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Savor Delicious Cheesy Burger Melts in Under Half an Hour

Quick, 30-minute preparation for indulgent patty melts: caramelized onions atop hot, juicy beef patties, all nestled between a pair of crispy rye slices, generously covered in melted Swiss cheese. Embrace comfy dining with this simple yet delectable recipe that even a novice cook can master!

Speedy, Flavorful Cheese Patty Sandwiches Prepared in 30 Minutes
Speedy, Flavorful Cheese Patty Sandwiches Prepared in 30 Minutes

Savor Delicious Cheesy Burger Melts in Under Half an Hour

In the heart of American diner culture, the Cheesy Patty Melt has become a beloved favourite. Originating in the early 20th century, this dish is a spin-off of the Smashburger trend, featuring thin patties pressed onto a hot surface to create a crust, with cheese melted inside or on top.

The recipe for Cheesy Patty Melts is simple and versatile, allowing for a few substitutions to suit your taste.

Ingredients

  • 4 slices of 3/4 inch thick rye bread
  • 1 lb of ground beef (an 80/20 blend for juiciness)
  • A large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 oz of Swiss cheese (about 1 oz each slice)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp of unsalted butter and 1 tbsp of vegetable oil
  • A secret ingredient: a dash of Worcestershire sauce in the beef

Optional Substitutions

  • Marble rye or sourdough bread can be used instead of rye bread.
  • Sweet Vidalia onions can be used instead of yellow onions.
  • Swiss cheese can be substituted with Gruyère or provolone if preferred.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat the butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Stir in the dash of Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté the onions until caramelized (this may take 15-20 minutes). Ensure the burner is at medium-low and stir frequently, adding water if necessary to prevent burning.
  5. Butter both sides of the bread slices and toast them in the pan until golden brown.
  6. Assemble the sandwiches by layering the cheese, cooked beef, and caramelized onions between the slices of toasted bread.
  7. Toast the sandwiches again until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

Serving Suggestions

  • A big, crunchy dill pickle spear and a handful of salt-and-vinegar chips are recommended as a side. For colder days, a creamy tomato soup is suggested. On fancy or hungover days, crispy tater tots dipped in ranch are recommended.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Cooled Cheesy Patty Melts can be wrapped in foil and refrigerated for up to 2 days. To reheat, toast them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat.

FAQs About Cheesy Patty Melts

  • Other cheeses like sharp cheddar or pepper jack can be used instead of Swiss. Pre-shredded cheese should be avoided for proper melting.
  • To get the bread extra crispy, butter both sides and toast them in the pan before assembling, then toast again after building the sandwich.
  • The onions may burn before caramelizing due to too much heat; keep the burner at medium-low and stir frequently, adding water if necessary.
  • Cheesy Patty Melts can be made ahead for a crowd; cook the patties and onions in advance, then refrigerate them separately and assemble and toast when ready to serve.

Nutritional Information

Each sandwich contains about 650 calories, 35g fat (15g saturated), and 40g protein. Enjoy your Cheesy Patty Melts!

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