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Grilled Turkey Patty Melt with Charred Onion Relish

There’s a certain magic to biting into a patty melt – the crispy, buttery bread giving way to melted cheese and savory meat, all infused with the tang of caramelized onions. My first memory of a patty melt wasn’t in a fancy restaurant, but at my grandfather’s modest diner. He’d stand over the flattop, flipping burgers with practiced ease, a symphony of sizzles and clangs filling the air. He always made mine with extra onions, the sweet and savory aroma clinging to my clothes long after I left, a delicious reminder of his love and the simple pleasures of good food. This Grilled Turkey Patty Melt, with its vibrant grilled onion relish, brings that feeling of comfort and connection right back.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 sandwiches
Dietary Type: High Protein

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs ground turkey
1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
2 tablespoons A.1. Original Sauce
Olive oil
8 slices rye bread (¼-inch thick)
8 slices provolone cheese (¼-inch thick)

For the Relish:

1 onion, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick slices
Olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
½ tablespoon mustard
½ tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
Salt & freshly ground black pepper

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowl
Plate
Cling wrap
Grill
Medium bowl
Whisk
Metal Spatula

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground turkey, dry onion soup mix, and A.1. Original Sauce. Ensure the mixture is evenly distributed.
On a clean plate, form the seasoned turkey mixture into patties. Aim for even thickness to ensure consistent cooking.
Cover the formed patties with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial; chilling the patties helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking apart during grilling.
Preheat your grill to high heat. This initial high heat will help create a flavorful sear on the patties and onions.
Prepare the onion slices by brushing them on both sides with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Grill the oiled and seasoned onion slices for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they are slightly charred and just cooked through. The goal is to achieve a balance of tenderness and smoky flavor.
While the onions are grilling, prepare the relish dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and finely chopped fresh thyme.
Gradually whisk in ¼ cup of olive oil until the dressing is emulsified and smooth. This creates a rich and flavorful base for the relish.
Add the grilled onions to the dressing and stir gently until they are fully coated.
Allow the onion relish to stand at room temperature until you are ready to assemble the patty melts. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
With the grill still on high, brush the turkey burgers with olive oil. This will help prevent sticking and promote even browning.
Grill the burgers for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-well doneness. Remember, the burgers will continue to cook slightly when placed back on the grill in the next step. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Reduce the grill heat to medium. This prevents the bread from burning while the cheese melts.
Place the rye bread slices on a flat surface.
Top each slice of rye bread with a slice of provolone cheese and a generous few tablespoons of the Grilled Onion Relish.
Place a grilled turkey burger on top of the cheese and relish, then top the burger with the remaining slice of bread.
Brush the top of the bread with olive oil.
Carefully place the assembled patties on the grill, oiled side down. Press down slightly on each sandwich with a metal spatula. This helps ensure even contact with the grill and promotes better browning.
Grill for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown. Then, brush the top slice of bread with olive oil, flip the sandwich over, and press down with the spatula.
Continue cooking until the second side is golden brown and the provolone cheese is melted and gooey.
Remove from the grill, cut each patty melt in half, and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t overcrowd the grill: Grill the patties and onions in batches to maintain even heat distribution.
Cheese Choice: While provolone is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, Gruyere, or even a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
Bread Matters: The thickness of the rye bread is key. A ¼-inch slice provides the perfect ratio of bread to filling. Thicker slices may require longer grilling times.
Pressing is Key: Pressing down on the sandwiches with a spatula helps create a crispy exterior and ensures the cheese melts evenly.
Temperature Control: Adjust the grill temperature as needed to prevent burning the bread or undercooking the patty.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your Grilled Turkey Patty Melts immediately while they are hot and the cheese is perfectly melted. Consider pairing them with a side of crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh green salad, or a creamy coleslaw for a complete meal.

Leftover patty melts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is melted. For optimal results, reheat them in the skillet with a small amount of butter or oil to restore the crispy exterior.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	648 kcal	N/A
Fat	30g	46%
Saturated Fat	13g	67%
Cholesterol	156mg	52%
Sodium	1604mg	66%
Carbohydrates	40g	13%
Fiber	5g	19%
Sugars	5g	N/A
Protein	54g	108%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rye bread for a gluten-free option.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture or the onion relish for a spicy kick.
Different Meat: While this recipe uses ground turkey, you can substitute ground beef, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground for a vegetarian option.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as Swiss, Gruyere, or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
Onion Swap: Try using red onions instead of yellow onions for a slightly sweeter relish.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the turkey patties ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Forming the patties and refrigerating them for a few hours is a great way to save time later. Just be sure to keep them covered in cling wrap to prevent them from drying out.

Q: What is the best way to prevent the patties from sticking to the grill?
A: Make sure your grill is properly heated and oiled before placing the patties on it. Brushing the patties with olive oil also helps.

Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: While rye bread is traditional for patty melts, you can experiment with other types of bread like sourdough or pumpernickel. Just be sure to choose a sturdy bread that can hold up to the filling.

Q: How do I know when the turkey patties are cooked through?
A: The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Q: What can I add to the onion relish for a sweeter flavor?
A: You can add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the relish for a touch of sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Turkey Patty Melt with Charred Onion Relish is more than just a sandwich; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. The combination of savory turkey, melted cheese, and tangy-sweet onions is irresistible. I encourage you to try this recipe and create your own delicious memories. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. And please, share your creations and feedback – I can’t wait to hear what you think! Maybe pair it with a crisp pickle and a cold beer for the ultimate diner experience.

Grilled Turkey Patty Melt Recipe