Begin by soaking the dry bread slices in milk (or water if preferred) until they become soft and absorb most of the liquid. This step helps add moisture to the patties, keeping them tender and juicy.

After the bread has absorbed the milk, gently squeeze out any excess liquid. The soaked bread will be incorporated into the minced meat mixture.

Peel and finely chop the onion, or grind it along with the meat for a smoother texture.

In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, soaked bread, and chopped onion. You can use a meat grinder or simply mix it thoroughly by hand.

Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. The onion and bread will not only flavor the meat but also help to keep the patties moist while baking.

For the filling, marinate the small onion. Thinly slice the onion and place it in a bowl. Add 1 tsp of vinegar, 0.5 tsp of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This process softens the onion and gives it a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Thinly slice the pickled cucumber into circles. These slices will add a nice crunch and a touch of acidity to the patties.

Cut the cheese into thin slices. This cheese will melt over the patties, creating a gooey, delicious layer.

Take the prepared minced meat mixture and divide it into 9 equal portions. Shape each portion into flat, round patties.

Arrange the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.

Spoon about 1 tsp of ketchup over each patty and spread it evenly with the back of the spoon. Ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and tang to the patties.

Top the ketchup layer with a few slices of the marinated onion, followed by the cucumber circles.

Finally, place the cheese slices on top of the cucumber layer. The cheese will melt beautifully as the patties bake, creating a flavorful, gooey topping.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Once the oven is heated, place the baking sheet with the patties into the oven.

Bake the patties for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once done, remove the patties from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.