Go Back
To make a classic patty melt, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness) - 4 slices of hearty rye bread - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for toasting bread) - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing onions) - 4 slices of creamy Swiss cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder These ingredients work together to create a rich, tasty sandwich. The ground beef gives that classic burger flavor. The rye bread adds a nice, hearty texture. The onions bring sweetness, while Swiss cheese melts perfectly. You can add Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor. Garlic powder adds zest if you choose. Each ingredient plays a role in making this patty melt a simple delight. You'll find that this recipe is easy to follow and fun to make. Check out the full recipe to dive deeper into the cooking process! To make caramelized onions, start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook them for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally until they turn a rich golden brown. For extra flavor, you can add Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. This step adds depth and taste to your patty melt. While the onions cook, divide the ground beef into two equal parts. Gently shape these into patties about ½ inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper to boost flavor. Uniform size helps ensure they cook the same way. After the onions are caramelized, use the same skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned patties and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Look for a nice brown crust. Flip the patties and quickly add a slice of Swiss cheese on each one. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, until the cheese melts and the burgers are done to your liking. In a different skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Place two slices of rye bread in the skillet. Once the bottom side turns golden brown, flip the bread to toast the other side. Repeat this with the remaining slices. Toasting gives the bread a crispy texture. Now it's time to layer your ingredients. On each slice of toasted rye, place the cheese-topped patty first. Then, add a generous heap of caramelized onions. Finish with another slice of toasted rye. This order keeps everything together and flavorful. Return the assembled sandwiches to the skillet. Grill each side for about 2 to 3 minutes. Press down slightly with a spatula to ensure a crispy, golden brown crust. This step makes your patty melt warm and inviting. Follow these steps closely for a delicious patty melt. For the full recipe, check out the Ultimate Patty Melt. For a great patty melt, choose the right beef. I recommend using an 80/20 blend. This blend has 80% lean meat and 20% fat. The fat gives your burger flavor and juiciness. If you use too lean meat, your patties might be dry. Look for fresh ground beef at your local store. You can also ask your butcher for help. Onions are key to a tasty patty melt. To get the best flavor, slice them thin. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions with a pinch of salt. Stir them often for 15-20 minutes. They should turn a nice golden brown. If you want more taste, add Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder. This step really ups the flavor! Some mistakes can ruin your patty melt. First, don’t rush the cooking. If your heat is too high, the outside burns while the inside stays raw. Second, don’t skip seasoning! Always salt and pepper your patties. Lastly, avoid pressing down on the burger while it cooks. This makes all the juices escape, and you want them to stay in for a juicy bite. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese for your patty melt. Swiss cheese is classic, but there are many options. Try sharp cheddar for a strong flavor. Or use pepper jack for some heat. Each choice gives a new taste to your melt. Mix and match until you find your favorite. Adding veggies can make your patty melt even better. Sautéed mushrooms add depth and umami. Bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch. Spinach adds a fresh touch and loads of nutrients. You can even toss in some jalapeños for a spicy kick. Get creative and use what you love. Want a bit of heat? You can make a spicy patty melt. Add hot sauces like sriracha or chipotle mayo. These sauces give your melt a flavorful punch. You can also top it with pickled jalapeños for a tangy kick. This twist makes your melt exciting and bold. For the full recipe, check out the Ultimate Patty Melt . To keep your patty melts fresh, follow these steps: - Cool down: Let them cool to room temperature. - Wrap well: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover each sandwich. - Use a container: Place wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container. - Refrigerate: Store them in the fridge for up to three days. These steps help maintain taste and texture while preventing sogginess. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. Here are a few methods: - Skillet method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cover it. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side. - Oven method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the sandwich in foil and bake for 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the bread crispy. - Toaster oven: Use a toaster oven for a quick warm-up. Set it to medium heat and toast for about 5-7 minutes. These methods keep your patty melts tasty and juicy. If you want to save some for later, freezing works! Here’s how: - Cool first: Make sure the patty melts are completely cool. - Wrap tightly: Use plastic wrap or foil to wrap each sandwich well. - Use freezer bags: Place wrapped sandwiches in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. - Label: Write the date on the bag so you know when you froze them. - Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move the sandwich to the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavors intact. For the full recipe, check out the Ultimate Patty Melt. The best bread for a patty melt is hearty rye bread. Rye adds a rich flavor. It toasts well and holds up to the juicy patty. Sourdough can also work. It is crispy and adds a nice tang. White bread is an option too, but it lacks the depth of rye. Choose what you like, but rye is often the favorite. Yes, you can make patty melts ahead of time. Cook the patties and onions first. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, just toast the bread and assemble. This saves time when you want a quick meal. You can also freeze the cooked patties. Thaw them in the fridge before reheating. To make a vegetarian patty melt, use plant-based patties. Brands like Beyond Meat or veggie patties work well. For the cheese, try vegan cheese slices. They melt nicely. Add lots of caramelized onions for flavor. You can also include grilled mushrooms or spinach for extra taste. This way, you keep the classic feel without meat. This blog post covered how to make a delicious patty melt from scratch. We discussed key ingredients, including the right beef blend and different cheeses. I provided easy steps for cooking caramelized onions and perfecting your patties. Remember, you can personalize this meal with extra vegetables or spicy sauces. Don't forget these tips for storing and reheating your leftovers. With this guide, you can create a tasty patty melt that everyone will enjoy. Give it a try and savor every bite!

- Classic Patty Melt Recipe

Savor the delicious taste of the ultimate patty melt with this easy recipe! Perfectly caramelized onions, juicy beef patties, and creamy Swiss cheese come together on crunchy rye bread for a mouthwatering experience. Get ready to indulge in this classic comfort food that’s sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty treat to your kitchen today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 blend for juiciness)

4 slices of hearty rye bread

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for toasting bread)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing onions)

4 slices of creamy Swiss cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor

Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder for added zest

Instructions
 

Prepare Caramelized Onions: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions turn a rich golden brown and become caramelized. For extra flavor, stir in Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder if desired. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

    Form the Patties: While the onions are caramelizing, divide the ground beef into two equal portions and gently shape them into patties about ½ inch thick. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

      Cook the Patties: Using the same skillet used for the onions, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned patties and cook for 4-5 minutes until they develop a nice brown crust. Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of Swiss cheese on each one. Continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burgers reach your desired doneness.

        Toast the Bread: In a separate skillet or griddle, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Place two slices of rye bread into the skillet. Once the bottom turns golden brown, flip them to toast the other side until it's also golden. Repeat this process with the remaining slices of bread.

          Assemble the Patty Melts: On each toasted slice of rye, layer the cheese-topped patty, followed by a generous heap of the caramelized onions. Complete the sandwich with another slice of toasted rye bread.

            Toast the Finished Sandwich: Return the fully assembled sandwiches to the skillet, grilling each side for about 2-3 minutes. Press down slightly with a spatula to ensure a crispy, golden brown exterior.

              Serve: Once toasted to perfection, remove from heat, slice each patty melt in half, and serve immediately while hot and melty!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 40 mins | Serves 2