Copycat Shake Shack French Onion Burger Recipe

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Shake Shack has mastered the art of creating indulgent, crave-worthy bites. And if you’ve had the pleasure of trying their limited-time Shake Shack French Onion Burger, you know it’s more than just a burger—it’s an experience. Inspired by the classic warmth and depth of French onion soup, this creation takes your taste buds on a journey with its rich Gruyère cheese, sweet caramelized onions, crunchy onion crisps, and the irresistible roasted garlic-parmesan aioli, all nestled in their signature potato bun.

How to make Shake Shack French Onion Burger

The Shake Shack French Onion Burger is a limited-time burger inspired by the flavors of classic French onion soup.

Ingredients

For the Burger Patties:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciness)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 slices of Gruyère cheese

For the Caramelized Onions:

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to enhance sweetness)

For the Crispy Onion Topping:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced into rings
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup buttermilk (for soaking)
• Canola oil (for frying)

For the Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Aioli:

• 1 head of garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 4 potato buns (lightly toasted)
• Butter (for toasting buns)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Aioli

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the top off a head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and wrap in aluminum foil. Roast for 35–40 minutes or until the cloves are soft and caramelized.
3. Let the roasted garlic cool, then squeeze out the softened cloves into a small bowl.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted garlic, mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 2: Make the Caramelized Onions

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions, sprinkle with salt, and stir occasionally. Cook for 35–40 minutes, reducing heat to low as needed, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. (Add sugar halfway for extra depth of sweetness.)
3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Onion Topping

1. Soak the onion rings in buttermilk for about 10 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together.
3. Heat about 1 inch of canola oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat (around 350°F for frying).
4. Remove onion rings from the buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, and fry in batches until golden and crispy (2–3 minutes). Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Cook the Burger Patties

1. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into thin patties slightly larger than the buns (they’ll shrink slightly during cooking).
2. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook patties for about 2–3 minutes on the first side, flip, and immediately place a slice of Gruyère cheese on each patty to melt. Cook for another 2–3 minutes for a medium doneness. Adjust timing based on your preferred doneness.

Step 5: Assemble Your Burger

1. Lightly butter and toast your potato buns in a skillet or toaster until golden brown.
2. Generously spread roasted garlic-parmesan aioli on the top and bottom of each bun.
3. Place a patty (cheese side up) on the bottom bun.
4. Add a generous layer of caramelized onions and crispy onion topping.
5. Top with the buttered bun, press lightly, and get ready to indulge!

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Beef: Aim for an 80/20 ground beef blend to ensure juicy, flavorful patties.
• Caramelized Onions Patience: Low and slow is the key to achieving perfectly sweet caramelized onions. Don’t rush this step!
• Frying Onion Rings: Keep batches small to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil’s temperature and result in soggy onion rings.
• Prep Ahead: The aioli and caramelized onions can be made a day ahead to save time on cooking day.
• Melt the Cheese: Make sure the Gruyère cheese is fully melted for that gooey, irresistible texture.

What to serve with

The Shake Shack French Onion Burger is already a flavor-packed star on its own, but pairing it with the right sides and beverages can elevate your meal to perfection.

• Classic French Fries: Nothing beats golden, crispy French fries sprinkled with flaky sea salt. You can season them with a sprinkle of paprika or garlic powder for a touch of extra flavor.
• Truffle Fries: For a more gourmet touch, toss crispy French fries in truffle oil and finish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. The earthy truffle aroma plays beautifully with the Gruyère cheese and caramelized onions in the Shake Shack French Onion Burger.
• Sweet Potato Fries: If you’re craving something sweet to balance the Shake Shack French Onion Burger‘s richness, sweet potato fries are a great option. Serve with a dipping sauce like sriracha mayo or honey mustard for an extra touch of yum.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating the Shake Shack French Onion Burger at home is a fun and rewarding experience, but sometimes, specific ingredients might not be available, or you may want to make adjustments for dietary preferences or allergen concerns.

1. Ground Beef Substitute

The Shake Shack French Onion Burger is traditionally made with a classic beef patty, but there are alternatives to suit your needs.

• Ground Turkey or Ground Chicken: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken. While these are less fatty and flavorful compared to beef, you can add a little olive oil or butter to the mix to compensate for the lower fat content.
• Plant-Based Alternatives: If you’re making a vegetarian or vegan version, use plant-based burger patties such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger, which closely mimic the texture and taste of ground beef.
• Mushroom and Lentil Patty (Homemade): For a homemade vegetarian option, combine finely chopped mushrooms, cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, and an egg or flaxseed meal to bind the mixture—season generously with garlic powder, paprika, and salt to match the umami flavor of beef.

2. Gruyère Cheese Substitute

Gruyère is a Swiss cheese known for its nutty, creamy flavor that melts beautifully. If you can’t find it or want alternatives:

• Emmental Cheese: This mild, nutty cheese is very similar to Gruyère and works wonderfully as a substitute.
• Swiss Cheese: A more common option, Swiss cheese offers similar meltability and a mild tang but is slightly less rich than Gruyère.
• Cheddar Cheese: If you prefer something sharper, aged white cheddar can work as a flavorful alternative, though it won’t replicate Gruyère’s nutty essence.
• Dairy-Free Options: For a vegan option, use a dairy-free cheese that melts well, such as Violife Epic Mature Cheddar or another Gruyère-style vegan cheese alternative.

3. Potato Buns Substitute

Shake Shack’s signature potato buns are ultra-soft, slightly sweet, and have a light, fluffy texture. If you can’t find potato buns, here are great alternatives:

• Brioche Buns: These buttery buns are slightly richer and add a sweet, airy flavor to your burger.
• Soft Sesame Seed Buns: A classic choice for burgers, these buns work well and add a bit of texture with the sesame seeds on top.
• Whole Wheat Buns: For a healthier option, use whole wheat buns—the nuttier flavor pairs nicely with the burger’s rich ingredients.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a gluten-free or low-carb alternative, wrap the burger in crispy iceberg or butter lettuce leaves for a healthier option.

4. Caramelized Onion Substitute

Caramelized onions bring a sweet, jammy flavor that’s integral to this burger. If you’re short on time or ingredients:

• Pre-Made Caramelized Onions: Look for pre-cooked caramelized onions in jars (often found in specialty or gourmet stores).
• Onion Jam or Chutney: Sweet onion jam is a delicious shortcut and adds a slightly tangier flavor to replace caramelized onions.
• Sautéed Onions: If you don’t want to spend 35–40 minutes caramelizing onions, you can quickly sauté them until lightly golden. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of sugar for a quick hit of sweetness and depth.

5. Crispy Onion Topping Substitute

The crispy onion topping adds a delightful crunch to the burger. Here are substitutes if you lack time or ingredients for homemade crispy onions:

• Store-Bought Fried Onions: Brands like French’s Crispy Fried Onions are a great shortcut and will provide the same crispy texture.
• Panko Bread Crumbs (for texture): Toast panko breadcrumbs with a little olive oil or butter and season with garlic powder and salt for a crunchy topping.
• Potato Chips or Tortilla Strips: For a creative twist, you can crush potato chips or tortilla strips and use them as a crispy topping.

6. Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Aioli Substitute

The roasted garlic-parmesan aioli is creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor. If you’re short on time or ingredients, here are alternatives:

• Pre-Made Aioli: Look for jars of garlic aioli at the store for a quick-fix option. You can enhance it by mixing in grated Parmesan and lemon juice.
• Garlic Mayo: Combine mayo with garlic powder and grated Parmesan to create a simple aioli alternative. If you don’t have Parmesan, pecorino or even a touch of nutritional yeast can be used.
• Dairy-Free or Vegan Versions: Use vegan mayonnaise and roast the garlic as usual to make a vegan-friendly garlic aioli. Nutritional yeast can replace the Parmesan for that cheesy flavor.
• Hummus Spread: For a healthier or nut-free alternative, use plain hummus mixed with roasted garlic and lemon juice as a flavorful aioli replacement.

Final Thoughts

The Shake Shack French Onion Burger is a star performer on its own, but the right sides and accompaniments will take your meal to the next level.

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