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American Comfort Food The Patty Melt

Classic Patty Melt Recipe

Servings: 2 sandwichesPrep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 20 minutesTotal Time: 30 minutes
American Comfort Food The Patty Melt; The patty melt is a savory, melty, and golden-brown sandwich that brings together the best of two American food icons: the hamburger and the grilled cheese. Served on buttery rye or sourdough bread and typically filled with a seasoned ground beef patty, caramelized onions, and Swiss or American cheese, the patty melt is a diner favorite that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.
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Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • ½ pound ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
  • 4 slices rye bread marble rye or classic seeded rye
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese or substitute with American or cheddar
  • 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter plus more for spreading on bread
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Thousand Island dressing or spicy mustard

Instructions
 

  • Instructions:
  • Caramelize the onions:
  • In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
  • Add the sliced onions and cook slowly for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and caramelized. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • Shape and cook the patties:
  • Divide the ground beef into two equal portions and shape them into oval-shaped patties (to match the shape of the bread). Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • In the same skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat for about 3–4 minutes per side, until fully cooked with a nice sear. Set aside.
  • Assemble the sandwiches:
  • Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
  • On the unbuttered side, layer: 1 slice of cheese, a cooked beef patty, half of the caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and top with a second slice of bread (buttered side facing out).
  • Grill the sandwiches:
  • Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  • Cook each sandwich for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is fully melted.
  • Serve:
  • Slice in half and serve hot with pickles, fries, or coleslaw.