Name: Classic Patty Melt Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon butter (plus more for grilling); 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 8 slices rye bread; 8 slices Swiss or American cheese; Optional: Thousand Island or spicy mustard for spreading

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Sink your teeth into the ultimate comfort food experience with this Classic Patty Melt Recipe! A glorious mash-up of a juicy burger and a grilled cheese, this old-school favorite delivers golden, buttery rye bread, tender beef, melty cheese, and sweet caramelized onions in every bite. It’s the kind of sandwich that immediately sparks nostalgia—whether you first tried one at a local diner or at your family’s kitchen table. Best of all? You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up at home. Let’s get started so you can taste that iconic combo for yourself!

Classic Patty Melt Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This sandwich doesn’t need a long grocery list—just a few thoughtfully chosen ingredients to make every layer shine. Each one adds something special, from the savory punch of Worcestershire sauce to the classic tang of rye bread. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

Ground beef (1 pound, 80/20): Go for a blend with enough fat to stay juicy and flavorful.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory goodness in the beef and onions.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and depth to the patties.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Packed with umami, it brings out the best in your beef.
Butter (1 tablespoon + more for grilling): For caramelizing those onions and getting that toast-worthy bread.
Yellow onion (1 large, thinly sliced): Slow-cooked for sweet, golden perfection.
Rye bread (8 slices): Its robust flavor and texture are at the heart of every true patty melt.
Swiss or American cheese (8 slices): Melts into creamy, gooey layers that are just irresistible.
Optional: Thousand Island or spicy mustard: For a hint of tang; a fun way to dress up your melt, if you like.

How to Make Classic Patty Melt Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Patties

Start by shaping your ground beef into 4 thin, oval-shaped patties that are just about the same size and shape as your rye bread slices. This way, every bite is balanced from edge to edge. Sprinkle both sides of each patty with the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Set them aside and let those flavors mingle for a few minutes while you work on the onions.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

In a skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add your sliced onions and let them cook low and slow, stirring every so often as they soften and turn golden brown—about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is where the magic happens: patience is key for those sweet, tender onions that define every great Classic Patty Melt Recipe!

Step 3: Cook the Beef Patties

Once the onions are ready, transfer them to a plate. In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high and cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until they’re deeply browned and cooked through. The key is a good sear for both flavor and that satisfying crust. If there’s too much fat in the pan after cooking, give it a quick wipe so your sandwiches don’t turn soggy later.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

Time to build! Lay out 4 slices of rye bread. On each, place a slice of cheese, then a beef patty, a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Cap it all with the top slice of bread. For that perfect diner crunch, spread a bit of butter on the outside of each sandwich—the secret to truly crave-worthy crust.

Step 5: Grill the Classic Patty Melt Recipe

Preheat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grill each assembled sandwich for 3 to 4 minutes per side, gently pressing down with a spatula to achieve golden brown, crispy bread and gooey melted cheese. Don’t rush; lower heat is better to melt the cheese without burning the bread. Slice your classic patty melt in half and serve it immediately—the harder part is waiting for it to cool down!

How to Serve Classic Patty Melt Recipe

Garnishes

This sandwich is spectacular on its own, but a few well-chosen garnishes make it shine even brighter. Try a bright dill pickle spear for a refreshing bite, a little Thousand Island or spicy mustard on the side for dunking, or fresh chives snipped right over the top for a pop of color.

Side Dishes

Keep the diner theme alive with crisp shoestring fries, classic potato chips, or a simple coleslaw. Prefer something lighter? Toss together a tangy side salad or add a bowl of tomato soup for timeless comfort. Every side brings another excuse to swipe up all those cheesy, oniony bits.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun, slice the Classic Patty Melt Recipe into triangles and secure with toothpicks for party-friendly finger food. Serve it open-faced for a dramatic, melty look, or make mini versions using cocktail rye and slider patties—perfect for a game-day platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If by some miracle you have a sandwich or two left over, let them cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep onions and beef separate if you want the bread to stay less soggy for reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled (but un-grilled) sandwiches for up to one month. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and again in foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling fresh the next day. For best texture, freeze onions and beef separately from the bread if you can.

Reheating

To re-crisp your Classic Patty Melt Recipe, warm leftovers in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping once, until the bread crisps back up and the cheese is gooey. Avoid microwaving—the bread gets too soft, and you want that satisfying crunch!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While rye is a classic choice in the Classic Patty Melt Recipe, sourdough or hearty white bread can be delicious alternatives. Just remember, the robust flavor of rye really complements the savory beef and sweet onions, so try marble rye at least once if you can.

What’s the best cheese to use for patty melts?

Both Swiss and American cheese are traditional, offering a perfect melt and creaminess. Swiss adds a slightly nutty flavor, while American brings that signature gooeyness. Feel free to experiment with cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist.

Can I make the caramelized onions in advance?

Yes, you can prep the onions up to three days ahead! Store cooled onions in an airtight container in the fridge. This will save you time and deepen the flavor, making your Classic Patty Melt Recipe even more irresistible when you’re ready to assemble.

Is there a way to make these sandwiches a bit healthier?

You can lighten things up by using leaner ground beef or even ground turkey, opting for whole grain bread, and choosing low-fat cheese. Remember, though, a little indulgence is part of the classic patty melt experience!

Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?

Definitely! The Classic Patty Melt Recipe scales up beautifully. Shape the patties, cook the onions, and prep as many sandwiches as you need—just use a large griddle or cook in batches to serve everyone hot, fresh melts.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like biting into a piping hot Classic Patty Melt Recipe—crunchy on the outside, rich, melty, and savory inside. It’s a beloved American diner staple for a reason, and now you can bring that iconic comfort home. Give this recipe a try soon, and don’t forget to share your own delicious twists!

Classic Patty Melt Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the classic flavors of a patty melt with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfectly seasoned beef patties, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese sandwiched between slices of rye bread and grilled to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Patties:

1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For Assembly:

1 tablespoon butter (plus more for grilling)
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
8 slices rye bread
8 slices Swiss or American cheese
Optional: Thousand Island or spicy mustard for spreading

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Instructions

Shape and Season Beef Patties: Shape ground beef into 4 thin, oval patties matching bread slices. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Caramelize Onions: Melt butter in a skillet, add onions, and cook until caramelized, about 15–20 minutes.
Cook Beef Patties: In the same skillet, cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Assemble Sandwiches: Layer bread with cheese, beef patty, caramelized onions, more cheese, and top bread. Grill in buttered skillet until golden brown and cheese melts.