Delaware Grilled Sweet Onion & Cheddar Burgers

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for extra juiciness)
• 1 large sweet onion, sliced into rings
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 burger buns
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oiled napkins and light them.
3. Allow the grill to heat for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the burger patties

1. In a bowl, mix the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Form the mixture into 4 evenly sized burger patties, pressing a small indentation in the center of each to prevent puffing during cooking.

Step 3: Grill the onions

1. Melt 1 tbsp of butter on the flat top griddle.
2. Place the onion slices on the griddle and let them caramelize, flipping occasionally, until golden brown.
3. Move the onions to a cooler part of the cooktop to keep warm.

Step 4: Sear the burgers

1. Place the burger patties on the center grill grate over 1,000°F heat.
2. Sear each side for about 1-2 minutes to lock in the juices.

Step 5: Bring burgers to temperature

1. Move the burgers to the flat top griddle to continue cooking.
2. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 15°F below your desired doneness.
3. Top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese and allow it to melt.

Step 6: Toast the buns

1. Spread the remaining butter on the inside of each bun.
2. Place the buns cut-side down on the griddle and toast until golden brown.

Step 7: Assemble and serve

1. Lay the cheesy patties on the toasted buns.
2. Top with caramelized sweet onions.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
• For extra smoky flavor, add some wood chips to the fire.
• Pressing a dimple into the center of your patties prevents them from bulging as they cook.
• Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving to keep them extra juicy.
• Opt for freshly baked buns for the ultimate experience.

Variations

1. Spicy Jalapeño Burger: Add sliced jalapeños to the caramelized onions and top with pepper jack cheese.
2. BBQ Bacon Burger: Brush patties with barbecue sauce and add crispy grilled bacon.
3. Blue Cheese Deluxe: Replace cheddar with crumbled blue cheese and add arugula.
4. Mushroom Swiss Burger: Sauté mushrooms on the griddle and top the burger with Swiss cheese.
5. Avocado Ranch Burger: Add sliced avocado and drizzle with ranch dressing.

Conclusion

Delaware Grilled Sweet Onion & Cheddar Burgers are bursting with smoky, juicy flavor thanks to the Arteflame grill. The combination of crispy sear, rich cheddar, and golden caramelized onions makes this a must-try recipe. Master the technique, experiment with variations, and enjoy every last bite!

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with garlic butter
• Sweet potato fries cooked on the flat cooktop
• Classic coleslaw for added crunch
• A refreshing lemonade or craft beer