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Savory Diner-Style Patty Melt Recipe with Perfect Caramelized Onions

diner-style patty melt - featured image
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A comforting diner-style patty melt featuring juicy beef patties, sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese, and sweet caramelized onions on toasted rye bread. Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 4 slices (about 4 ounces/115g) cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices (about 4 ounces/115g) Swiss cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat 1½ tablespoons (22g) butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring every few minutes until onions are soft, golden, and sweetly browned (20-25 minutes). Add a splash of water or lower heat if onions start sticking or drying out.
  2. Prepare the beef patties: In a bowl, season ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide into 4 equal portions and gently shape into oval patties slightly larger than bread slices. Avoid packing too tight to keep them juicy (10 minutes).
  3. Cook the patties: Heat skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon (15g) butter. Add patties and cook about 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through but still juicy. Remove and set aside (6-8 minutes).
  4. Assemble the patty melts: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one side of each rye bread slice. Layer cheddar and Swiss cheese on 4 slices, add a cooked beef patty, a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, then top with remaining cheese slices. Finish with the other bread slice, mustard side down.
  5. Toast the sandwiches: Wipe skillet if needed and melt remaining 1½ tablespoons (22g) butter over medium heat. Add sandwiches and press slightly with spatula. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until bread is golden brown and cheese melts. Lower heat if bread browns too fast before cheese melts (5-7 minutes).
  6. Serve: Let sandwiches rest for a minute before slicing in half. Serve warm with pickles or your favorite side.

Notes

Caramelizing onions slowly over low heat is key to developing their sweet flavor. Use gentle pressing with the spatula while toasting to help cheese melt evenly without flattening the sandwich too much. Avoid overworking the beef to keep patties tender and juicy. Medium heat is best for toasting to prevent burning the bread before cheese melts.

Nutrition

Keywords: patty melt, caramelized onions, diner sandwich, ground beef sandwich, rye bread sandwich, cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, comfort food

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/savory-diner-style-patty-melt-recipe-with-perfect-caramelized-onions/