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Savory Patty Melt Recipe

Savory Patty Melt Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Juicy beef patties nestled between buttery grilled rye bread define this classic patty melt. Melted swiss cheese and caramelized onions create a comforting sandwich you’ll crave at first bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80/20)

Cheese:

  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Bread and Grilling Ingredients:

  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise or butter (for grilling)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize onions in a skillet with butter and olive oil over medium heat, stirring periodically until rich golden-brown and deeply sweet, approximately 15-20 minutes. Transfer onions to a separate plate.
  2. Season ground beef with salt and pepper, then shape into evenly sized patties slightly larger than bread slices to account for shrinkage during cooking.
  3. Cook beef patties in the same skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring a robust exterior crust and achieving desired internal temperature.
  4. Generously spread mayonnaise or butter across one side of each rye bread slice, creating a uniform coating for optimal golden-brown crispiness.
  5. Layer cheese slices (cheddar and Swiss) on unbuttered bread sides, creating a foundational cheese base for each sandwich.
  6. Position cooked beef patties directly onto cheese-covered bread, then distribute caramelized onions evenly across meat surface.
  7. Complete sandwich assembly by placing remaining bread slices on top, ensuring buttered exterior faces outward for ideal grilling.
  8. Grill sandwiches in skillet over medium heat, pressing gently with spatula, until bread transforms into a crispy, golden-brown exterior and cheese melts completely, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
  9. Remove from heat, let rest momentarily, then slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm and crisp.

Notes

  • Caramelize onions slowly on low-medium heat to develop deep, sweet flavor without burning, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Choose high-fat ground beef like 80/20 chuck for juicier, more flavorful patties that stay tender during cooking.
  • Use room temperature butter for easier spreading and more even browning on bread, creating a crispy golden exterior.
  • Experiment with cheese combinations like sharp cheddar and smoky gouda for extra depth and complexity in the sandwich’s flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 720 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 52 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
  • Trans Fat: 1.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 39 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg