SUPER SIZE BUNLESS PATTY MELTS

Bunless patty melts are a delicious twist on the classic patty melt sandwich. With a juicy beef patty, gooey cheese, caramelized onions, and a special Whataburger secret sauce, these mouthwatering delights are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Why Make Bunless Patty Melts
Bunless patty melts offer all the savory goodness of a traditional patty melt but without the bun, making them a great option for those looking to reduce their carb intake or who simply prefer to enjoy their favorite flavors in a different way.
How to Make Bunless Patty Melts
- Whataburger Secret Sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle juice, garlic powder, dried mustard, paprika, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Caramelized Onions: Cook sliced onions in avocado oil over medium heat until softened and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Transfer to a platter.
- Prepare Patties: Season hamburger patties with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Cook Patties: In a large cast iron skillet over medium heat, cook patties until golden brown on both sides. Keep warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven.
- Melt Cheese: During the last 2 minutes of cooking, place a slice of Monterey Jack cheese on each patty and cook until melted. Stack another warm patty on top, add another slice of cheese, and spoon Whataburger secret sauce over the melted cheese.
- Serve: Scatter caramelized onions over the sauce before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve bunless patty melts with a side of crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad for a satisfying meal.
Storage Info
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Some Techniques or Tips
- Use a cast iron skillet for best results when caramelizing onions and cooking the patties.
- Be patient when caramelizing onions to achieve that deep golden brown color and sweet flavor.
- Customize the secret sauce to your taste by adjusting the seasoning levels or adding your favorite ingredients.
Variation
If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to swap out the Monterey Jack for cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite cheese variety.
FAQs about Bunless Patty Melts
- Can I use store-bought burger patties instead of making my own? Yes, you can use store-bought burger patties to save time. Just make sure to season them well before cooking.
- Can I make the secret sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! The secret sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Can I add other toppings to my bunless patty melt? Of course! Feel free to customize your patty melt with additional toppings such as sliced tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, or crispy bacon for extra flavor.
SUPER SIZE BUNLESS PATTY MELTS
Ingredients:
Whataburger Secret Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pattie Melt:
- 2 cups sliced onions
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 8 hamburger patties (85/15)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions:
Whataburger Secret Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle juice, garlic powder, dried mustard, paprika, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Pattie Melt:
- In a large cast iron skillet over medium heat, add sliced onions and sprinkle with salt. Cook the onions until they are softened and deep golden brown, approximately 25-30 minutes. If the onions start to dry out, add a little water and reduce the heat. Once done, transfer the caramelized onions to a platter.
- Season both sides of the hamburger patties with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- In the same large cast iron skillet over medium heat, cook four patties until golden brown on both sides. Transfer the cooked patties to a rimmed baking sheet pan and place in a 200°F (93°C) oven to keep warm while cooking the remaining patties.
- During the last 2 minutes of cooking the remaining four hamburger patties, place a slice of Monterey Jack cheese on each patty and cook until the cheese is melted. Then, place another warm patty on top of the melted cheese and add another slice of Monterey Jack cheese on top of the hamburger patty.
- Spoon some Whataburger secret sauce over the melted cheese.
- Before serving, scatter the caramelized onions across the top of the sauce.