Description
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.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions:
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 35-40 minutes until the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized. 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. - Prepare the Burger Patties:
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each) and shape them to roughly match the size of the bread slices. Season each patty generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using, spread about ½ teaspoon mustard on top of each patty. Heat the same cast iron skillet to medium-high. Do not wipe out the skillet. 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. - Toast the Bread:
Wipe the skillet or leave it as is. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and heat over medium heat. Add 2 slices of rye bread to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. - Assemble the Patty Melts:
Place 1 slice of Swiss cheese on each slice of bread. Add a burger patty, a few tablespoons of caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese (or a mix of Swiss and American cheese). Top with the remaining bread slices, butter side up. Press down gently on the sandwich using a sandwich weight or spatula, then carefully flip the sandwich over. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is toasted. - Serve:
Transfer the patty melts to a cutting board and slice them diagonally. Serve with potato chips and pickle spears for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
