Classic Patty Melt with Swiss Cheese and Caramelized Onions Recipe
Introduction
The patty melt is a classic American sandwich that combines a juicy ground beef patty with melted Swiss cheese and caramelized onions, all nestled between slices of toasted rye bread. It’s a perfect blend of savory flavors and satisfying textures, ideal for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- Butter for grilling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: Shape the ground beef into two equal patties, season with salt and pepper, and cook them in the same skillet over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired doneness. Remove and keep warm.
- Step 3: Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. On the unbuttered side, place a slice of Swiss cheese, followed by a beef patty, caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Top with the second piece of bread, buttered side out.
- Step 4: Heat the skillet over medium heat and grill the assembled sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to melt the cheese evenly. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a touch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the beef before cooking.
- Try swapping Swiss cheese for cheddar or Gruyère for a different cheesy twist.
- Use sourdough bread instead of rye if preferred.
- Make a large batch of caramelized onions ahead of time to save prep time.
Storage
Store leftover patty melts wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain the sandwich’s crispy texture, or warm briefly in a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for a patty melt?
Yes, while rye bread is traditional, you can substitute with sourdough, white, or whole wheat bread based on your preference.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy when grilling?
Make sure to butter the bread slices evenly and grill on medium heat while pressing gently with a spatula. This helps achieve a crispy, golden crust that resists sogginess.
PrintClassic Patty Melt with Swiss Cheese and Caramelized Onions Recipe
A classic Patty Melt recipe featuring juicy ground beef patties, caramelized onions, melted Swiss cheese, and toasted rye bread grilled to perfection. This hearty sandwich combines the best of a burger and a grilled cheese for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Patties and Onions
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for cooking onions)
For the Sandwich
- 8 slices rye bread
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- Butter, for spreading on bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft and caramelized. Set aside.
- Form and Cook the Patties: Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then form into four evenly sized patties. Cook the patties in the same skillet over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through to your desired doneness. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. On the unbuttered side, place a slice of Swiss cheese, then a cooked beef patty, a generous portion of caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Top with another slice of rye bread, buttered side out.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even grilling.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, let them cool slightly, then slice in half and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a bit of Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder to the beef before forming patties.
- If you prefer sweeter onions, add a pinch of sugar while caramelizing.
- Use a heavy skillet or griddle to get an even, crisp toast on the bread.
- Serve with pickles or a side salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: Patty Melt, Ground Beef Sandwich, Rye Bread Sandwich, Swiss Cheese, Caramelized Onions, Grilled Sandwich
