Classic Patty Melt

Classic patty melt became one of my favorite indulgent sandwiches after I first made it on a lazy weekend afternoon. I was craving both a burger and a grilled cheese, so I decided to combine the two ideas. The first bite of the crispy bread, melted cheese, and juicy patty was so satisfying that I knew it would become a regular treat.

Over time, I’ve perfected the balance between caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and a perfectly cooked beef patty. Every time I make it, the kitchen smells amazing, and the taste never disappoints.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can adjust to your preferences!

• Ground beef – The star of the sandwich, juicy and flavorful.
• Rye or sandwich bread – Adds crunch and holds everything together.
• Cheddar and Swiss cheese – Combine for a rich, melty topping.
• Onions – Slowly caramelized to bring sweetness and depth.
• Butter – Helps toast the bread to golden perfection.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning the beef.
• Tools You’ll Need
• Skillet – For cooking the patty and caramelizing onions.
• Spatula – To flip the patty and assemble the sandwich.
• Knife and cutting board – For prepping the onions.
• Plate – To rest the cooked patty before assembly.

Instructions

Step 1

I start by heating a little butter in a skillet and adding sliced onions, cooking them slowly over medium heat until golden and caramelized.

Step 2

While the onions cook, I form ground beef into a patty, seasoning both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 3

I cook the patty in the same skillet until it’s browned on the outside and juicy inside.

Step 4

I butter the bread slices on one side, then place one slice butter-side down in the skillet.

Step 5

I add a slice of cheese, the cooked patty, caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese before topping with the second slice of bread.

Step 6

I grill the sandwich until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted, flipping once to toast evenly.

Step 7

Finally, I serve the patty melt hot, letting the melted cheese and caramelized onions work their magic.

Tips

For extra flavor, I sometimes mix Worcestershire sauce into the beef or add a pinch of garlic powder to the onions. Using a mix of cheeses also makes the melt creamier and more delicious.

Ways to Serve

This classic patty melt is perfect on its own, but I love serving it with fries, a side salad, or even a pickle for that diner-style experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different bread for a patty melt?

Yes, sourdough or Texas toast also work great.

What cheese is best for a patty melt?

A mix of cheddar and Swiss gives the best flavor, but American cheese melts beautifully too.

Can I make it ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the onions and patties in advance.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try making this classic patty melt. It’s simple, delicious, and a great way to satisfy both burger and sandwich cravings at once. Let me know how yours turns out.

Happy Cooking!

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