Patty melts look at the indulgent richness, juiciness, and fattiness of classic cheeseburgers and ask, “But can we make it better?” This Diner-Style Patty Melt says yes — emphatically — by piling the sandwich with sweet and savory caramelized onions and melty Swiss cheese. With a touch of sour from the toasted rye bread, this Diner-Style Patty Melt tastes even richer than a traditional cheeseburger, so every bite leaves you craving more, even as it satisfies! Why go out when you can have the perfect patty melt at home?
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter, plus more, to taste
- 2 yellow onions, sliced
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound ground beef, not lean, formed into patties
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices rye bread with caraway seed
- condiments, optional, to taste, of your choice, for serving
Directions
Step 1 –Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat on the stove-top.
Step 2 –Add the onions, the salt, and the pepper, and sauté until caramelized and golden-brown, stirring frequently, about 20-25 minutes.
Step 3 –Transfer the onions to a plate and set them aside.
Step 4 –Season the beef patties with the salt and the pepper.
Step 5 –Add a pat of the extra butter to the skillet, if needed.
Step 6 –Cook the patties in the butter in the skillet, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 7 –Transfer the patties to a plate. Wipe the skillet clean.
Step 8 –Use the extra butter to smear the top of the rye bread slices.
Step 9 –Flip the bread slices over and top each with one slice of the Swiss cheese.
Step 10 –Then top each with the caramelized onions and the beef patties.
Step 11 –Top each patty with 1 of the remaining Swiss cheese slices, followed by 1 of the remaining bread slices bread, buttered-side up.
Step 12 –Heat the cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
Step 13 –Place the patty melts in the pan, gently pressing down, and toast until golden-brown, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 14 –Carefully flip the sandwich, toasting the other side.
Step 15 –Cover the pan with a lid until the cheese melts.
Step 16 –Transfer the sandwich to a plate and cut it in half.
Step 17 –Add your desired condiments and serve.
