Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsBlue Dog TavernPatty Melt Recipe

Patty Melt Recipe

Inspired by Blue Dog Tavern
Time45m
Serves4

seasoned smash patties, American cheese, caramelized onion, thousand island, sourdough

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Ingredients

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Patty Ingredients

Caramelized Onion Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

Assembly Ingredients

Method

Prepare the Patties

  1. 1

    Mix the Beef

    In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix gently until just combined.

  2. 2

    Form the Patties

    Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties, about 1/2 inch thick.

  3. 3

    Smash the Patties

    Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties and smash them down with a spatula to create a crust. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side.

Caramelize the Onions

  1. 4

    Slice the Onion

    While the patties are cooking, slice the large onion thinly.

  2. 5

    Cook the Onions

    In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.

Assemble the Patty Melt

  1. 6

    Add Cheese

    Once the patties are browned on one side, flip them and place a slice of American cheese on each patty. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.

  2. 7

    Prepare the Bread

    While the cheese is melting, spread butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.

  3. 8

    Build the Sandwich

    On the non-buttered side of two slices of sourdough, spread a generous amount of Thousand Island dressing. Place a cheesy patty on each, followed by a scoop of caramelized onions. Top with the other slices of bread, buttered side out.

  4. 9

    Grill the Sandwich

    Grill the sandwich on medium heat until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Serve

  1. 10

    Slice and Serve

    Remove the patty melts from the skillet, slice them in half, and serve hot with additional Thousand Island dressing on the side, if desired.

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