Mediterranean-Style Patty Melt
Mediterranean-Style Patty Melt
Ingredients
For the "Beef" Patties
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey or chicken
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- as needed salt, to taste
- as needed black pepper, to taste
For the Secret Sauce
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
For the Aromatics
- 2 yellow onions, large, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- as needed balsamic vinegar, for deglazing, optional
For Assembly
- 8 slices whole-wheat sourdough or sprouted rye bread
- 8 slices Provolone or Swiss cheese, thinly sliced, part-skim
- as needed extra virgin olive oil, for brushing and searing
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and pickle relish. Whisk until well combined and smooth. Set aside.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and deeply browned. If desired, deglaze with a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra sweetness towards the end of cooking. Transfer the caramelized onions to a bowl and set aside.
⏱️ 30 min
- 3
In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey or chicken with the Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined. Shape the mixture into 4 thin patties. Season both sides of the patties generously with salt and black pepper.
⏱️ 10 min
- 4
Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in the same skillet (or a separate one) over medium-high heat. Sear the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until a savory crust forms and they are cooked through. Remove patties from the skillet and set aside.
⏱️ 10 min
- 5
Lightly brush one side of each of the 8 bread slices with extra virgin olive oil. On the un-oiled side of each slice, spread a thin layer of the prepared secret sauce.
⏱️ 5 min
- 6
To assemble each patty melt, place one bread slice (oil-side down) in the skillet. Top with one slice of Provolone or Swiss cheese, then a cooked patty, a portion of the caramelized onions, and a second slice of cheese. Place the second bread slice on top, with the oiled side facing up.
⏱️ 5 min
- 7
Grill the assembled sandwiches in the skillet over medium heat. Press down lightly with a spatula to ensure even contact. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden-brown and crunchy, and the cheese is completely melted and oozing.
⏱️ 5 min
- 8
Remove the Mediterranean-Style Patty Melts from the skillet. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Mediterranean-Style Patty Melt
For the "Beef" Patties
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey or chicken
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- as needed salt, to taste
- as needed black pepper, to taste
For the Secret Sauce
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
For the Aromatics
- 2 yellow onions, large, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- as needed balsamic vinegar, for deglazing, optional
For Assembly
- 8 slices whole-wheat sourdough or sprouted rye bread
- 8 slices Provolone or Swiss cheese, thinly sliced, part-skim
- as needed extra virgin olive oil, for brushing and searing
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and pickle relish. Whisk until well combined and smooth. Set aside.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and deeply browned. If desired, deglaze with a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra sweetness towards the end of cooking. Transfer the caramelized onions to a bowl and set aside.
⏱️ 30 min - 3
In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey or chicken with the Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined. Shape the mixture into 4 thin patties. Season both sides of the patties generously with salt and black pepper.
⏱️ 10 min - 4
Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in the same skillet (or a separate one) over medium-high heat. Sear the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until a savory crust forms and they are cooked through. Remove patties from the skillet and set aside.
⏱️ 10 min - 5
Lightly brush one side of each of the 8 bread slices with extra virgin olive oil. On the un-oiled side of each slice, spread a thin layer of the prepared secret sauce.
⏱️ 5 min - 6
To assemble each patty melt, place one bread slice (oil-side down) in the skillet. Top with one slice of Provolone or Swiss cheese, then a cooked patty, a portion of the caramelized onions, and a second slice of cheese. Place the second bread slice on top, with the oiled side facing up.
⏱️ 5 min - 7
Grill the assembled sandwiches in the skillet over medium heat. Press down lightly with a spatula to ensure even contact. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden-brown and crunchy, and the cheese is completely melted and oozing.
⏱️ 5 min - 8
Remove the Mediterranean-Style Patty Melts from the skillet. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.