Patty Melt Burger

Name: Patty Melt Burger
Yield: serves 4
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 medium red onions, halved and thinly sliced; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup dry red wine; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves; 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves; 1 pound ground chuck (80 percent lean) or ground turkey (90 percent lean); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon canola oil; 8 slices good-quality seeded rye bread, each 1/2 inch thick; 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 4 ounces Gruyère cheese, coarsely grated (about 1 cup); 4 Pickled Jalapeños (page 115), halved (optional)

December 9, 2011

The patty melt first appeared on the American diner scene in the 1940s and is still a favorite more than sixty years later. Take a good look at what it is—meat and cheese pressed between slices of buttered bread—and you might wonder: Was the patty melt America’s first panini? As a rule, my perfect burger consists of a thicker patty served on a soft roll, but everyone needs to break the rules, even their own, once in a while. This patty melt, with its sophisticated jam-like onion relish and buttery Gruyère cheese, makes breaking the rules extra delicious.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.