Patty Melt

This isn’t just any sandwich – it’s a perfectly seasoned beef patty nestled between golden-brown slices of toasted bread, hugged by melted cheese and crowned with sweet caramelized onions.

What makes this patty melt extraordinary is our signature burger sauce that adds just the right tangy kick, while those slow-cooked onions bring a rich sweetness that’ll make your taste buds dance. Trust me, this isn’t your average grilled cheese meets burger situation – it’s pure sandwich artistry.

Ingredients

For the Burger:

• 1.5 pounds ground chuck (80/20 blend)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 Tablespoons oil
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 10 slices sourdough or rye bread
• 10 large slices Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese
• 5 Tablespoons butter, softened

For the Burger Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 Tablespoons pickle relish
• 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

1. Start with the burger sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until completely smooth. This can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
2. Caramelize the onions: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 Tablespoon each of butter and oil. Once the butter is melted and foamy (but not brown), add your sliced onions. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes. The onions should turn deep golden brown – if they start to stick, add 1 Tablespoon water to deglaze. They’re done when completely soft and caramel-colored.
3. Form the patties: Divide meat into 5 equal portions (about 4.8 oz each). Shape into thin patties slightly larger than your bread slices, as they’ll shrink during cooking. Handle the meat gently – overworking will make tough burgers. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Cook the patties: Heat your cast iron pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F/204°C). Add 1 Tablespoon oil and cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. You want a good crust on the outside while maintaining a slightly pink center, as they’ll continue cooking in the sandwich.
5. Assemble and grill: Reduce heat to medium-low (about 300°F/149°C). Butter one side of each bread slice. Place bread butter-side down, add cheese, patty, onions, sauce, more cheese, and top with bread (butter-side up). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is completely melted. If the bread browns too quickly, reduce heat to low.

Smart Swaps

• Use whole grain bread for extra fiber and nutrients
• Substitute turkey patties to reduce fat content
• Try reduced-fat cheese to cut calories while maintaining melt

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Use 100% whole grain bread (reduces net carbs by 8g per slice)
• Choose sugar-free ketchup in the sauce (saves 4g carbs per serving)
• Opt for a thin-sliced bread option to reduce total carbs by 30%
• Serve open-faced to halve the bread carbs

Pro Tips

• Let patties rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking
• Press down gently on the sandwich while cooking for better cheese melting
• Use a sandwich press weight for even browning