McDonald's McMelt disappeared in 2003 after just 2 years because customers couldn't figure out it wasn't a burger.
Healthier Cheddar McMelt
Indulge in a guilt-free twist on the classic Cheddar McMelt that’s both scrumptious and simple to whip up! Featuring lean turkey patties and creamy, sharp cheddar, this delightful sandwich is grilled to perfection, making it a wholesome choice for lunch or dinner. Get ready to savor every bite without the extra calories!
Prep
15
min
Cook
20
min
Serves
1
people
Level
beginner
📝 Ingredients
Serves 1🥬Fresh Produce(1)
- 1/2 chopped onion
🥩Meat & Seafood(1)
- 80g of seasoned ground beef (0.18 lbs)
🥛Dairy & Eggs(2)
- 1 tbsp of light cheddar cream cheese - 20g (0.71 oz)
- 1 tbsp of light ricotta cream - 20g (0.71 oz)
🫙Pantry Staples(1)
- 1 Australian bread - 50g (1.76 oz)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the ground beef and shape it into a patty. Cook in the air fryer at 200° for 15-20 minutes.
- 2
For the sauce, mix the light cheddar cream cheese and light ricotta cream, then microwave for 20 seconds.
- 3
For the caramelized onion, chop the onion and cook it in a skillet over low heat with a drizzle of olive oil, adding water gradually until caramelized.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Cook your beef patty at 375°F in the air fryer instead of 200°F - the low temperature will create a gray, steamed texture rather than proper Maillard browning that develops at 300°F+.technique375°F vs 200°F
- ✓Add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream to your cheese sauce mixture before microwaving to prevent the proteins from seizing and creating a grainy texture when heated.ingredient1-2 tablespoons
- ✓Caramelize onions for 25-30 minutes minimum - true caramelization requires breaking down natural sugars through the Maillard reaction, which doesn't fully develop until this timeframe.timing25-30 minutes
- ✓Salt your onions with 1/2 teaspoon per medium onion at the start of cooking to draw out moisture via osmosis, speeding caramelization by 40%.technique1/2 teaspoon per onion
- ✓Let your cheese sauce rest for 30 seconds after microwaving before stirring - this prevents temperature shock that can cause dairy proteins to curdle and separate.timing30 seconds
Share this recipe
Prep
15
min
Cook
20
min
Serves
1
people
Level
beginner
Share this recipe
McDonald's McMelt disappeared in 2003 after just 2 years because customers couldn't figure out it wasn't a burger.
Healthier Cheddar McMelt
Indulge in a guilt-free twist on the classic Cheddar McMelt that’s both scrumptious and simple to whip up! Featuring lean turkey patties and creamy, sharp cheddar, this delightful sandwich is grilled to perfection, making it a wholesome choice for lunch or dinner. Get ready to savor every bite without the extra calories!
📝 Ingredients
Serves 1🥬Fresh Produce(1)
- 1/2 chopped onion
🥩Meat & Seafood(1)
- 80g of seasoned ground beef (0.18 lbs)
🥛Dairy & Eggs(2)
- 1 tbsp of light cheddar cream cheese - 20g (0.71 oz)
- 1 tbsp of light ricotta cream - 20g (0.71 oz)
🫙Pantry Staples(1)
- 1 Australian bread - 50g (1.76 oz)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the ground beef and shape it into a patty. Cook in the air fryer at 200° for 15-20 minutes.
- 2
For the sauce, mix the light cheddar cream cheese and light ricotta cream, then microwave for 20 seconds.
- 3
For the caramelized onion, chop the onion and cook it in a skillet over low heat with a drizzle of olive oil, adding water gradually until caramelized.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Cook your beef patty at 375°F in the air fryer instead of 200°F - the low temperature will create a gray, steamed texture rather than proper Maillard browning that develops at 300°F+.technique375°F vs 200°F
- ✓Add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream to your cheese sauce mixture before microwaving to prevent the proteins from seizing and creating a grainy texture when heated.ingredient1-2 tablespoons
- ✓Caramelize onions for 25-30 minutes minimum - true caramelization requires breaking down natural sugars through the Maillard reaction, which doesn't fully develop until this timeframe.timing25-30 minutes
- ✓Salt your onions with 1/2 teaspoon per medium onion at the start of cooking to draw out moisture via osmosis, speeding caramelization by 40%.technique1/2 teaspoon per onion
- ✓Let your cheese sauce rest for 30 seconds after microwaving before stirring - this prevents temperature shock that can cause dairy proteins to curdle and separate.timing30 seconds