Gentle Simmer

Tag: caramelized onion burger

  • Patty Melt (Diner Classic, No Greasy Booth Required)

    Patty Melt (Diner Classic, No Greasy Booth Required)

    The patty melt is what happens when a burger and a grilled cheese fall in love.

    It’s thinner than a burger. Crispier than a sandwich. And the sauce? Thousand Island (or Russian dressing) is the secret weapon. No fancy equipment. Just a skillet, some patience for onions, and a serious craving.

    Ingredients

    Serves 2 (makes 2 patty melts).

    • 8 slices marble or seeded rye bread
    • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 is perfect)
    • 8 slices Swiss cheese
    • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
    • 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting bread)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for onions)
    • Thousand Island dressing (or Russian dressing)
    • Salt and black pepper

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

    1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
    2. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown and sweet. Set aside.

    Step 2: Shape the Patties

    1. Divide beef into 4 equal balls (4 oz each).
    2. Season generously with salt and pepper. Don’t overwork the meat.

    Step 3: Smash and Cook Patties

    1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
    2. Place beef balls in the pan. Smash flat with a spatula until thin.
    3. Cook 2 minutes until crispy edges form. Flip and cook 1 more minute. Set aside.

    Step 4: Assemble Sandwiches

    1. Spread Thousand Island on one side of each bread slice.
    2. Layer: bread (dressing side up) → Swiss cheese → patty → caramelized onions → patty → Swiss cheese → bread (dressing side down).

    Step 5: Griddle the Melts

    1. Butter the outside of each sandwich (the bread tops).
    2. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.

    Step 6: Serve

    1. Slice diagonally (it tastes better that way, science says so). Serve with pickles and fries.

    Summary

    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

    Yield: 2 patty melts

    Difficulty: Easy

    Storage Notes

    Not for meal prep: Patty melts are best fresh. Reheated bread gets sad.

    Make ahead: Caramelize onions up to 5 days ahead. Cook patties up to 1 day ahead – reheat gently before assembling.

    Leftover components: Cooked patties keep 3 days. Reheat in skillet, then build fresh sandwiches.