A patty melt is a classic American diner sandwich—juicy beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions grilled between slices of buttery bread.
Patty Melt Recipe
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- ½ lb (225 g) ground beef
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices rye bread (or Texas toast)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar/American)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions
- Heat 1 tbsp butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
- Remove and set aside.
- Cook the patties
- Divide the ground beef into 2 thin patties shaped like the bread.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook in the skillet 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Assemble the sandwiches
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Place bread (butter side down) in a skillet.
- Add cheese, beef patty, caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and top bread.
- Grill
- Cook over medium heat 3–4 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese melts.
- Serve
- Slice in half and serve hot.
Classic Patty Melt Sauce (Optional)
Mix together:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tbsp finely chopped pickles
Spread on the bread for extra flavor.
Great Side Dishes
- French fries
- onion rings
- pickles
- coleslaw
If you’d like, I can also show you the famous diner-style secret trick that makes patty melts taste better than restaurant versions. 🍔