! Buns can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in just a few seconds.
8. 8Sear the beef patties

   

   Place the beef patties into a hot pan and use a heavy spatula to press them down firmly for maximum contact. This action triggers the browning reaction which creates a deeply savory and caramelized crust on the outside of the meat.

   Tip: Press hard within the first thirty seconds of cooking to achieve thin and crispy edges.
9. 9Melt the cheddar cheese

   

   Once the patties are nearly finished cooking and have reached the desired doneness, place a square slice of yellow cheddar cheese on top of each one. The residual heat from the pan and the meat will quickly melt the cheese, allowing it to drape perfectly over the patties.

   Tip: If the cheese isnt melting fast enough, add a teaspoon of water to the pan and cover it with a lid for 10 seconds to create steam.
10. 10Apply sauce to the bun

    

    Take the bottom half of the toasted burger bun and spread a generous dollop of the prepared burger sauce over the surface. Use the back of a spoon to ensure an even layer for consistent flavor in every bite.

    Tip: Spread the sauce all the way to the edges to ensure that every bite of the burger contains the tangy flavor of the homemade dressing.
11. 11Stack the beef patties

    

    Carefully lift the cheese-covered beef patties and stack them onto the bottom bun that has been prepared with sauce. Layering two thin patties instead of one thick one provides more surface area for seasoning and melted cheese, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful bite.

    Tip: Use a wide, thin spatula to ensure the melted cheese stays intact while moving the patties from the pan to the assembly board.
12. 12Add caramelized onions

    

    Spoon a generous portion of the prepared caramelized onions directly onto the melted cheese of the top patty. The sweet and savory flavor of the onions provides the perfect balance to the rich beef and sharp cheddar cheese.

    Tip: Use a pair of tongs to pile the onions high so they stay centered on the meat while you finish the assembly.
13. 13Complete the stack

    

    Take the toasted top bun and place it firmly over the mound of caramelized onions. Press down lightly to stabilize the burger and allow the residual heat to warm the bread through completely.

    Tip: If the burger is very tall you can use a long toothpick or skewer to hold the layers in place during serving.
14. 14Add fresh garnishes

    

    Prepare any additional fresh toppings like crisp lettuce or a slice of ripe tomato if you desire extra texture. Add these under the top bun or serve them on the side to complete the plate.

    Tip: Pat the lettuce and tomato dry with a paper towel before adding them to keep the bun from becoming soft or watery.
15. 15Wrap and serve

    

    Once fully assembled, place the burger in the center of a sheet of white parchment paper. Fold the paper tightly around the burger to hold all the ingredients together. This makes it convenient to carry and eat while keeping the warmth locked in.

    Tip: Wrapping the burger for a minute or two helps the bun soften slightly from the internal steam, creating a professional takeaway texture.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions