Patty Melt

The Patty Melt is one of those comfort foods that instantly takes me back to my childhood. I remember cozy family dinners with the enticing aroma of grilled sandwiches wafting through the kitchen. My mom would often whip up this delicious delight, and the moment the bread hit the skillet, I knew we were in for something special. It’s the perfect fusion of a juicy beef patty, melted cheese, and caramelized onions, all nestled between two slices of toasty bread. As I take my first bite, the blend of flavors and textures makes me feel warm and nostalgic.

Patty Melt Shopping List

Gathering the right ingredients for your Patty Melt is essential for achieving that perfect flavor profile. Each component plays a vital role in creating this delicious sandwich. The key players here include fresh, high-quality ground beef, rich butter for browning, and your choice of cheese to achieve that gooey melt. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

• ½ pound ground beef: The star of the show! This provides the hearty protein base for your sandwich. Choose fresh, high-quality beef for the best flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the beef and enhancing its natural flavors.
• ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a bit of spice and depth to the patty.
• 3 tablespoons butter: For cooking the onions and toasting the bread, bringing richness to each bite.
• ½ large onion: Thinly sliced, it caramelizes beautifully, adding sweetness and texture to the sandwich.
• 6 tablespoons water: Helps with cooking the onions, ensuring they soften and caramelize.
• 4 slices rye bread: The traditional choice for a Patty Melt, it adds a wonderful texture and flavor.
• 4 slices Swiss cheese: Melts perfectly and provides a nutty flavor.
• 4 slices provolone cheese: For another layer of creaminess and taste, mix your cheeses for a gourmet touch.

Preparation Steps for Patty Melt

Getting ready to make your own Patty Melt is an adventure in flavor! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious sandwich ready to devour. Follow along as we create this mouthwatering dish.

1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, divide your ground beef into two equal portions. Form each into a patty that’s the same size as your slices of bread. This ensures that every bite is perfectly balanced.
2. Season both sides of your patties generously with salt and pepper. Next, place them in the skillet. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until a dark brown crust forms. This caramelization will lock in juices and flavor.
3. Once browned, remove the patties from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. As it melts, toss in your thinly sliced onion. Sauté the onions for a few minutes, allowing them to soften.
4. To help cook the onions, add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan. It’ll create steam, which helps in softening the onions further. Continue stirring until the water evaporates.
5. If the onions aren’t yet caramelized, add 2 more tablespoons of water and continue cooking until they are soft and golden brown. The aroma will be tantalizing!
6. Now it’s time to toast the bread. Melt the remaining butter in the skillet and place two slices of rye bread down, toasting one side for about 3 minutes. Do this until golden and crispy.
7. Once toasted, remove the bread from the skillet. On the cooked side of one slice, place 2 slices of Swiss cheese, and on the other slice, add 2 slices of provolone cheese. This layering ensures that the cheeses melt together beautifully.
8. Take one of the cooked patties and place it on the Swiss-covered slice. Top it with half of the caramelized onions. Cover with the other slice of bread, cheese side down. This creates a delicious, cheesy-filled sandwich.
9. Place the whole sandwich back in the skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheeses are melted. Repeat this process with the second set of patties and bread.
10. Once both sandwiches are ready, remove them from the skillet, slice in half if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your homemade Patty Melt fresh!

Variations to Try

While the classic Patty Melt is always a hit, there are plenty of exciting variations to explore. Here are some ideas that might inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.

• Spicy Patty Melt: Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to give your sandwich a kick!
• Veggie Patty Melt: Substitute the beef with a veggie patty or portobello mushroom for a delicious meat-free option.
• Gourmet Cheese: Use blue cheese or gouda for a sophisticated twist on the classic flavor.
• Herbed Butter: Blend fresh herbs into the butter for an aromatic spread that enhances the overall taste.
• Try Different Breads: Experiment with sourdough, ciabatta, or even gluten-free bread for diverse textures and flavors.
• Add Sauces: A spread of horseradish sauce or aioli can elevate your Patty Melt to new heights.

Best Served With

Pairing your Patty Melt with the right sides can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some delicious suggestions:

• Classic French Fries: Crispy and golden, they are the perfect sidekick to your sandwich.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the Patty Melt.
• Pickles: Tangy pickles add a nice zing and balance to the savory flavors of the sandwich.
• Potato Chips: A quick and satisfying crunchy option that complements the meal.
• Green Salad: A light side salad adds a fresh touch to your hearty sandwich.
• Tomato Soup: This classic pairing creates a comforting meal perfect for chilly days.
• Beer or Sparkling Water: A cold drink works wonders to cleanse the palate between bites.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Patty Melt is truly a delightful combination of flavors, making it a beloved comfort food. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weeknight or serving it to friends, it always brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. I encourage you to give it a try and share this tasty dish with your loved ones!

Patty Melt

The ultimate comfort food, the Patty Melt combines juicy beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions between toasted bread. It’s a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that you’ll crave again and again. Try it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 2 sandwiches

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Skillet

Ingredients

  

• ½ pound Ground Beef
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• ½ teaspoon Pepper
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• ½ large Onion
• 6 tablespoons Water
• 4 slices Rye Bread
• 4 slices Swiss Cheese
• 4 slices Provolone Cheese

Instructions

 

• Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Split your ground beef in half and form two patties the same size and shape as your bread. Season your patties with salt and pepper and cook them on your skillet, about 1-2 minutes per side. Allow each side to cook until they have developed a dark brown crust. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Melt 2 tablespoons of your butter in your skillet and add your prepared onions and toss in the butter. Add in 2 tablespoons of your water and cook the onions, continually tossing to evenly cook them. Once the water has cooked off, add another 2 tablespoons and continue cooking. If the onions still need time to fry and crisp up, add another 2 tablespoons of water and cook the water off. They should be soft but caramelized.
• Melt the remaining butter in the skillet and place two pieces of your rye bread on the skillet, toast one side of each slice for about 3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and place 2 slices of Swiss cheese on one piece on the cooked side, and 2 slices of provolone cheese on the other piece on the cooked side.
• Put your cooked patty onto one of the cheese-covered breads and cover the patty with half of the cooked onions. Place the other cheese-covered slice cheese side down on top of the sandwich and place the whole sandwich back in the skillet.
• Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until the outside of the sandwich is toasted. Repeat assembly of the sandwich with the next two slices of bread, cheese, patty, and remaining onions.
• Enjoy fresh!

Notes

• Storage: Leftover Patty Melts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze assembled sandwiches. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Pairing: Serve with fresh coleslaw or crispy fries for a complete meal.
• Variations: Experiment with different types of bread or add extra veggies for a twist.

Keyword Comfort Food Patty Melt, Easy Patty Melt, Homemade Patty Melt, Patty Melt Recipe

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Meet Natalie Cole

I’m Natalie! I appreciate simple, honest food that nourishes the soul without requiring hours of effort. I’m always looking for smart shortcuts that save time but never sacrifice quality or taste. I cooked and photographed this meal right here in our kitchen, capturing every step to show you that a beautiful, cozy dinner is completely within reach.