Pin it
I've been making classic patty melts for years and they never fail to bring comfort and satisfaction to our table. There's something magical about that combination of juicy beef perfectly melted cheese and sweet caramelized onions all pressed between crispy buttery rye bread. It's the kind of sandwich that makes you close your eyes and smile with that first bite bringing back memories of favorite diners and cozy meals.
What Makes This Special
The beauty of a patty melt lies in how all those simple ingredients work together to create something extraordinary. That juicy beef patty gets even better when the cheese melts into it and those onions oh those onions. Cooking them low and slow until they're sweet and golden is worth every minute. And when it all comes together between those perfectly toasted slices of rye bread you've got pure comfort food magic.
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
Here's everything you need for the perfect patty melt:
- Good quality 80/20 ground beef about 6 ounces per patty
- Fresh sliced Swiss cheese two slices per sandwich
- Hearty rye bread slightly day old works best
- Real butter at room temperature
- A large yellow onion thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper
- A touch of garlic powder
- Splash of Worcestershire sauce
The quality of your beef and bread really makes all the difference here.
Creating The Perfect Melt
Let's start by forming those patties. I like to divide the beef into equal portions make them about 3/4 inch thick and press a little dent in the middle this helps them cook evenly. Season them well with salt pepper and garlic powder.
Now for those amazing onions. Melt some butter in your skillet over medium low heat add those sliced onions and let them work their magic for about 15 to 20 minutes. The key is patience they need time to get that beautiful golden color and sweetness. A pinch of salt helps bring out their flavor.
Cook those patties in the same skillet adding the cheese right at the end and covering to help it melt. While that's happening butter your rye bread and get it toasting to golden perfection. Then it's time for assembly layering that cheesy patty with those gorgeous onions between the crispy bread.
Pin it
Serving Suggestions
Nothing beats serving a hot patty melt with crispy French fries or tater tots. I love adding a crisp dill pickle spear on the side and maybe a cold beer or creamy milkshake to complete that diner experience. Sometimes I'll do a fresh side salad to balance things out but those fries are pretty much mandatory in my house.
Tips From My Kitchen
After making countless patty melts here's what I've learned. Always use fresh ground beef and good bakery rye bread. Toast your bread first this keeps it from getting soggy. Let those patties rest a few minutes before building your sandwich and please take your time with those onions they're worth the wait.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I'll switch things up using different cheeses my son loves it with sharp cheddar. Adding pickled jalapeños gives it a nice kick. For my vegetarian friends I've made these with grilled portobellos and they're delicious. Don't be afraid to experiment with gluten free bread options too they work surprisingly well.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use two types of cheese?
- Cheddar provides sharp flavor while provolone adds great melting qualities. The combination creates the perfect balance of taste and texture.
- → What makes this different from a regular burger?
- A patty melt is served on rye bread instead of a bun, uses melted cheese on both sides, and is grilled like a grilled cheese sandwich.
- → Why cook the patties first before assembling?
- Pre-cooking ensures the meat reaches a safe temperature while allowing you to focus on properly toasting the bread without burning it.
- → Is rye bread necessary?
- While rye bread is traditional and adds distinct flavor, you can use sourdough or white bread. The key is using sturdy bread that grills well.
- → Can I make the sauce ahead?
- The sauce can be made several days ahead and stored in the fridge. This lets the flavors develop and makes assembly quicker.