A timeless diner favorite, the patty melt is the perfect marriage of a juicy beef burger and a grilled cheese sandwich. Rich, buttery rye bread, melty Swiss cheese, deeply caramelized onions, and a well-seasoned beef patty come together in a golden, crispy sandwich that’s comforting, savory, and incredibly satisfying.
This recipe delivers authentic patty-melt flavor with simple ingredients and foolproof steps—perfect for weeknight dinners or indulgent weekend meals.
🕒 Servings & Timing
Yield: 2 large patty melts
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
🥗 Nutritional Info (Approx. per sandwich)
Calories: ~650–700
Protein: ~35 g
Fat: ~45 g
Carbohydrates: ~30 g
(Values vary based on bread and cheese brand.)
🛒 Ingredients
For the Beef Patties
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Sandwich
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus more for bread)
- 1 tablespoon oil
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Spatula
- Knife & cutting board
- Plate for resting patties
⭐ How to Make the Perfect Patty Melt
1. Caramelize the Onions
Heat the oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until soft, golden, and sweet—about 8–10 minutes.
Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Form the Patties
Divide the ground beef into 2 thin oval patties, shaped to match the size of the rye bread.
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Cook the Beef Patties
In the same skillet, increase heat to medium-high.
Cook patties for 2–3 minutes per side, until fully cooked and nicely browned.
Transfer to a plate and set aside.
4. Assemble the Patty Melts
Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
On the unbuttered side, layer:
- Swiss cheese
- Beef patty
- Caramelized onions
- Another slice of Swiss cheese
Top with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
5. Grill to Golden Perfection
Place sandwiches in the skillet over medium heat.
Cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
6. Serve
Slice each patty melt in half and serve hot.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Classic fries or onion rings
- Dill pickles or pickled jalapeños
- Simple side salad for balance
- Ketchup, mustard, or burger sauce on the side
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Cook onions low and slow for deep sweetness
- Keep patties thin so they cook quickly and evenly
- Use real butter for the crispiest rye bread
- Swiss cheese melts best, but Gruyère also works beautifully
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days
Reheat: Skillet over low heat for best texture (avoid microwave if possible)
🧁 Conclusion
This Classic Patty Melt is everything comfort food should be—crispy, cheesy, savory, and deeply satisfying. With caramelized onions and buttery rye bread, it delivers diner-style flavor right at home.
Once you make it this way, it’s hard to go back to a regular burger.
