Juicy Patty Melts with Caramelized Onions

This classic Patty Melt recipe is the perfect combination of juicy beef burgers, sweet caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese, all sandwiched between buttery, toasted rye bread. It’s a diner favorite that you can easily recreate at home, and it’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Serve with crispy potato chips and pickle spears for an ultimate comfort meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Patty Melt is a comforting and indulgent sandwich, and with caramelized onions, it takes the flavor profile to a whole new level. The tender, juicy burger patties paired with the richness of melted Swiss cheese and sweet onions create a flavor-packed experience in every bite. The crispy toasted rye bread adds the perfect texture, making this a crave-worthy, restaurant-quality dish made right at home.

Ingredients

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

For the Caramelized Onions:

• 1 large sweet onion, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced into half moons

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (divided)

For the Patty Melt:

• 8 oz ground beef (90/10 lean-to-fat ratio)

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp yellow mustard (optional)

• 4 slices rye bread

• 4 slices Swiss cheese (or 2 slices Swiss and 2 slices American cheese)

For Serving:

• Potato chips

• Pickle spears

Directions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.

2. Once melted, add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 35-40 minutes until the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized.

3. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions are nutty and soft. Remove from the skillet. You can make the onions ahead of time and store them for up to 3 days in advance.

Step 2: Prepare the Burger Patties

1. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each) and shape them to roughly match the size of the bread slices.

2. Season each patty generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using, spread about ½ teaspoon mustard on top of each patty.

3. Heat the same cast iron skillet to medium-high. Do not wipe out the skillet.

4. Place the burger patties in the skillet, seasoned side down, and press down firmly with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Toast the Bread

1. Wipe the skillet or leave it as is. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and heat over medium heat.

2. Add 2 slices of rye bread to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melts

1. Place 1 slice of Swiss cheese on each slice of bread.

2. Add a burger patty, a few tablespoons of caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese (or a mix of Swiss and American cheese).

3. Top with the remaining bread slices, butter side up.

4. Press down gently on the sandwich using a sandwich weight or spatula, then carefully flip the sandwich over.

5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is toasted.

Step 5: Serve

1. Transfer the patty melts to a cutting board and slice them diagonally.

2. Serve with potato chips and pickle spears for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 1 hour

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Servings: 2 sandwiches

Variations

• Cheese Options: You can use different cheese varieties, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or even a combination of Swiss and American.

• Meat Alternatives: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, lamb, or a plant-based patty for a different twist on the classic.

• Bread Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of rye bread, you can use pumpernickel or white bread as alternatives.

Storage and Reheating

• Leftovers: Store leftover patty melts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, pressing down slightly to restore crispiness. Alternatively, use a toaster oven to heat them evenly.

FAQs

1. Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time?

Yes! Caramelized onions can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat them before serving.

2. What’s the best way to make the burger patties juicy?

Use 80/20 or 90/10 ground beef for a juicy patty. Don’t overwork the meat when shaping the patties, as it can lead to tough burgers.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese for the patty melt?

Yes, feel free to use other cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or provolone, but Swiss is the traditional choice for a classic patty melt.

4. Can I use a non-stick pan instead of a cast iron skillet?

Yes, you can use a non-stick skillet, but a cast iron pan adds a nice crispy texture and even heat distribution for the best results.

5. How do I keep the patty melt from getting soggy?

Toast the bread and assemble the patty melt quickly to prevent the bread from getting soggy. The crispy texture of the toasted rye bread is key to the perfect patty melt.

6. Can I freeze leftover patty melts?

While it’s possible to freeze leftovers, the texture of the bread may not hold up well when reheated. For best results, it’s recommended to enjoy the patty melts fresh.

7. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can replace the ground beef with a veggie or plant-based patty. Try using black bean or soy-based patties for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.

8. What’s the best bread for a patty melt?

Rye bread is the traditional choice, but you can also use pumpernickel or white bread for a slightly different flavor profile.

9. How do I make sure my burger patties cook evenly?

Ensure that the patties are all the same size and shape for even cooking. If needed, use a burger press to help shape them uniformly.

10. Can I add more toppings to my patty melt?

Absolutely! You can add lettuce, tomato, or pickles for extra crunch and freshness. Just make sure to keep the bread crispy and the ingredients balanced.

Conclusion

Juicy Patty Melts with Caramelized Onions is the ultimate comfort food, delivering a satisfying combination of tender, juicy beef, rich caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese, all on crispy toasted rye bread. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and is sure to impress anyone who tries it. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, you’ll be making these patty melts over and over again!