Patty Melt Recipe
Make Patty Melt Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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For the patties
For the caramelized onions
For assembly
Optional condiment
Method
For the patties
- 1
Form and season
Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined — avoid overworking. Divide into 4 equal portions and form into thin patties about 3 to 3.5 inches wide and slightly larger than your bread slices (they will shrink). Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce puffing.
- 2
Cook
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tsp neutral oil and swirl to coat. When the pan is hot (a drop of water should sizzle), add the patties, leaving space between them. Cook 2 to 3 minutes without moving until a brown crust forms, flip and cook another 2 minutes for medium (adjust to desired doneness). Transfer patties to a plate and keep warm. Wipe pan clean if needed before caramelizing onions.
For the caramelized onions
- 3
Slice onions
Peel the onions and slice them thinly into half-moon strips so they measure about 1.5 cups when loosely packed.
- 4
Caramelize
In the same skillet over medium heat, add 2 T butter and 1 tsp olive oil. When butter melts, add the sliced onions and sprinkle 1/4 tsp kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 to 18 minutes until onions are soft and turning golden. If you want a deeper brown faster, sprinkle 1/2 tsp sugar after 8 minutes. Lower heat to medium-low if onions threaten to burn. In the last minute, stir in 1/2 T balsamic vinegar if using to add depth. Remove from heat and keep warm.
For assembly and grilling
- 5
- 6
Assemble sandwiches
Place four bread slices buttered-side down on a work surface (these will be the bottom slices). Top each with one slice Swiss cheese, then a cooked patty, a generous scoop (about 3 T) of caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss (and American slice if using). Finish with the top bread slice, buttered side up. Gently press to compact.
- 7
Grill sandwiches
Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium to medium-low heat (lower heat helps cheese melt before bread over-browns). Place sandwiches in the pan and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing down lightly with a spatula or a heavy pan. Check frequently: when the bottom is deep golden brown, flip carefully and cook until the second side is golden and cheese is melted (you can cover the pan with a lid for 1 to 2 minutes to help melt). Total grilling time ~6 to 8 minutes.
- 8
Rest and serve
Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute. Cut each sandwich in half on the diagonal and serve immediately with extra mustard or Russian dressing on the side if desired.