Patty Melt Recipe

This Patty Melt is a classic diner-style sandwich that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner! Imagine juicy ground beef patties, melted Swiss cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, all sandwiched between buttery slices of toasted sourdough bread. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a comforting and delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of juicy beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
  • Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
  • Classic Diner-Style: This patty melt captures the essence of a classic diner-style sandwich, bringing a nostalgic and comforting feel to your meal.
  • Versatile: Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings, such as bacon, mushrooms, or different types of cheese.

Ingredients

  • Salted butter: Softened and combined with mayonnaise for a rich and flavorful spread.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and tanginess to the spread.
  • Ground beef: The base of the juicy and flavorful patties. Use 80/20 ground beef for the best results.
  • Onion powder and garlic powder: Enhance the savory flavors of the beef patties.
  • Kosher salt: Seasons the patties and helps to retain moisture.
  • Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Adds a depth of umami flavor to the patties.
  • Sourdough bread: A sturdy and flavorful bread that’s perfect for grilling or pan-frying.
  • Swiss cheese: A classic pairing with beef, it adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor.
  • Caramelized onions: Adds a sweet and savory element to the sandwich.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make a Patty Melt

Step 1: Prepare the Mayonnaise Spread and Beef Patties

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and mayonnaise until smooth. In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, onion powder, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a thin patty roughly the size of the bread slices. Sprinkle the patties with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt.

Step 2: Cook the Patties

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add the patties and cook until they are no longer pink in the middle, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked patties to a plate.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

Spread one side of each sourdough slice with 1 tablespoon of the mayonnaise mixture. Wipe out the skillet and return it to medium-low heat. Top 4 of the sourdough slices, mayonnaise-side up, with a slice of Swiss cheese, a cooked patty, and a portion of the caramelized onions. Top each with another slice of Swiss cheese and the remaining sourdough slices, mayonnaise-side down.

Step 4: Cook and Serve

Add the sandwiches to the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 4-5 minutes per side. Cut each patty melt in half and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Use high-quality beef: For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality ground beef.
  • Don’t overcook the patties: Overcooked patties will be dry. Cook them just until they are no longer pink in the middle.
  • Use a meat thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure the patties are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
  • Make the caramelized onions ahead of time: Caramelized onions can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Try different toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings to the patty melt, such as bacon, mushrooms, or different types of cheese.

How to Serve

Patty Melt Recipe

This Patty Melt is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:

  • French Fries: Serve with a side of crispy French fries for a classic diner-style meal.
  • Onion Rings: Onion rings add a sweet and crunchy element to the meal.
  • Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the patty melt.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Patty Melt is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover patty melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, you can! Rye bread or even hamburger buns would be delicious substitutes for sourdough bread.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone.

3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can! Omit the ground beef and use a plant-based burger patty or grilled portobello mushrooms instead.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can! Cook the patties and caramelize the onions ahead of time. When ready to serve, assemble the sandwiches and cook as directed.

This Patty Melt Recipe is a classic and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its juicy beef, melted cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, it’s a sandwich you’ll want to make again and again!

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Patty Melt Recipe

Patty Melt Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 30
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Sandwich
  • Method: Pan-fry, Grill
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Patty Melt recipe is a classic diner favorite that’s easy to make at home! Juicy beef patties, melted Swiss cheese, and sweet caramelized onions are sandwiched between buttery slices of grilled sourdough bread. It’s a simple yet satisfying comfort food that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
  • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 8 slices sourdough bread
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups caramelized onions

Instructions

  1. Make Spread: Combine softened butter and mayonnaise in a small bowl until smooth.
  2. Form Patties: In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, onion powder, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Divide into 4 portions and shape into thin patties. Sprinkle with remaining ½ teaspoon salt.
  3. Cook Patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties in batches until no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Assemble Sandwiches: Spread one side of each bread slice with the butter-mayonnaise mixture. Layer half the bread slices with cheese, a patty, and caramelized onions. Top with remaining cheese and bread slices.
  5. Grill Sandwiches: Wipe out the skillet and return to medium-low heat. Cook sandwiches until golden brown and cheese is melted, 4-5 minutes per side.
  6. Serve: Cut each patty melt in half and serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can use any type of cheese you like, but Swiss is classic for a patty melt.
  • If you don’t have caramelized onions, you can use thinly sliced raw onions, but they won’t be as sweet and flavorful.
  • For a variation, try adding a fried egg to each sandwich.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 patty melt
  • Calories: 700
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 1500mg
  • Fat: 45g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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