Gourmet Onion Jam & Smoked Gouda Cheeseburger

Instructions

1. 1

   Begin by making the onion jam. Slice red onions thinly. In a large frying_pan over medium-low heat, melt butter and olive oil. Add the sliced red onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes until softened and translucent.

   ~20 min
2. 2

   Add balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and fresh thyme to the onions. Stir well. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and the onions are deeply caramelized and jam-like. Remove from heat and set aside.

   ~30 min
3. 3

   While the jam simmers, divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Form each portion into a patty, slightly wider than the bun, and make a small indentation in the center of each patty. Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.

   ~5 min
4. 4

   Heat a clean frying_pan or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your desired doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of smoked gouda on each patty to melt.

   ~8 min
5. 5

   Lightly toast the brioche buns. You can do this in the same pan after removing the patties, or in a toaster. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the cut sides of the buns before toasting for extra flavor, if desired.

   ~3 min
6. 6

   Assemble the burgers: Spread mayonnaise (if using) on the bottom bun. Layer with a lettuce leaf, a slice of tomato, the cheeseburger patty, a generous spoonful of onion jam, and finally the top bun.

   ~2 min