Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
Beef Patties
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Assembly
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 ½ cups caramelized onions
Instructions
- Make the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and mayonnaise until smooth. This mixture will be spread on the bread to add flavor and help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- Prepare the Patties: In a medium bowl, mix the ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, freshly cracked pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions, then shape each into thin patties roughly the shape of the sourdough slices. Sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon salt evenly over the patties.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties in batches to avoid overcrowding, about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are no longer pink in the center. Remove cooked patties and set aside.
- Prepare the Bread: Spread one side of each sourdough slice with 1 tablespoon of the butter and mayonnaise mixture. These will be the outside of the sandwiches for grilling.
- Assemble the Patty Melts: Wipe out the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Place half of the sourdough slices, buttered side down, on the skillet. On each, layer one slice of Swiss cheese, followed by one cooked beef patty, then evenly divide the caramelized onions. Top each with another slice of cheese and then the remaining sourdough slices, buttered side up.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Cook the assembled sandwiches for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Use a spatula to press down gently and flip carefully to avoid spilling fillings.
- Serve: Remove the patty melts from the skillet, let cool briefly, then cut each sandwich in half and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use a heavy skillet such as cast iron to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Caramelized onions add a sweet balance to the savory beef, but can be made ahead and stored refrigerated.
- Butter and mayonnaise mixture ensures a golden crust and adds flavor; do not omit.
- You can substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar or gruyere for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure the patties are thin enough to fit the bread shape for even cooking and ease of eating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
