Smoked Gouda Burgers with Caramelized Onion & Roasted Carrots

Step 1

1 Prepare & roast the carrots Remove the honey from the refrigerator to bring to room temperature. Place an oven rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 450°F. Line a sheet pan with foil. Wash, dry, and peel the carrots; halve lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces. Transfer to the sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat; arrange in an even layer. Roast 16 to 18 minutes, or until browned and tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven.

Step 2

2 Prepare the ingredients & make the dipping sauce Meanwhile, grate the cheese on the large side of a box grater. Halve, peel, and thinly slice the onion. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise and half the worcestershire sauce.

Step 3

3 Form the patties In a medium bowl, combine the beef and grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Gently mix to combine. Form the mixture into two 1/2-inch-thick patties. Transfer to a plate.

Step 4

4 Cook the patties & caramelize the onion In a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the patties to one side of the pan. Add the sliced onion to the other side of the pan. Cook, occasionally stirring the onion, 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onion is slightly softened and the patties are browned. Flip the patties (carefully, as the oil may splatter). Continue to cook, occasionally stirring the onion, 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and the patties are cooked through. Turn off the heat. Leaving the onion in the pan, transfer the cooked patties to a plate. Add the honey (kneading the packet before opening), hot sauce, and remaining worcestershire sauce to the pan. Stir to combine. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Transfer the caramelized onion to a bowl. Rinse and wipe out the pan.*An instant-read thermometer should register 160°F.

Step 5

5 Toast the buns & serve your dish Halve the buns. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the same pan; heat on medium-high until hot. Add the halved buns, cut side down. Toast 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until lightly browned. Transfer to a work surface. Assemble the burgers using the toasted buns, cooked patties, and caramelized onion. Serve the burgers with the roasted carrots and dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!