![Classic Patty Melt](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/B7PFG7liYrtlal_Y1lZEhSYyYgk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2612101_qfsgr_patty_melt_10617_1-1-5fef2a3b9f57461a835e234a491639a4.jpg)
Instead of the usual hamburgers, surprise everyone with patty melts for dinner tonight. Sturdy, thick-cut bread such as sourdough can stand up to the meat and gooey cheeses in this classic sandwich. Use a cast-iron pan; it's a pro at handling the heat needed to cook the patties and toast the bread.
Ingredients
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4 tablespoons canola oil, divided
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1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
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1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
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1 ¼ pounds ground chuck
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
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1 tablespoon ketchup
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3 ounces sharp yellow Cheddar cheese, shredded (about ¾ cup)
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8 (¾-inch-thick) sourdough bread slices
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4 Swiss cheese slices
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4 tablespoons butter, divided
Directions
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Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a medium skillet over medium. Add onion and ½ teaspoon of the salt. Cook, stirring often, until golden brown and soft, about 20 minutes. Set aside.
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Meanwhile, divide ground beef into 4 portions. Press each into a flat, ¼-inch-thick patty. Sprinkle with pepper and remaining 1 teaspoon salt.
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Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Cook 2 patties at a time, pressing gently, until browned but still pink in the center, 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
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Stir together mayonnaise, mustard, barbecue sauce, and ketchup in a small bowl until combined.
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Wipe out cast-iron skillet; reduce heat to medium. Divide Cheddar among 4 of the bread slices; top each with a patty, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese slice, mayonnaise mixture, and remaining bread. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in skillet. Place 2 sandwiches in hot butter; cook (with another skillet on top of sandwiches to weigh them down) until golden brown and cheeses are melted, about 3 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and 2 sandwiches.