Californian Melt Recipe

Slice and sweat

Heat a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon butter. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion and stir to coat.

Cook slowly, stirring every 2–3 minutes, until onions are soft and turning golden, about 15–20 minutes. If edges start to stick, deglaze with a splash (1–2 tsp) of water. Stir in 1/2 tsp brown sugar (optional) and 1/4 tsp salt about halfway through to encourage caramelization. Continue until deep golden-brown, another 5–10 minutes. Remove from pan and keep warm.

In the same or a separate skillet, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Let them sit undisturbed 1–2 minutes to brown, then stir.

Cook until mushrooms are browned and any released liquid has evaporated, about 5–7 minutes. Season with 1/8 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Halve, pit, and peel the avocado (use half a medium avocado). Slice or mash lightly in a small bowl. Toss with 1/2 tsp lemon juice, 1/8 tsp salt and 1/16 tsp black pepper to taste. Slice the ripe tomato into two even slices.

Butter one side of each rustic bread slice with the 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (divide evenly). Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot.

Place one bread slice, buttered side down, on the skillet. Spread 1 tablespoon ranch dressing on the unbuttered side now facing up. Top the ranch with one slice Swiss cheese, half of the sautéed mushrooms, half of the caramelized onions, the avocado (sliced or mashed), and two tomato slices. Top with the second slice of Swiss cheese and spread remaining 1 tablespoon ranch on the inside of the top bread slice, then place it ranch-side down onto the sandwich (buttered side up).

Cook the sandwich 3–4 minutes on medium, pressing gently with a spatula or a heavy pan, until the bottom is golden-brown. Carefully flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until the other side is golden and the Swiss cheese is melted. If cheese needs extra melting, cover the pan for 1–2 minutes.

Remove sandwich from skillet and let rest 1 minute. Slice in half and serve immediately.