Description
Blue Cheese Burger & Onion Rings: Bold Flavors, Crispy Sides!
Get ready for a burger night like no other with this tasty blue cheese burger and crispy homemade onion rings!
Ingredients for the Blue Cheese Burger:
1 lb ground beef
4 toasted brioche buns
4 oz crumbled blue cheese
1 red onion (sliced into rings)
Lettuce and tomato for toppings
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder for seasoning
Ingredients for the Onion Rings:
1 large onion (cut into thick rings)
1 cup flour
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
1 tsp paprika
Oil for frying
Steps:
Make Onion Rings: Heat oil to 350°F. Coat onion rings in flour, dip in buttermilk, and coat in breadcrumbs with paprika. Fry until golden.
Cook Patties: Shape beef into patties, season, and cook until done, adding blue cheese during the last minute to melt.
Toast Brioche Buns: Lightly butter and toast the buns until golden.
Assemble the Burger: Layer with lettuce, tomato, and the cheesy patty. Add crispy onion rings and top with the second bun.
Serve with Onion Rings: Serve your burger alongside crispy onion rings with your favorite dipping sauce!
#DeliciousBurgerTime
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Onion Rings: Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 350°F. Slice one large onion into 1/2-inch thick rings. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with buttermilk, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika. Dredge each ring in flour, dip in buttermilk, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes until deep golden brown. Drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
2. Form and Season the Patties: Gently divide 1 lb of ground beef into four equal portions. Form into patties slightly wider than your buns, as they will shrink. Create a slight dimple in the center of each patty to prevent puffing. Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Cook the Burgers: Cook patties on a preheated grill or skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with 1 oz of crumbled blue cheese. Cover with a lid or a metal bowl to help the cheese melt.
4. Toast the Buns and Assemble: While the patties rest, lightly butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast in a skillet or on the grill until golden. On the bottom bun, layer lettuce and a tomato slice. Place the cheesy patty on top, add a few crispy onion rings, and crown with the top bun.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bold burger immediately with a heap of the hot onion rings on the side. Offer classic dipping sauces like ranch, horseradish mayo, or a spicy ketchup for the rings. For a complete meal, pair with a crisp, cold beer or an iced tea, and a simple side of dill pickle spears or a tangy coleslaw to cut through the richness.
How-to Summary
Create a restaurant-quality burger by making crispy paprika onion rings first, then cooking seasoned beef patties and melting blue cheese on top. Assemble the burger on a toasted brioche bun with fresh lettuce, tomato, and the hot onion rings for added crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the onion rings instead of frying? Yes. For a lighter version, place breaded rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
What can I use instead of blue cheese? If blue cheese is too strong, try gorgonzola for a milder flavor, or substitute with sharp cheddar or pepper jack.
How do I prevent my burger patties from shrinking? Form patties that are slightly wider than your bun and press a small dimple into the center of each raw patty. This helps them stay flat during cooking.
Can I prepare the onion ring coating ahead of time? You can mix the dry coatings ahead, but it’s best to bread and fry the onions just before serving to ensure maximum crispiness.
What’s the best type of onion for the rings? Yellow or white onions are standard for their balanced flavor and sturdy rings. Sweet onions like Vidalia will also work but may have a higher water content.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the beef when forming patties, which leads to a tough, dense texture.
- Crowding the pot when frying onion rings, which lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy, greasy rings.
- Adding the blue cheese too early during cooking, causing it to melt completely and burn instead of just softening.
- Using wet onion slices for the rings, which prevents the breading from sticking properly. Pat them dry with paper towels first.
- Skipping the bun toasting step, as a soft bun can become soggy quickly under the weight of the juicy patty and toppings.
Conclusion
This blue cheese burger with homemade onion rings is a guaranteed way to elevate your burger night. The combination of the juicy, tangy patty and the incredibly crispy, seasoned side creates a perfect harmony of textures and bold flavors. With careful preparation and by avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a gourmet-style meal that’s sure to impress. Fire up the stove and get ready for a truly delicious burger experience.
