Classic Patty Melt Sandwich: Grilled Onions & Rye (Print Version)

Classic Patty Melt Sandwich with caramelized onions and melty cheese on toasted rye. Simple, comforting, and a diner favorite, perfect for a hearty meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American Diner
Dietary: Comfort Food

# Ingredients:

→ For the Patty

01 - 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 chuck)
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
06 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

→ Cheesy Goodness

07 - 4 slices Swiss cheese
08 - 4 slices American cheese

→ The Bread

09 - 8 slices rye bread
10 - More unsalted butter for grilling

# Instructions:

01 - First up, get those onions sliced thinly. Heat a large skillet or cast-iron griddle over medium-low heat with a good knob of butter. Add your onions and a pinch of salt. Now, this is where patience comes in, hon. Stir them occasionally, letting them soften and slowly turn golden brown. This can take 15-20 minutes, maybe even longer. They should be deeply golden and sweet, not just translucent. I used to rush this, and my onions were always just sautéed, not truly caramelized. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
02 - While the onions are doing their thing, gently mix your ground beef with salt, pepper, and that little bit of garlic powder. Don't overmix, or your patties will be tough, which is a major oops. Divide the meat into four equal portions and shape them into thin, oval patties that are roughly the size and shape of your rye bread slices. Make them a bit flatter than you think, as they'll plump up when they cook. I always make them thinner than I expect because I hate a super thick patty in a sandwich like this.
03 - In a separate skillet or on the other side of your griddle, heat a little more butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place your patties in the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness, or longer if you prefer. You want a nice sear on the outside. Don't press down on them with your spatula; you'll squeeze out all those precious juices! I always smell that amazing beefy aroma and know it's almost time to flip.
04 - Now for the fun part! Once your patties are cooked and the onions are perfectly caramelized, it’s time to build. On one side of your griddle, butter two slices of rye bread. Place them butter-side down. Immediately top each with a slice of Swiss, then a cooked patty, a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, and finally, a slice of American cheese. Top with another slice of rye bread, buttered on the outside. This is where the layers come together, and it just feels so satisfying.
05 - Press down gently on your assembled sandwiches with a spatula. Let them grill over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is gloriously melted and oozing out the sides. Keep an eye on the heat; you don't want to burn the bread. This is where the magic really happens, you know? That sizzle and the smell of toasted bread and melting cheese, pure bliss.
06 - Carefully transfer your golden, melty Classic Patty Melt Sandwich to a cutting board. I always cut mine diagonally, it just feels right and makes it easier to eat, honestly. The steam will rise, the cheese will stretch, and it'll smell absolutely incredible. Don't wait, serve these beauties immediately while they're hot and the cheese is still wonderfully gooey. They are meant to be enjoyed right off the griddle.

# Notes:

01 - Don't rush those onions, seriously. Low and slow is the secret for true caramelization, not just browning.
02 - If you're making a batch, cook patties and onions ahead, then assemble and grill fresh for best results.
03 - Tried cheddar once, and while good, Swiss or American just gives that classic, melty diner feel, you know?
04 - Serve with a side of crispy dill pickles and a good ol' bag of potato chips. It's the only way, honestly.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet or griddle
02 - spatula
03 - mixing bowl
04 - sharp knife.

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 650
Total Fat: 40g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 35g

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