Patty Melts
Patty Melts are a classic American comfort sandwich combining juicy, seasoned ground beef patties, melty Swiss cheese, and sweet caramelized onions between perfectly toasted rye or sourdough bread. This easy-to-make recipe offers a delightful texture contrast and rich, savory flavor, making it ideal for lunch, dinner, or any meal craving classic comfort food with customizable options.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free bread substitution)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean recommended)
- 4 slices rye or sourdough bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter (for onions and toasting bread)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Optional Variations & Toppings
- Sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese in place of Swiss
- Plant-based patties or grilled portobello mushrooms for vegetarian version
- Jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick
- Whole wheat bread instead of rye or sourdough
- Sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon as extra toppings
- Prepare the Onions: Slice yellow onions thinly. In a skillet over low heat, cook with a bit of butter slowly until they become golden brown and caramelized, about 20-30 minutes, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Form and Season the Patties: Shape the ground beef into thin patties slightly larger than your bread slices. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and optionally Worcestershire sauce for enhanced savory flavor.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and juicy but fully cooked through.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place one cooked patty on a slice of bread, top with a generous layer of the caramelized onions and a slice of Swiss cheese, then cover with a second slice of bread.
- Toast and Melt: Butter the outside of both bread slices. Grill the sandwich on medium heat, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden and crisp and cheese inside is melted, about 3-5 minutes per side.
Notes
- Keep patties thin to ensure even cooking and better layering inside the sandwich.
- Caramelize onions low and slow for best sweetness and depth.
- Use butter instead of oil to get a rich, golden crust on the bread.
- Press the sandwich gently while grilling to meld flavors and help cheese melt faster.
- Let the Patty Melt rest a minute after cooking to prevent juices and cheese from oozing out excessively when cutting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Patty Melt, sandwich, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, ground beef, comfort food, quick meal, easy recipe