Sergio’s Seasoning Recipe: Patty Melt with Caramelized Onions

A patty melt done right is one of the great American sandwiches — and this recipe inspired by @kesha_dennis doesn't disappoint. Sergio’s Seasoning goes into the beef for that savory steakhouse backbone, while Table 40 Seasoning layers depth into both the onions and the patty. The result: deeply golden rye and pumpernickel, a thin-pressed cheesy beef patty, and onions cooked low and slow until sweet and jammy. Thirty minutes. Two sandwiches. No shortcuts.

Serves 2

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

For the Caramelized Onions

• 2 large red onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp Table 40 Seasoning
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

For the Beef Patties

• 1 lb ground beef, preferably 80/20
• 1 tsp Sergio’s Seasoning
• ½ tsp Table 40 Seasoning
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

For the Patty Melts

• 8 slices bread (try pumpernickel and rye)
• 4–6 slices pepper jack cheese
• 2–3 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)

Directions

1. Caramelize the onions: Melt the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and season with Table 40 Seasoning. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft, deeply golden, and caramelized. Add Worcestershire sauce during the last few minutes, if desired.
2. Season and shape the beef: Divide the ground beef into two portions and gently shape each into a thin patty, slightly larger than the bread. Season both sides with Sergio’s Seasoning and Table 40 Seasoning.
3. Cook the patties: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred doneness. During the final minute, top each patty with pepper jack cheese and allow it to melt.
4. Toast the bread: Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place butter-side down in a skillet and toast until golden and crisp.
5. Assemble: Place the cheesy beef patty onto a toasted slice of bread. Top generously with the caramelized onions, then finish with the second slice.
6. Crisp the sandwich: Return the assembled patty melts to the skillet over medium-low heat. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is perfectly melted.
7. Slice and serve: Cut each patty melt in half and serve immediately.
8. Enjoy!