These patty melts are a true comfort food! Juicy beef patties and melted cheese are sandwiched between buttery bread, topped with sweet caramelized onions. Yum!
Caramelizing onions takes a little patience, but the sweet reward is totally worth it! I love serving these melts with a side of crispy fries for the best meal ever. 🍔😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for juiciness and flavor in your patties. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works, but be cautious not to overcook them to keep them moist.
Onions: Use large yellow or sweet onions for the best caramelization. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-sliced onions or even swap them for sautéed shallots for a milder taste.
Rye Bread: While rye bread gives a wonderful flavor, you can substitute it with whole wheat, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread if needed. Just make sure to choose a sturdy slice to hold everything together.
Cheese: Swiss is classic here, but I also love using sharp cheddar or pepper jack for some extra kick. If you’re avoiding dairy, vegan cheese options can work too, but choose a meltable kind for best results.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a nice depth of flavor. If you’re avoiding it, consider using soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar as an alternative.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is all about patience and the right technique. Here’s my guide to help you get them just right:
- Start by heating olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. This combination gives flavor and the right cooking fat.
- Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt. The salt helps draw out moisture, making them caramelize better.
- Cook on low to medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be patient—it’s worth the wait!
- If you want to add Worcestershire sauce, do it in the last few minutes for a deeper flavor.
- Look for a deep golden-brown color—this means they’re perfectly caramelized!
Best Patty Melts With Caramelized Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Patty Melts:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 slices of rye bread
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or American cheese)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes preparing the caramelized onions, plus another 10-15 minutes cooking the patties and assembling the melts. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes. You want the onions to turn a beautiful deep golden brown and get super sweet and flavorful. If you’d like an extra kick, stir in the Worcestershire sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Once done, take them off the heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Patties:
While your onions are busy caramelizing, grab your ground beef and form it into 4 equal-sized patties. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides to season them well. This will give your patties a delicious flavor when cooked!
3. Cook the Patties:
Now it’s time to cook the patties! Turn the heat up to medium-high in the same skillet (or you can use a grill pan if you prefer). Add a bit more oil if needed. Place the patties in the skillet and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are cooked to your liking—aim for medium for the best flavor. In the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese on each patty so it can melt beautifully.
4. Assemble the Patty Melts:
Let’s put it all together! Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. On the non-buttered side, stack a patty with melted cheese, then pile on a generous amount of caramelized onions. Top it all off with another slice of bread, making sure the buttery side is on the outside.
5. Grill the Sandwiches:
Return the sandwiches to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is perfectly melty. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn!
6. Serve:
Once cooked, take the patty melts out of the skillet. You can cut them in half for easier eating if you like. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces or sides. Enjoy your delicious patty melts stacked high with tasty caramelized onions!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! If you prefer ground turkey or chicken, just keep in mind that these meats can be drier than beef. To help maintain moisture, consider adding a little extra olive oil or mixing in some finely chopped onions or herbs to the meat before forming the patties.
How Do I Store Leftover Patty Melts?
To store leftovers, wrap each patty melt tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, try using an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—this helps keep the bread crispy!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Yes, feel free to mix it up! While Swiss and American cheese are classic choices, you can also use cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for a kick. Just make sure the cheese melts well to create that gooey texture we love in patty melts!
What Can I Serve with Patty Melts?
Patty melts go wonderfully with classic sides like French fries or potato salad. You can also serve them with a crisp salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a side of pickles or a zesty dipping sauce.
