Description
This French Onion Patty Melt is a savory sandwich combining caramelized onions, seasoned beef patties, and melted Gruyere cheese layered on Texas toast with a flavorful garlic aioli. Pan-fried to golden perfection, it offers a rich and comforting twist on the classic patty melt.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 yellow onions, sliced thin
For the Beef Patties
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
For the Sandwich
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 12 slices Texas toast
- 8 teaspoons mayonnaise (for spreading)
For the Garlic Aioli
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced (about 3 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
Instructions
- Cook onions: In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook, stirring often, until caramelized and soft, about 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of water as needed to prevent burning. Once done, remove from skillet and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Mix beef and seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined without overworking.
- Make patties: Form the beef mixture into 8 square-shaped patties, each slightly larger than the Texas toast slices and about ¼ inch thick.
- Cook patties: Wipe out the skillet used for onions. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties in batches (two at a time) and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Toast the Texas toast: Toast 4 slices of Texas toast in the skillet or toaster until lightly golden. Set aside.
- Prepare garlic aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup mayonnaise, lemon juice, black pepper, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and ketchup until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble sandwiches: On 4 untoasted slices of bread, layer shredded Gruyere cheese, one cooked beef patty, caramelized onions, then top with one of the toasted toast slices spread with garlic aioli on both sides. Add more cheese, a second beef patty, extra caramelized onions, and finally place a slice of untoasted bread on top.
- Spread mayonnaise: Spread 1 teaspoon of mayonnaise on the top slice of each assembled sandwich.
- Fry sandwiches: Wipe out the skillet again and heat to medium. Place assembled sandwiches, mayo side down, into the skillet. Place a weighted pan on top to press the sandwiches evenly. Cook for about 3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Remove the weighted pan, spread 1 teaspoon of mayonnaise on the top slice of bread, then carefully flip each sandwich and cook an additional 3 minutes until golden and cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Notes
- Adding water during onion caramelization prevents burning and helps soften onions evenly.
- Do not overwork the ground beef when mixing to keep patties tender.
- Using a weighted pan helps create a crispy exterior and melted interior.
- Texas toast works well for its thickness and sturdy texture to hold the ingredients.
- Make sure to cook patties only until browned in the skillet before assembling as they will finish cooking while frying the sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 29 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
