Patty Melt Recipe
If you love classic American diner fare, get ready: this Patty Melt Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Gooey melted cheese, deeply caramelized onions, and a juicy burger patty are all hugged between crisp, buttery slices of bread—every bite is a warm, savory taste of nostalgia. Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal you’ll come back to time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a Patty Melt Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential part, from the sweet onions to the oozing cheese. Grab these to create a melt with layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden crust.
- Yellow Onion: Caramelizes beautifully, bringing out natural sweetness and a luscious texture that balances the savory beef.
- Butter: Provides the rich, golden crunch on your bread and gives the onions a deeply savory flavor—don’t skimp!
- Ground Beef (80/20): This fat ratio keeps your patties juicy and flavorful; shape them thin to fit the bread perfectly.
- Rye or Sourdough Bread: Classic options that toast up crispy and hold everything together—choose what you love most.
- Swiss or Cheddar Cheese: Melts like a dream and adds bold, creamy flavor; feel free to mix and match.
- Salt and Pepper: The essentials for seasoning both your onions and burger patties.
How to Make Patty Melt Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by melting one tablespoon of butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and give them a little patience—stir them every so often for about 15 minutes, until they’re beautifully golden, sweet, and tender. These onions are the soul of your Patty Melt Recipe, so let them take their time getting perfectly caramelized. Set aside once done.
Step 2: Shape and Season the Burger Patties
Take your ground beef and form it into four thin, oval-shaped patties. Try to match the size and shape of your bread as closely as possible. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper. This ensures your patties are tasty all the way through and fit snugly in your melt.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
Add a tablespoon of butter to your sauté pan and turn the heat to medium-high. Once the butter’s sizzling, gently lay in your burger patties. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred doneness. Remove and set aside—they’ll finish cooking a little when you griddle the sandwiches.
Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melt Recipe Sandwiches
Begin layering each sandwich: start with a slice of bread, then a slice of cheese, followed by a hot burger patty. Top with a generous scoop of your caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and finish with another slice of bread. Repeat for all four sandwiches. This stacking method locks every layer of flavor right where it belongs.
Step 5: Toast and Melt
Wipe out the sauté pan if needed, then melt half a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add two assembled sandwiches and cook for 2–3 minutes or until the first side is dark golden brown and the cheese starts to ooze. Gently press each sandwich with a spatula to help everything meld together and create that signature crust.
Step 6: Flip and Finish
Remove the sandwiches, melt another half tablespoon of butter in the pan, then return the sandwiches uncooked side down. Grill for another 2–3 minutes, pressing occasionally, until the second side is also golden and crisp. The cheese should be gloriously melted. Repeat with the last two sandwiches, using the remaining tablespoon of butter.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Transfer the cooked sandwiches to a cutting board, let them rest for a minute, then slice in half. This lets all the gooey cheese settle just slightly (but not too much!). Plate, serve, and savor every bite of your homemade Patty Melt Recipe!
How to Serve Patty Melt Recipe
Garnishes
Sometimes, a simple flourish is all you need. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color, or a couple of crunchy pickles on the side for tang. A little squeeze of spicy mustard on the plate for dipping can take your Patty Melt Recipe up another notch—let your taste buds lead the way!
Side Dishes
Think classic diner fare: crispy shoestring fries, sweet potato fries, or even a pile of kettle chips. For something lighter, serve your patty melt with a crisp green salad or a creamy coleslaw. The richness of the sandwich pairs beautifully with these bright and refreshing sides.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make it a little extra-special, try serving your Patty Melt Recipe on a rustic cutting board, stacked with pickles and a ramekin of dipping sauce. Or go vintage diner-style with a basket lined with checkered paper. Cut sandwiches into quarters for party-sized bites or sliders—these always disappear fast at gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra patty melts, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While nothing beats eating them fresh and hot, leftovers still make a delicious, easy lunch or snack.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each cooled sandwich well in plastic, then aluminum foil, and pop into a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, leave them to thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To recapture that crispiness, reheat your Patty Melt Recipe in a skillet over medium heat, pressing gently with a spatula—about 2–3 minutes per side. Or use a toaster oven for quick results. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that will make the bread soggy instead of crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While rye or sourdough are traditional choices for a Patty Melt Recipe, you can experiment with Texas toast, whole wheat, or even a crusty baguette. Just make sure whatever you choose can hold up to all the delicious fillings.
What’s the best cheese for patty melts?
Swiss is classic and melts beautifully, giving that gooey pull, but sharp cheddar provides a punchy flavor. You can also combine cheeses for an extra layer of flavor. Pick your favorite—this Patty Melt Recipe is endlessly adaptable!
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Make sure your pan is hot, use enough butter for that golden crust, and don’t assemble the sandwiches too far in advance. A quick griddle on both sides locks in texture and keeps everything delightfully crisp.
Can I add extra toppings?
You certainly can! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, a slice of tomato, or a slather of spicy mayo. The classic Patty Melt Recipe is perfection on its own, but it’s also a great canvas for your favorite flavors.
How can I make this vegetarian?
Swap the beef patty for a plant-based burger or a large portobello mushroom cap. The rest of the Patty Melt Recipe stays the same, giving you all the savory satisfaction without the meat.
Final Thoughts
This Patty Melt Recipe takes everything you love about a juicy burger and buttery grilled cheese and brings it together into the ultimate comfort food. Treat yourself (or your favorite people) and give it a try—you might just make a new tradition in your kitchen!
Print
Patty Melt Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Patty Melt recipe combines savory ground beef patties with caramelized onions and gooey cheese between slices of toasted bread for a delicious and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Caramelized Onions:
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
Burger Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembly:
- 8 slices bread (rye or sourdough)
- 8 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: In a saute pan, cook onions in 1 tablespoon butter until browned and caramelized. Set aside.
- Prepare Patties: Season beef, form into thin oval patties, and cook in 1 tablespoon butter until done.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Layer bread, cheese, patty, onions, cheese, and bread. Repeat for remaining sandwiches.
- Toast Sandwiches: Cook assembled sandwiches in butter until golden brown and cheese melts on both sides.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add mustard or pickles for extra flavor.
- Adjust cheese type to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Saute, Toast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Patty Melt Sandwich
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Patty Melt, Burger, Comfort Food, Sandwich, Caramelized Onions
