Patty Melt

This Patty Melt recipe features juicy ground beef patties, caramelized onions, and melted cheese layered between crispy, buttery sourdough or rye bread. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this classic diner-style sandwich is easy to make at home with simple ingredients. Serve it hot with fries or onion rings for a comforting, flavorful meal everyone will love.

A Patty Melt is the perfect cross between a classic cheeseburger and a grilled cheese sandwich — juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, and melted cheese sandwiched between buttery, golden-brown bread. This diner favorite is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make at home.

Ingredients

For the Burger Patties:

• 1½ pounds ground chuck (80/20 blend)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Caramelized Onions:

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Sandwiches:

• 10 slices sourdough or rye bread
• 10 slices Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese
• 5 tablespoons butter, softened (for buttering the bread)

For the Burger Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons pickle relish or diced dill pickles
• 1 heaping tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
   Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil. Once melted, add the sliced onions and season lightly with salt and pepper.
   Cook, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until soft, golden, and caramelized. Add a splash of water if the onions start to dry out. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Form the Patties:
   Divide the beef into five equal portions (about 4.8 oz each). Shape each into a thin patty that roughly matches the shape of your bread slices. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
4. Cook the Patties:
   Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon oil. Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, flipping once, until medium-rare or slightly pink in the center.
   Transfer to a plate and let rest briefly.
5. Assemble the Patty Melts:
   Wipe the skillet clean and reduce heat to medium-low. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
   Place a slice, butter side down, on the skillet. Layer with one slice of cheese, a cooked patty, caramelized onions, a spoonful of burger sauce, another slice of cheese, and a second slice of bread (butter side up).
   Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve:
   Slice each patty melt in half and serve warm with extra burger sauce for dipping.

Tips

• Bread choice matters: Sourdough or rye bread gives the best flavor and structure.
• Caramelize slowly: Don’t rush the onions — low and slow cooking brings out their sweetness.
• Don’t press the sandwich: Let it cook undisturbed for an even crust.
• Keep warm: If making multiple sandwiches, keep finished melts warm in a 200°F oven until serving.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese options: Try cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a twist.
• Meat alternatives: Swap ground chuck for turkey, chicken, or a plant-based patty.
• Bread alternatives: Use Texas toast or whole grain bread for a different texture.
• Spicy version: Add a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make the onions ahead of time?
Yes. Caramelized onions can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated before assembling.

Can I use pre-made burger patties?
Yes, but homemade ones give better flavor and texture.

How do I prevent soggy bread?
Use sturdy bread, toast at medium heat, and avoid overloading with sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your patty melt with fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, or a side salad. A pickle spear or onion rings make a great classic diner-style pairing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the best of a burger and a grilled cheese.
• Packed with flavor from caramelized onions and creamy burger sauce.
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
• Perfect comfort food for lunch or dinner.
• Crispy, melty, and satisfying in every bite.

Patty Melt

Servings

5

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Ingredients

• For the Burger Patties:

• 1½ pounds ground chuck (80/20 blend)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• For the Caramelized Onions:

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• For the Sandwiches:

• 10 slices sourdough or rye bread

• 10 slices Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese

• 5 tablespoons butter, softened (for buttering the bread)

• For the Burger Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons pickle relish or diced dill pickles

• 1 heaping tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

• Prepare the Sauce:
• In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Caramelize the Onions:
• Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil. Once melted, add the sliced onions and season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Cook, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until soft, golden, and caramelized. Add a splash of water if the onions start to dry out. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
• Form the Patties:
• Divide the beef into five equal portions (about 4.8 oz each). Shape each into a thin patty that roughly matches the shape of your bread slices. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
• Cook the Patties:
• Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon oil. Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, flipping once, until medium-rare or slightly pink in the center.
• Transfer to a plate and let rest briefly.
• Assemble the Patty Melts:
• Wipe the skillet clean and reduce heat to medium-low. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
• Place a slice, butter side down, on the skillet. Layer with one slice of cheese, a cooked patty, caramelized onions, a spoonful of burger sauce, another slice of cheese, and a second slice of bread (butter side up).
• Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Serve:
• Slice each patty melt in half and serve warm with extra burger sauce for dipping.