Classic Patty Melt
A crispy, buttery sandwich with a juicy seasoned beef patty, sweet caramelized onions, melted cheese, and golden toasted bread. This classic diner-style patty melt is easy to make at home and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
For the patties:
- 1 lb ground beef, preferably 80/20
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Pinch of salt
For the sandwiches:
- 8 slices rye or sourdough bread
- 4–6 slices Swiss cheese
- 4–6 slices cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and soft. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and cook for another minute.
- Shape the patties: Divide the ground beef into four portions and shape them into thin, slightly larger-than-the-bread patties. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook the beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from the skillet.
- Build the melts: Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and another slice of bread.
- Toast: Place the sandwiches butter-side down in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes. Carefully flip and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is completely melted.
- Serve: Let the sandwiches rest for a minute, then slice in half and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Patty Melt
- Keep the beef patties thin so they fit perfectly inside the sandwich.
- Cook the onions slowly for the best caramelized flavor.
- Use medium-low heat when grilling the sandwich so the bread becomes golden without burning before the cheese melts.
- Rye bread gives a traditional diner-style flavor, but sourdough or Texas toast also works beautifully.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4