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Classic Patty Melt Recipe

Classic Patty Melt Recipe


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4.5 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Classic patty melts blend juicy beef, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese between perfectly toasted rye bread. Midwestern comfort shines through in this nostalgic sandwich that promises a rich, satisfying experience with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

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

Cheese and Bread:

  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 8 slices rye bread

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Thousand Island dressing (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft oblong beef patties, approximately each, seasoning generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Heat a cast-iron skillet to medium-high, grilling patties for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving desired internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.
  3. Reduce skillet temperature to medium-low, introducing unsalted butter to caramelize sliced yellow onions, stirring intermittently until deep golden and silky-soft, approximately 12-15 minutes.
  4. Prepare rye bread slices by spreading softened butter evenly across exterior surfaces, ensuring complete coverage for optimal golden-brown toasting.
  5. Clean skillet surface, then layer sandwich components: buttered bread facing downward, Swiss cheese slice, caramelized onion spread, perfectly grilled beef patty, additional cheese slice, and complementary bread slice with buttered exterior facing upward.
  6. Grill sandwich on medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently with spatula to encourage even browning and cheese melting.
  7. Transfer to cutting board, slice diagonally, and serve immediately with optional Thousand Island dressing for dipping, showcasing layers of melted cheese and savory ingredients.

Notes

  • Patty Preparation Matters: Shape ground beef into oval patties, ensuring they’re lightly seasoned with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
  • Caramelization is Key: Take time to slowly cook onions until they turn golden and sweet, which develops a rich, deep taste that elevates the entire sandwich.
  • Bread Selection Crucial: Use rye bread and butter the outside generously to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that provides delightful crunch.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Layer Swiss cheese strategically between patty and onions, allowing it to melt seamlessly and create a creamy texture.
  • Cooking Surface Secrets: Use the same skillet for multiple steps to capture accumulated flavors and maintain consistent heat distribution.
  • Serving Suggestion: Cut sandwich diagonally to showcase beautiful layers and serve immediately while cheese remains perfectly melted.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 610 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg