Indulge in the mouthwatering perfection of a Patty Melt, where caramelized onions and gooey cheese embrace a succulent beef patty nestled between two slices of thick Texas toast. Elevating this sandwich to heavenly heights is the addition of a homemade aioli, delivering that extra touch of flavor that transforms each bite into a culinary symphony.
Patty Melt Unveiled
When the savory dilemma of choosing between a hamburger and a grilled cheese sandwich arises, the Patty Melt steps in as the ultimate solution. This delectable creation combines the cheesy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich with the hearty essence of a burger patty, offering the best of both worlds. Enriched with caramelized onions, the patty melt delivers a flavor-packed experience that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Meat: Opt for ground beef with a higher fat content, like 80/20 (80% lean meat and 20% fat), ensuring juiciness and flavor. Ground chuck or ground sirloin are viable alternatives for this recipe.
Bread: While rye bread is the traditional choice, thick slices of Texas toast add a delightful twist. The choice of bread is a matter of personal preference.
Mayonnaise: The mayonnaise, generously spread on the bread slices, contributes to a crunchy and flavorful texture, forming a delicious crust. Its resistance to quick burning, unlike butter, allows for extra gooey cheese.
Aioli Spread: The homemade aioli spread introduces a burst of flavor that will leave you wanting to enhance almost every dish with its enticing taste.
Ingredients:
PATTY MELT
- 3 tablespoons (42.5 g) unsalted butter
- 3 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 pound (454 g) ground beef (we recommend 80/20)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 8 slices Texas toast
- 8-10 teaspoons (40-50 g) mayonnaise, divided
AIOLI SPREAD
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) ketchup
Instructions:
- In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add onions and cook until caramelized (about 15-20 minutes), stirring often. Add water as needed to prevent burning. Remove from skillet and tent to keep warm.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shape into 4 square patties (slightly larger than the bread) that are about ¼ inch thick.
- Wipe the skillet and set heat to medium-high. Cook hamburger patties in batches (two at a time) for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, pepper, garlic, parsley, and ketchup to create the aioli spread.
- Assemble sandwiches: Place cheese on 4 slices of bread, followed by a hamburger patty, caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, aioli spread, and top with a slice of bread. Spread 1-1 ½ teaspoons of mayonnaise on the top.
- Wipe out the skillet and set heat to medium. Add sandwiches to the pan, mayo side down in batches (two at a time). Use a weighted pan on top to firmly hold the sandwich in the pan. Cook until golden brown (about 3 minutes). Remove the weighted pan, spread 1 teaspoon of mayo on the top slice of bread, and flip. Cook for an additional 3 minutes (or until golden brown). Serve and relish the irresistible Patty Melt delight.
