Patty Melt
Some say that the patty melt — a griddled sandwich of ground beef, caramelized onions, cheese, and rye bread — isn't technically a burger, because it has no bun. We love it just the same.
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Credit: André Baranowski
INGREDIENTS
1½ lbs. ground beefKosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
5 tbsp. canola oil
2 yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced
12 slices rye bread
12 thin slices cheddar, swiss, or American cheese
8 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Divide meat into six ¼"-thick patties that are slightly wider and longer than the bread.2. Heat 2 tbsp. oil in a 12" cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and browned, about 12 minutes. Transfer the onions to a bowl; wipe out skillet. Working in 3 batches, heat 1 tbsp. oil in skillet over high heat. Add 2 burger patties; cook, flipping once, until well browned, about 4 minutes total. Transfer patties to a plate.
3. Top each of 6 bread slices with some of the onions, a cheese slice, and a burger patty. Top each burger with a cheese slice and a piece of bread. Using a table knife, spread butter over the top and bottom of each sandwich.
4. Heat a 12" nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in 3 batches, cook sandwiches, flipping once, until golden brown and hot, about 6 minutes.
Pairing Note: The sweet onions and earthy rye bread in this sandwich call for a fruity Belgian-style beer, like Ommegang Abbey Ale ($8 for 750 milliliters), from New York State.
Swiss cheese is classic for these, but cheddar works for me, or one slice each cheddar and pepper jack.
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