Introduction
The Gourmet Patty Melt is the ultimate comfort food, blending the juicy soul of a burger with the buttery, crispy crunch of a grilled cheese sandwich.
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Ingredients
Ground Beef:
• 1 pound of 80/20 ground chuck, divided into 4 thin, oval-shaped patties
Bread:
• 8 thick slices of marble rye, sourdough, or rustic white bread
Onions:
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced for slow caramelization
Cheese:
• 8 slices of high-quality Swiss, Gruyère, or sharp white cheddar
Fats:
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (for the bread coating)
Seasoning:
• Fine sea salt
• Cracked black pepper
• A dash of garlic powder
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Instructions
Caramelize the Onions:
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over low heat. Add onions and cook for 25 minutes, stirring often, until soft and deep brown.
Sear the Patties:
Season the beef patties generously. Increase heat to medium-high and sear the meat for 3 minutes per side until a crust forms. Remove from the pan.
Prepare the Bread:
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of each bread slice to ensure an even, golden-brown toast.
Assemble the Melt:
Place one slice of bread (mayo-side down) in the skillet. Top with a slice of cheese, the beef patty, a spoonful of onions, another slice of cheese, and the second bread slice.
Grill to Perfection:
Cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until the bread is crunchy and the cheese has fully melted over the meat.
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How to Make
• Use a heavy cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and a professional “diner” crust.
• Ensure patties are slightly larger than the bread before cooking, as they will shrink during searing.
• Cover the sandwich with a lid or bowl for the last 30 seconds of cooking to trap steam and melt the cheese thoroughly.
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Variations
• The Spicy Texan: Add pickled jalapeños and use Pepper Jack cheese instead of Swiss.
• The Mushroom Swiss: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms with the onions for extra earthy, umami flavor.
• The Breakfast Melt: Add an over-easy fried egg inside the sandwich for a rich, runny yolk experience.
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Tips
• Low and Slow Onions: Cook onions slowly to draw out natural sugars without burning.
• Mayo vs. Butter: Mayonnaise on the bread exterior gives a higher smoke point for even browning.
• Press It: Use a heavy spatula to press down on the sandwich while grilling to bond all ingredients.
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Conclusion
With its golden crust and savory layers, the Gourmet Patty Melt is a timeless classic. It’s a rich, satisfying meal that brings the heart of a traditional deli right into your kitchen.
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