Nothing screams comfort food quite like a classic Patty Melt. Known for its juicy beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions sandwiched between golden-brown rye bread, this diner staple has stood the test of time. Below, I’ll guide you through making this delightful sandwich, and maybe we’ll convert a few more to the patty melt fan club along the way!
Ingredients
To make four servings of this delectable sandwich, you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal juiciness)
- 8 slices of rye bread
- 8 thin slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, but recommended for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Thousand Island dressing, for serving (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Shape the Patties
Begin by dividing your ground beef into four equal parts. Shape each portion into an oval patty, then season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Cook the Patties
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your patties and cook them for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
Reduce the heat to medium and check the skillet—if it looks dry, add a bit more butter. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are beautifully caramelized and sweet, which should take about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Bread
While the onions are doing their magic, butter one side of each rye bread slice. These buttered sides will be the outer part of your sandwich, which you’ll want toasted to a perfect golden-brown.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich
Once the onions are caramelized, transfer them to a dish and wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet. Layer it with a slice of Swiss cheese, some caramelized onions, a cooked beef patty, another slice of cheese, and finally, another slice of bread (butter-side up).
Step 6: Cook the Sandwich
Cook the sandwich over medium heat for about 3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crisply toasted and the cheese is deliciously melty.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Patty Melts warm. You can cut them in half to show off the ooey-gooey cheese and rich layers inside. For an extra touch, serve with Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping or drizzling over the sandwich.
Nutritional Information
Each serving is approximately 580 kcal.
Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Patty Melts are the perfect meal for any day where comfort is on the menu. Whether it’s a lazy weekend lunch or a weekday dinner, this sandwich is sure to satisfy. Enjoy crafting this timeless classic and share the joy with friends and family. Happy cooking!
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Classic Patty Melt
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
8 slices of rye bread
8 thin slices of Swiss cheese
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Thousand Island dressing, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Shape the patties: Start by shaping the ground beef into four oval patties, lightly seasoning each with salt and pepper.
Cook the patties: On a medium-high heat skillet, cook the patties for about 4 minutes on each side or until your preferred doneness is reached. Set them aside on a plate.
Caramelize the onions: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add a little butter if needed. Toss in the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become caramelized and sweet – this could take around 10 minutes.
Prepare the bread: While the onions are caramelizing, butter one side of each slice of rye bread. These will be the outsides of your sandwiches—toasted to a golden-brown.
Assemble the sandwich: Transfer the onions to a dish, then wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel. Place a slice of bread, butter-side down, followed by a slice of Swiss cheese, a portion of caramelized onions, a beef patty, another slice of cheese, and top it with a second slice of bread, butter-side up.
Cook the sandwich: Cook the assembled sandwich on medium heat for about 3 minutes per side, or until the bread is toasty and the cheese has begun to melt lovingly around the edges.
Serve: Serve warm, perhaps halved to reveal the layers of melted goodness. Offer Thousand Island dressing for dipping or drizzling if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 580