Patty Melt Recipe

Ground beef: The main protein component, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized.

Rye bread: Offers a distinctive taste that pairs well with the other ingredients.

Swiss cheese: Melts smoothly and adds a creamy, nutty flavor.

Butter: Used to toast the bread 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, patience is key. Cook them slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to bring out their natural sweetness and achieve a deep golden brown color. This process can take up to 20 minutes, but the rich, sweet flavor is worth the wait.

• 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 works well in a patty melt.

• sliced onion - Substitute with caramelized shallots: Caramelized shallots offer a sweeter and more delicate flavor.

• sliced onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a milder onion flavor and a slightly different texture.

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

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

• swiss cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and has a mild, slightly smoky flavor.

• swiss cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, rich flavor to the patty melt.

• softened butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and provides a different but pleasant flavor.

• softened butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds umami and a salty flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and a different flavor profile.

• 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 to maintain freshness and prevents them from sticking together.
• Place the wrapped patty melts in an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. Label the container with the date to keep track of storage time.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place the container in the freezer, where they can be kept for up to 2 months.
• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the patty melts on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
• For reheating from the freezer, it's best to thaw the patty melts in the refrigerator overnight. Then follow the same reheating instructions as above.
• If you're in a hurry, you can reheat directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
• Avoid using the microwave for reheating as it can make the bread soggy and the patty unevenly heated.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the patty melt in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap the patty melt in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  3. Place it on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the patty melt directly on the rack or on a baking tray.
  3. Heat for about 8-10 minutes, checking halfway to ensure the bread doesn't burn.

• Microwave Method (least recommended):

  1. Place the patty melt on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the onions and patties over medium to medium-high heat.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl used to season and mix the ground beef before forming it into patties.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the patties and sandwiches in the skillet.

• Knife: Used to slice the onion.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely slice the onion.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the butter.

• Plate: Used to set aside the caramelized onions and cooked patties.

• Butter knife: Used to spread the softened butter on the rye bread.

• Stove: The heat source for cooking the onions, patties, and sandwiches.

• Tongs: Optional, but can be used to handle the patties and sandwiches while cooking.

Pre-caramelize the onions: Caramelize onions in advance and store them in the fridge. This saves time when assembling the patty melts.

Pre-form the patties: Shape the ground beef into patties ahead of time and keep them in the fridge, ready to cook.

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.

Cook multiple patties at once: Use a large skillet to cook all the beef patties simultaneously, reducing overall cooking time.