If you’re craving a sandwich that combines the best of a cheeseburger and a classic patty melt, this recipe is for you. Picture juicy beef patties, gooey cheese, and caramelized onions, all nestled between perfectly toasted bread. It’s comfort food at its finest and will make your taste buds dance with joy. Get ready to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Steps
- Begin by slicing a sweet yellow onion thinly. In a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add the onions, cooking and stirring occasionally for about 25 minutes until they turn deep brown. In the last 5 minutes, mix in apple cider vinegar and then remove the onions from the skillet.
- Form the ground beef into two thin 4-ounce patties, shaping them to match your bread size. Season the patties with salt and pepper. After finishing the onions, increase the skillet heat to medium-high and cook the patties for 3 minutes on each side, then set them aside.
- Clean your skillet and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in it. Place all slices of bread in the skillet to butter one side of each slice. Remove two slices and leave the other two in the skillet to start building your sandwiches.
- On the two slices of bread remaining in the skillet, layer a slice of Swiss cheese, a cooked patty, half of the caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Top each with the previously removed bread slices, buttered side up.
- Cook the assembled sandwiches over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Ensure the bread is crispy and the cheese has melted.
- Once done, cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately while they are warm. Enjoy your patty melts!
Ingredients
- 1 sweet yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 8 ounces 90/10 ground beef
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices sandwich bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- Mustard (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1542 | Fat: 90g | Saturated Fat: 46g | Cholesterol: 366mg | Sodium: 1730mg | Carbohydrates: 74g | Dietary Fiber: 4g | Total Sugars: 12g | Protein: 108g | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 1244mg | Iron: 12mg | Potassium: 1400mg
FAQ
- What are the essential components of a patty melt?
- A traditional patty melt includes a thin beef patty, toasted bread, melted cheese, and caramelized onions. While the onions are technically optional, they add a sweet and tangy complexity that elevates the sandwich.
- How do you make caramelized onions for a patty melt?
- Caramelized onions are made by cooking them slowly over medium to medium-low heat until they turn a deep brown and their sweetness is intensified. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar can enhance their flavor.
- What type of bread is recommended for a patty melt?
- Simple sandwich bread, like standard white or wheat, is ideal for a patty melt. There’s no need for anything fancy, as these types provide the desired texture and taste.
- Can I modify the ingredients in a patty melt?
- Yes, you can customize your patty melt with different vegetables, like mushrooms or peppers, and swap the cheese for your preferred type, although swiss or provolone are commonly used.
- What are some recommended side dishes to serve with a patty melt?
- Given the richness of a patty melt, it’s best paired with bright, acidic, or vinegar-based sides such as pickles, pickled vegetables, Greek salad, or a green bean salad. A cold beer also complements it well.
Tips
- Caramelize the Onions Slowly: To achieve the perfect sweetness and depth of flavor in your patty melt, take your time when caramelizing the onions. Cook them slowly over low to medium heat for at least 25 minutes, and add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a bright twist.
- Cook Patties and Onions Simultaneously: To save time, consider cooking the thin beef patties while the onions are caramelizing, using a separate skillet. This will speed up the process without compromising on flavor.
- Choose Simple Bread: For the best results, opt for basic white or wheat sandwich bread. A simple choice allows the flavors of the filling to shine without being overpowered by the bread.
- Pair with Acidic Sides: Given the richness of the sandwich, serve your patty melt with vinegar-based or acidic sides like pickles, a green bean salad, or an olive salad to balance out the flavors.
Equipment
- Cast-iron skillet: Essential for cooking the onions and grilling the sandwiches to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
- Ice cube trays: Useful if you want to freeze extra caramelized onions for future use.
