Classic Patty Melt Recipe

Classic Patty Melt Recipe

 

Ingredients

For the caramelized onions

1 tablespoons olive oil

1 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

For the patty melts

1/2 pound freshly ground chuck, (at least 80% lean, a.k.a. 80/20) 

1 tablespoon onion powder

   

4 thick slices deli-counter American cheese

4 thick slices white sandwich bread

1/4cup thousand island dressing, plus more for dipping

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan on medium heat. Add the onions, stir briefly to coat with oil and cook without stirring for 10-12 minutes.

Flip so that the onions on the bottom of the pot are now on top, and cook for another 10-12 minutes. Flip one more time, lower heat and allow onions to caramelized until completely brown — about 15 minutes — gently stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside. These can be reheated before you put the burgers together.

In a large bowl, mix ground beef, onion powder, salt and pepper until just combined. Do not overmix, or your patties will be tough.

Divide into eight thin portions and shape to fit the bread. Make these right before you grill them, so they stay at room temperature.

Preheat your grill, grill pan or cast-iron skillet to medium high heat and add burger patties. If using a grill, cover with the lid.

Cook until the crust that forms on the bottom of the burger releases it from the pan or grate — about 1 to 2 minutes. Gently test, but don't flip it until it gets to this point. When burgers lift up easily, flip and cook on the other side for another 1 - 2 minutes for medium to medium rare, then transfer to a plate and allow to rest.

Assemble the patty melts: add cheese slices to both slices of bread for each sandwich.

Add a thin patty to each slice and layer the onions and thousand Island dressing to taste in between them when you assemble the sandwich.  Preheat a cast-iron skillet and melt half a tablespoon of butter for each sandwich. Drop a sandwich in, press down with a spatula and grill until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and grill on the other side.

Serve with extra dressing for dipping.