A perfect blend of a burger and a grilled cheese, the Patty Melt is a diner classic that never goes out of style. This recipe features juicy ground beef patties, perfectly caramelized onions, and melty Swiss cheese sandwiched between slices of buttered rye bread. Grilled to crispy perfection, it’s a savory, indulgent meal that delivers comfort in every bite.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 4 sandwiches
- Serving size: 1 sandwich
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Ingredients:
For the Patty Melts:
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (5 ml)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 slices rye bread (about 300g / 10 oz)
- 4 tbsp butter (60g / 2 oz), softened
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (120g / 4 oz)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
For the Grilled Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (300g / 10.5 oz)
- 1 tbsp butter (15g / 0.5 oz)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, 5g)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Method of Preparation:
- Prepare the Grilled Onions: Heat 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and season with a pinch of salt. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized. For extra sweetness, add 1 tsp sugar during cooking. Once caramelized, remove from heat and set aside.
- Shape the Patties: While the onions cook, mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Form the mixture into 4 thin patties, slightly larger than the size of the bread (they will shrink as they cook).
- Cook the Patties: In the same skillet (or a clean one), heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Assemble the Patty Melts: Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. On the unbuttered side, layer a slice of Swiss cheese, 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 facing out.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet, pressing gently with a spatula. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Slice the patty melts in half and serve hot with a side of pickles, fries, or coleslaw for the full diner experience.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Use a Hot Skillet: Ensure your skillet is hot enough to achieve a golden, crispy crust on the rye bread while melting the cheese perfectly.
- Thin Patties for Even Cooking: Make the beef patties thin to match the sandwich size, ensuring the patty cooks quickly and evenly without making the bread soggy.
- Caramelize the Onions Slowly: Low and slow is the key to perfectly caramelized onions. Be patient, as rushing the process may cause the onions to burn.
- Add a Little Crunch: For a slight twist, consider adding a thin layer of pickles or even crispy bacon between the patty and cheese.
- Rye Bread Variations: If rye isn’t your favorite, you can swap it for sourdough or whole wheat bread, but the traditional flavor of rye pairs perfectly with the savory beef and onions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes! While Swiss is traditional, you can use cheddar, provolone, or even American cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Can I make this with turkey or plant-based patties? Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based patty like Beyond or Impossible, and still get a delicious result.
- What can I serve with patty melts? Classic sides like French fries, sweet potato fries, or coleslaw work perfectly. A simple green salad or a bowl of soup also complements the rich flavors of the sandwich.
- How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy? Ensure the patties aren’t too thick, and use slightly toasted rye bread. Cooking the patty and assembling the sandwich quickly will also help maintain the crispness of the bread.
- Can I make this in a panini press? Yes! A panini press works great for patty melts and will help press the sandwich while creating a crispy exterior without needing to flip it.
These classic Patty Melts on Rye with Grilled Onions are the ultimate indulgence for any sandwich lover. The combination of savory beef, sweet caramelized onions, and melted cheese inside buttery, crispy rye bread is a comfort food experience that satisfies every craving. Serve them hot with your favorite sides, and enjoy the timeless flavors of this diner-inspired favorite in the comfort of your home.