Description
A classic Patty Melt recipe featuring caramelized onions, juicy ground beef patties, and melted Swiss or cheddar cheese, all sandwiched between slices of rye or sourdough bread and pan-grilled to golden perfection. This comforting, savory sandwich combines the best elements of a burger and grilled cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Patty Melt:
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 8 slices bread (rye or sourdough)
- 8 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and slightly caramelized, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Form the Burger Patties: Shape the ground beef into 4 thin, oval-shaped patties, roughly matching the shape and size of the bread. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Burger Patties: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the sauté pan and increase heat to medium-high. Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove patties from pan.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: On one slice of bread, layer one slice of cheese, a cooked burger patty, a quarter of the caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and top with a second slice of bread. Repeat for remaining sandwiches.
- Prepare for Grilling: Wipe out the sauté pan to remove any residue. Melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Grill First Side: Place two sandwiches in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bread forms a dark golden brown crust and the cheese begins to melt. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even toasting and to press the sandwich together.
- Grill Second Side: Carefully remove the sandwiches from the pan, add another 1/2 tablespoon of butter, then flip the sandwiches with the uncooked side down. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, pressing gently with the spatula.
- Finish Remaining Sandwiches: Repeat the grilling process with the remaining two sandwiches, using the last tablespoon of butter.
- Serve: Slice the sandwiches if desired, serve warm, and enjoy your homemade patty melts!
Notes
- For best flavor, use rye bread or sourdough as they complement the caramelized onions and melted cheese well.
- Adjust the cooking time of the patties according to your preferred doneness.
- Pressing the sandwiches while grilling helps the cheese melt evenly and creates a crispy crust on the bread.
- Using butter during cooking enhances flavor and helps create a golden crust.
- To keep sandwiches warm while finishing the last batch, you can place cooked sandwiches in a warm oven at 200°F (95°C).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
