Patty Melts

Switch up your burger game and make a patty melt for dinner (or lunch) this week. Layer caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, and a perfectly thin burger patty between toasted bread for the BEST patty melt ever!

When I go to a diner, I almost always order a classic patty melt. There are a few variations on this sandwich, but the version I made here is what I consider the most authentic diner-worthy version.

A good, classic patty melt has crispy, crunchy bread, melted cheese, a thin beef patty, and salty and slightly sweet onions. It’s a perfect flavor and texture combo!

It’s a hearty sandwich, for sure, and is pure comfort food in my opinion.

It’s one of those sandwiches that I don’t really consider making at home very often, but then when I do make it, I ask myself why I don’t make it more often?! It’s just absolutely delicious and the perfect mix of a grilled cheese and a good burger.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This patty melt recipe combines the best of both worlds: the comforting familiarity of a grilled cheese and the satisfying heartiness of a burger. With its crispy bread, melty cheese, and flavorful beef, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large cast-iron skillet
• Spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

• 1 sweet yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 8 ounces 90/10 ground beef
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 slices sandwich bread
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• Mustard, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the onions:

   In a large cast-iron skillet set over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter and sliced onions. Cook onions, stirring occasionally, for about 25 minutes until they are a deep brown color. If the onions are burning, reduce the heat to medium-low. Near the end of cooking, add apple cider vinegar and stir to combine. Remove from the skillet.

2. Cook the patties:

   Shape ground beef into two thin 4-ounce patties roughly the shape of your bread. Season patties with salt and pepper. Increase the skillet heat to medium-high and add the patties. Cook for 3 minutes per side. Remove patties when done.

3. Butter your bread:

   Wipe your skillet clean and add the last tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add all the bread slices to the skillet, coating one side of each slice with butter. Remove two slices and start building your sandwich on the two remaining slices in the skillet.

4. Build your sandwiches in the skillet:

   On each slice of bread in the skillet, add a slice of Swiss cheese, a patty, half of the caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slice, buttered side up.

5. Cook the sandwiches:

   Over medium-low heat, cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

6. Serve:

   Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately while warm.

Tips for Success

For the best patty melt, make sure your skillet is hot enough to toast the bread to a perfect golden brown without burning. Keep the heat under control while caramelizing the onions to prevent them from burning. If you’re a fan of mustard, spreading a thin layer on the bread before assembling the sandwiches adds a delightful tang.

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or bread to suit your taste. Rye bread is a classic choice for patty melts, and cheddar or American cheese can be used if you prefer. For extra flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or a slice of tomato to your sandwich.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 560 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to use cheddar, provolone, or your favorite cheese.

What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet? You can use any heavy-bottomed skillet. Just ensure it holds heat well to properly toast the bread.

Can I prepare the onions ahead of time? Yes, caramelized onions can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat them before assembling the sandwiches.

Conclusion

Patty melts are a delightful twist on the classic burger, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. We hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious dish as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your patty melt creations and experiences in the comments below. Bon appétit!