Happy birthday to my favorite with the tradition continues since 2011! This year we had patty melts using garlic Texas Toast for the bun. They could use even more cheese – I don’t know what I was thinking – don’t be like me. Really go for it.

Perfect Patty Melts
Ingredients: (serves 4)
1 box (8 slices) of Texas Toast garlic bread
1 pound ground meat
2-4 tablespoons (1/4 onion) caramelized onions
~ 8 slices of American cheese (or more!)
4 tablespoons Thousand Island Dressing

Directions:
Preheat the grill and oven/toast oven.
Form the patties (oblong shaped to fit the bread!) and grill until cooked to desired done-ness. Bake the garlic bread until heated through – they will finish on the grill.
Assemble with Thousand Island dressing, cheese on each bread-“bun” the cooked patties, and onions.

Grill or griddle to melt the cheese.
Enjoy!

We loved these! I’d really go for more cheese next time but both sides of the bread is key. These would be a good one if you’re forced inside/grill-less sometime! One kid asked if we could do it without the burger next time…so grilled cheese coming up?
The Historical Timeline of the Birthday Burgers:
2024 was a Hawaiian Burger with Pineapple Slaw for a sweet & salty trip
2023 was a Chicken Caesar Salad Burger with our beloved flavors
2022 was a Bacon Jam and Parmesan Peppercorn burger was all about the toppings.
2021 was a Waffle Breakfast Burger with ground sausage in the patty, maple aoli, and melted gouda.
2020 was a BLT burger with ground bacon IN the burger and tomato jam
2019 was a Manchego Burger with manchego, quince jam, and arugula
2018 was a Garlic Lovers Burger with garlic butter, chips, garlic aoli and white cheddar.
2017 was an Ultimate Mexican Burger with queso, guac, and beans.
2016 was a Mac & Cheese Stuffed Burger topped with bacon, onions, and tomato.
2015 was a Picnic Burger with slaw & potato sticks
2014 was a German Burger with horseradish, caramelized onions, pickles and a pretzel roll
2013 was a Vermont Burger with maple mayo, cheddar, bacon, and spinach
2012 was a Bacon Wrapped Burger – enough said
2011 was a Stuffed Burger stuffed with bacon & cheddar or bacon & blue cheese