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- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend) - 4 slices of rye bread - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced - 4 slices of Swiss cheese - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for toasting bread) - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking onions) - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder When I think of a classic patty melt, I picture warmth and comfort in every bite. The main ingredients are simple, yet they create a rich flavor. The 80/20 blend of ground beef works best, giving the patty a nice juiciness. Rye bread adds a unique taste, blending perfectly with the Swiss cheese. The onions are key. I love to slice them thin and let them caramelize slowly. This brings out their sweetness. A touch of olive oil helps them cook evenly. The optional Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder can elevate the flavor even more. For a great patty melt, use fresh ingredients. They make a big difference in taste. The Full Recipe shows how to combine these ingredients into a delicious meal. - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. - Cook until golden and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Caramelized onions add a sweet and rich flavor. Stir them often to avoid burning. You can add Worcestershire sauce for extra taste. It enhances the umami flavor. - Shape ground beef into two equally sized patties. - Season both sides with salt and pepper. - Cook the patties in the same skillet used for onions. Increase the heat to medium-high. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on one side until browned. Flip them and add Swiss cheese on top. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the cheese melts and patties are cooked through. - Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. - Toast rye bread until golden on both sides. Use a separate skillet for toasting. Place two slices of rye in the skillet. Toast until golden brown on one side, then flip to toast the other. Repeat this with the remaining bread. This step is key for a crispy, hearty sandwich. The toasted bread holds everything together and adds a nice crunch. For the full recipe, be sure to check the instructions above. Enjoy making your classic patty melt! To get sweet, caramelized onions, cook them low and slow. I suggest about 15 to 20 minutes on medium heat. The right heat allows the sugars to break down. Stir them every few minutes. This way, they brown evenly. Avoid burning by watching closely. Add a pinch of salt to help them cook. For juicy beef patties, check the internal temperature. Aim for 160°F for medium. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. When cooking, don’t press down on patties. This keeps the juices inside. Season with salt and pepper right before cooking. This adds flavor without drawing out moisture. Rye bread is classic for patty melts. Its flavor pairs well with beef and cheese. You can also use sourdough or whole wheat. Look for bread with a good texture. It should be sturdy enough to hold the filling. A crunchy crust makes each bite more satisfying. This enhances your overall meal experience. {{image_2}} You can turn a classic patty melt into a vegetarian delight. Start by replacing the beef with plant-based alternatives. Options like lentil patties, black bean burgers, or store-bought veggie patties work great. These choices keep the meal tasty while being meat-free. For cheese, you can use plant-based cheese. Many brands offer tasty options that melt well. Look for almond-based or coconut-based cheeses. Both add creaminess and flavor to your sandwich. Want to boost the flavor? Try different cheeses! Gouda adds a rich, nutty taste, while cheddar offers a sharp kick. Mixing cheeses can create a fun flavor profile. You could also add a slice of pepper jack for a spicy touch. Incorporating spices can elevate your patty melt. Consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of chili powder for warmth. A drizzle of your favorite sauce, like chipotle mayo or barbecue sauce, can also add an exciting twist. The bread you choose can change the whole experience. Sourdough gives a tangy crunch, while whole wheat provides a nutty flavor. Gluten-free bread is also a great option for those with dietary needs. Each type of bread impacts the taste and texture. A crusty bread adds crunch, while a soft one makes the sandwich easy to bite into. Experimenting with different breads can lead to new discoveries in your patty melt journey. For the full recipe, check out the Ultimate Patty Melt section. To keep your leftover patty melts fresh, wrap them well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in an airtight container. This method helps keep the bread from getting soggy. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the taste might change, and the texture may suffer. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you want to keep them crispy. For the best results, use a skillet. Heat it over medium heat. Place the patty melts in the skillet and cover it with a lid. This helps the cheese melt nicely while keeping the bread crispy. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. However, this method may make the bread soft. If you choose this route, place a paper towel under the sandwich. It will help absorb excess moisture. For the best taste, I recommend reheating in a skillet. It brings back the crunchy goodness of the patty melt. Enjoy your meal the way it was meant to be! A classic patty melt is a delicious sandwich. It combines a beef patty, cheese, and onions. You use rye bread to hold it all together. The key components are: - Ground beef - Swiss cheese - Caramelized onions - Rye bread The beef patty is juicy and full of flavor. The Swiss cheese melts beautifully over the patty. Caramelized onions add a sweet and rich taste. The rye bread gives a nice crunch. Together, they make a warm, comforting meal. Yes, you can make patty melts in advance. Here are some best practices: - Cook the patties and onions ahead of time. - Store them in airtight containers. - Keep the cooked patties in the fridge for up to three days. You can also assemble the sandwiches without toasting the bread. Then, store them in the fridge. When ready, just toast and grill the sandwiches. This way, you save time and enjoy a fresh meal later. Many sides go great with patty melts. Here are some tasty options to consider: - French fries - Sweet potato fries - Coleslaw - Pickles - Potato chips These sides add crunch and flavor. They complement the rich taste of the patty melt well. You can even serve a simple salad for a fresh touch. To adjust the recipe for more servings, simply scale the ingredients. Here’s how: - For each extra sandwich, add ½ pound of ground beef. - Include one slice of cheese and one slice of rye bread per sandwich. - Increase your onion and oil proportionally for caramelization. This way, you can easily make enough for a crowd. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as larger batches may need a bit longer. For the full recipe, check the Ultimate Patty Melt section above. In this post, we explored how to make a delicious classic patty melt. We covered the main ingredients, like ground beef, rye bread, and Swiss cheese. I gave you step-by-step instructions for caramelizing onions and cooking perfect patties. You learned tips for achieving great flavor and texture, as well as how to store leftovers. Remember, you can customize your patty melt with different cheeses or breads. Have fun experimenting with flavors. Enjoy every bite of your next patty melt creation!

- Classic Patty Melt Recipe

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Ultimate Patty Melt recipe! Featuring juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese between perfectly toasted rye bread, this meal is a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it's easy to make at home. Click through to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to a hearty, mouthwatering experience you won't forget!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)

4 slices of rye bread

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for toasting bread)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking onions)

4 slices of Swiss cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions
 

Prepare Caramelized Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden and caramelized. Add Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder for added flavor, if desired. Set aside.

    Form the Patties: While the onions are cooking, shape the ground beef into two equally sized patties (about ½ inch thick). Season both sides with salt and pepper.

      Cook the Patties: In the same skillet used for the onions, increase the heat to medium-high. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on one side, until browned. Flip and place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked to your desired doneness.

        Toast the Bread: In a separate skillet or griddle, melt the butter over medium heat. Place two slices of rye bread in the skillet. Once golden on the bottom, flip the slices and toast the other side until golden. Repeat with the remaining slices of bread.

          Assemble the Patty Melts: On each piece of toast, layer the cheese-topped patty, followed by a generous scoop of the caramelized onions. Top with another slice of toasted rye bread.

            Toast the Finished Sandwich: Return the assembled sandwiches to the skillet and grill each side for about 2-3 minutes, pressing down slightly, until the bread is crispy and golden brown.

              Serve: Remove from heat, slice each patty melt in half, and enjoy immediately.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 40 mins | 2 servings