Save A classic American comfort dish featuring juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, and melty Swiss cheese, all layered over golden rye bread and cooked in a cast iron skillet for an irresistible crispy finish.
This recipe has been a favorite for family dinners, bringing everyone together with its nostalgic diner taste and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) 80/20 blend recommended
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
- Kosher salt: 1/2 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Yellow onions: 2 large thinly sliced
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp for onions plus 4 tbsp softened for bread
- Salt: 1/4 tsp for onions
- Rye bread: 8 slices
- Swiss cheese: 8 slices
- Mayonnaise: Optional 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Prepare Patties:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Divide into 4 equal patties, slightly larger than the bread slices.
- Caramelize Onions:
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp butter, then onions and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook stirring occasionally until golden and caramelized about 12 15 minutes. Remove onions and set aside.
- Cook Patties:
- Increase heat to medium high. Add beef patties to the skillet and cook for 3 4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Assemble Patty Melts:
- Wipe skillet clean. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place 4 slices buttered side down in the skillet. Top each with a slice of Swiss cheese a beef patty caramelized onions another slice of Swiss cheese and finish with a second bread slice buttered side up.
- Cook Patty Melts:
- Cook over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts about 3 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula for an even crust.
- Serve:
- Slice each patty melt in half and serve hot.
Save This dish often sparks fond memories around the dinner table enriching family time with tasty comfort food.
Variations
Try substituting Swiss cheese with cheddar or American cheese for different flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with pickles or French fries to complete an authentic diner experience.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 days, then reheated in a skillet for best texture.
Save Enjoy your perfectly crispy and melty Patty Melt, a true diner classic perfected at home.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of bread works best?
Rye bread is ideal for its robust flavor and sturdy texture that crisps well in the skillet.
- → How do I properly caramelize the onions?
Cook thinly sliced onions slowly in butter over medium heat until golden and sweet, about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- → Can I substitute the Swiss cheese?
Yes, cheddar or American cheese works nicely for a different twist while still melting well.
- → Why use a cast iron skillet?
Cast iron provides even heat distribution and helps create a crispy crust on the bread while melting the cheese perfectly.
- → Is it necessary to butter the bread?
Yes, buttering the bread slices ensures a rich flavor and helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior during cooking.
- → Can mayonnaise be added?
Spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise inside the bread adds moisture and a subtle tang, enhancing overall flavor.