This How to Make Patty Melt Easy is one of those recipes you'll find yourself making over and over again. It's simple, delicious, and always gets rave reviews. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, you're going to love how easy and tasty this turns out!
Did You Know?
Pro Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a patty melt?
A patty melt is a thin beef patty with caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese griddled between two slices of rye bread. It is a hybrid of a hamburger and a grilled cheese.
2. What bread is traditional for a patty melt?
Rye bread is the only authentic choice — its slightly tangy, earthy flavor is essential to the patty melt experience. Marbled rye is the most popular variety.
3. What cheese goes on a patty melt?
Swiss cheese is traditional and melts beautifully. American cheese is an acceptable alternative for its superior melt. Some diners use a combination of both.
4. How thin should the burger patty be?
Thinner than a regular burger — about ¼ inch thick so it cooks through quickly and fits between the bread slices when pressed. Use about 4 ounces of beef per patty.
5. How do I caramelize onions for a patty melt?
Cook thinly sliced onions in butter over medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown and sweet. Do not rush this step with high heat.
6. What makes a great patty melt different from a cheeseburger?
The rye bread griddled in butter until crispy, the caramelized onions (not raw), and the Swiss cheese all create a richer, more complex flavor than a standard cheeseburger.
7. Should I use a griddle or skillet?
A flat cast iron skillet or griddle works best. Cook the assembled patty melt like a grilled cheese — butter the outside of the bread and press until golden on both sides.
8. What condiments go on a patty melt?
Thousand Island dressing or a mix of ketchup and mayo is the classic diner-style sauce. Some purists argue a true patty melt needs no condiment — the onions and cheese are enough.
9. How do I prevent the patty from shrinking?
Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb before cooking. This prevents the center from puffing up and the patty from shrinking into a ball.
10. What sides pair with a patty melt?
French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or a cup of tomato soup are all classic diner-style pairings that complement the rich, cheesy, beefy patty melt.
Watch How to Make This
How to Make Patty Melt Easy
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-low heat. Add in the sliced onions and cook slowly until the onions are golden brown and soft, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, and some salt and pepper. Form the mixture into 4 patties.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties on both sides until they are thoroughly cooked in the middle.
- Assemble the patty melts this way: slice of bread, a slice of cheese, hamburger patty, a quarter of the cooked onions, another slice of cheese, and another slice of bread.
- Remove some of the grease from the skillet you cooked the meat in. Over medium heat, grill the sandwiches until they are golden brown on both sides, flipping them to the other side. Cook until golden brown and crisp, and until the cheese is melted.
- Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately.
- You can use any type of bread for your patty melt, but rye or sourdough bread are traditional choices.
- You can add any other toppings you like, such as pickles or mustard, to make the sandwich your own.
- Conclusion:
- The patty melt is a simple yet delicious sandwich that can be enjoyed any time of day. It is easy to make and is sure to please your taste buds. Give it a try and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors that it offers.
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Notes
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
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