These patty melts are a tasty twist on a classic sandwich. With juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, every bite is a joy!
Who knew grilling onions could smell so good? I can’t resist piling on the extra onions. Remember, it’s not a patty melt without them, right? 😄
Making these is simple! Just cook the patties, toast the bread, and let that cheesy goodness melt together. Perfect for a quick meal that feels special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 beef blend provides the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 works, but your patties might be a bit drier. Turkey or plant-based ground meat can also work well for lighter alternatives.
Onion: For caramelizing, a large onion produces a rich, sweet flavor. If you’re not a fan of onions, try leeks or shallots. They caramelize nicely too, just keep an eye on cooking time as they can cook faster.
Sliced Cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully, giving that creamy goodness. If Swiss isn’t available, cheddar is a great substitute. You might also explore Gouda or provolone for a twist on flavor.
Rye Bread: Rye is traditional, adding unique flavor. However, feel free to swap it with sourdough, whole wheat, or even white bread if that’s your preference. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the onions. If you don’t have it on hand, soy sauce is a good alternative, or you can skip it entirely if you’re keeping it simple.
How Do You Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is a key step that can elevate your dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Patience is key here; the slower you cook them, the sweeter and softer they’ll get.
- Add the sliced onions and a sprinkle of salt. Stir occasionally for even cooking—aim for about 20-30 minutes.
- For that extra flavor, include Worcestershire sauce during the last few minutes. This enhances the sweetness.
- Look for a deep golden-brown color, and don’t rush the process—good things take time!
How to Make Best Patty Melts With Caramelized Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Patty Melts:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices of rye bread (or bread of choice)
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese (can substitute with cheddar)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting bread)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for caramelizing onions)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for added flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes around 45 minutes to complete. You’ll spend about 30 minutes caramelizing the onions and cooking the patties, with another 15 minutes for assembly and toasting the bread. It’s a fairly straightforward process, and the results are totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onion, sprinkle with a little salt, and let them cook. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and allow them to turn soft and golden brown, which should take about 20-30 minutes. If you choose to use Worcestershire sauce, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking to boost the flavor. Once done, remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Patties:
While your onions are caramelizing, take the ground beef and divide it into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, making them slightly wider than your bread, as they will shrink a little while cooking. Season each side of the patties with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
3. Cook the Patties:
In the same skillet where you cooked the onions (add a little more oil if necessary), turn the heat up to medium-high. Place your seasoned beef patties in the skillet and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Cook until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remember, a nice crust is essential!
4. Assemble the Patty Melts:
Once the patties are cooked, place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt over the patties for about 1-2 minutes.
5. Toast the Bread:
In another skillet or a griddle, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Place two slices of your bread into the skillet. On each bread slice, add a patty with melted cheese, followed by a generous portion of the caramelized onions. Top with another slice of bread to form a sandwich.
6. Finish Toasting:
Cook the assembled sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and crispy, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Use the remaining butter to ensure both sides of the sandwiches are perfectly toasted.
7. Serve:
Once everything is nice and crispy, remove the sandwiches from the skillet. You can slice them in half if you’d like for a beautiful presentation. Serve hot and enjoy your amazing patty melt! Feel free to customize with any additional toppings you love, such as pickles, mustard, or your favorite sauces!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for the Patties?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative like lentils or black beans for a vegetarian option. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary: turkey and chicken may need a bit longer to reach a safe temperature of 165°F.
How Do I Prevent the Onions from Burning While Caramelizing?
To prevent burning, cook the onions over medium-low heat and stir them frequently. If they start to stick to the pan, you can add a splash of water or broth to deglaze and help loosen any stuck bits, keeping the flavor and moisture intact!
Can I Make Patty Melts Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the patties and caramelized onions in advance! Form the patties and cook the onions, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the patties in a skillet and assemble your melts fresh!
How Should I Store Leftover Patty Melts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or use a microwave, but the skillet method preserves the crispiness of the bread better!
