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Classic Patty Melt Recipe

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★★★★★

4.2 from 51 reviews

This classic patty melt recipe combines savory caramelized onions, juicy ground beef patties, melted Swiss cheese, and buttered rye or sourdough bread grilled to golden perfection. A delicious, comforting sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner, featuring rich flavors and a satisfying crispy texture.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Patty Melt

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 8 slices rye or sourdough bread
  • 4–8 slices Swiss, American, or cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter (plus more for grilling)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Dijon mustard or burger sauce

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Melt butter in a skillet over low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and soft. This process takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Once caramelized, remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Form the patties: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a thin patty, ensuring the size matches the slices of bread for the sandwich. Season both sides of each patty generously with salt and black pepper.
  3. Cook the patties: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the beef patties in the skillet and cook them until they are browned on both sides, achieving your preferred doneness. After cooking, remove the patties from the heat and set them aside.
  4. Assemble the sandwiches: Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side of four slices, layer cheese slices, one cooked beef patty, a generous amount of caramelized onions, more cheese, and then top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up. Optionally, spread Dijon mustard or burger sauce on the bread before layering for extra flavor.
  5. Grill the patty melts: Place the assembled sandwiches butter-side down into a preheated skillet over medium heat. Grill until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, then carefully flip the sandwiches to grill the other side. Continue cooking until the bread is toasted and the cheese inside has melted fully.
  6. Rest and serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for about a minute. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally and serve hot for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Storage: Best enjoyed immediately while fresh and crispy. Leftovers can be wrapped well and reheated gently in a skillet to maintain their texture.
  • Serving Ideas: Serve with classic sides such as fries, onion rings, pickles, or a light green salad to balance the richness.
  • Substitutions: Rye bread can be swapped for sourdough or any hearty bread. For an extra flavor twist, grill the bread with a spread of garlic butter before assembling.

Keywords: patty melt, caramelized onions, ground beef sandwich, grilled sandwich, cheese sandwich, American comfort food

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/classic-patty-melt-recipe/