Classic Patty Melt Recipe

A classic patty melt is a timeless American diner dish featuring a juicy beef patty sandwiched between slices of golden-brown rye bread, gooey melted cheese, and caramelized onions. It’s the perfect combination of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich, offering a savory and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare at home.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Comfort food at its best: This recipe combines the flavors of a cheeseburger and a grilled sandwich, giving you the best of both worlds.
  • Simple ingredients: With only a few basic ingredients, this recipe is budget-friendly and easy to find at your local grocery store.
  • Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual lunch.
  • Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe with your favorite cheeses, bread, or even add extra toppings like bacon or mushrooms.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Butter, for cooking
  • Rye bread (or sourdough as a substitute)
  • Swiss cheese (or cheddar for a different flavor)
  • Yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • Cooking oil, for caramelizing onions

Directions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft and golden brown. Set aside.
  2. Shape the patties: Divide the ground beef into even portions and form thin patties slightly larger than your bread slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook the patties: In the same skillet, add a bit of butter and cook the beef patties over medium-high heat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Assemble the patty melts: Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each slice of bread. Add the cooked beef patty on top of one side, then a generous amount of caramelized onions. Top with the other bread slice, cheese side down.
  5. Grill the sandwiches: In the skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the assembled sandwiches and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  6. Serve: Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve your patty melts warm with a side of fries or a salad.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe makes 4 patty melts.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Cheese: While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can swap it for cheddar, American, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
  • Bread: Rye bread is classic, but sourdough or whole wheat can be great substitutes.
  • Toppings: For extra flavor, add crispy bacon, sautรฉed mushrooms, or a spread of mustard or mayonnaise.
  • Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: If you have leftovers, wrap the sandwiches in foil or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: To reheat, place the patty melt in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or use a toaster oven to keep the bread crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

What is a patty melt?

A patty melt is a sandwich that features a beef patty, cheese, and caramelized onions, typically grilled between slices of rye bread.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use cheddar, American, or any melty cheese that you prefer.

What kind of bread works best for a patty melt?

Rye bread is traditional, but sourdough or whole wheat can also be used.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Make sure to use enough butter when grilling and cook the sandwiches over medium heat to get a crispy crust.

Can I make patty melts ahead of time?

It’s best to cook them fresh, but you can prepare the patties and onions in advance and assemble the sandwiches when ready to grill.

Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, you can substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

What sides go well with patty melts?

Classic sides include fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Can I cook the patties on a grill instead of a skillet?

Yes, grilling the patties adds a smoky flavor, and you can finish the sandwiches on the stovetop or grill.

How can I make the onions caramelize faster?

Cooking the onions over medium heat and adding a pinch of sugar can speed up caramelization, but be patient for the best flavor.

Can I freeze patty melts?

It’s not recommended, as the bread tends to become soggy when reheated from frozen. However, you can freeze the patties and onions separately and assemble the sandwiches fresh.

Conclusion

A classic patty melt is the perfect fusion of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal that can be customized to your liking. Whether youโ€™re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, this timeless recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

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Classic Patty Melt Recipe

Classic Patty Melt Recipe

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop, Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A classic patty melt combines the juiciness of a beef burger with the comfort of grilled cheese. Sandwiched between two slices of rye bread, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese add rich flavor, while the buttered, crispy bread completes this satisfying diner favorite.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 8 slices of rye bread
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onions:
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for about 15โ€“20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized. Set aside.
  2. Shape the Patties:
    Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into thin patties that are slightly larger than your bread slices (they’ll shrink when cooked). Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook the Patties:
    In the same skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat for about 3โ€“4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. Assemble the Sandwiches:
    Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, place a slice of Swiss cheese, a cooked patty, caramelized onions, and cheddar cheese (if using). Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side facing out.
  5. Grill the Sandwiches:
    In the skillet, cook the sandwiches over medium heat for 2โ€“3 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. You may need to cook them in batches.
  6. Serve:
    Slice each sandwich in half and serve warm, with your favorite dipping sauce or side (like fries or a salad).

Notes

  • Feel free to switch up the cheese; American cheese works great for a more melty texture.
  • Rye bread is classic, but you can use sourdough or whole wheat bread if you prefer.
  • If you like your patty melts with more crunch, you can toast the bread lightly before assembling the sandwiches.

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