Patty Melt Recipe
Grilled wheat bread, grilled onions, American and Swiss cheese
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Ingredients
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Sandwich
Caramelized onions
To serve (optional)
Method
Caramelized onions
Peel the onions and cut them in half from root to tip. Slice each half thinly (about 1/8-inch).
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter. When the butter melts and foam subsides, add the sliced onions in an even layer.
Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon sugar (if using) over the onions. Cook, stirring every 2–3 minutes, adjusting heat as needed so the onions brown slowly without burning. Continue for 20–30 minutes until deep golden brown and sweet. If onions begin to stick or brown too quickly, lower heat and add a splash (1–2 tablespoons) of water to deglaze the pan.
Sandwich
Form and cook patties
Divide the 1 lb ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Form each into thin oval patties slightly larger than the bread slices, and make a shallow dimple in the center of each to prevent puffing. Season both sides with the 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and rub with 1 tsp worcestershire sauce distributed among them.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot. Add a small pat of butter or a teaspoon of oil if the pan is dry. Place the patties on the hot surface and cook 3 minutes on the first side without moving, then flip and cook 2–3 minutes for medium (adjust to desired doneness). Do not over-press the patties. Remove patties to a plate and tent with foil.
Assemble sandwiches
Butter one side of each bread slice with the softened butter (about 3 tablespoons total for 8 slices). Place 4 slices buttered-side-down on a clean work surface. On each bottom slice, layer: 1 cooked beef patty, a generous portion of caramelized onions, 1 slice American cheese and 1 slice Swiss cheese (stack cheeses so they melt evenly). Top with the corresponding bread slice, buttered side up.
Grill the sandwiches
Heat the same skillet or a clean griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted. If the bread is browning too fast before cheese melts, lower heat to medium-low and cover pan briefly (30–60 seconds) to encourage melting.
Remove sandwiches, let rest 1 minute, then cut each sandwich diagonally if desired. Serve hot with pickles and condiments on the side.