The Best Patty Melt Recipe

$- Ground beef selection: I recommend using an 80/20 blend. This mix gives you a juicy patty with great flavor. The fat adds moisture and keeps the meat tender. - Cheese options: Swiss cheese is perfect for a patty melt. It melts nicely and has a rich taste. Look for varieties like Emmental or Gruyère for a gourmet twist. - Preferred bread types: I love using rye bread. Its hearty texture pairs well with the beef and cheese. You can also try marble rye for a fun look. - Flavor enhancement: A splash of Worcestershire sauce can boost the flavor. It adds a nice umami touch that makes each bite pop. - Seasoning choices: Garlic powder and onion powder are great for seasoning. They add depth and warmth to the meat without overpowering it. - Required kitchen tools: You’ll need a skillet and a spatula. A non-stick skillet works best for easy flipping. - Recommended cooking oils: Use olive oil or butter for cooking. Butter gives a rich flavor, while olive oil helps achieve a nice sear. A mix of both works well too! To make the best patties, start with the ground beef. I use an 80/20 blend for the right mix of meat and fat. In a bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands. Avoid overworking the meat. This keeps the patties tender and juicy. Once mixed, divide the beef into two equal parts. Shape each part into a round patty, about ¾ inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This helps them cook evenly. For the onions, slice them thinly. Warm a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions. Stir occasionally and cook for about 8-10 minutes. Watch for a golden brown color. This shows they are perfectly caramelized. If they start to burn, lower the heat. Next, it’s time to cook the patties. In a separate skillet, add butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once the butter is hot, add the patties. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This gives a nice sear. For the best doneness, check the center with a meat thermometer. Aim for 160°F for medium. Now, let’s layer the ingredients. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty near the end of cooking. Cover the skillet for 1 minute. This helps the cheese melt nicely. In the onion skillet, add the rest of the butter. Place two slices of rye bread in the skillet. On each slice, add a patty with melted cheese and some caramelized onions. Top with the remaining bread slices. Grill each sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side. This gives a golden brown and crispy texture. Once done, remove from the skillet. Slice them in half and serve hot. Enjoy the rich flavors in every bite of this ultimate patty melt! For the full recipe, click here. You can cook your patty melt using a skillet or a grill. Skillets give you great control over heat. You can easily flip the patties and watch the cheese melt. On the other hand, a grill adds a nice smoky flavor. It can also cook more sandwiches at once. If you have the space, try both methods to see which you prefer! For melting cheese, you can cover the skillet with a lid. This traps heat and helps the cheese melt faster. If you grill, place a piece of foil over the cheese. This keeps the heat in while allowing the bread to toast perfectly. Choosing the right beef cut is key. I recommend an 80/20 blend of ground beef. This mix has enough fat to keep the patties juicy and flavorful. If you want a richer taste, try using chuck or brisket. These cuts can elevate your patty melt to the next level. For bread, rye is the classic choice. Look for a hearty, marbled rye for extra flavor. It holds up well and toasts beautifully. If you want something different, try pumpernickel or sourdough. They can add a fun twist to your sandwich. When serving your patty melt, think about sides that go well with it. Classic options include crispy fries or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with pickles for a nice crunch. For presentation, cut your sandwiches in half. This shows off the gooey cheese and juicy patty. Arrange them on a plate with a side of fries and a pickle. This makes for a mouth-watering look that will impress your guests. If you want to take it up a notch, drizzle some homemade sauce on the plate. It adds color and makes your meal even more inviting. {{image_4}} You can add fun toppings to your patty melt. Try crispy bacon for a savory crunch. If you want some heat, add jalapeños for a spicy kick. Cheese selection also opens up exciting options. While Swiss cheese is classic, consider using cheddar for a sharper taste. Provolone melts well and adds a creamy texture. For those needing gluten-free options, you can swap rye bread for gluten-free slices. Many brands now offer great-tasting gluten-free bread that works well for patty melts. If you want a vegetarian patty melt, use a veggie burger or a black bean patty instead of beef. You can still enjoy all the flavors with cheese and toppings. Many American diners have their unique takes on the patty melt. Some serve it with a side of pickles or coleslaw. Others might add special sauces for extra flavor. International adaptations are also fun. In France, some chefs create a "Croque Monsieur" style patty melt. They use ham and Gruyère cheese instead of beef and Swiss. These variations let you explore new flavors while enjoying the classic patty melt. For the full recipe, check out the Ultimate Patty Melt Delight. Store leftover patty melts in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and safe to eat. You can use glass or plastic containers. Make sure to cool them down before sealing. They will last for about three days. To reheat your patty melts, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. The cheese will melt, and the bread will stay crisp. If you’re in a hurry, use the microwave. Put the patty melt on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Keep an eye on it to avoid sogginess. For better texture, you can toast the bread in a skillet after microwaving. To freeze patty melts, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure no air gets in. Then place the wrapped melts in a freezer bag. They can last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat frozen melts, use the oven method. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes. This keeps the flavors fresh and the texture nice. Enjoy your patty melts any time with these simple steps! I recommend using an 80/20 ground beef blend. This blend has enough fat to keep the patties juicy. The fat adds flavor and moisture, which is essential for a great patty melt. If you want a richer taste, try a blend with a bit more fat. Yes, you can prepare the patties and onions in advance. Shape the patties and store them in the fridge. You can also caramelize the onions ahead of time. When you're ready to eat, just reheat the patties and onions in a skillet. This saves time and makes the meal easy to enjoy. The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for beef is 160°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into a patty. The meat should be brown inside with no pink. The trick to great melted cheese is low heat and patience. Cover the skillet after adding cheese to the patties. This traps heat and helps the cheese melt evenly. Swiss cheese is perfect because it melts well. For extra flavor, use a mix of cheeses. In this post, we covered the key ingredients, from choosing ground beef and cheese to selecting bread. You learned how to prepare delicious patties, caramelize onions, and assemble a perfect patty melt. We also explored tips for cooking variations, serving suggestions, and ingenious adaptations to fit different diets. Remember, great cooking comes down to quality ingredients and care. With this guide, you can craft your own flavor-packed patty melts that friends and family will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure and have fun experimenting!$

Indulge in the Ultimate Patty Melt Delight with this mouthwatering recipe! Learn how to make juicy beef patties layered with melted Swiss cheese and sweet caramelized onions, all nestled between crispy rye bread. Perfect for any meal, this sandwich is sure to impress. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions and treat yourself to a classic comfort dish. Click through to explore the full recipe and satisfy your cravings!

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Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

4 slices of rye bread

4 slices of Swiss cheese

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons butter, divided

1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for an extra flavor boost

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until evenly distributed; be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the patties tender. Divide the mixture into two equal portions and shape them into patties.

Warm a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced onions. Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become golden and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. If needed, adjust the heat to prevent the onions from burning.

While the onions are cooking, prepare a separate skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the formed patties to the skillet. Cook the patties for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side or until they reach your preferred level of doneness. If you choose to use Worcestershire sauce, drizzle it over the patties during the last few minutes of cooking.

As the patties are nearing completion, place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each patty. Cover the skillet for about 1 minute or until the cheese has melted beautifully.

In the skillet where you caramelized the onions, add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the oil. Place two slices of rye bread in the skillet and layer each with a patty topped with melted cheese and a generous spoonful of caramelized onions.

Top each sandwich with the remaining slices of rye bread to create a complete sandwich. Grill the sandwiches in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is toasted to a perfect golden brown and crispy texture.

Once grilled, remove the sandwiches from the skillet. For serving, you can slice them in half to showcase the melty cheese and savory filling. Serve hot and enjoy every delicious bite!

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 2