Patty Melt Recipe

Ground beef: The main protein component, forming the base of the patty melt.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when caramelized.

Rye bread: Provides a hearty, flavorful base for the sandwich.

Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, nutty flavor.

Butter: Used to toast the rye bread to a golden brown.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the beef patties.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the beef patties.

When caramelizing onions, make sure to cook them slowly over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. This process can take up to 20 minutes, but the result is a deep, sweet flavor that enhances the patty melt.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can provide a similar texture and flavor when seasoned well.

• ground beef - Substitute with black bean patty: For a vegetarian option, a black bean patty offers a hearty texture and can be seasoned to mimic the savory taste of beef.

• sliced onion - Substitute with caramelized shallots: Caramelized shallots provide a sweeter and more delicate flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the patty melt.

• sliced onion - Substitute with bell peppers: Sautéed bell peppers add a different but complementary flavor and a bit of crunch to the patty melt.

• rye bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough bread offers a tangy flavor and a chewy texture that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• rye bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread provides a nutty flavor and additional fiber, making the patty melt a bit healthier.

• swiss cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and has a mild, slightly tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• swiss cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese offers a sharper flavor and melts beautifully, adding a different but delicious twist to the patty melt.

• softened butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used to toast the bread, providing a healthier fat option and a slightly different flavor profile.

• softened butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor that can enhance the taste of the patty melt.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can reduce the need for additional salt.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and a different flavor profile, making the patty melt spicier.

• Allow the patty melts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap each patty melt individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
• Place the wrapped patty melts in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This will help keep them fresh and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the patty melts within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.
• When freezing, label the container or bag with the date to keep track of how long they have been stored. Patty melts can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• To reheat from the refrigerator, unwrap the patty melt and place it in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
• For reheating from the freezer, allow the patty melt to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, follow the same reheating instructions as above.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the patty melts in an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the patty melts on a baking sheet, and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Avoid using a microwave to reheat the patty melts, as it can make the bread soggy and the meat tough.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each patty melt in aluminum foil to keep it moist. Place the wrapped sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

• Skillet Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the patty melt in the skillet and cover with a lid to trap the heat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted to your liking.

• Microwave Method: This method is quick but may result in a less crispy bread. Place the patty melt on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the patty melt directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the patty melt in the air fryer basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method will give you a crispy bread and perfectly melted cheese.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the onions and beef patties.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the beef patties and sandwiches.

• Knife: Used for slicing the onion.

• Cutting board: A surface for slicing the onion.

• Measuring spoons: Used for measuring the butter.

• Plate: Used for setting aside the caramelized onions and cooked beef patties.

• Butter knife: Used for spreading butter on the rye bread.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the hot sandwiches in the skillet.

• Serving platter: A dish to serve the finished patty melts.

Caramelize onions in advance: Cook and store caramelized onions in the fridge. This saves time when assembling the patty melts.

Pre-form patties: Shape the ground beef patties ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. This makes cooking quicker.

Use a griddle: Cook multiple sandwiches at once on a large griddle instead of a skillet to save time.

Pre-butter bread: Butter the rye bread slices in advance and store them in an airtight container. This speeds up the assembly process.

Melt cheese faster: Cover the skillet with a lid briefly to help the Swiss cheese melt more quickly.