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Test Kitchen Approved

Diner-Style Patty Melt

Time: 50 minutes

Yield: 2 servings

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About

Patty melts look at the indulgent richness, juiciness, and fattiness of classic cheeseburgers and ask, "But can we make it better?" This Diner-Style Patty Melt says yes — emphatically — by piling the sandwich with sweet and savory caramelized onions and melty Swiss cheese. With a touch of sour from the toasted rye bread, this Diner-Style Patty Melt tastes even richer than a traditional cheeseburger, so every bite leaves you craving more, even as it satisfies! Why go out when you can have the perfect patty melt at home?

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter, plus more, to taste
  • 2 yellow onions, sliced
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound ground beef, not lean, formed into patties
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 slices rye bread with caraway seed
  • condiments, optional, to taste, of your choice, for serving

Directions

Step 1 -Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat on the stove-top.

Step 2 -Add the onions, the salt, and the pepper, and sauté until caramelized and golden-brown, stirring frequently, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 3 -Transfer the onions to a plate and set them aside.

Step 4 -Season the beef patties with the salt and the pepper.

Step 5 -Add a pat of the extra butter to the skillet, if needed.

Step 6 -Cook the patties in the butter in the skillet, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 7 -Transfer the patties to a plate. Wipe the skillet clean.

Step 8 -Use the extra butter to smear the top of the rye bread slices.

Step 9 -Flip the bread slices over and top each with one slice of the Swiss cheese.

Step 10 -Then top each with the caramelized onions and the beef patties.

Step 11 -Top each patty with 1 of the remaining Swiss cheese slices, followed by 1 of the remaining bread slices bread, buttered-side up.

Step 12 -Heat the cast-iron skillet over medium heat.

Step 13 -Place the patty melts in the pan, gently pressing down, and toast until golden-brown, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 14 -Carefully flip the sandwich, toasting the other side.

Step 15 -Cover the pan with a lid until the cheese melts.

Step 16 -Transfer the sandwich to a plate and cut it in half.

Step 17 -Add your desired condiments and serve.

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