Ahh yes 😋 Patty Melt—basically the ultimate comfort sandwich: a juicy burger patty, caramelized onions, melted cheese, all sandwiched between buttery toasted bread. Think of it as a burger upgraded to cheesy perfection.
Classic Patty Melt
Servings: 2
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb (225 g) ground beef (80/20 is best)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter (for bread and onions)
- Optional: Thousand Island or Russian dressing
Instructions
- Caramelize onions
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions, a pinch of salt, and cook 8–10 min until golden brown and soft.
- Cook burger patties
- Shape beef into 2 thin patties slightly larger than bread slices.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook 3–4 min per side in the same skillet.
- Assemble sandwiches
- Place a slice of cheese on each patty while still in the pan to melt slightly.
- Top with caramelized onions.
- Toast bread
- Butter bread slices on both sides.
- Place patties with onions & cheese between 2 slices.
- Toast sandwiches in skillet 2–3 min per side until bread is golden and cheese fully melted.
- Serve
- Slice in half and enjoy immediately with pickles or fries.
🔥 Pro Tips
- Thin patties: Helps them cook quickly and melt perfectly into the bread.
- Extra flavor: Add a small dollop of mustard or Thousand Island dressing inside.
- Crispy edges: Cook on medium-low for a golden crust without burning.
- Variations: Use cheddar + caramelized mushrooms, or a sourdough bread base for a twist.
I can also give a smash-style patty melt that’s ultra-thin, crispy, and extra cheesy if you want that diner-style crunch.
Do you want the smash-style version?
