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Classic Patty Melt Recipe
5 from 15 votes

Classic Patty Melt Recipe

The Classic Patty Melt features seasoned ground chuck patties topped with melted Swiss cheese and slow-cooked caramelized onions on thick rye bread slices, all pan-fried in butter and oil. This sandwich offers a savory combination of juicy meat, sweet, deeply browned onions, and toasted rye bread for a balanced texture and flavor.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Servings: 3
Calories: 849 kcal
Course: Main Course, Lunch
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons butter unsalted
  • 2 onion yellow, large, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 teaspoons avocado oil
  • 1 pound ground chuck 80/20
  • 6 ounces swiss cheese shredded
  • 6 rye bread thick slices
  • salt coarse and freshly cracked, to taste
  • black pepper coarse and freshly cracked, to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add the butter to a rondeau or a large cast iron skillet and heat over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add in the onions, gently season with salt, and mix to combine.
  2. Cover and let the onions stand untouched for 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the lid, and stir the onions for 1 to 2 minutes. They should start to turn light brown.
  3. Turn the heat to low-to-low medium and stir every 6 to 8 minutes for the next 30 to 35 minutes or until very dark brown. Deglaze with the vinegar, season with salt, and stir to combine. Cover and set them aside.
  4. Form the ground beef into 3 large patties and place them on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper.
  5. Slice the bread and shred the cheese.
  6. Heat a griddle or a large cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat, about 375° to 400°.
  7. Generously season the burgers on the top side with coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  8. Drizzle 2 to 3 teaspoons of oil or unsalted butter onto the griddle or pan.
  9. Place the patties seasoning side down onto the oil and then generously season the top side with coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  10. Cook the burger for 3 minutes untouched and then flip them over.
  11. Once the burger is flipped, spread 2 teaspoons of softened unsalted butter on each side of the rye bread slices.
  12. Place the bread onto the griddle or in the pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until toasted and flip it over.
  13. Once flipped sprinkle on 1/3 of the shredded Swiss cheese on each bread slice and then top off with 1/3 of the caramelized onions.
  14. Place on the burger patty and, add the other toasted sliced rye on top.
  15. Slice and serve. Try using different cheeses or sauces like I did in my video below.

Notes

  • Prepare caramelized onions slowly until very dark and stir in apple cider vinegar for brightness.
  • Season burger patties just before cooking to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Gently form patties and press centers slightly to prevent bulging during cooking.
  • Chill ground beef briefly before forming to help manage texture.
  • Toast rye bread in butter and avocado oil until crisp and golden.
  • Components can be made ahead and stored separately up to two days.
  • Reheat assembled sandwiches in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to warm through and melt cheese.
  • Non-stick skillet can be used as an alternative to cast iron for cooking.
  • Flip bread during toasting for even browning if needed; cook in batches depending on pan size.

Nutrition Information

Calories 849kcal (42%) Carbohydrates 9g (3%) Protein 42g (84%) Fat 71g (109%) Saturated Fat 34g (170%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g (18%) Monounsaturated Fat 25g (125%) Trans Fat 3g (150%) Cholesterol 210mg (70%) Sodium 224mg (9%) Potassium 567mg (12%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 1.055IU (0%) Vitamin C 5mg (6%) Calcium 556mg (56%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 849

% Daily Value*

Calories 849kcal 42%
Carbohydrates 9g 3%
Protein 42g 84%
Fat 71g 109%
Saturated Fat 34g 170%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 25g 125%
Trans Fat 3g 150%
Cholesterol 210mg 70%
Sodium 224mg 9%
Potassium 567mg 12%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 1.055IU 0%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 556mg 56%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.