Tyler Smith’s In-N-Out-Inspired Patty Melt

Total Time Prep: 45 min. Cook: 5 min./batch
Yield 2 servings
This ultimate 4x4 patty melt is a take on In-N-Out's classic animal-style burger, but in patty melt form. Burger patties are layered on crispy, buttery sourdough bread with caramelized onions, melty cheese, fries and an In-N-Out-inspired sauce. This mash-up is a must-try! —Tyler Smith, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons butter, softened, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 16 slices American cheese, divided
  • 1 package frozen french fries
  • 4 thick-cut slices sourdough bread
  • SAUCE:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions; cook 5-6 minutes or until starting to lightly brown. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until onions are a deep brown color and very soft. Season with salt. Remove from skillet.
  2. Shape ground beef into eight 4-oz. patties. Add one beef patty to the skillet. With a heavy metal spatula, flatten to 1/4- to 1/2-in. thickness. Cook until edges start to brown, about 1-1/2 minutes. Turn; top with one slice American cheese. Cook until burger is browned and a thermometer reads at least 160°, about 1 minute. Repeat with remaining beef.
  3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to assemble burgers.
  4. Prepare frozen french fries according to package directions; season with salt to taste.
  5. To assemble sandwiches, spread one side of each slice of sourdough with 1 tablespoon softened butter. Flip bread over. On two pieces of sourdough, place two slices of American cheese on the non-buttered side of bread. Layer with four cooked burger patties, cooked french fries, caramelized onions and sauce. Top with two more slices of American cheese. Top with a second piece of sourdough, buttered side out.
  6. In a skillet over medium heat, toast sandwiches until golden brown on both sides and cheese is melted.
This ultimate 4x4 patty melt is a take on In-N-Out's classic animal-style burger, but in patty melt form. Burger patties are layered on crispy, buttery sourdough bread with caramelized onions, melty cheese, fries and an In-N-Out-inspired sauce. This mash-up is a must-try! —Tyler Smith, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Recipe Creator

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