Description
A Patty Melt is a classic American diner sandwich made with juicy ground beef, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese pressed between crispy, buttery rye bread. Grilled to perfection, it combines the best of a burger and a grilled cheese for a rich, comforting meal that’s easy to recreate at home.
Ingredients
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½ pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
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1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
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4 slices rye bread (seeded or marble)
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4 slices Swiss cheese (or provolone/cheddar alternative)
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2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)
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1 tablespoon mayonnaise
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1 teaspoon ketchup
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½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Optional: a splash of Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
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Caramelize the onions: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown.
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Cook the patties: Form ground beef into thin patties slightly larger than the bread slices. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until browned and juicy.
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Make the sauce: Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
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Assemble the sandwich: Spread the sauce on each bread slice. Layer cheese, beef patty, caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, then top with the remaining bread.
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Grill the sandwich: Butter the outer sides of the bread. Cook on a preheated skillet over medium heat, pressing gently until both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted (about 3 minutes per side).
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Serve: Let rest for a minute before slicing diagonally. Serve hot with fries or pickles.
Notes
For a crisp crust, use room-temperature butter and a hot skillet.
Swap rye for sourdough or gluten-free bread if preferred.
Use vegan cheese and plant-based patties for a dairy-free or vegan version.
Avoid microwaving leftovers; reheat in a skillet to keep the bread crisp.