These patty melts are a tasty mix of juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, all served between toasted bread. They are downright irresistible!
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but smile. The buttery bread and gooey cheese take me back to diner days! Serve them with fries for a real treat. 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend 80/20 ground beef for balance between flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 works but might be less flavorful. For a twist, try turkey or plant-based ground beef!
Onions: Use large yellow or sweet onions that caramelize beautifully! If you want something milder, you can use white onions or even red onions, though they may change the flavor a bit.
Rye Bread: Rye bread is perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find it, pumpernickel or whole wheat bread can be great alternatives. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free sandwich bread.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss adds a nice melt. If you prefer alternative cheeses, try provolone or even cheddar. Just note that cheddar has a stronger flavor!
Worcestershire Sauce: It’s optional, but I love adding it for a depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, soy sauce or a bit of balsamic vinegar can work too.
How Do I Get My Onions Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelizing onions takes time and patience, but the result is worth it! Start by heating olive oil in the skillet on medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and cook slowly. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes until they become golden and soft.
- If you desire, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce in the last few minutes for extra flavor.
- Remember, low and slow is the key to beautiful caramelized onions!
Best Patty Melts with Caramelized Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Patty Melts:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices of rye bread
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for caramelizing onions)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Worcestershire sauce for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 35 minutes in total. About 15-20 minutes for caramelizing the onions, 10 minutes for cooking the patties, and then a few more minutes for grilling the sandwiches. It’s a timely process but totally worth it for the delicious results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and sprinkle a pinch of salt over them. Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and soft. If you want a little extra flavor, feel free to add a splash of Worcestershire sauce while they cook!
2. Prepare the Patties:
While your onions are getting all caramelized and lovely, take the ground beef and divide it into 2 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty and season them with salt and pepper on both sides. Make sure to press a slight indentation in the center of each patty—this helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing up during cooking.
3. Cook the Patties:
In a second skillet (or the same one if you’re up for it), melt a bit of butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the patties. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each patty to melt beautifully!
4. Assemble the Patty Melts:
Now, let’s build your patty melts! Take one slice of rye bread and place a cheesy beef patty on top. Add a generous spoonful of your caramelized onions, and then crown it with another slice of rye bread. Repeat this process for the second patty melt.
5. Grill the Sandwich:
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Carefully place the assembled patty melts in the skillet and grill them until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Don’t forget to press down gently with a spatula to make sure everything gets evenly grilled!
6. Serve:
Once your patty melts are crisp and golden, take them out of the skillet. You can slice them in half if you like, then serve immediately with your favorite sides like fries or a salad. Enjoy your fantastic, mouthwatering patty melts with caramelized onions!
Can I Use Different Bread for Patty Melts?
Absolutely! While rye bread is traditional for patty melts, you can use any bread you enjoy, such as sourdough, whole wheat, or even gluten-free options. Just make sure the bread can hold up to the filling without falling apart.
What If I Don’t Have Swiss Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute Swiss cheese with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even American cheese. Just choose a cheese that melts well and complements the flavors of the beef and onions!
Can I Make the Onions Ahead of Time?
Yes, caramelized onions can be made ahead and stored. Just let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat before assembling your patty melts.
How Can I Make These Patty Melts Healthier?
To lighten up this recipe, consider using leaner ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also skip the butter and use a non-stick spray for grilling. Additionally, load up your sandwich with extra veggies like spinach or tomatoes for added nutrition!
