A Classic Patty Melt is the perfect combination of a juicy burger and a grilled cheese sandwich, with the added bonus of caramelized onions. It’s a comfort food favorite that’s both savory and satisfying. The crispy, buttery toasted bread combined with the tender beef patty and melty cheese makes for a mouthwatering experience.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: ~600 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 2 beef patties (about 4 oz each)
- 4 slices rye bread (or your choice of bread)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or American cheese)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting the bread)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the patties)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, golden brown, and caramelized. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Patties:
Season the beef patties with salt and pepper. In the same skillet (or a clean one), cook the patties over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re browned and cooked through (adjust cooking time for desired doneness). Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
3. Toast the Bread:
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Place the rye bread slices on the skillet and toast until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. If necessary, add more butter to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
4. Assemble the Patty Melt:
Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each slice of toasted bread. Add the cooked patty to one slice, then top with caramelized onions. Place the other slice of bread, cheese side down, on top of the patty and onions to form the sandwich.
5. Grill the Patty Melt:
Place the assembled sandwich back in the skillet and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure it’s evenly toasted and the cheese melts inside.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy, remove the sandwich from the skillet and slice it in half. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dish: Serve with French fries, potato chips, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pickles: Add a side of pickles for a tangy crunch that pairs well with the savory flavors of the patty melt.
Tips & Variations
- Cheese Variations: If you prefer a different cheese, try cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Use a veggie patty or a mushroom burger in place of the beef patty for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Add Bacon: For extra flavor, add crispy bacon to the sandwich.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to maintain the crispy texture.
This Classic Patty Melt is the perfect comfort food, combining the best of a juicy burger with the crisp, melty goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner!
Print
Classic Patty Melt
A Classic Patty Melt is the perfect combination of a juicy burger and a grilled cheese sandwich, with the added bonus of caramelized onions. It’s a comfort food favorite that’s both savory and satisfying. The crispy, buttery toasted bread combined with the tender beef patty and melty cheese makes for a mouthwatering experience.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 beef patties (about 4 oz each)
- 4 slices rye bread (or your choice of bread)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or American cheese)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting the bread)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the patties)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, golden brown, and caramelized. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Patties:
Season the beef patties with salt and pepper. In the same skillet (or a clean one), cook the patties over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re browned and cooked through (adjust cooking time for desired doneness). Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
3. Toast the Bread:
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Place the rye bread slices on the skillet and toast until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. If necessary, add more butter to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
4. Assemble the Patty Melt:
Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each slice of toasted bread. Add the cooked patty to one slice, then top with caramelized onions. Place the other slice of bread, cheese side down, on top of the patty and onions to form the sandwich.
5. Grill the Patty Melt:
Place the assembled sandwich back in the skillet and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure it’s evenly toasted and the cheese melts inside.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy, remove the sandwich from the skillet and slice it in half. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Cheese Variations: If you prefer a different cheese, try cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Use a veggie patty or a mushroom burger in place of the beef patty for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Add Bacon: For extra flavor, add crispy bacon to the sandwich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~600 kcal per serving