A patty melt is a delightful fusion of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich. This classic American comfort food features juicy ground beef patties, perfectly caramelized onions, and melted swiss cheese all nestled between slices of buttery rye bread. It's a hearty, satisfying meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.
While most of the ingredients for this patty melt recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up a few items. Rye bread is essential for its unique flavor and texture, and swiss cheese provides the perfect melt and tanginess. Make sure to get fresh ground beef for the juiciest patties, and don't forget the onions for that sweet caramelized touch.

Ingredients For Patty Melt Recipe
Ground beef: The main protein component, forming the juicy patties.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when caramelized.
Rye bread: Provides a unique, slightly tangy base for the sandwich.
Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, tangy flavor.
Butter: Used to toast the bread to a golden brown.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the beef patties.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the patties.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve perfectly caramelized onions, cook them slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This allows the natural sugars in the onions to break down and develop a rich, sweet flavor. Avoid rushing the process by cooking over high heat, as this can cause the onions to burn rather than caramelize.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
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 another lean alternative that can be seasoned to mimic the taste of beef.
sliced onion - Substitute with caramelized shallots: Caramelized shallots offer a sweeter and more delicate flavor compared to onions.
sliced onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks have a milder taste and can add a subtle onion-like flavor to the dish.
rye bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough provides a tangy flavor and a similar texture to rye bread.
rye bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread is a healthier option with a nutty flavor that complements the patty melt.
swiss cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone has a mild, creamy flavor that melts well, similar to Swiss cheese.
swiss cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar offers a sharper taste and melts nicely, adding a different but delicious twist.
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 ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a rich, buttery flavor, making it a good alternative for toasting.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can be used to season the meat.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder taste and can be used to season the dish without altering the overall flavor profile.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- 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 to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
- Place the wrapped patty melts in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This helps to keep out any unwanted odors and maintains the quality of the sandwiches.
- Store the container or bag in the refrigerator if you plan to eat the patty melts within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.
- When freezing, label the container or bag with the date to keep track of how long they have been stored. Patty melts can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- To reheat refrigerated patty melts, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
- For frozen patty melts, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat them directly from the freezer by baking at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Avoid using a microwave to reheat patty melts as it can make the bread soggy and the meat unevenly heated.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap each patty melt in aluminum foil to keep it moist. 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 over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet. Place the patty melt in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
For a quick method, use a microwave. Place the patty melt on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent the bread from drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F. Place the patty melt in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method will keep the bread crispy while ensuring the cheese is melted and the patty is warmed through.
Use a toaster oven set to 350°F. Place the patty melt on the rack or a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the onions and beef patties.
Spatula: A tool used to flip the beef patties and sandwiches.
Knife: Used for slicing the onions.
Cutting board: A surface for slicing the onions.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the butter.
Mixing bowl: Optional, for holding the caramelized onions after cooking.
Plate: Used to set aside cooked patties and caramelized onions.
Butter knife: Used to spread butter on the rye bread.
Tongs: Optional, for handling the hot sandwiches.
Serving platter: Optional, for presenting the finished patty melts.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-caramelize the onions: Caramelize the onions in advance and store them in the fridge. This saves you about 10 minutes when you start cooking.
Pre-form the patties: Shape the ground beef into patties ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. This way, you can season and cook them immediately.
Use pre-sliced cheese: Buy pre-sliced swiss cheese to avoid the hassle of slicing it yourself.
Butter the bread in advance: Butter the rye bread slices ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. This makes assembly quicker.
Cook multiple patties: Use a larger skillet to cook multiple beef patties at once, reducing overall cooking time.

Patty Melt Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 large Onion sliced
- 8 slices Rye Bread
- 8 slices Swiss Cheese
- 4 tablespoon Butter softened
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
- 1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- 2. Form ground beef into 4 patties. Season with salt and pepper.
- 3. In the same skillet, cook the beef patties over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
- 4. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. Place 4 slices, buttered side down, on the skillet.
- 5. Top each slice with a slice of Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, another slice of Swiss cheese, and another slice of rye bread, buttered side up.
- 6. Cook sandwiches until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- 7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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