Classic Patty Melt Sandwich (Printer Version)

Juicy beef patties with sweet caramelized onions and Swiss cheese, grilled between buttery rye bread slices for the ultimate diner experience.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef Patties

01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
02 - 1/2 tsp salt
03 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Caramelized Onions

04 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
05 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 1 tsp sugar

→ Sandwich Assembly

07 - 8 slices rye bread or sourdough
08 - 8 slices Swiss cheese (or American cheese)
09 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Optional Condiments

10 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
11 - 1 tbsp mayonnaise

# How to Make It:

01 - Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
02 - While onions caramelize, season ground beef with salt and pepper. Shape into 4 thin oval patties, matching the size and shape of your bread slices.
03 - Heat a separate skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
04 - Lay out 8 bread slices. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice. Optionally, spread Dijon mustard or mayonnaise on the unbuttered side. On 4 slices (unbuttered side up), layer 1 slice cheese, beef patty, caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Top with remaining bread, buttered side facing out.
05 - Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
06 - Remove sandwiches from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It hits all the satisfying notes of a burger but with that incredible toasted bread crunch that makes it somehow better
  • The caramelized onions are the real hero here, turning a simple sandwich into something you'll crave on repeat
02 -
  • Low and slow with those onions is non negotiable, rushed onions will make this taste like just another burger
  • Let the sandwiches rest for a couple of minutes before slicing, otherwise all that beautiful cheese will escape
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it creates the most beautiful even crust on your bread
  • Grate some extra cheese directly onto the patty while it cooks for an extra layer of melty goodness
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