Most burgers rely on toppings like ketchup, bacon, or special sauce for flavor. This one takes a different approach. Sweet red wine onion jam, creamy goat cheese, and peppery arugula transform a simple burger into something that feels restaurant-worthy while still being perfect for a backyard cookout.
Featured in Greenwich Lifestyle Magazine for its elevated twist on a classic, the sweet onions slowly caramelized with red wine create a deeply flavorful onion jam that can be prepared days in advance– making entertaining easier without sacrificing flavor. Paired with melted Gruyère cheese, peppery arugula, and a perfectly grilled burger, the result is a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home.
Whether you’re hosting friends for a backyard BBQ, planning a summer dinner party, or simply looking for a new way to elevate burger night, this recipe delivers layers of flavor in every bite.
Step 1: make the onion jam
The red wine onion jam is delicious! It can be used not only on a burger but really good on grilled chicken or on a gourmet grilled cheese! The onion jam can be made at least 3 days in advance or frozen up to about 3 months. It is a little time consuming to slowly reduce the onions so making it ahead is always a plus.
Ingredients
- 2 large red onions, sliced 1/4 inch
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup hearty red wine, such as cabernet.
- 3 thyme sprigs
- 1.5 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
This recipe yields about 1 cup of onion jam.
Directions
Heat a heavy bottom dutch oven or a skillet pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil. Add the onions and stir to coat for about 3 minutes. Set the heat to low and stir occasionally for about 30-35 minutes. (Be sure to adjust the heat up or down as needed. The onions should not brown, they should slowly “melt.”)
Once the onions are soft and the white parts have become translucent, Add the red wine, salt, pepper, red chili flakes and sugar. Stir to combine. Raise heat to medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Gently boil for about 3-5 minutes until all the liquid has evaporated. Taste for seasoning. The onions should be tender, sweet & spicy.
Step 2: Make the burger
Ingredients
- All beef burger patty(s)
- Brioche buns
- Aged cheddar cheese – thickly cut
- Arugula
- Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt & fresh ground pepper
- Onion jam
Directions
Season fresh beef burgers with kosher salt & fresh ground pepper on both sides. Grill to a medium rare temperature (or desired doneness). Melt a generous amount of aged, sharp cheddar cheese on top. Remove burgers from the grill to a sheet pan and tent with foil. Let the burgers rest for 3-5 minutes. (Don’t skip this step!) Meanwhile, heat the onion mixture & lightly grill burger buns.
To assemble, coat the bottom of buns with a tablespoon of dijon mustard. Top with a handful of arugula, then the burger with the melted cheese, then a generous portion of the caramelized onions. Serve with your favorite bottle of red wine!
