Variations on the sandwich melt are popular from coast to coast, but none compares to the authentic patty melt served in New Jersey diners. Chef Bill Telepan, owner of Telepan restaurant, shares a delicious recipe from the Garden State:
Recipe: Telepan patty melt (on this page)
Season ground beef, form into 4 patties and set aside.
Heat a medium skillet on high heat, add 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter, and when butter is melted and lightly brown, add the onions and cook for 5 minutes. Then lower heat to medium, add a pinch of salt and cook additional 5 minutes. Set aside.
Heat a large skillet on high heat, add oil and when just reaching the smoking point, add the beef patties and, depending how you like them, cook 2-3 minutes each side, or longer if wanted more well cooked. Set aside.
Top 4 of the slices of bread each with some onions, a slice of cheese, cooked patty, another slice of cheese and finally a slice of bread. Slather each sandwich on top and bottom with the additional butter.
Then turn the heat to medium. Add the sandwiches. Cook for 3-4 minutes a side, or until the bread is golden browned and the cheese has melted. Slice in half diagonally and serve.
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