The Patty Melt is the ultimate comfort food—crispy on the outside, melty and savory on the inside. It’s easy to make at home with simple ingredients, and it doesn’t require a grill—just a skillet or griddle. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack, this sandwich is rich, hearty, and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beef (80/20 blend preferred) salt and black pepper onions, thinly sliced butter rye bread or marble rye Swiss cheese or American cheese optional: mustard, mayonnaise, Thousand Island dressing, or pickles
Directions
Shape the ground beef into flat, wide patties slightly larger than your bread slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt some butter and cook the sliced onions until golden and caramelized, about 15–20 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Remove and set aside.
Wipe the skillet clean. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
To assemble, place one slice of bread (buttered side down) in the skillet. Add a slice of cheese, a cooked beef patty, caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and top with the second slice of bread (buttered side up).
Cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Slice in half and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 sandwiches. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20–25 minutes Total time: 30–35 minutes
Variations
Cheese choices: Swap Swiss for cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
Add condiments: Spread mustard, mayo, or Thousand Island dressing inside the sandwich before grilling.
Double meat: Stack two thin patties for a heartier bite.
Spicy twist: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the onions or inside the sandwich.
Different bread: Use sourdough, Texas toast, or whole wheat if rye isn’t your preference.
Storage/Reheating
Patty Melts are best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side to crisp the bread and re-melt the cheese. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a patty melt and a burger?
A patty melt uses sandwich bread (usually rye) and is grilled like a grilled cheese, whereas a burger is served on a bun.
Can I use pre-cooked beef patties?
Yes, but freshly cooked patties will provide better texture and flavor.
What type of cheese melts best for a patty melt?
Swiss, American, or cheddar are excellent choices because they melt easily and complement the beef.
Do I have to caramelize the onions?
Caramelized onions are traditional and add sweetness, but you can sauté them lightly if you prefer less sweetness or crunchier texture.
Can I make this in a panini press?
Yes, a panini press works well for even cooking and melted cheese, but be careful not to flatten the sandwich too much.
Is it okay to use ground turkey or plant-based meat?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based patties can be used as a lighter or vegetarian alternative.
How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Cook the onions thoroughly to reduce moisture and avoid over-buttering the bread. Cook the sandwich over medium heat to crisp without burning.
Can I freeze patty melts?
Freezing is not recommended due to the bread and cheese texture after reheating.
What’s the best side dish for a patty melt?
Fries, onion rings, a pickle spear, or a simple green salad are all great choices.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prepare the onions and patties ahead of time, then assemble and grill the sandwich just before serving.
Conclusion
The Patty Melt is a nostalgic, satisfying sandwich that delivers the best of both worlds—grilled cheese and burger—in one bite. With its crispy bread, juicy patty, and rich caramelized onions, it’s a simple yet decadent meal you can make any time. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular in your comfort food lineup.
The Patty Melt is a classic diner-style sandwich that combines the best parts of a cheeseburger and grilled cheese. Featuring a juicy beef patty, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and crispy rye bread, it’s the ultimate comfort food made right on the stovetop.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter (plus more for bread)
4 slices rye bread or marble rye
4 slices Swiss cheese or American cheese
Optional: mustard, mayonnaise, Thousand Island dressing, or pickles
Instructions
Shape the ground beef into 2 thin, wide patties slightly larger than your bread slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 15–20 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Wipe the skillet clean. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
To assemble: place a slice of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet. Layer with 1 slice of cheese, 1 beef patty, half of the caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and a second slice of bread, buttered side up.
Cook the sandwich over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Repeat for the second sandwich. Slice in half and serve hot.
Notes
Use cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack as cheese alternatives.Add condiments like mustard or Thousand Island dressing before grilling for extra flavor.To make ahead, cook the onions and patties in advance and store until ready to assemble and grill.Use a panini press for even cooking if desired, but don’t press too hard or you’ll lose the juicy interior.
