These patty melts are a delicious twist on the classic burger, featuring juicy beef patties and sweet caramelized onions tucked between crispy bread. It’s cheesy, warm, and super tasty!
Who doesn’t love the combo of gooey cheese and crunchy bread? I often make extra caramelized onions just to snack on! 😋 Perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick meal any day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for perfect juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, 90/10 works too, but the burger might be a bit drier. For a twist, you can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat if you’re aiming for healthier or vegetarian options.
Rye Bread: Rye bread is traditional for patty melts, giving a nice flavor. If rye is not available, go for sourdough or whole wheat. They’ll still taste great, just with a different texture and taste!
Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully and has a mild flavor. If you don’t have Swiss, try using Gruyère, which has a richer flavor, or even cheddar for more sharpness! Just remember, cheese is key for that gooey texture.
Onions: Caramelized onions add sweetness and depth. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramelized onions. Yellow or sweet onions are the best for caramelizing, but red onions are also a fun alternative for a slightly different taste!
How Do You Perfectly Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions is a simple yet essential step that can make a big difference in flavor. It just takes patience, so don’t rush it. Here’s how you can master the technique.
- Start with medium heat and add olive oil and butter to the skillet.
- Once hot, add your thinly sliced onions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook them low and slow for about 20-25 minutes. They should turn a lovely golden brown!
- If they start to stick, a splash of water can help. Be patient, as great flavors develop over time!
Best Patty Melts With Caramelized Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Patty Melts:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 slices of rye bread
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: Dijon mustard for spreading
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you can make these delicious patty melts in about 45 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a weekend lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Once it’s nice and hot, toss in the thinly sliced onions. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes. You want them to turn a beautiful deep golden brown and become nicely caramelized. When they’re ready, take them off the heat and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Patties:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together. Once mixed, form the beef into two equal-sized patties. Make sure they’re not too thick so they cook evenly.
3. Cook the Patties:
Using the same skillet where you cooked the onions, add a little more oil if needed. Place the patties in the skillet over medium-high heat. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re cooked to your liking. In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with 2 slices of Swiss cheese so it can melt nicely.
4. Assemble the Patty Melts:
Take the rye bread slices and butter one side of each. On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard if you’re using it. Then, place a cooked patty on top, add a generous amount of the caramelized onions, and top with another slice of cheese. Finally, cover with the second slice of bread, making sure the buttered side faces out.
5. Grill the Patty Melts:
In the same skillet or on a griddle, cook the assembled sandwiches over medium heat. Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy. To ensure even toasting, feel free to press down slightly with a spatula.
6. Serve:
Once both sides are beautifully golden and the cheese is gooey, take the patty melts off the heat. Slice each sandwich in half, and serve them hot! These delicious patty melts go great with a side of fries or a simple salad. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese for Patty Melts?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can use other types like American, cheddar, or Gruyère for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that some cheeses melt better than others, so choose one that you enjoy and that melts nicely!
How Do I Caramelize Onions Faster?
If you’re short on time, you can increase the heat slightly, but be careful not to burn them! Add a pinch of sugar to speed up the caramelization process. Just remember to stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning, and keep an eye on them as they will cook faster.
Can I Make the Beef Patties Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef patties in advance! Form them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze them for longer storage. If frozen, make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.
What Should I Serve With Patty Melts?
Patty melts pair wonderfully with crispy fries, onion rings, or a light salad to balance the richness of the sandwich. You can also serve them with pickles for a tangy crunch!
