1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
4–6 slices cheddar or American cheese (depending on stack size)
4 burger buns (preferably brioche or potato rolls)
2 Tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
For the caramelized onions
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2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
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1 Tbsp butter
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1 Tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp salt
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Optional: 1 tsp brown sugar (to speed and deepen caramelization) Weber Seasonings
Optional toppings & condiments
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Dill pickle slices
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Lettuce leaves
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Sliced tomato
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Burger sauce (mayo + ketchup + mustard) or your favorite sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the onions
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In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and salt.
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Cook, stirring occasionally, for ~15‑20 minutes until onions are golden brown and deeply caramelised. If using brown sugar, add after ~10 minutes to accelerate browning. Reduce heat slightly if onions begin to burn. HelloFresh+1
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Once done, set aside off heat.
Step 2: Form & cook the burger patties
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Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (≈3 oz each) if you plan 2 patties per burger ×4 burgers. Form each into a loose ball and then flatten slightly—season each patty with salt and pepper.
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Heat a skillet or griddle to medium‑high to high heat. Add a small amount of oil if using skillet.
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Cook first side for ~2‑3 minutes until crust forms. Flip and place a slice of cheese on the patty while cooking the second side for ~2 minutes. If stacking, cook second patty similarly.
Step 3: Toast the buns & assemble stacks
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Melt 2 Tbsp butter in skillet or on griddle and toast buns cut‑side down until golden (~1 minute).
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On the bottom bun, layer: patty with cheese, a generous heap of caramelized onions, second patty with cheese (if stacking), additional onions, pickles, tomato, lettuce, burger sauce and top bun. Repeat for each burger.
Step 4: Serve
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Serve immediately while hot and melty. Pair with fries, coleslaw or your favorite sides.
Tips for Success
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Use 80/20 ground beef for best juiciness and crust formation. Leaner blends can dry out. Blackberry Babe
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Don’t skip the caramelized onions—they add deep flavor and sweetness that make this burger stand out.
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Keep a hot cooking surface so you get a good sear on the patties.
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Stack after cheese has melted so the layers bind together.
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Serve immediately—this burger is best fresh to keep cheese melty and buns crisp.
Variations
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Bacon & BBQ twist: Add 2 slices crispy bacon on top of cheese and drizzle BBQ sauce instead of burger sauce.
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Mushroom‑Swiss version: Replace caramelized onions with sautéed mushrooms and use Swiss cheese.
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Veggie stack: Use plant‑based patties, vegan cheese and caramelized onions for a vegetarian version.
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Spicy version: Add jalapeño slices or a spicy burger sauce under the top bun.
Ingredient Substitutions
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Cheese slices → pepper jack, Swiss or plant‑based cheese.
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Onions → red or sweet onions for different flavor profiles.
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Buns → brioche, potato rolls, or gluten‑free buns.
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Burger sauce → substitute with garlic aioli or chipotle mayo for extra flavor.
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Ground beef → ground lamb or turkey (adjust cooking time accordingly).
Storage & Reheating
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Storage: If you have leftover patties, store separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep buns and onions separate for best texture.
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Reheating: Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through (~2‑3 minutes per side). Re‑assemble before serving. Cheese may not melt as nicely as fresh.
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Note: This burger is best enjoyed fresh—stacked layers and melty cheese lose quality when stored.
What to Serve With This Ultimate Stacked Cheeseburger with Caramelized Onions
Side dish ideas
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Classic fries or sweet potato fries.
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Onion rings or crispy potato wedges.
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A crisp side salad or coleslaw to cut through richness.
Drink pairing
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A cold craft beer (IPA or lager) pairs nicely with the richness and layers.
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Non‑alcoholic: A chilled iced tea or sparkling soda works well too.
