Patty Melt: A Lunch Counter Favorite

Divide the beef in half and form into 2 patties slightly larger than a slice of the rye bread. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Spread one side of each slice of rye bread with butter and place, buttered side down, on a griddle ( compare prices , I have both the Calphalon double non-stick griddle and a Lodge combination grill pan and griddle)over low heat.

Divide cheese among all slices and cook until bread is lightly browned and cheese is well-softened.

Set bread aside on a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Increase heat to medium, and grill patties until well-done (ideally 160 internal temperature) about 10 minutes on one side and 7 – 9 minutes on the other depending on thickness.

Place the patties on a slice of grilled bread, cover patty generously with 1000 Island and top with other slice.

Reduce heat to low, drain fat from griddle and place sandwiches back on griddle.

Cook on each side until bread is well-browned. Serve immediately.

Note 1: If you don't make your own 1000 Island using my recipe, I suggest adding one or two thin slices of red onion to the sandwiches.

Note 2: You can grill the bread and burgers at the same time if you griddle is large enough to cover two burners, keep the burner under the bread at low and the burner under the patties at medium. They won't quite finish at the same time, but close.