Description
This Classic Patty Melt recipe combines caramelized sweet onions, juicy seasoned beef patties, and melted Swiss cheese layered between buttery toasted sandwich bread. Cooked in a cast-iron skillet for the perfect blend of crispy bread and melted cheese, this savory sandwich is a delicious twist on a classic burger.
Ingredients
Scale
Onions and Butter
- 1 sweet yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Beef Patties
- 8 ounces 90/10 ground beef
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sandwich
- 4 slices sandwich bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- Mustard, optional
Instructions
- Cook the onions: In a large cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced sweet yellow onions and cook slowly for about 25 minutes until the onions are deeply browned and caramelized. During the last few minutes of cooking, stir in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pan and add tanginess. Once done, remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the patties: Shape the ground beef into evenly sized patties. Season each patty with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Using the same skillet used for the onions (don’t clean it, to retain flavor), cook the patties over medium heat for about 3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the patties and keep warm.
- Butter your bread: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and melt. Using a brush or spoon, coat one side of each slice of sandwich bread with the melted butter. This will help achieve a crispy, golden crust during toasting.
- Build your sandwiches in the skillet: On the buttered side of two bread slices, layer one slice of Swiss cheese, then a cooked beef patty, followed by a generous portion of caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese on top. Optionally, spread mustard on the unbuttered side of the bread for extra flavor. Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
- Cook the sandwiches: Place the sandwiches back into the skillet over medium-low heat. Toast each side for 3 to 4 minutes, pressing lightly and flipping carefully, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve: Once toasted and cheese melted, remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Slice each patty melt in half and serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use a cast-iron skillet for best caramelization and even toasting.
- Cooking the onions slowly is key for deep flavor development.
- Butter the bread thoroughly for a crispy outside and moist inside.
- Can add mustard or pickles for extra flavor inside the sandwich.
- Use Swiss cheese or swap with Gruyère for a nuttier taste.
