Savory Patty Melts with Creamy Sauce

The classic patty melt combines the best elements of a burger and grilled cheese into one irresistible sandwich. This recipe focuses on achieving the perfect balance of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions between slices of buttery toasted rye bread. The result is a diner-style favorite elevated for the home kitchen.

Key Ingredients

Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor and juiciness.

Rye Bread: Fresh-baked rye with caraway seeds provides the best texture and taste.

Cheese: A combination of Swiss and sharp cheddar creates the ideal melt.

Onions: Yellow onions sliced very thin will caramelize beautifully.

The quality of these core ingredients directly impacts the final result. Select fresh products from trusted sources for the best outcome.

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Essential Preparation Steps

Special Sauce:

Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish and Worcestershire sauce into a creamy spread.

Onion Preparation:

Cook thinly sliced onions in butter over medium-low heat until deeply caramelized and golden brown.

Patty Formation:

Season ground beef with salt and pepper. Form into patties slightly larger than the bread. Create a small depression in the center.

Cooking the Patties:

Cook in a hot cast iron skillet until well-browned, about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare.

Assembly:

Layer Swiss cheese, cooked patty, caramelized onions and cheddar between buttered rye bread slices.

Final Cooking:

Grill the assembled sandwich until golden brown and cheese is fully melted.

Suggested Accompaniments

Serve alongside crisp dill pickles, rosemary-seasoned french fries, or a fresh vinegar-based coleslaw.

Variations

Consider using smoked gouda cheese, adding sautéed mushrooms, or substituting ground turkey. Fresh tomato slices work well when in season.

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Storage and Reheating

For best results, serve immediately. Leftovers can be reheated in a 300-degree oven wrapped in foil.

Professional Tips

Use room temperature cheese for optimal melting.

Butter the bread generously for proper browning.

Let patties reach room temperature before cooking.

A properly prepared patty melt combines technique and quality ingredients to create a satisfying classic sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I switch the bread type?

Of course! Traditional rye is great, but sourdough or whole wheat will taste wonderful too.

→ How do I make sure my onions are caramelized just right?

Cook them slowly until they soften up completely and turn a deep golden shade—this usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

→ Can I prep the sauce early?

Definitely! It can be made up to three days ahead and stays fresh in the fridge.

→ What ground beef should I pick?

To lock in all that juicy flavor, go for beef with an 80/20 fat content.

→ How can I make this dish a little healthier?

Swap in lean ground turkey or chicken and opt for low-fat cheese to lighten it up.