A Patty Melt is a classic American diner sandwich that combines the deliciousness of a burger with the comfort of grilled cheese. It’s made with a juicy beef patty, melted cheese, and caramelized onions, all sandwiched between slices of toasted rye bread. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for making a Patty Melt:
Patty Melt Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean for juicy patties)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices rye bread (or your choice of bread)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or American cheese, if you prefer)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise or mustard (optional, for spreading on bread)
Directions:
- Caramelize the onions:
- In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft and golden brown. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat. Once done, set the onions aside.
- Make the patties:
- While the onions are caramelizing, form the ground beef into 4 equal-sized patties, about the size of the slices of bread you’re using. Press a slight indentation into the center of each patty (this helps them cook evenly).
- Season the patties with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if using).
- Cook the patties:
- Heat a separate skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil or butter to the skillet.
- Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through to your desired doneness. In the last minute of cooking, add a slice of Swiss cheese to each patty and cover the skillet to melt the cheese. Once melted, remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
- Toast the bread:
- While the patties are cooking, butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
- In the same skillet (you can use the one you cooked the patties in), toast the bread, buttered side down, until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Assemble the Patty Melt:
- Once the bread is toasted, spread mayonnaise or mustard on the unbuttered side of each slice of bread if you like.
- Place a cooked patty with melted cheese on one slice of the toasted bread. Top with caramelized onions, then place the second slice of toasted bread on top, buttered side facing out.
- Grill the Patty Melt:
- In the same skillet, cook the assembled Patty Melt for 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing down lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted inside.
- Serve:
- Remove the Patty Melt from the skillet, cut it in half, and serve immediately with your favorite side, such as fries or a pickle.
Tips:
- For extra flavor: Add a dollop of Dijon mustard or some pickles inside the sandwich for a tangy kick.
- Meat variation: While beef is the classic choice, you can also make a turkey or chicken patty melt for a lighter option.
- Onion variation: If you prefer a sharper onion flavor, you can use raw onions instead of caramelized ones, or mix in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch.
A Patty Melt is a hearty and satisfying sandwich, combining the best elements of a burger and a grilled cheese. Enjoy this classic comfort food recipe!