Go Back
To make a classic patty melt, you need simple yet tasty ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced - 4 slices of Swiss cheese - 4 slices of rye bread - 2 tablespoons butter - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for spreading) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for added flavor) These ingredients come together to create a rich and satisfying meal. The beef gives you that hearty base, while the cheese adds creaminess. The onions bring sweetness, and the rye bread adds a nice crunch. You can easily customize your patty melt by adding a few optional ingredients. Consider these: - Sliced pickles for a tangy crunch - Fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color - Jalapeños for some heat - Different sauces like mustard or ketchup These additions let you tweak the flavors to your liking. Feel free to get creative! The classic patty melt shines with rye bread and Swiss cheese, but you can mix it up! - Bread Options: - Rye bread (for that classic taste) - Sourdough (for a tangy twist) - Whole wheat (for a healthier choice) - Cheese Options: - Swiss cheese (traditional choice) - Cheddar (for a sharper flavor) - Provolone (for a creamy melt) Choosing different breads and cheeses can change the whole vibe of your patty melt. Don't be afraid to try new combinations! To start, get a skillet and place it on medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. It will melt and sizzle. Now, add your thinly sliced onion. Sprinkle a pinch of salt on top. Stir the onions often. You want them to turn a nice golden brown. This will take about 15-20 minutes. The smell will be amazing! Once they are caramelized, set them aside. Next, grab a mixing bowl. Combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and some salt and pepper. Mix everything well. Now, form the mixture into two patties. Make them equal in size. This helps them cook evenly. In the same skillet that you used for the onions, add the last tablespoon of butter. Turn the heat up to medium-high. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side. In the last minute, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty. Let it melt while you finish cooking. Now it’s time to assemble your patty melt. If you like, spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of rye bread. Place a cheesy patty on the unbuttered side of two bread slices. Top the patties with the caramelized onions. Then, place the other slices of bread on top, buttered side facing up. Wipe the skillet clean. Heat it over medium-low heat. Grill your sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Press down a bit with a spatula. This helps them get nice and crispy. When they are golden brown, take them out. Cut them in half and serve right away. Enjoy your meal! Caramelizing onions turns them sweet and rich. Start with thin slices. Use medium heat. Add a pinch of salt to help them release moisture. Stir often. This keeps them from burning. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. Look for a deep golden color. The longer you cook, the sweeter they get. If they stick, add a splash of water. This helps lift the brown bits from the pan. To make juicy patties, use fresh ground beef. Aim for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. This gives the best flavor. Form your patties gently. Avoid overworking the meat. Make them slightly larger than the bread. This accounts for shrinkage while cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side. Add cheese in the last minute. This lets it melt perfectly. For crispy bread, use butter. Spread it on the outside of each slice. This helps it brown nicely. Grill the sandwiches on medium-low heat. This prevents burning while ensuring heat cooks through. Press down gently with a spatula. This helps the bread crisp up evenly. Grill until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Enjoy that perfect crunch with each bite! {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for your patty melt. Swiss is classic, but try cheddar for a sharp bite. Pepper jack adds spice and creaminess. For a rich touch, use gouda or fontina. Each cheese creates a unique taste experience. Experiment with your favorite. Want a meatless option? Use a veggie burger instead of beef. Grilled portobello mushrooms also make a great base. Add some fresh spinach or roasted peppers for more flavor. These swaps keep the comfort but change the dish. Enjoy a hearty meal without the meat. Feeling bold? Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Mix them in with your onions while they cook. This adds heat and a nice crunch. You can also use pickled jalapeños for extra tang. A spicy patty melt is sure to excite your taste buds! To store leftovers, wrap each patty melt in foil or plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh. Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy your patty melts later. For the best taste, reheat your patty melts in a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cover it with a lid. This helps the cheese melt well. Heat for about 5 minutes on each side. Check that the bread is golden and crispy. If you want to save your patty melts for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavor fresh. A classic patty melt is a tasty sandwich. It has a beef patty, melted cheese, and caramelized onions. The sandwich uses rye bread, which adds flavor. It combines the best of a burger and a grilled cheese. This dish is both comforting and satisfying. Yes, you can use different types of bread. While rye is traditional, sourdough or whole wheat works well. You can even use white bread for a softer bite. Choose bread that can hold the fillings and grill nicely. The right bread can change the whole taste. Many sides pair well with a patty melt. Here are some tasty ideas: - French fries - Sweet potato fries - Coleslaw - Pickles - Onion rings These sides add crunch and balance to the meal. Yes, the Full Recipe is available for those who want to dive deeper. It provides all the steps and tips for making this classic dish. The blog post covered making a classic patty melt. We discussed key ingredients, like bread types and cheeses. You learned how to prepare and grill your sandwich step-by-step. We shared tips for caramelizing onions and cooking patties just right. Plus, I offered ideas for variations and how to store leftovers. Try your own version today. Make it fun! A tasty patty melt is worth it. Enjoy cooking!

Classic Patty Melt

Elevate your mealtime with this delicious classic patty melt with a twist! Using fresh ingredients like ground beef, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese on crispy rye bread, this flavor-packed recipe is sure to impress. Easy to make and perfect for lunch or dinner, you'll love every bite. Ready to create a mouthwatering sandwich that your family will ask for again and again? Click through to explore this tempting recipe and indulge your taste buds!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

4 slices of Swiss cheese

4 slices of rye bread

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for spreading)

1 teaspoon garlic powder (for added flavor)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside.

    Form the Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into two equal-sized patties.

      Cook the Patties: In the same skillet used for the onions, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty to melt.

        Assemble the Patty Melt: Spread mayonnaise (if using) on one side of each slice of rye bread. Place a cooked patty with cheese on the unbuttered side of two bread slices, then top with a generous portion of caramelized onions. Place the other slices of bread on top, buttered side facing up.

          Grill the Sandwich: Wipe the skillet clean, heat it over medium-low heat, and grill the assembled sandwiches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Press down slightly with a spatula to ensure even grilling.

            Serve: Remove from the skillet, cut in half, and serve immediately.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 2