Gourmet Grilled Cheeseburger Sandwich
Ingredients:
For the Burger Patty:
1 lb ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
For the Sandwich:
4 slices thick, rustic bread (sourdough, brioche, or your choice)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
4 slices white cheese (such as Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil (for caramelizing onions)
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Optional: ketchup, mustard, pickles, or lettuce for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Caramelized Onions:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until soft and golden brown. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Burger Patties:
Form the ground beef into two equal-sized patties, slightly larger than the bread slices.
Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil.
Cook the patties for about 4–5 minutes per side (for medium), or until they reach your desired doneness.
Just before removing from the pan, top each patty with a slice of cheese and cover for a minute to melt.
Toast the Bread:
While the patties are cooking, butter each slice of bread on one side.
Grill or toast the bread, buttered side down, in a separate skillet or on the grill until golden brown and crispy.
Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread a small amount of ketchup or mustard on one side of the bread (optional).
Place the cooked burger patties with melted cheese on top of one slice of the toasted bread.
Add a generous helping of caramelized onions on top of the patty.
Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread.
Serve:
Slice the sandwich in half to reveal the melty cheese and juicy beef patty.
Serve immediately, optionally with a side of pickles or crispy fries.