Open Faced Mushroom And Onion Steakburgers

Open Faced Mushroom And Onion Steakburgers – These open faced mushroom and onion steakburgers  are an elegant way to serve a burger for a special meal or as an appetizer.  How often have you heard that said about a burger?  I like to serve this as an appetizer, as well as a small bites meal.

  It’s sort of a grown-up way to eat an everyday sandwich, and the buttered, garlicky, cheesy baguette makes it over the top gourmet good!In those moments I don’t have time to grill, or the weather won’t permit, these delectable open faced burgers curb the burger craving spot.

Ingredients you’ll need:
1 [21] inch soft french baguette
butter/light butter
garlic salt
10-12 thick slices muenster/sharp cheddar/swiss cheese [your preference]
For the steak burgers:
2 lb extra-lean ground sirloin
1 large egg
1 1/2 tsp steak seasoning [like Kansas City]
1 Tbsp steak sauce
For the mushrooms & onions:
8 oz sliced button/baby portabella/cremini mushrooms [your preference]
1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
2 tsp fresh thyme
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
a couple pinches of sugar
salt & black pepper to taste
olive oilDirections:
Preheat the oven to 400°F and move the oven rack to the upper 1/3 of the oven.  [In my oven this was third down from the top]  By moving the oven rack closer to the top element the meat will cook evenly without overcooking the baguette.  Line a large baking sheet with parchment.  Slice the baguette through the middle, then cut each portion in half again making 4 pieces.  Arrange side by side on the baking sheet.  Butter each piece and sprinkle lightly with garlic salt.  Cut the cheese slices in half.  Arrange half of the cheese slices over the buttered baguette reserving the other half for the top.

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the mushrooms and onions in a couple of drizzles of olive oil until golden.  Add the fresh thyme and season with salt and black pepper to your taste.  This will take about 10-12 minutes.  Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and a couple pinches of sugar [or more to your taste] to sweeten the onions, then cook for an additional 2 minutes.  Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Mix together all of the steak burger ingredients.  Divide evenly between the baguettes, spreading to the edges.  The meat will be thin.

Place into the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes depending on the thickness of the meat.  Remove from the oven, place the sauteed mushrooms and onions on top, then cover with the remaining cheese.