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Crispy Patty Melt Recipe with Caramelized Onions

crispy patty melt - featured image

A nostalgic and comforting sandwich featuring juicy beef patties, melted Swiss cheese, and sweet caramelized onions on crispy rye bread. Perfect for a quick, hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juicy patties)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices rye bread (marbled rye works well)
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese (Gruyère can be a substitute)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the patties)
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for onions)
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, helps with browning)
  • Pinch of salt (for onions)
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the caramelized onions: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and 1 tsp sugar. Cook slowly, stirring every 4-5 minutes, for about 20 minutes until golden brown and sweet-smelling. Stir in 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, let reduce for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  2. Shape and season the beef patties: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (~4 oz each). Shape into thin, round patties slightly larger than bread slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook the patties: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Remove and keep warm.
  4. Assemble the patty melt: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place one slice buttered side down in skillet over medium heat. Layer with Swiss cheese slice, beef patty, caramelized onions, and another cheese slice. Top with second bread slice, buttered side up.
  5. Cook the patty melt: Cook on medium heat, pressing gently with spatula or sandwich press. Flip after 3-4 minutes and cook until bread is golden and cheese melted, about 5-7 minutes total. Remove and let rest for a minute before slicing.

Notes

Butter the bread slices instead of the pan for a crisp crust. Cook onions low and slow to avoid bitterness. Press sandwich gently while cooking to maintain juiciness. Caramelized onions can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat onions slightly before assembling. Avoid microwave for reheating sandwich to keep bread crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: patty melt, caramelized onions, crispy sandwich, rye bread, comfort food, beef sandwich, easy dinner