Double Decker French Onion Patty Melt Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible combination of caramelized onions, juicy beef patties, and melted cheese sandwiched between perfectly toasted bread. This Double Decker French Onion Patty Melt takes the classic patty melt to a whole new level, with layers of flavor that will make your taste buds sing.

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat the butter and oil: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the onions: Add the sliced onions, stirring occasionally. Let them cook for about 10 minutes, until they start to soften and turn golden.
3. Add sugar and seasoning: Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, pepper, and thyme. Continue cooking the onions on medium-low heat for an additional 20-30 minutes until they are deep brown and caramelized. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the onions begin to stick. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Patties

1. Mix the beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the patties: Shape the beef into 4 equal patties, slightly larger than the size of the bread (since they’ll shrink a bit during cooking).
3. Cook the patties: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Add Swiss cheese to two of the patties and American cheese to the other two patties. Let the cheese melt on top.
4. Set the patties aside: Once the patties are cooked, transfer them to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Assemble the Double Decker Patty Melts

1. Toast the bread: Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. In the same skillet, toast the bread butter-side down until golden brown and crispy. Spread mayonnaise and a little Dijon mustard on the non-buttered side of the bread if desired.
2. Layer the patties: Place a patty with Swiss cheese on the bottom slice of toasted bread. Add a generous portion of the caramelized onions, followed by a patty with American cheese. Top with another slice of toasted bread.
3. Repeat: Repeat for the other sandwich, creating two double decker patty melts.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and serve: Cut the sandwiches in half for easy eating. Serve with a side of fries, potato chips, or even a small salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Patty Melt

• Don’t rush the onions: Caramelizing onions takes time, so be patient. It’s worth it for that deep, sweet flavor!
• Choose the right bread: Rye bread is traditional for a patty melt, but sourdough or even a sturdy white bread works well.
• Use quality cheese: Swiss or Gruyère adds that nutty, melty goodness, while American cheese gives you that creamy texture. You can swap in cheddar or provolone if you prefer.

Variations

• Mushroom Patty Melt: Add sautéed mushrooms to the caramelized onions for extra umami flavor.
• Spicy Patty Melt: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the beef mixture for a little heat.
• Vegetarian Patty Melt: Swap out the beef patties for veggie patties or a thick slice of portobello mushroom.

FAQs

1. Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time?

• Yes, caramelized onions can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them before using.

2. Can I use another type of cheese?

• Absolutely! While Swiss and American are traditional, you can use cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a different flavor.

3. Can I grill these on a panini press?

• Definitely! A panini press or griddle works great for toasting the sandwiches evenly and pressing them down slightly for that perfect texture.

4. How do I store leftovers?

• If you have leftovers, store the sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.

5. What should I serve with a patty melt?

• Classic sides like fries, onion rings, or even a coleslaw pair perfectly with this hearty sandwich.

Conclusion

This Double Decker French Onion Patty Melt is a true indulgence with layers of beefy goodness, gooey cheese, and sweet caramelized onions. Perfect for a cozy weekend meal or a game-day treat, it’s a delicious upgrade to the traditional patty melt. Enjoy this with your favorite side and get ready for some serious comfort food satisfaction!

Yield: 4

Double Decker French Onion Patty Melt Recipe

Print

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible combination of caramelized onions, juicy beef patties, and melted cheese sandwiched between perfectly toasted bread. This Double Decker French Onion Patty Melt takes the classic patty melt to a whole new level, with layers of flavor that will make your taste buds sing.

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Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Caramelized Onions:
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup beef broth (optional, for deglazing)
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
• For the Patties:
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or Gruyère for an authentic French onion flavor)
• For the Sandwich:
• 8 slices of rye bread (or sourdough)
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 8 slices of Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
• Optional garnish: fresh thyme or parsley

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions:
   Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, for about 20-25 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Deglaze the pan with beef broth and balsamic vinegar, if using, scraping up the brown bits from the pan. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Beef Patties:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Divide the beef mixture into 8 thin patties (about 1/4 inch thick).
3. Cook the Patties:
   Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Swiss cheese on 4 of the patties and let it melt. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Assemble the Patty Melts:
   Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. For each sandwich, place one slice of bread (buttered side down) in the skillet. Add a slice of Swiss cheese, a beef patty with melted cheese, a layer of caramelized onions, then top with another beef patty. Add another slice of Swiss cheese and close the sandwich with another slice of buttered bread (buttered side up).
5. Grill the Patty Melts:
   Cook each sandwich over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing down gently, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve:
   Slice the double-decker patty melts in half and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, if desired.

Notes

Onion Variations: If you prefer an even richer flavor, cook the onions in a splash of red wine or beef broth while caramelizing.

Cheese Substitutes: If you can't find Swiss or Gruyère, provolone or mozzarella will also melt beautifully in this recipe.

Bread Options: Rye bread gives a classic patty melt flavor, but you can use sourdough or Texas toast for a heartier bite.