Classic Patty Melt

A classic patty melt is the perfect combination of juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese, all sandwiched between buttery, golden toasted bread. It’s the ideal comfort food when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful, but easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A patty melt is the epitome of indulgent comfort food. The balance between savory beef patties, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and the melty Swiss cheese is irresistible. It’s quick to prepare but still feels like a special treat, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cravings. Plus, it’s easy to scale up or down to serve any number of people, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. This recipe is a simple yet mouthwatering way to enjoy the classic diner-style sandwich from the comfort of your home.

Ingredients

• 1 sweet yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons butter, divided

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 8 ounces 90/10 ground beef

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 4 slices sandwich bread

• 4 slices Swiss cheese

• Mustard, optional

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the onions: In a large cast-iron skillet set over medium to medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 25 minutes until the onions are a deep brown color. If needed, reduce the heat to medium-low to prevent burning. About 5 minutes before the onions are done, add the apple cider vinegar and stir to combine. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the patties: Shape the ground beef into two 4-ounce patties, roughly the shape of your bread. Season with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high in the same skillet and add the patties. Cook for 3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet.

3. Butter the bread: Wipe the skillet clean and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter melts, add the bread slices to the skillet, buttered side down. After a minute or two, remove two slices of bread and start assembling the sandwiches on the two remaining slices in the skillet.

4. Assemble the sandwiches: On each of the remaining slices of bread in the skillet, place one slice of Swiss cheese, a cooked patty, half of the caramelized onions, and top with another slice of Swiss cheese. Place the two reserved slices of bread on top, buttered side up.

5. Cook the sandwiches: Over medium-low heat, cook the sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently, until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

6. Serve: Slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately while hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2 sandwiches

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 40 minutes

• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Cheese swap: If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, try swapping it for cheddar, provolone, or American cheese for a different flavor profile.

• Bacon: For added crunch and smokiness, add a few strips of crispy bacon to your patty melt.

• Spicy kick: For those who love heat, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce or jalapeño slices inside your sandwich.

• Veggie patty: To make this recipe vegetarian, you can use a veggie burger patty or a plant-based beef alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Storing leftovers: Store any leftover patty melt sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, wrap the sandwich in foil and bake it at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a skillet over medium heat to crisp up the bread and melt the cheese again.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese for a patty melt?

Yes! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can use cheddar, American, or provolone cheese for a different taste.

2. Can I make a patty melt with a non-beef patty?

Absolutely! You can use turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based patty as a substitute for the beef.

3. How do I make sure my onions don’t burn while caramelizing?

If your onions are burning, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir more frequently to ensure they cook evenly and don’t scorch.

4. Can I use regular bread instead of sandwich bread?

Yes, you can use any type of bread you prefer. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling.

5. How do I make sure the beef patties are cooked all the way through?

Thin patties like those used in this recipe typically cook through in about 3 minutes per side on medium-high heat. If you’re using thicker patties, you may need to cook them longer.

6. Can I add other toppings to the patty melt?

Certainly! Try adding pickles, tomatoes, or even sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.

7. How do I avoid the bread getting soggy?

Be sure to toast the bread in the skillet with butter before assembling the sandwich. This will create a crispy exterior that holds up to the filling.

8. Can I make this ahead of time?

While it’s best fresh, you can prep the caramelized onions and patties in advance, then assemble and cook the sandwiches when you’re ready to serve.

9. Can I freeze a patty melt?

It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled patty melt as the bread may get soggy. However, you can freeze the beef patties and caramelized onions separately, then assemble and cook the sandwich later.

10. What side dishes go well with a patty melt?

Patty melts pair wonderfully with French fries, a side salad, or a pickle for a classic diner-style meal.

Conclusion

The classic patty melt is a delicious, hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. With its perfect blend of caramelized onions, savory beef patties, and melted Swiss cheese, this sandwich is comfort food at its finest. It’s quick, easy to make, and can be customized to suit your preferences, making it the ultimate go-to sandwich for any occasion. Enjoy!