Gruyere Cheeseburger with Red Onion Jam

By: Marge Perry

Break away from bland burgers with this recipe from Marge Perry at Trunk Pop Dinners. Snake River Farms American Wagyu ground beef is served on toasted brioche buns and topped with Gruyere, the famous cheese of Fribourg, Switzerland with a distinctive full-bodied, earthy flavor. This memorable burger is finished with sweet and tangy onion jam, savory rosemary aioli and peppery arugula.

The recipe makes four burgers, but can easily divided for two or doubled for a crowd. Marge uses our one pound packages of ground beef and makes her burgers by hand, but feel free to substitute our pre-made 1/2 pound patties.

Ingredients

Prepare the Burger

  • 2 pounds Snake River Farms American Wagyu ground beef Buy Now
  • 4 brioche buns
  • 4 generous slices of Gruyere cheese
  • Onion jam (see recipe)
  • Rosemary aioli (see recipe)
  • Arugula

Rosemary Aioli

  • ¾ cup good quality mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt

Red Onion Jam

  • 2 large red onions (about 2 lbs.), cut into 1/8" slices
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt

Prepare the Burger

Cut brioche buns in half and brush each cut side with melted butter. Set aside.
Divide ground beef into four equal portions (eight ounces each). Shape patties into uniform, but loosely packed burgers about an inch  larger in diameter than the buns. Make a depression in the center of each patty. Right before placing on heat, season burgers on both sides generously with Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper.
ON A GRILL: Turn gas grill to high or bring a charcoal to high heat (minimum of 600 degrees). Cook burgers on one side, then flip and continue cooking. Allow 3 minutes per side for medium rare or 4 minutes for medium. Top with Gruyere, close lid and allow to cook about one more minute or until the cheese is just melted. Remove burgers and place on platter.
PREPARE IN A FRY PAN OR GRIDDLE: Heat a tablespoon of oil in the pan until hot. Place patties on hot surface and cook until brown and a nice crust forms, about 3 minutes. Flip the burgers and cook another 3 minutes for medium rare or 4 for medium. Top with Gruyere slices and cover for one more minute to let cheese melt. Remove burgers and place on platter.
Place buns on grill or pan to toast. Remove and immediately build the burgers. Spread about 1 1/2 tablespoons aioil on bottom bun. Cover with a layer of arugula. Add patty and cheese. Place about 2 tablespoons onion jam on top and cover with the toasted bun top. Serve and enjoy!

Rosemary Aioli

Mix mayonnaise, rosemary, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for an hour or more before serving.

Red Onion Jam

Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 to 8 minutes.
Add wine, sugar and balsamic. Bring the contents to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer until liquid thickens, stirring occasionally. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed. Transfer finished jam to a bowl to cool. Use right away or store in the fridge until ready to use. Keeps for about 10 days.