Uncle A’s Holy Gouda!
by Anthony Solimini
Ingredients
Burgers
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 8 slices smoked Gouda cheese
- 4 brioche burger buns
- Butter for toasting buns
Garlic Aioli
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Bourbon-Caramelized Onions
- 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 1/2 teaspoon Uncle A’s Asian Spice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Pinch of salt
Toppings
- 4 thick slices ripe tomato
- Wild arugula (highly recommended)
- Hand-cut fries or your favorite fries
Directions
1. Make the Bourbon-Caramelized Onions
Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and a pinch of salt.
Cook slowly for 25–30 minutes until soft and golden.
Stir in the brown sugar, then carefully pour in the bourbon. Let it reduce before adding the Worcestershire sauce, Asian Spice and balsamic vinegar.
Continue cooking until the onions become dark, glossy, and jam-like.
2. Make the Garlic Aioli
Whisk together the mayonnaise, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Refrigerate while preparing the burgers.
3. Grill the Burgers
Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 450°F).
Divide the beef into four patties, making them slightly larger than the buns since they’ll shrink while cooking.
Season generously with salt and pepper.
Grill with the lid closed for about 3–4 minutes per side for medium, adding the smoked Gouda during the last minute so it melts beautifully.
Allow the burgers to rest for a few minutes before assembling.
4. Toast the Buns
Lightly butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast them until golden.
Don’t skip this step—it keeps the bun from getting soggy and adds another layer of flavor.
Build the Burger
Bottom bun
⬇️
Garlic aioli
⬇️
Wild arugula
⬇️
Grilled burger
⬇️
Smoked Gouda
⬇️
Bourbon-caramelized onions
⬇️
Fresh tomato
⬇️
Light spread of garlic aioli
⬇️
Top bun
Serve with crispy fries and your favorite cold beverage.