Name: Patty Melt Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced); 1 tablespoon butter; 8 slices rye bread; 8 slices Swiss cheese (or a mix of Swiss and American); Butter (for bread); Optional: Thousand Island dressing or mustard for serving

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a sandwich that brings together everything glorious about a classic diner burger and the ultimate grilled cheese, this Patty Melt Recipe is your ticket to savory satisfaction. Imagine perfectly seasoned beef patties, gooey rivers of Swiss cheese, golden caramelized onions, and crispy rye bread all melting together with each delightful bite. It’s a dish that brings cozy nostalgia and irresistible flavor, whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you: every item here is simple but absolutely essential. Each one plays a starring role in the final flavor, contributing savory richness, sweet undertones, creamy texture, or that unmistakable crispy crust around the edges.

Ground Beef (1 pound, 80/20): This rich blend of fat and meat gives you juicy, flavor-packed patties that stay tender and never dry out.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Just enough to bring out all the deep, beefy notes and season the bread and onions perfectly.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and highlights both the beef and the onions.
Yellow Onion (1 large, thinly sliced): Caramelized to golden perfection, these onions add sweet, savory complexity to every bite.
Butter (1 tablespoon plus more for bread): Essential for that crunchy, buttery grilled exterior and for coaxing all the flavor out of the onions.
Rye Bread (8 slices): The tang of rye is traditional, but you can swap in other sturdy bread, too—just make sure it’s thick enough to hold up.
Swiss Cheese (8 slices, or a mix with American): Swiss delivers that signature melt, while American cheese brings extra gooeyness if you want to mix it up.
Optional Thousand Island or Mustard: A swipe of tangy sauce lifts the whole sandwich and adds a burst of contrasting flavor.

How to Make Patty Melt Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize Those Onions

Start off by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the thinly sliced onions, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let them cook slowly—about 20 minutes, stirring every now and then. You’re after that deep golden color and intoxicating aroma that only true caramelized onions can deliver. Set them aside, but don’t be surprised if people come sneaking into the kitchen early just for a bite.

Step 2: Shape and Season Your Patties

Divide your ground beef into 4 equal portions, then loosely shape them into oval patties just a bit larger than your bread slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper—this little step is where patty magic begins. Having them oversized ensures full meat-to-bread coverage after they cook and shrink a bit.

Step 3: Sizzle and Cook the Patties

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high. Place your patties down and let them sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they reach your preferred doneness and develop a delicious crust. Once done, transfer to a plate and get ready for assembly. (If your pan’s messy from beef juices, give it a quick wipe for the next step.)

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

Here’s where the Patty Melt Recipe comes to life! Lay out half your rye bread slices. Top each with a slice of Swiss cheese, then one cooked beef patty. Pile high with a generous portion of caramelized onions, add another slice of cheese, and finally top it off with your second slice of bread. Butter the outsides—the secret to that crispy, golden finish.

Step 5: Grill to Melted, Crispy Perfection

In a clean skillet over medium heat, grill each sandwich for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Press down gently with a spatula to encourage ultimate melt-age and that irresistible crust. When the bread is golden and the cheese is gooey, slide them out, slice in half, and get ready for applause.

How to Serve Patty Melt Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a little flourish! Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color, or lay out pickles on the plate to cut through the richness of the sandwich. A quick swipe of Thousand Island or a zesty mustard inside or on the side adds a bright, creamy tang that tastes just like your favorite local diner.

Side Dishes

This Patty Melt Recipe shines brightest when flanked by classic pairings—think crispy French fries, potato chips, or even a retro wedge salad. For a lighter approach, serve with a simple green salad kissed with vinaigrette to balance all that hearty goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to up your presentation game, try cutting the sandwiches into finger-friendly strips for party platters or dipping. Or serve each Patty Melt on a wooden board with a pile of shoestring fries, assorted pickles, and ramekins of dipping sauces for a playful DIY diner vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra sandwiches (lucky you!), let them cool and wrap each one snugly in foil or airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days—the bread may lose a bit of crispness, but the flavors only deepen.

Freezing

You can freeze individual cooked patties and caramelized onions separately for up to 2 months, tightly wrapped. (It’s best to assemble and grill the sandwiches fresh, as bread is prone to sogginess after freezing and thawing.)

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Patty Melt Recipe on a skillet over medium heat. Press with a spatula for a few minutes per side so the bread crisps and the cheese melts. The microwave will do in a pinch, but the skillet truly brings back that just-made texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While rye is the traditional choice for a Patty Melt Recipe, sourdough or even Texas toast will give you delicious results. Just pick something sturdy enough to support all that glorious filling.

What’s the best cheese for a patty melt?

Swiss is classic, as it melts beautifully and has a nutty sweetness. Some folks love to add a slice of American cheese for extra melt and nostalgia, and cheddar or provolone also work if you want to experiment.

Can I make these ahead for a crowd?

You can caramelize the onions and cook the patties in advance. When it’s time to serve, just assemble and quickly grill each sandwich. This way, the bread stays crisp and the cheese is perfectly gooey for everyone.

Is there a sauce I can add inside?

Yes! A spread of Thousand Island dressing or spicy Dijon mustard inside each sandwich really takes this Patty Melt Recipe to another level, adding tang and extra moisture to every bite.

Can I make the patties smaller for sliders?

Of course! Shape smaller patties and use slider buns or mini rye slices. These mini patty melts are perfect for parties or game day snacks—just reduce the cooking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Patty Melt Recipe is one of those classics that never goes out of style—hearty, cheesy, and packed with comfort. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself craving these golden, toasty sandwiches again and again. Go ahead, gather your ingredients and let your kitchen fill with the smells of diner magic tonight!

Patty Melt Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the classic comfort food with this delicious Patty Melt recipe. Savory ground beef patties, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese sandwiched between slices of toasted rye bread – a perfect meal for any time of day!

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Patties:

1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Caramelized Onions:

1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced)
1 tablespoon butter

Assembly:

8 slices rye bread
8 slices Swiss cheese (or a mix of Swiss and American)
Butter (for bread)
Optional: Thousand Island dressing or mustard for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Caramelize Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and cook onions until golden and caramelized.
Prepare Patties: Divide ground beef, shape into patties, season, and cook until done.
Assemble Sandwiches: Layer bread, cheese, patty, onions, more cheese, and bread. Butter outsides and cook until golden and melted.