Two mouthwatering juicy hamburger patties layered with Monterey Jack cheese, caramelized onions, and the Whataburger secret sauce.
Patty Melt {Whataburger Copycat Without The Bun}
This version of the popular Whataburger patty melt is delicious and easy comfort food the whole family will love.
I love patty melts. This Whataburger copycat is the perfect version for gameday parties, weeknight dinners, and more. The sandwich can be great without a bun or toast.
To make it easy for your guests, serve them without the bun, but for those who want buns or Texas toast, do them separately.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE? TAKE ME TO THE RECIPE FOR THE SUPER SIZE BUN-LESS PATTY MELT.
Below, under the next heading, I give a list of preferred ingredients, tips, and cooking instructions for the Super Size Bun-less Patty Melt and similar recipe ideas you can have.
Or you can scroll down to the bottom, where you will find a full printable recipe card with amounts of the ingredients and complete instructions with notes.
WHAT IS A PATTY MELT
According to Wikipedia, a patty melt is a sandwich consisting of a ground beef patty with melted cheese and topped with caramelized onions between two slices of griddled bread. It is unclear when the patty melt was invented, but records exist of them having been commercially served as early as the 1940s.
WHAT IS IN THE WHATABURGER SECRET SAUCE?
Simply a variation of Thousand Island dressing. The only difference is there is no pickle relish in the sauce, just pickle juice.
WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE WHATABURGER SAUCE
Mayonnaise
Ketchup
Pickle juice (or Worcestershire sauce)
Garlic powder
Dried mustard
Paprika
Black pepper
Pickle juice (or Worcestershire sauce)
Garlic powder
Dried mustard
Paprika
Black pepper
HELPFUL TIPS TO ENSURE A SUPERB PATTY MELT
I like to use preshaped hamburger patties from the grocery store. It is better to have your patties as flat as possible before cooking them. Smashing them too much during cooking releases too much of the juices and creates a dry patty.
It is best to cook the patties in a large cast iron skillet. A cast iron skillet holds the heat and cooks an even caramelization on the patty.
If you want to make this recipe ahead, you start with the Whataburger secret sauce. Prepare the sauce and store it in the refrigerator. Season the hamburger patties and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days before cooking them. Set them on the counter for 30 or 40 minutes before cooking them.
Cook the onions on the day of preparing the patty melt.
It is best to cook the patties in a large cast iron skillet. A cast iron skillet holds the heat and cooks an even caramelization on the patty.
If you want to make this recipe ahead, you start with the Whataburger secret sauce. Prepare the sauce and store it in the refrigerator. Season the hamburger patties and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days before cooking them. Set them on the counter for 30 or 40 minutes before cooking them.
Cook the onions on the day of preparing the patty melt.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE PATTY MELT {WHATABURGER COPYCAT}
Large cast iron skillet
Sharp knife
Large spatula
Onions
Avocado oil
Hamburger Patties (85/15)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and Black pepper
Monterey Jack cheese
Large spatula
Onions
Avocado oil
Hamburger Patties (85/15)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and Black pepper
Monterey Jack cheese
HOW TO MAKE A PATTY MELT {WHATABURGER COPYCAT}
WHATABURGER SECRET SAUCE
Add mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle juice, garlic powder, dried mustard, paprika, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth; set aside.
PATTY MELT
In a large cast iron skillet, over medium heat, add the sliced onions. Sprinkle with salt. Cook the onions until softened and deep golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. If the onions begin to dry out, add a little water and reduce the heat. Turn the heat off and begin the hamburger patties. Remove the onions onto a platter.
Season both sides of the hamburger patties with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Using the same large cast iron skillet, over medium heat, cook four patties until golden brown on both sides. Place on a rimmed baking sheet pan and place in 200 degrees F. oven. To stay warm while the other 4 hamburger patties are cooking.
In the last 2 minutes of cooking the last 4 hamburger patties, place a slice of Monterey Jack cheese on each pattie and cook until the cheese is melted. Place another warm pattie on top of the melted cheese, and add another slice of Monterey Jack cheese on the hamburger patty.
Spoon some Whataburger secret sauce over top of the melted cheese.
Before serving, scatter the caramelized onions across the top of the sauce.
Season both sides of the hamburger patties with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Using the same large cast iron skillet, over medium heat, cook four patties until golden brown on both sides. Place on a rimmed baking sheet pan and place in 200 degrees F. oven. To stay warm while the other 4 hamburger patties are cooking.
In the last 2 minutes of cooking the last 4 hamburger patties, place a slice of Monterey Jack cheese on each pattie and cook until the cheese is melted. Place another warm pattie on top of the melted cheese, and add another slice of Monterey Jack cheese on the hamburger patty.
Spoon some Whataburger secret sauce over top of the melted cheese.
Before serving, scatter the caramelized onions across the top of the sauce.
WHERE YOU MAY SEE THIS RECIPE
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