Pub Burgers

These incredibly juicy pub burgers are loaded on pretzel buns with melted sharp Cheddar, caramelized beer onions, and a tangy mustard sauce.

There is no need to drive to the local pub when your taste buds are craving a savory gourmet burger. You can craft the best burgers your family has ever tasted right in your own kitchen. One bite and these hearty burgers will have your mouth watering for more!

What are they?

Pub burgers are large gourmet burgers that can be served with a variety of creative toppings, but most frequently feature half-pound burger patties or larger. My pub burger recipe features melted sharp Cheddar cheese, beer-soaked caramelized onions, and a mayo mustard sauce that pairs perfectly with a rich burger on a pretzel bun.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Ground beef - I recommend using ground chuck for this recipe. Otherwise, any 80/20 ground beef can be substituted.
• Butter - Olive oil can be substituted, but butter is best.
• Sweet onion - A yellow onion is a good substitute.
• Beer - An amber ale is my top choice, but a pilsner can also be used.
• Brown sugar
• Mayo
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ground black pepper
• Sharp Cheddar cheese
• Pretzel buns - I strongly recommend pretzel buns for these burgers, but other hamburger buns such as kaiser rolls or brioche buns can be substituted.

How to make them

Begin making your pub burgers by first caramelizing the onions, as this will take the longest. Add the butter and sliced onion to a large skillet or saute pan set over medium heat. Slowly caramelize for at least thirty minutes, or until the onions are dark brown and sticky.

Once the onions are nicely caramelized stir in the brown sugar and beer. Scrape the bottom of the skillet while stirring to incorporate the fond into the liquid. Continue to simmer until the liquid cooks out and the beer soaks into the onions. Then remove the caramelized onions and set them aside.

While the onions are caramelizing, form your burger patties by separating your ground beef into half-pound chunks. Press each chunk of meat flat until it is wider than your hamburger bun, as it will shrink slightly while cooking. Dust each side of your large patties with salt and black pepper.

The burger sauce can also be prepared in advance. Mix each of the sauce ingredients together in a dish and set aside.

Once the onions are caramelized begin cooking the hamburger patties. You will want to clean the skillet or use a separate cast-iron skillet. Cook the patties over medium heat for 2-4 minutes per side. Flip the patties once, and do not press them with a spatula as they cook or that will expel the juices and create a very dry burger. Add the sliced cheese to the top of the patty once it is flipped.

Assemble your juicy burger by placing the cooked burger patty on the bottom bun of a toasted pretzel bun and top with caramelized onions and burger sauce.

What to serve with them

To complete your pub fare at home I recommend serving these gourmet burgers with your favorite deep fried sides and appetizers. I recommend any of the following options.

• French fries with fry seasoning or fry sauce.
• Onion rings with a spice dipping sauce.
• Homemade mozzarella sticks
• Deep-fried cheese curds