There is just something irresistible about a juicy, flavorful burger loaded with the perfect medley of toppings and condiments. The Bacon and Goat Cheese Aioli Burger with Crispy Onions Recipe is truly a showstopper, with tender ground beef infused with red wine and garlic, topped with tangy goat cheese and smoky bacon, all elevated by a luscious lemony aioli and delightfully crispy fried onions. This burger is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that will have you craving more with every bite. Whether you’re grilling for friends or just treating yourself, this recipe promises an unforgettable meal that’s both comforting and gourmet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into cooking, it’s good to know what makes this burger sing. Each ingredient here is carefully chosen to create balance—richness from the ground beef, creaminess in the aioli, sharpness in the goat cheese, plus a delicious crunch from the crispy onions. Using quality staples ensures your burger layers beautifully with every bite.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the aioli that binds the flavors together.
- Lemon zest: Adds brightness and a subtle citrus lift to cut through the richness.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice contributes acidity and freshness to the aioli.
- Dijon mustard: Introduces a gentle tang that deepens the aioli’s complexity.
- Garlic (minced): Essential aromatics for both the aioli and burger mixture.
- Salt and pepper: To perfectly season and enhance all components.
- Ground beef (80/20): Juicy and flavorful thanks to its fat ratio, ideal for burgers.
- Red wine: Adds an unexpected but wonderful depth to the burger meat.
- Green onions (chopped): Infuses fresh, mild onion notes into the patties.
- Large onion: Thinly sliced and soaked for the crispy onion topping.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the onions and creates the perfect base for frying.
- All-purpose flour: Coats the onions to ensure an irresistibly crunchy crust.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle kick to the crispy onions.
- Canola oil: For frying the onions to golden perfection.
- Goat cheese (softened): Creamy and tangy, a star player on the burger.
- Thick-cut bacon: Crispy, smoky strips add unbeatable flavor and texture.
- Million Dollar Buns: Soft, sturdy buns that hold everything together beautifully.
- Butter (softened): For toasting the buns to a golden, crispy finish.
How to Make Bacon and Goat Cheese Aioli Burger with Crispy Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Onions
Start by slicing your large onion into the thinnest rings possible. I love using a mandoline here because it makes the slices so even and delicate. Place the rings into a baking dish and cover them with buttermilk, which tenderizes the onions and prepares them perfectly for frying. Let them soak for about an hour while you prepare everything else. This step is the secret behind those irresistibly crispy onions that add a fantastic crunch to your burger.
Step 2: Make the Aioli
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The lemon zest and juice bring a zing that brightens the creamy mayonnaise beautifully. Important tip: don’t overdo the lemon juice or your aioli might get too runny and slide right off your burger. Chill it in the fridge to let the flavors meld while you continue cooking.
Step 3: Form the Burger Patties
Combine your ground beef with red wine, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and chopped green onions. Mixing by hand helps blend everything evenly without overworking the meat. Shape the mixture into four generous patties, each around 4-5 inches in diameter. Be sure to press a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing up during cooking—this keeps your burgers perfectly flat and juicy.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon
Cut your thick-cut bacon strips in half for ease of layering, then cook them to crispy perfection. Baking bacon in the oven is my favorite method because it’s mess-free and yields evenly crispy slices. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease and keep those strips perfectly crispy for your burger assembly.
Step 5: Fry the Crispy Onions
Heat 1-2 quarts of canola oil in a deep skillet to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix the all-purpose flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and pepper in a bowl. Drain the buttermilk-soaked onions and toss them in the seasoned flour until each ring is coated. Fry the onions in batches, stirring gently so they don’t stick together, until golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil. Heads up: you’ll likely have lots of these crispy onion rings leftover, and that’s a fantastic problem to have!
Step 6: Grill the Burgers
Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the patties for 3-5 minutes on one side. Flip them carefully, then spread a generous 1-ounce layer of softened goat cheese on each patty—watch how it melts into creamy goodness. Continue cooking for another 3 minutes or until they reach your desired doneness. That luscious goat cheese takes these burgers to a whole new level of richness and flavor.
Step 7: Toast the Buns
Butter the insides of your Million Dollar Buns, then place them buttered-side down on the grill for 1-2 minutes until they get golden and crunchy. That buttery, toasted texture balances perfectly with the juicy patties and creamy toppings.
Step 8: Assemble Your Burger
Here’s where the magic happens: start with the bun base, spread a generous smear of the lemony aioli, add your juicy goat cheese-topped burger, layer with crispy bacon, and pile on those crispy onions. Top it with more aioli if you’re feeling indulgent, then cap it with the bun top. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor and texture that this Bacon and Goat Cheese Aioli Burger with Crispy Onions Recipe is known for.
How to Serve Bacon and Goat Cheese Aioli Burger with Crispy Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can amplify your burger experience. Try adding some fresh arugula or baby spinach for a slight peppery crunch. A few pickles on the side bring a wonderful acidic counterpoint. For an extra pop, sprinkle a little smoked paprika on top of the aioli.
Side Dishes
This burger pairs beautifully with classic and creative sides alike. Crispy sweet potato fries or seasoned potato wedges are perfect companions. A fresh coleslaw brings a cool, tangy crunch, balancing the richness of the burger. Even a colorful summer corn salad complements the smoky, creamy flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your burger with a side of crispy onion rings made from the same batch you fried. You could also build sliders using smaller buns and patties of this recipe — a great option for parties. If you want to impress, layer your burger open-faced on a large toasted bun and drizzle extra aioli artistically on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be tough!), wrap your burgers tightly in foil or place them in airtight containers. Keep the components separate if possible, especially the crispy onions, to preserve their texture. Store all parts in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked patties by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. It’s best not to freeze the assembled burger or crispy onions as their texture will not hold up well.
Reheating
To reheat cooked burgers, place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, which can dry out the meat. Refresh the buns on a skillet with a little butter, and add fresh crispy onions for best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese adds a unique tangy creaminess, you can substitute blue cheese, feta, or even a sharp cheddar if you prefer. Each will bring its own flair to the burger.
How do I prevent the burger from drying out while grilling?
Using an 80/20 beef blend ensures enough fat to keep the burger juicy. Also, avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking. Don’t overcook — aim for medium or medium-rare for optimal moisture and tenderness.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour or a mixture of cornstarch and rice flour to coat the onions. Also, swap out the buns for your favorite gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps to keep things safe and delicious.
Can the aioli be made ahead of time?
Definitely. The aioli can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. In fact, letting it rest enhances the flavors and makes it even tastier when served with your burger.
What’s the best way to slice the onions thinly?
A mandoline slicer is your best friend here. It ensures uniform thin slices that become perfectly crispy when fried. If you don’t have one, use a very sharp knife and take your time slicing as thinly as possible.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a burger that combines juicy, savory meat with bright, creamy, and crunchy elements in every bite, this Bacon and Goat Cheese Aioli Burger with Crispy Onions Recipe is a must-try. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, sharing with friends and family who will thank you for it. Don’t hesitate—fire up the grill and let these layers of flavor steal the show at your next meal!
Print
Bacon and Goat Cheese Aioli Burger with Crispy Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bacon and Goat Cheese Aioli Burger with Crispy Onions is a gourmet twist on the classic burger featuring juicy ground beef patties infused with red wine and green onions, topped with tangy goat cheese, thick-cut crispy bacon, and homemade garlic lemon aioli. The crowning glory is the addictive crispy fried onions soaked in buttermilk and coated in seasoned flour, adding a crunch and burst of flavor. Served on buttery toasted Million Dollar Buns, this burger delivers rich, smoky, and creamy layers for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
Aioli
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2–3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Burgers
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 2 tablespoons red wine
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Crispy Onions
- 1 large whole onion, thinly sliced into rings
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 to 2 quarts canola oil, for frying
Other
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 4 strips thick-cut bacon
- 4 Million Dollar Buns
- Butter, softened (for toasting buns)
Instructions
- Prep the onions: Slice the large onion into very thin rings, preferably with a mandoline for uniformity. Place these onion rings in a baking dish and cover them completely with buttermilk. Allow them to soak for one hour to tenderize and add flavor.
- Make the aioli: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Be cautious not to add too much lemon juice to prevent the aioli from becoming watery. Refrigerate until needed to let flavors meld.
- Form the burgers: In a medium bowl, mix together the ground beef, red wine, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and chopped green onions thoroughly using your hands. Divide the mixture into four equal patties, around 4-5 inches in diameter. Press down the centers of each patty slightly to prevent puffing up during cooking. Set aside on a plate.
- Cook the bacon: Cut each bacon strip in half and bake in the oven until crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess fat and keep crisp.
- Heat oil for frying: Pour 1 to 2 quarts of canola oil into a high-sided skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F. Ensure the oil is at least a couple of inches deep for proper frying.
- Prepare and fry the onions: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Drain the buttermilk-soaked onions, then toss them in the seasoned flour until thoroughly coated. Fry the onions in batches in the hot oil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until golden brown and crisp. Remove to a paper-towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining onions.
- Grill the burgers: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Cook the patties for 3 to 5 minutes on one side, then flip. Immediately spread about 1 ounce of softened goat cheese on each patty and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes or until the desired doneness is reached.
- Toast the buns: Butter the cut sides of the Million Dollar Buns and place them cut-side down on the grill. Toast for 1 to 2 minutes until the buttered sides become crispy and golden.
- Assemble the burgers: Starting with the bun bottom, spread a generous layer of aioli, then place the burger topped with goat cheese, add a slice of crispy bacon, pile on the crispy fried onions, and finish with more aioli before capping with the top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Using buttermilk to soak the onions helps tenderize them and adds tang for a better flavor and crunch.
- If you don’t have a mandoline, slice the onions as thinly as possible with a sharp knife to ensure they fry evenly.
- Bacon can be cooked in a skillet if you prefer, but baking is easier and produces less mess.
- Make sure the oil temperature stays at 375°F for crispy onions; adjust heat as needed.
- The goat cheese adds creaminess; soften it beforehand for easy spreading.
- Million Dollar Buns add a rich, buttery flavor but feel free to substitute your favorite burger buns.
