Illinois-Style Chicago Patty Melt on Arteflame Grill

Introduction

The Chicago-Style Patty Melt is a delicious twist on the classic burger, combining juicy grilled beef, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese between crispy rye bread. Using the Arteflame grill, we achieve steakhouse-quality searing, locking in flavor while cooking everything to perfection on the flat griddle cooktop.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices rye bread
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins and light them.
3. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches 1,000°F.

Step 2: Caramelize the onions

1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter on the Arteflame flat cooktop.
2. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown.
3. Move them to a cooler section of the grill to keep warm.

Step 3: Grill the beef patties

1. Form the ground beef into two equal-sized patties and season with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the patties on the center grill grate for 1 minute per side to lock in juices.
3. Move the patties to the flat cooktop and cook to desired doneness.
4. Remove them from the grill when the internal temperature is 15°F below the target.

Step 4: Assemble and toast the patty melt

1. Mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Spread a thin layer of the sauce on each slice of rye bread.
3. Place a beef patty, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese between slices.
4. Butter the outsides of the bread and place the sandwiches on the flat cooktop.
5. Cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides, pressing down gently.

Tips

• Use an 80/20 beef blend for the juiciest patties.
• Let the beef come to room temperature before grilling.
• Allow the patty melt to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Variations

1. Spicy Kick: Add pickled jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a kick.
2. BBQ Bacon Melt: Add crispy bacon strips and drizzle with BBQ sauce.
3. Mushroom Swiss: Grill mushrooms on the Arteflame and add them to the melt.
4. Pastrami Patty Melt: Add thinly sliced pastrami and Dijon mustard.
5. Garlic Butter Melt: Brush bread with garlic butter for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Master the Illinois-Style Chicago Patty Melt using the Arteflame grill for the perfect sear and incredible flavor. This patty melt will be your new favorite!

Best pairings

• Sweet potato fries
• Grilled asparagus on the Arteflame
• Crispy coleslaw
• A cold IPA or a classic root beer