Classic Diner-Style Patty Melt Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 slices of rye bread
8 slices of Swiss cheese
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter, plus more for toasting the bread
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon relish
1 teaspoon white vinegar

Steps and instructions

In a bowl, mix ground beef, salt, and pepper. Shape into 4 patties roughly the size of your bread slices.
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove the patties from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the remaining butter, the sliced onions, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
While the onions are caramelizing, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and vinegar in a small bowl to create your sauce.
Spread one side of each slice of bread with the sauce. Put a slice of cheese on top of the sauce on 4 of the slices. Place a beef patty on top of the cheese, then divide the caramelized onions among the patties. Top with another slice of cheese, followed by another slice of bread (sauce-side down).
In a clean pan, melt some butter over medium heat. Toast the sandwiches on both sides until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Cut in half and serve immediately.

Tools for making

Mixing bowl - Used for combining ground beef, salt, and pepper.
Pan - Used for cooking the beef patties and caramelizing the onions.
Spatula - Used for flipping the beef patties and stirring the onions.
Small bowl - Used for mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and vinegar to create the sauce.
Knife - Used for slicing the onion and cutting the Patty Melts in half before serving.
Butter knife - Used for spreading the sauce onto the bread slices.

Recipe variations

Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Try using different types of bread such as sourdough, ciabatta, or whole wheat.
Experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack.
Add sliced tomatoes or pickles to the patty melt for extra flavor and freshness.
For a spicy kick, add some jalapeno slices or a dash of hot sauce to the sandwich.
Make it a vegetarian patty melt by using a veggie burger patty or grilled portobello mushrooms instead of ground meat.
Include additional toppings like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or avocado slices.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread or wrap the patty and toppings in lettuce leaves.
Customize the sauce by adding different herbs or spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Worcestershire sauce.
For a lower-carb version, skip the bread entirely and serve the patty and toppings over a bed of lettuce or in a lettuce wrap.

Recipe overview

This Patty Melt recipe brings together the savory delight of a burger and the comforting warmth of a grilled cheese. The sandwich is made with a delicious ground beef patty, nestled between two slices of rye bread, along with gooey Swiss cheese and caramelized onions that add a sweet and tangy twist. It is then grilled to perfection. Our special sauce of mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and vinegar lends the perfect blend of creaminess and tang to this delectable sandwich. With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes, you can enjoy this restaurant-style Patty Melt right at home. This recipe serves four, making it perfect for a family meal or a small gathering with friends.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, you can use a different type of bread such as sourdough or wheat bread if you prefer.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Certainly! While Swiss cheese is traditional for a patty melt, you can use other types of cheese like cheddar or provolone.
Can I cook the patties on a grill instead of a pan? Absolutely! Grilling the patties adds a nice smoky flavor. Cook them over medium heat on a preheated grill for about 4 minutes on each side or until desired doneness.
Can I make the caramelized onions in advance? Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to use, simply reheat them in a pan before assembling the patty melts.
Can I add other toppings to the patty melt? Of course! Feel free to customize your patty melt with additional toppings like sautéed mushrooms, bacon, or even avocado slices.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it on your patty melts.

Serving dishes and utensils

Skillet - A skillet or frying pan is essential for cooking the ground beef patties, onions, and toasting the bread.
Spatula - A spatula is useful for flipping the beef patties and removing them from the pan, as well as assembling the patty melt sandwiches.
Knife - A knife is needed for slicing the onions, cutting the sandwiches in half, and any other necessary food preparation.
Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for slicing onions and other ingredients.
Mixing Bowl - A mixing bowl is required to combine the ground beef with salt and pepper, as well as for mixing the sauce ingredients.
Small Bowl - A small bowl is needed to mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and vinegar together to create the sauce.
Butter Knife - A butter knife is useful for spreading the sauce onto the bread slices.

Origin stories

Patty Melt, a classic American diner favorite, is believed to have originated in Southern California in the restaurant chain of William "Tiny" Naylor in the early 1940s. Naylor was one of the pioneers of drive-in fast food and his restaurant, Biff's, was a popular spot. The patty melt, a delightful fusion of a hamburger and a grilled cheese sandwich, was an attempt to diversify the standard fast-food fare. With its characteristic grilled rye bread, onions, cheese, and a burger patty, it was a hit among the customers and gradually made its way into every diner across America. Today, variations exist but the core ingredients remain the same, standing as a testament to Naylor's culinary innovation.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.