Apple Cheddar Burgers with Sauteed Onions
This post may contain affiliate links.
Shredded apples, sauteed onions, and sharp Vermont Cheddar, these fall-inspired hamburgers are a perfect way to capture the taste of a New England autumn.
A new take on classic BBQ fare, these hamburgers bring together a variety of complimentary fall flavors into a simple, camp-friendly meal. First, the onions are caramelized using a small saute pan. Next, peel the skin off of an apple and grate it. The shredded apple is then mixed together with the hamburger meat. Not only does this help keep the burger moist throughout, but it also ensures that the apple flavor is in each and every bite.
Why it Works for Camping
‣ What’s great about this recipe is how you can elevate your standard summer BBQ hamburger with just a few ingredients into a seasonal specialty.
Mastering the Techniques
‣ Keep the heat low while sauteeing the onions, and don’t rush them. The savory and slightly sweet flavor as a result of the slow cooking of their sugars is a killer accompaniment to the sharp cheddar.
‣ Salt your burger patties only after they’ve been formed. Keeping the salt on the outside adds flavor without altering the composition of the meat’s proteins. If you mix the salt with the meat while making the patties, the burgers will have a tougher, denser texture.
Ingredient Notes
‣ We used ground beef with a 85% lean to 15% fat ratio. You don’t want to go much leaner than this, or your burgers will start to lose their structure, and they will be drier.
 |
 |
Ingredients
FOR THE BURGERS
- 2 lbs ground beef, 85% lean
- 1 large apple
- 1 teaspoon salt
FOR THE ONIONS
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
TO ASSEMBLE
- 6 hamburger buns
- 6 oz. sharp Vermont cheddar
- other condiments of choice
Instructions
- COOK THE ONIONS: Add the onions, olive oil, and salt to a small skillet and place over the fire at medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and beginning to caramelize, about 20-25 minutes.
- FORM THE BURGER PATTIES: Meanwhile, peel & grate the apple on the large holes of a cheese grater. Mix with the ground beef and salt, then form into six patties.
- GRILL THE BURGERS: Cook the patties over medium-high heat, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Toast the buns, then build the burgers, topping each with the cheddar, caramelized onions, and any other condiments you wish.
- SERVE & ENJOY!
Notes
MAKE IT AHEAD:
Form the patties at home, omitting the salt. Prepare the caramelized onions at home on your stovetop. Stove the patties and the onions in separate airtight containers in your cooler until ready to cook. Salt the patties right before grilling at your campsite and reheat the onions in a small skillet until warmed through.