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Classic Patty Melt Recipe

Classic Patty Melt Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Classic patty melt brings together juicy beef, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese between buttery, toasted rye bread. Hearty comfort meets diner-style perfection that satisfies hungry souls and creates delicious memories.


Ingredients

Scale

Meats and Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef (80/20 blend)

DAIRY AND CHEESE:

  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) unsalted butter

VEGETABLES AND SEASONINGS:

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS:

  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons (4 tbsp) mayonnaise (for spreading on bread)

Instructions

  1. Transform sliced onions into a rich, golden delicacy by gently sautéing them in a blend of butter and olive oil. Stir periodically, allowing them to develop a deep caramel hue and sweet, complex flavor over 15-20 minutes. Transfer the caramelized onions to a separate plate.
  2. Craft lean ground beef into delicate, elongated patties that extend slightly beyond the bread’s perimeter. Enhance the meat with a robust seasoning of salt, freshly cracked pepper, and aromatic garlic powder.
  3. Revitalize the same skillet with medium-high heat, searing the seasoned patties until a tantalizing brown crust forms. Splash Worcestershire sauce into the pan to infuse the meat with a tangy, umami essence. Ensure each patty reaches perfect doneness, then reserve.
  4. Apply a generous layer of creamy mayonnaise across one side of each rye bread slice. Position the first slice mayo-side down in a heated skillet. Layer strategically with Swiss cheese, the prepared beef patty, luxurious caramelized onions, and a complementary cheddar cheese slice.
  5. Crown the sandwich with the second rye bread slice, mayo-side facing upward. Gently press with a spatula while toasting, creating a crisp, golden exterior and ensuring the cheese melts into a luscious, gooey blanket.
  6. Slice the patty melt diagonally, revealing its magnificent layers. Serve immediately alongside crisp french fries, zesty coleslaw, or a sharp pickle to complete this classic culinary experience.

Notes

  • Slow-cook onions carefully to develop deep, rich caramel color without burning, ensuring sweet and mellow flavor profile.
  • Use freshly ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juiciest, most flavorful patties that won’t dry out during cooking.
  • Press patties gently when forming to prevent tough, dense texture and maintain tender, loose meat structure.
  • Toast bread surfaces completely dry before assembling to prevent soggy sandwich bottoms and achieve crispy, golden-brown exterior.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 726
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 49 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg