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The very best Crispy Quinoa Burgers Topped with Sweet Potato Fries and Beer Caramelized Onions. Perfectly spiced vegetarian quinoa burgers, pan-cooked until extra crispy on the outside, yet soft and cheesy in the middle. Top each burger with beer caramelized onions and spicy homemade sweet potato fries. Yes, this burger is every bit as DELICIOUS as it sounds. It’s the ultimate quinoa burger that’s anything but boring. Perfect for your game day eats…and any other burger day in between.
Sandwiches of any kind are one of the foods I struggle with most when it comes to photography. It’s stupid, but because I struggle with them so much I always avoid sharing any kind of sandwich recipe. I literally cringe at the thought of photographing them. The fear of an ugly food photo stops me in my tracks.
I know, I know, stupid. But hey, look at me today! Here I am with my favorite quinoa burger. I can’t say I find these photos gorgeous, but it’s a burger, and it may never be gorgeous. The brothers said they looked good, Mom said they look good. So I’m trusting their opinions and sharing despite what I think.
Point is that these burgers have been a favorite since the very, very beginning of HBH. And with the Super Bowl on Sunday, I obviously had to share them…these really are the BEST quinoa burgers.
Yes, these burgers are EVERYTHING. And that’s not an exaggeration in the least, they just have so much going on. These are what we call the “epic” crispy quinoa burger. Crispy, cheesy burgers topped with melted Gruyere cheese, buttery beer caramelized onions, spicy-sweet potatoes fries, fresh herbs, and even a little avocado.
Everything about this recipe is SO GOOD. These are not your average quinoa burgers.
The burger details…
Here is what I will say, this is not my most “super simple” recipe. But nothing about making these burgers is hard. There are a handful of steps, and you do need to have a little time to make them. But you can do so much ahead of time, and trust me, the extra time in the kitchen is worth it.
Start with the burgers themselves. They’re made up of quinoa, white beans, bread crumbs, and egg. The key to creating the best quinoa burger? The combination of the spices and cheese in the burgers themselves. You have to give them flavor, so I use a touch of chipotle chili powder and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese.
Form the quinoa mix into patties and keep them covered in the fridge while you prepare the sweet potato fries.
Now for those sweet potato fries…
They’re simply the best thing to ever be put on top of a burger. Dramatic, but true.
I like to cut my fries super thin and skinny and then toss them with a mix of chili powder and smoky paprika. Roast in the oven until crisp on the outside, but still soft in the center. Fair warning, these fries are addicting. You might just double the recipe. Some for the top of the burger and some to snack on.
Just a thought…
Ah, and those beer caramelized onions…
Yes, you need these too, because you can never go wrong with caramelized onions. I know it seems like a bit much, but go with me on this.
Using beer to caramelize the onions not only adds additional flavor right into the onions but it also helps them to cook down and caramelize faster. If you love caramelized onions, you will love these onions even more. They’re truly so good, even onion haters enjoy them.
Once the onions are cooked, the fries are ready, and the burgers have been crisped in the skillet, it’s assembly time. Find your favorite buns, toast them up, then add a cheesy burger to each bun. Add the beer caramelized onions and sweet potatoes. At this point, you could be done. OR you can take the burger a step further with mashed avocado, a fried egg, and fresh herbs.
Do what you’d love most here, completely up to you as to how you finish these. Just be sure not to skip the onions or the fries. These are two key toppers that you really do NEED.
A few tips…
The burger patties themselves don’t need to be put in the fridge for chilling. I just recommend doing so while you make the fries. If you need to cook these up right after forming, that works just as well.
You can make the burgers up to four or five days in advance and keep in the fridge. Or you can freeze them for up to four months
If you don’t enjoy cooking with beer, just caramelize the onions without the beer following these directions.
These make for a fun Monday dinner. Or plan to make them on Sunday for the Super Bowl. Either is great, but once you make these, my hope is that you’ll be making them on repeat throughout the year! They’re healthy(ish), easy(ish), and so very delicious.
Fingers crossed you all love them as much as we do!
If you make these crispy quinoa burgers topped with sweet potato fries and beer caramelized onions, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Crispy Quinoa Burgers Topped with Sweet Potato Fries and Beer Caramelized Onions
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 969 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
Quinoa Burgers
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cannellini beans mashed
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded gruyere cheese
- 6 burger buns, toasted
- fried eggs, mashed avocado, and herbs, for serving (optional)
Sweet Potato Fries
- 4 sweet potatoes, cut into matchsticks
- 4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil plus more for cooking
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- kosher salt and black pepper
Beer caramelized onions
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beer, such as pumpkin, lager, or pilsner
Instructions
- 1. In a medium bowl, combine the quinoa, mashed beans, Panko, egg, garlic, chili powder, cheese, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Form the mix into 5-6 equal burgers. Place on a plate, cover, and transfer to the fridge. 2. To make the fries. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place the sweet potatoes on a large baking sheet and toss with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, and a large pinch each of salt and pepper. Spread the fries in an even layer. Do not overcrowd the pan, if needed, divide the fries between 2 baking sheets Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, then flip and bake for 15-20 minutes more. You want the sweet potatoes to be tender, yet crisp. 4. Meanwhile, make the onions. Melt the butter and onions together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally until softened, about 5 minutes. At this point, you want to slowly add the beer, 1/4 cup at a time, until the beer cooks into the onions. Continue to cook another 8-10 minutes until you've used all of the beer and the onions are deeply caramelized. Remove the onions from the skillet to a plate.5. Cook the burgers in the same skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the burgers and cook until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes per side. During the last minute of cooking add the Gruyere cheese, cover, and cook 2-3 minutes, until the cheese has melted. 6. To assemble, place each burger on a bun, top with caramelized onions and sweet potatoes. If desired, add a fried egg, mashed avocado, and fresh herbs. ENJOY.
Notes
To Make Ahead: the burgers can be formed and kept in the fridge for up to 1 week. Cook as directed.
Freezing: the burgers can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 4 months. To cook, thaw on the counter for 1-2 hours, then cook as directed.
Baking Instead of Pan Cooking: you can bake the burgers on an oiled baking sheet at 425˚ for 20 minutes, flip and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, until crisped. Note that you will not get as crispy of a burger this way.
Delicious!
Didn’t use rolls but didn’t miss them!
Will definitely make again and pass along!
Hey Lori,
Happy Friday!!🍀 I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your comment, so glad to hear it was delish! xT
As a vegetarian, I’m always looking for different types of “burgers”. These were PERFECT
Hey Elsye,
Wonderful!!😊 I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your review, so glad to hear it was delish! xT
Yummy
Hey Raquel,
Happy Sunday!!💕 Thanks so much for trying this recipe out and sharing your feedback, so glad it was a hit! xx
I made every facet of this recipe last night for dinner and it was absolutely delicious! Then there was the added value & satisfaction of knowing that I prepared such a healthy meal for myself and my family. The only challenge to this meal is the time it takes to prepare all the components. Sure you can use some shortcuts like frozen sweet potato fries but I wanted to make everything from scratch & Organic. Next time I’ll prepare some parts of the recipe a day ahead or make the Quinoa patties & freeze for later use. I rounded off the meal with Roasted Broccoli & Asparagus- so delish 😋
Hey Elizabeth,
Perfect!! I love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you and thanks so much for making it! Have a great weekend:) xx
These were absolutely incredible. 10/10 and are making their way into our family cookbook. A no brained option for any vegetarians, but tasty enough to serve to the biggest meat lovers. I honestly preferred these to regular meat burgers. The chipotle chili powder and toppings were a delightful combo, the quinoa mixture was easy to work with, all in all so good and child approved by my 2 year old. My only recommendation is to add some sort of sauce (we used a honey mustard type) on it. Thanks for another winner!
Hey Erin,
Perfect!! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it turned out well for you! xT
These quinoa patties came together beautifully. They held nicely & were a great texture.
The gouda cheese I used happen to have truffle in it & really added to the flavor.
I choose not to use a bun due to foregoing extra carbs but the burger served up well on lettuce. Didn’t top with sweet potato fries, but did use the caramelized onions as well as the pickles jalapeños from another recipe.
This was such a great meal. Thank you, Teighan
Hey Chandra,
Perfect!! I am delighted to hear that this recipe turned out well for you and thanks so much for trying it out! xx
Have you tried freezing these burgers AFTER cooking them? Do you think that would work? I typically freeze extra meat burgers so that we have a couple of quick meals available at a later date. I am definitely going to try these!
Hey Janet,
I’ve never tried this, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work for you! Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! xx
Hi Tieghan, this burger looks delish but I don’t know how it would be without the cheese. I’m vegan and would love to see versions of your recipes adapted to accommodate plant-based eaters. Your sweet potato fries are delish even without the added Parmesan!
Hi Karen,
I think this would be just fine without the cheese:) Let me know if you give it a try, I hope you love the recipe! xx
This recipe looks amazing, but we’re steering clear of bread for a bit, so I’m considering serving this over mixed greens in more of a deconstructed fashion… Wondering if you could suggest a dressing that might replicate the sauce I see in your photos, possibly a thinned out mayo, mustard concoction?
Hey Jill,
Sounds like a great idea! Something like this sweet chili mayo might be yummy:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/brie-stuffed-burgers-with-sweet-chili-corn-salsa-4th-of-july-eats/
Let me know if you have any other questions! xT
Last weekend I made the version in your Half Baked Harvest Everyday book for harissa veggie burgers & everyone loved them, especially with the tahini peanut sauce. They were a bit fragile, easily breaking up before sautéing.
Wondering if adding another egg or maybe the cheese in this recipe would help glue it all together. What do you think would help? Definitely making again!
Hey Kathy,
Happy Tuesday!! Thanks a lot for making this recipe and sharing your feedback, I love to hear that it turned out tasty for you! Sure, you could definitely add another egg! xT
Wow ANOTHER recipe I canNOT wait to make! Or convince my daughter in law to make. I had no idea you make a veggie burger and I’ve been a devoted follower for a while now. Guess I better study those cookbooks again, don’t want to miss a thing!
Thanks so much Linda! I hope you love this recipe, let me know if you give it a try! xx