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- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend) - 1 medium onion, sliced - 4 slices of Swiss cheese - 4 slices of rye bread The main ingredients set the stage for a great patty melt. The ground beef gives it a hearty flavor. Choose an 80/20 blend for the best juiciness. Onions add sweetness when cooked. Swiss cheese melts beautifully, making everything creamy. Rye bread gives a nice crunch and flavor. - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon ketchup - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish The secret sauce makes your patty melt special. It combines creamy mayo and tangy ketchup. Dijon mustard adds a bit of spice, while sweet pickle relish gives a nice crunch. This sauce brings all the flavors together. - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon butter - 1 tablespoon olive oil Seasoning is key to making your patty melt pop. Use salt and pepper to enhance the beef's natural flavor. Butter and olive oil help cook the onions and patties. They add a rich flavor and help with browning. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the secret sauce, grab a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of sweet pickle relish. Mix these ingredients well until they blend smoothly. This sauce adds a special touch to your patty melt. Set it aside for later. Next, we will cook the onions. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up. Toss in the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Stir them occasionally. Cook until the onions turn a nice golden brown, which takes about 10-15 minutes. This caramelization brings out their sweet flavor. Once done, remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside. Now, let’s focus on the patties. In a bowl, season 1 pound of ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide the beef into four equal parts. Shape each part into a patty. Heat the same skillet over medium-high heat. If needed, add a bit more oil. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to be juicy and cooked to your liking. In the last minute, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty to melt. While the cheese melts, let’s assemble the sandwich. Take two slices of rye bread. Butter one side of each slice. On the unbuttered side, spread a generous amount of the secret sauce. Place a cheesy patty on top, add the caramelized onions, and cover with another slice of bread, buttered side out. This layering creates a delicious blend of flavors. Now, it’s time to grill the sandwich. Place it in the skillet over medium heat. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want it to be golden brown and crispy. Press down gently with a spatula for even browning. This step makes the bread extra crunchy. Once your patty melt is perfectly grilled, take it out of the skillet. Let it sit for a minute to cool slightly. Then, slice it in half for easy eating. Arrange the pieces on a plate for a nice presentation. Enjoy your tasty patty melt while it's warm! - Seasoning Tips: Use salt and pepper to season the beef. Mix it in well for even flavor. I like to add a little more salt than you think. This enhances the taste when cooked. - Patty Thickness Recommendations: Aim for patties that are about ¾ inch thick. This thickness ensures they cook evenly. Thicker patties may take longer to cook, while thinner ones might dry out. - Best Practices for Onions: Start with medium heat for the onions. Add a pinch of salt to help them soften. Stir them often to avoid burning. Cook them until they turn golden brown. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. The sweetness from caramelized onions adds great depth to your patty melt. - Achieving a Crispy Exterior: Use softened butter on the bread. This helps create a nice crispy crust. Grill on medium heat to allow the bread to brown slowly. Press down gently with a spatula for even browning. This will make your patty melt both crispy and delicious. Pro Tips Choose the Right Beef: For the juiciest patty, use an 80/20 blend of ground beef. The fat content ensures flavor and moisture. Caramelize Onions Properly: Cook the onions low and slow, allowing them to develop a deep, sweet flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Perfect Grill Technique: When grilling the sandwich, press down gently with a spatula to ensure even browning and a crispy texture. Secret Sauce Variations: Feel free to customize the secret sauce by adding spices like garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick! {{image_2}} You can swap Swiss cheese for other tasty options. Cheddar adds a sharp flavor. American cheese melts beautifully for a creamy texture. Gouda brings a smoky taste that pairs well with beef. Use blue cheese for a bold twist. Each choice changes the melt’s character and keeps it exciting. While rye bread is classic, other breads work well too. Sourdough adds a tangy flavor, while whole wheat gives a nutty note. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread. Even bagels can make a fun twist. Choose a bread that fits your taste and texture preference. You can customize your patty melt by adding more ingredients. Spinach or arugula adds freshness. Sliced tomatoes bring a juicy bite, while mushrooms offer earthiness. For extra protein, consider bacon or grilled chicken. Mix and match to create a patty melt that’s perfect for you! To store leftover Patty Melt, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. When reheating, your goal is to keep that yummy texture. You can use a skillet for the best results. Heat on medium-low. Add a little butter or oil for added flavor. Cover the skillet with a lid. This helps the cheese melt. Cook for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway. You can freeze the Patty Melt, but it's best if you freeze it before grilling. Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap, then foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for about three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, grill it like normal! A patty melt is a tasty sandwich. It has a beef patty, cheese, and grilled onions. You usually serve it on rye bread. The dish started in diners in the United States during the 1940s. It combines the best of a burger and a grilled cheese. This classic dish is loved for its rich flavors and crispy texture. To make the secret sauce hotter, try adding hot sauce or cayenne pepper. You can mix in diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Another option is to use spicy mustard instead of Dijon. Each choice adds its own flavor and heat. Taste your sauce as you go to find your perfect spice level. Yes, you can use turkey or veggie patties for a lighter option. Ground turkey works well with the same seasonings. For a vegetarian choice, try black bean or lentil patties. Both options keep the sandwich hearty and tasty. You can also use store-bought veggie patties for convenience. Patty melts pair great with crispy fries or onion rings. A simple side salad adds freshness and crunch. You could also serve pickles or coleslaw for a tangy twist. These sides balance the richness of the melt. Choose what you enjoy most to complete your meal! In this post, I explored how to make a delicious patty melt. We looked at the main ingredients like ground beef, onions, and Swiss cheese. I shared a simple secret sauce recipe and cooking tips for great flavors. You can customize your patty melt with different cheeses or breads. Storing leftovers and reheating properly keeps the taste fresh. Now you have all the tools to create your perfect patty melt. Enjoy every bite!

Melty Patty Melt Delight

A deliciously cheesy and savory sandwich featuring ground beef patties, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese, all grilled to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 slices rye bread
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and sweet pickle relish. Set aside.
  • Cook the Onions: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook until the onions are caramelized, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • Form the Patties: In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide it into four equal portions and shape them into patties.
  • Cook the Patties: In the same skillet used for the onions, add a bit more oil if needed. Cook the beef patties over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness. Add a slice of Swiss cheese on top during the last minute of cooking to melt.
  • Assemble the Melt: While the cheese is melting, butter one side of each slice of rye bread. On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread a generous amount of the secret sauce. Layer the cheesy patty on top, followed by the caramelized onions, and then top with another slice of bread (buttered side out).
  • Grill the Sandwich: In the skillet, grill the sandwich on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Press down gently with a spatula while grilling for even browning.
  • Serve: Once the patty melt is golden and crispy, remove it from the skillet. Let it sit for a minute, then slice in half and enjoy.

Notes

For extra flavor, use a mix of different cheeses or add some spices to the beef.
Keyword beef, cheese, grilled, sandwich