Truffle-Swiss Caramelized Onion Smash Burger with Garlic Aioli Swirl

 

Why You’ll Love This Truffle-Swiss Caramelized Onion Smash Burger

There’s something magical about the combination of a perfectly cooked burger with truffle oil and the rich sweetness of caramelized onions. This burger isn’t just another average patty; it’s a gourmet masterpiece that blends bold flavors in a way that feels both familiar and exciting.

Here are a few reasons why this smash burger recipe is destined to become your new favorite:

  • Rich, Indulgent Flavors: The truffle oil adds a subtle earthy aroma that elevates the beef, while the Swiss cheese melts into a creamy, nutty layer of goodness.
  • Perfectly Caramelized Onions: Sweet, golden, and tender, these onions add the perfect balance of flavor and texture to each bite.
  • Garlic Aioli Swirl: Creamy, zesty, and packed with garlicky goodness, this aioli is the ultimate finishing touch that ties everything together.
  • Smash Burger Technique: By smashing the beef patty into the skillet, you get that irresistibly crispy, caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

This burger is for anyone who loves the art of the perfect burger and is ready to take their home cooking to the next level.


Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Smash Burger

For the Burger Patties:

  • 1 lb ground beef – Choose a good-quality beef with a bit of fat (80/20 is perfect) for juicy, flavorful patties.
  • 1 tsp truffle oil – A little goes a long way in giving this burger its signature luxurious flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp salt – To bring out the savory taste of the beef.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper – Freshly cracked for the best flavor.

For the Caramelized Onions:

  • 1 large yellow onion – Thinly sliced, ready to melt down into golden, sweet deliciousness.
  • 1 tbsp butter – For sautéing the onions and creating that beautiful caramelization.

For the Garlic Aioli Swirl:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise – A creamy base for your aioli.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic adds a sharp, aromatic kick.
  • 1 tsp lemon juice – For a bit of zing and acidity to balance the richness of the aioli.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning and bringing out the flavors.

For the Burger Assembly:

  • 4 slices Swiss cheese – Smooth, meltable, and slightly nutty in flavor—perfect for this gourmet burger.
  • 4 hamburger buns – Toasted to perfection to add some crunch and structure to the burger.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Create the Perfect Smash Burger

Now, let’s break down how to assemble this burger step by step. Don’t worry; even though it might sound fancy, making this Truffle-Swiss Caramelized Onion Smash Burger is simple and straightforward!

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties

Start by preheating a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. While the pan is heating up, take your ground beef and place it in a mixing bowl. Add the truffle oilsalt, and black pepper, and gently mix the ingredients together with your hands. You want the seasonings evenly distributed throughout the meat, but be careful not to overwork it.

Now, divide the seasoned beef mixture into four equal portions and form them into balls. Don’t worry about shaping them perfectly—they’re going to get smashed into perfect patties anyway!

Step 2: Smash and Sear the Patties

Once the skillet is hot, place the beef balls in the pan. Here’s where the magic happens: Take a spatula or a heavy object (like another pan) and smash each beef ball down to form a thin patty. You want to press hard, so the edges get crispy and caramelized while the center stays juicy. Let the patties cook for 3-4 minutes per side (depending on your desired doneness), making sure to flip them carefully.

After flipping, immediately place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty and cover the skillet to help the cheese melt. This will only take about a minute, so keep an eye on it!

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

While your patties are cooking, it’s time to work on the onions. In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir them occasionally, allowing them to soften and slowly caramelize. This process should take about 10-15 minutes, and the onions should turn a deep golden brown. The longer you let them cook, the sweeter and richer they’ll become!

Step 4: Make the Garlic Aioli Swirl

While the onions are caramelizing and the patties are cooking, you can prepare the garlic aioli. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaiseminced garlic, and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and set it aside. You’ll want this creamy, garlicky goodness ready to spread on your burger buns.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

As everything is coming together, it’s time to toast your hamburger buns. Place the buns cut-side down in a hot pan or under the broiler for a minute or two, until they’re golden brown. This step gives the buns a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the juicy patty and rich aioli.

Step 6: Assemble the Burger

It’s finally time to build your Truffle-Swiss Caramelized Onion Smash Burger! Spread a generous amount of the garlic aioli on the bottom bun. Next, place your cheesy patty on top, followed by a hearty serving of the caramelized onions. Finally, add the top bun, and you’re ready to dig in!


Tips for the Perfect Burger Every Time

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: When making burgers, fresh ingredients make all the difference. Fresh ground beef, crisp buns, and freshly minced garlic will enhance the overall flavor.
  • Smash the Patties Properly: Don’t be afraid to really press down on the patties. The smash technique is what creates that crispy, flavorful crust.
  • Low and Slow for the Onions: Caramelizing onions takes patience. Low heat and slow cooking help release their natural sugars, creating that perfect sweet flavor.
  • Garlic Aioli is Key: Don’t skimp on the garlic aioli—it’s the creamy, tangy finishing touch that ties everything together!

Why This Smash Burger is a Showstopper

What makes this Truffle-Swiss Caramelized Onion Smash Burger so special? It’s the combination of luxurious flavors and gourmet touches that make it stand out from your average burger. The truffle oil gives the beef a sophisticated depth of flavor, while the Swiss cheese provides a creamy, nutty bite. The caramelized onions bring a touch of sweetness, and the garlic aioli adds just the right amount of zest. It’s a symphony of flavors that come together to create a truly unforgettable burger.

But beyond the flavors, this recipe is about creating a moment. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a luxurious meal at home, this burger takes the humble smash burger to a whole new level. It’s the ultimate indulgence, and the best part? You can make it in the comfort of your own kitchen.


Serving Suggestions

While this burger is absolutely delicious on its own, here are a few ideas for side dishes to round out your meal:

  • Crispy French Fries: A classic burger companion, especially when paired with a smoky dipping sauce.
  • Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of a classic slaw complements the richness of the burger perfectly.
  • Grilled Veggies: Lightly grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers add a fresh contrast to the richness of the burger.
  • Sweet Potato Fries: If you’re craving a sweeter side, these fries provide a deliciously sweet contrast to the savory burger.

Final Thoughts

This Truffle-Swiss Caramelized Onion Smash Burger with Garlic Aioli Swirl is a perfect recipe to impress your family, friends, or even yourself. From the luxurious truffle oil to the creamy garlic aioli, each element of this burger is designed to elevate

Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy burger with rich layers of flavor, from the earthy truffle oil to the sweet caramelized onions and creamy garlic aioli. This Truffle-Swiss Caramelized Onion Smash Burger is perfect for a weekend BBQ, a cozy dinner, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent and delicious. The combination of perfectly cooked beef, melted Swiss cheese, and rich toppings is sure to satisfy even the most discerning burger lovers.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tsp truffle oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
  2. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, truffle oil, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized balls.
  3. Place the beef balls in the hot skillet and smash each one down to form a thin patty. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked to your desired doneness. Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the sliced onions. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized.
  5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the garlic aioli. Set aside.
  6. Toast the hamburger buns until golden brown on the cut sides.
  7. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty and allow it to melt slightly.
  8. To assemble the burgers, spread a generous amount of garlic aioli on the bottom bun. Place a patty on top, followed by a heap of caramelized onions. Add the top bun and serve hot.

Notes

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use high-quality ground beef with a good fat content (80/20 is ideal) to ensure juicy patties.
  • You can adjust the amount of truffle oil based on your preference; a little goes a long way.
  • If you prefer a milder aioli, you can reduce the garlic or add a small amount of Dijon mustard for a slight tang.
  • If you don’t have Swiss cheese, Gruyère or fontina are good substitutes.
  • Caramelizing the onions takes patience, but it’s well worth the effort for that sweet, rich flavor.

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