Description
This Classic Patty Melt recipe combines juicy, seasoned ground beef patties with caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese, all sandwiched between slices of crispy butter-toasted rye bread. Perfectly savory and rich, it’s a timeless comfort food that’s quick to prepare and sure to satisfy any craving.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Patty Melt
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 slices rye bread (or your favorite sandwich bread)
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown and caramelize, about 20-25 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Burger Patties: Shape the ground beef into four equal-sized patties slightly larger than the bread slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Patties: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted and hot, cook the patties over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through and nicely browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of rye bread. On four slices, layer a slice of Swiss cheese, followed by a cooked burger patty, a generous portion of caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Top each with the remaining bread slices, mayonnaise side down.
- Grill the Patty Melts: Wipe the skillet clean and place it back on medium heat. Grill each sandwich in the skillet, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Add a bit more butter to the pan if needed to promote browning.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, let rest for a minute, then slice diagonally and serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef before forming patties.
- You can substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar or gruyère for a different taste profile.
- Use day-old bread for a sturdier sandwich that holds up better when grilling.
- Caramelizing onions low and slow is key for their sweet and savory flavor. Patience makes perfect!
