Nestled between the golden crust of toasted bread and the sizzling allure of a perfectly seared hamburger patty lies the comforting treasure known as the Classic Patty Melt.
With roots stretching back to the cozy diners of the 1940s, this beloved American sandwich brings together the heartiness of a burger and the homestyle goodness of a grilled cheese.
It’s a dish that wraps you up in its warmth, perfect for those evenings when you want to serve up smiles around the dinner table.
Anyone who savors the joy of comfort food will find making this recipe an experience that’s as rewarding as the first bite.
Pair this savory sandwich with a side of crispy potato chips, a helping of creamy coleslaw, or a dill pickle spear for that perfect diner-style experience.
If you’re feeling a bit more green, a fresh garden salad also complements the robust flavors of the Patty Melt.
Classic Patty Melt
Servings: 4
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
– 8 slices of rye bread
– 8 thin slices of Swiss cheese
– 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Thousand Island dressing, for serving (optional)
Directions
1. Start by shaping the ground beef into four oval patties, lightly seasoning each with salt and pepper. On a medium-high heat skillet, cook the patties for about 4 minutes on each side or until your preferred doneness is reached. Set them aside on a plate.
2. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add a little butter if needed. Toss in the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become caramelized and sweet – this could take around 10 minutes.
3. While the onions are caramelizing, butter one side of each slice of rye bread. These will be the outsides of your sandwiches—toasted to a golden-brown hug that holds all the goodness inside.
4. Transfer the onions to a dish, then wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel. Returning to the stove, assemble the patty melts in the skillet: Place a slice of bread, butter-side down, followed by a slice of Swiss cheese, a portion of caramelized onions, a beef patty, another slice of cheese, and top it with a second slice of bread, butter-side up.
5. Cook the assembled sandwich on medium heat for about 3 minutes per side, or until the bread is toasty and the cheese has begun to melt lovingly around the edges.
6. Serve warm, perhaps halved to reveal the layers of melted goodness. If your family likes a little zing, offer Thousand Island dressing for dipping or drizzling.
Variations & Tips
– If you’ve got some picky eaters who aren’t onion fans, no problem! Just leave the onions off of their sandwiches. Or, consider slicing the onions thicker, so they’re easy to remove for those who might be on the fence.
– For an even more indulgent sandwich, incorporate a smear of Thousand Island dressing on the inside of each slice of bread.
– Looking to sneak in some extra greens? Add a layer of crisp lettuce or arugula to the patty melt for a fresh crunch.
– If rye bread isn’t your family’s favorite, you can absolutely substitute with sourdough or Texas toast for a different twist on texture and taste.
– Remember to keep that skillet at a medium heat when cooking your sandwiches. You want a perfectly melted cheese and toasted bread without burning – patience is key here!
– Lastly, quality ingredients make all the difference. Take the time to select a good quality Swiss cheese and fresh ground beef from your local butcher or grocery store for that extra touch of love in every bite.
Source: cooktopcove.com
