As the days cool and pumpkins reappear in every aisle, it’s nice to welcome autumn flavors in unexpected ways. These Camembert Burgers with Sautéed Apples bring a seasonal twist to the classic cheeseburger: juicy grilled beef topped with caramelized apples, sweet golden onions, and creamy Camembert. It’s a comforting, elegant burger that feels right for cooler weather.
This riff on a traditional burger swaps fresh summer toppings for warm, cooked flavors. Instead of lettuce and tomato, think sautéed apples and onions, finished with rich Camembert. The combination of sweet-tart apples and mellow, earthy cheese creates a balance that’s both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.
- Gently mix ground beef with salt, pepper, and a touch of allspice.
- Form into 4 patties, making each slightly concave in the center so they cook evenly.
- Make the patties a little larger than the buns; they will shrink while cooking.
- Chill the formed patties until ready to cook.
You can prepare components in the order that suits you. I usually grill the patties and toast the buns together, then gently reheat the burgers to melt the cheese right before assembling. If you grill ahead of time, wait to add the Camembert until reheating so it melts freshly on the burger.
- Slice chilled Camembert into 1/4-inch pieces, then quarter those slices.
- Heat grill to medium-high (400°F to 450°F).
- Grill patties until browned, about 4 minutes; turn and cook another 2 minutes.
- Top each patty with 2–3 slices of Camembert, close the grill, and allow the cheese to melt for 1–2 minutes.
- Transfer burgers to a baking sheet to rest briefly.
- Toast buns, cut side down, about 2 minutes and set aside.
If you prefer, all cooking can be done on the stovetop instead of a grill.
Preparing the sautéed apples and onions
- If using a grill, preheat to high (500°F to 550°F) and set a medium cast-iron skillet on the grates.
- Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1/2 tablespoon oil to the skillet. When the butter melts, add thinly sliced onion, season lightly with salt, stir, cover, and cook until soft and golden—about 5 minutes—stirring occasionally.
- Scoop the cooked onions into a bowl and set aside.
- Add another tablespoon of butter and 1/2 tablespoon oil to the skillet, then add thinly sliced apples.
- Cook covered until apples are golden, about 3 minutes; then stir and continue cooking until tender, about 8 more minutes.
- Remove from heat, season lightly with salt, and keep warm.
Assembling the burgers
- Arrange your ingredients for easy assembly. If you like mayonnaise or another spread, spread it on the bottom bun.
- Divide the warm sautéed apples among the bottom buns.
- Place the burger on top of the apples, cheese side up, then pile on the golden onions.
- Finish with chopped parsley if desired, add the top bun, and serve immediately.
If you prefer a different spread, swap the mayonnaise for your favorite burger sauce or serve the burger plain—the combination of apple, onion, and Camembert is flavorful enough on its own.
About this recipe
This adaptation was inspired by a version featured in a national food publication and celebrates the French approach to grilling: simple techniques, seasonal ingredients, and bold flavor pairings. The result is an elevated burger that highlights the creaminess of Camembert against sweet, sautéed fruit and onions.
More sandwich ideas
Camembert Burgers with Sautéed Apples
Earthy, rich, and a seasonal upgrade to the classic cheeseburger.
Ingredients
- 18 ounces ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 4 ounces chilled Camembert cheese with rind
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (about 4.5 ounces)
- Fine sea salt, to taste
- 2 medium tart-sweet apples (such as Pink Lady), peeled, cored, and cut into 1/3″ wedges (about 12 ounces)
- 4 hamburger buns, split
- Mayonnaise or favorite spread, for assembling (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- In a bowl, gently mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, and allspice. Form into 4 patties, slightly concave in the center and a touch larger than the buns. Chill briefly.
- Slice the Camembert into 1/4-inch slices and quarter those pieces crosswise.
- Heat a grill to high (500°–550°F) or preheat a stovetop skillet. Place a medium cast-iron skillet on the grill; add 1 tablespoon butter and 1/2 tablespoon oil. When butter melts, add the sliced onion, season lightly with salt, cover, and cook until soft and golden, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer onions to a bowl.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 1/2 tablespoon oil to the skillet, add the apple wedges, cover, and cook until golden, about 3 minutes. Stir and continue cooking until tender, about 8 more minutes. Remove from heat and season lightly with salt.
- Reduce grill heat to medium-high (400°–450°). Grill burgers until browned, about 4 minutes, then turn and cook 2 more minutes. Top each patty with 2–3 slices of Camembert, cover, and let the cheese melt for 1–2 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet.
- Toast buns, cut side down, about 2 minutes.
- Assemble: spread mayonnaise or sauce on bottom buns if desired, divide apples among the bottoms, place burgers cheese-side up on top, then add the onions. Sprinkle with parsley, add bun tops, and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Onion and apple slices may be sautéed on the stovetop in a medium saucepan if you prefer not to use a grill.
Author: Rosemary Stelmach