The Patty Melt I'm In Love With

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

Swiss cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: American cheese

Low-fat cheese reduces calories, while American cheese is more affordable.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, while margarine can be a cost-effective substitute.

rye bread

🥗Healthier: whole grain bread

💰Cheaper: white bread

Whole grain bread adds fiber, and white bread is often cheaper.

Cut 2 large yellow or Spanish onions into 1/4 inch thick slices, keeping the onion flat to stabilize it while slicing.

Heat a wide thick-bottomed pan (like a stainless steel Rondo or cast iron skillet) over medium heat and add 2 teaspoons of unsalted butter.

Once the butter melts, add the sliced onions and season with 1/4 teaspoon of coarse salt to help draw out moisture.

Cover the pan with a lid and let the onions cook untouched for 5 to 6 minutes to help them steam and caramelize.

After 5 to 6 minutes, stir the onions and reduce the heat to low, stirring every 6 to 8 minutes for about 30 to 40 minutes until they are a deep brown color.

If the onions start to darken too quickly, deglaze the pan with a few tablespoons of water to slow down the process and release the fond.

While the onions are caramelizing, prepare 2 lbs of ground chuck by placing it in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm it up.

Form the ground chuck into 6 burger patties, each about 6 inches in diameter, pressing down in the middle to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.

Place the formed patties on a parchment-lined sheet tray and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

Check the caramelized onions, stir them, and add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to enhance the flavor, adjusting seasoning with more coarse salt if needed.

Slice the rye bread into 1-inch thick slices, setting aside the end piece for personal use.

Shred 12 oz of Swiss cheese from the block and set it aside at room temperature.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens