The patty melt is a beloved diner classic that perfectly combines a juicy beef patty, melted cheese, and buttery, crispy toasted bread with a rich layer of caramelized onions. It’s not quite a burger and not quite a grilled cheese, making it a mouthwatering fusion of both.

If you’re a fan of hearty beef dishes, you’ll love this Simple Beef Stroganoff Recipe—another comfort food favorite that brings out deep, rich flavors in every bite.

No patty melt is complete without the perfect side! Homemade Crispy Hash Browns are an excellent match, giving you the full diner experience right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Golden, crispy bread that’s perfectly toasted
✔ Juicy, flavorful beef patty with just the right seasoning
✔ Caramelized onions for a sweet and savory kick
✔ Gooey melted cheese that holds everything together
✔ Ready in just 30 minutes for a quick and satisfying meal

Ingredients for the Perfect Patty Melt

For the Patties:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp garlic powder

For the Caramelized Onions:

2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp sugar (optional, enhances sweetness)

For the Sandwich:

8 slices rye bread (or substitute with sourdough)
4 tbsp butter, softened
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices American cheese
1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for extra crispiness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions

Heat butter and olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat.
Add sliced onions, salt, and sugar, stirring occasionally.
Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the onions turn golden brown and soft.

2. Prepare the Beef Patties

In a bowl, mix ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and garlic powder.
Form into four thin oval patties (shaped to fit your bread).
Cook in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned.

3. Assemble the Patty Melt

Spread butter (or mayonnaise) on one side of each bread slice.
Layer as follows: Swiss cheese, cooked beef patty, caramelized onions, American cheese.
Top with another slice of bread (buttered side up).

4. Grill the Sandwich

Heat a pan over medium heat.
Cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly until golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

Slice diagonally and serve with crispy hash browns or fries.

For another creative twist on beef dishes, try this Egg-Stuffed Meatloaf—a unique take on a comfort food classic!

Perfect Side Dishes for a Patty Melt

Fries or sweet potato fries
Coleslaw or a fresh side salad
Crispy onion rings
Tomato soup for dipping

Pro Tips for the Best Patty Melt

✅ Rye bread gives an authentic flavor, but sourdough is a great substitute.
✅ Thin patties cook better and make the sandwich easier to eat.
✅ Butter + mayo creates the crispiest crust on the bread.
✅ Press gently while grilling for even toasting without flattening the sandwich.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to keep it crispy.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely! While Swiss and American cheese are traditional, cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack also work great.

2. What’s the best bread for a patty melt?

Rye bread is the classic choice, but sourdough or Texas toast work well too.

3. Can I make this with turkey or chicken?

Yes! Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken and adjust the seasoning.

4. How do I make this dish spicier?

Add spicy mayo, pepper jack cheese, or jalapeños for an extra kick!

Final Thoughts

The patty melt is the perfect mash-up of a burger and grilled cheese, making it an irresistible comfort food. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack, it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Want to mix things up? Try it with sourdough bread and pair it with Homemade Crispy Hash Browns for a complete diner-style meal.

Enjoy your homemade patty melt masterpiece! 🍔🔥

Patty Melt Recipe: A Diner-Style Classic You Can Make at Home

Author: kynall

Print Recipe

Description

These classic patty melts are made with meaty burger patties topped with two kinds of cheese and onions, and pressed between thick slices of Texas toast. Simply delicious!

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup butter, divided
1 extra-large sweet onion, peeled and sliced into thin strips
12 slices thick-cut sandwich bread (Texas toast)
6 slices American cheese
6 slices Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter.
- Add the sliced onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft and caramelized. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Burger Patties:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly and divide into six equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a thin, oval-shaped patty slightly larger than the bread slices (they will shrink while cooking).
Toast the Bread:
- Lay out 12 slices of bread and spread 1 teaspoon yellow mustard on six of them.
Cook the Patties:
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for 3 minutes per side.
- After flipping, top each patty with caramelized onions, then place one slice of American cheese and one slice of Swiss cheese on each patty.
- Cook for a total of 6 minutes until fully cooked and cheese is melting.
Assemble & Toast the Patty Melt:
- Transfer each loaded patty onto the mustard-coated bread slices.
- Wipe the griddle clean, then melt 2 tablespoons butter on the griddle.
- Place assembled sandwiches on the griddle and top with the remaining bread slices.
- Toast for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, flip, and toast the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Transfer patty melts to a cutting board, slice in half, and serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious, cheesy, crispy Patty Melt! 🍔🧀😋