Description
Sizzling classic patty melts bring irresistible comfort from classic American diner traditions. Melted cheese, caramelized onions, and juicy beef nestled between crispy rye bread create a perfect harmony of flavors you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Cheese:
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
Bread and Vegetables:
- 8 slices rye bread
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
Seasoning and Cooking Fat:
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Butter (for grilling)
Instructions
- Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl to create a zesty secret sauce. Refrigerate while preparing the remaining components.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté sliced onions, stirring intermittently until they transform into a rich, caramel-colored masterpiece (approximately 15-20 minutes).
- Transfer caramelized onions to a separate plate, reserving the skillet for subsequent cooking.
- Craft ground beef into four delicate patties, slightly oversized to compensate for natural shrinkage during cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper on both surfaces.
- Sear the seasoned patties in the same skillet over medium-high heat, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side until achieving desired doneness.
- Prepare the bread by generously spreading butter on one side of each rye slice.
- Arrange bread slices butter-side down on a clean griddle or skillet over medium heat.
- Construct the sandwiches by layering Swiss cheese, cooked beef patty, caramelized onions, and cheddar cheese between the bread slices.
- Grill the assembled sandwiches, applying gentle pressure with a spatula, until bread reaches a golden-crisp texture and cheese melts completely (roughly 2-3 minutes per side).
- Allow sandwiches to rest momentarily after cooking, then slice diagonally.
- Plate the patty melts and serve immediately, accompanied by the prepared secret sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- Customize patties by mixing ground beef with different meat blends like chuck, sirloin, or brisket for richer flavor profiles.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting rye bread with gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower or portobello mushroom “bread” slices.
- Enhance caramelized onions by adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or brown sugar during cooking for deeper, more complex sweetness.
- Reduce cooking time and maintain juiciness by using a meat thermometer to check patty internal temperature, aiming for 160°F for perfect doneness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg