Big Boy Melt Recipe

Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, diced dill pickle, minced shallot (or red onion), lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce in a bowl.

Whisk until smooth and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired. Refrigerate while preparing the sandwich (at least 15 minutes) to let flavors meld.

Heat a large heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 2 tbs vegetable oil. When oil is shimmering, add the thinly sliced onions and spread into an even layer.

Cook, stirring only occasionally, until onions are deeply browned at the edges and some pieces are dark and caramelized — about 12–20 minutes. For the characteristic 'burnt' bits, allow occasional contact with the hot pan without constant stirring, using a spatula to turn. Reduce heat slightly if onions begin to smoke excessively.

Season with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, stir to combine, then remove from heat. Set aside. (Onions will crisp slightly as they cool.)

Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Spread about 1/2 tbs butter on one side of each slice of pumpernickel (8 slices total).

On the unbuttered side of four slices, spread a generous tablespoon of 1000 Island dressing each.

Layer on about 2 oz roast beef (or deli roast) and/or 2 oz turkey per sandwich (split evenly among four sandwiches if using), then place two slices of American cheese over the meat on each sandwich, followed by a layer of Swiss cheese (1 slice each sandwich).

Spoon a generous portion (~1/4 cup) of the burnt onions over the cheese on each sandwich. Top with the remaining pumpernickel slices, buttered side up.

Place sandwiches on the preheated griddle. Press gently with a spatula or a heavy pan. Cook 3–5 minutes per side until bread is deep golden and crisp and cheese has melted, flipping once. If cheese is not fully melted, lower heat to medium-low and cover briefly with a lid or another pan to trap heat (30–60 seconds).

Remove from griddle and let rest 1 minute. Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately with extra 1000 Island on the side if desired.