Patty Melt Recipe

Ground beef: The main protein for the patties, providing a juicy and flavorful base.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when caramelized.

Rye bread: A hearty bread that holds up well to grilling and adds a unique flavor.

Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, nutty taste.

Butter: Used to cook the onions and to grill the sandwiches to a golden brown.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the beef patties.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the patties.

When caramelizing onions, be patient and cook them slowly over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. This process can take up to 20 minutes, but the result is a deep, sweet flavor that enhances the patty melt. If you rush this step, the onions may burn and become bitter instead of sweet and caramelized.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is a lighter alternative and can be seasoned to mimic the taste of beef.

• sliced onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.

• sliced onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion-like flavor and add a different texture to the dish.

• rye bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough has a tangy flavor and a chewy texture that complements the patty melt well.

• rye bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread is a healthier option and adds a nutty flavor to the sandwich.

• swiss cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone melts well and has a mild, slightly tangy flavor similar to Swiss cheese.

• swiss cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar provides a sharper taste and melts beautifully, adding a rich flavor to the patty melt.

• softened butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and can be used to toast the bread.

• softened butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a plant-based alternative that can be used similarly to butter for spreading and cooking.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can enhance the taste of the meat.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and a different depth of flavor to the dish.

• Allow the patty melts to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap each patty melt individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the sandwiches from sticking together.
• Place the wrapped patty melts in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This provides an extra layer of protection against freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date. This ensures you keep track of how long the patty melts have been stored.
• Store the patty melts in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep them longer, place them in the freezer.
• For freezing, ensure the patty melts are tightly wrapped and stored in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the patty melts in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat the patty melts in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
• Alternatively, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each patty melt in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

• Use a skillet to reheat. Place the patty melt in a preheated skillet over medium heat. Cover with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is gooey.

• For a quick method, use a microwave. Place the patty melt on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent the bread from drying out. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the patty melt in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

• Toaster ovens work well too. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place the patty melt directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the onions and beef patties.

• Spatula: A tool for flipping the patties and sandwiches in the skillet.

• Knife: Used for slicing the onion.

• Cutting board: A surface for slicing the onion.

• Measuring spoons: For measuring the butter.

• Plate: To hold the cooked patties and caramelized onions temporarily.

• Butter knife: For spreading the butter on the bread slices.

• Tongs: Optional, for handling the hot sandwiches in the skillet.

• Serving platter: For presenting the finished patty melts.

Pre-caramelize onions: Caramelize a large batch of onions in advance and store them in the fridge. This saves time when making the patty melts.

Pre-form patties: Shape the ground beef into patties ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. This allows you to cook them quickly when needed.

Use pre-sliced cheese: Buy pre-sliced Swiss cheese to save the time and effort of slicing it yourself.

Butter in advance: Butter the rye bread slices ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. This makes assembly faster.

Cook multiple sandwiches: Use a large skillet or griddle to cook multiple sandwiches at once, reducing overall cooking time.