Patty Melt Recipe | Classic Patty Melt

PUBLISHED October 9, 2025· MODIFIED October 9, 2025 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1384 words. · About 7 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

If you’re a fan of hearty sandwiches with savory flavors, get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food: the Patty Melt. This iconic dish combines juicy beef patties, melted cheese, caramelized onions, and grilled rye bread for a mouthwatering experience that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Sandwich

Quick and Easy. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Classic Flavors. The combination of seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and caramelized onions creates a timeless taste that never disappoints.
Versatile. Customize your Patty Melt with different cheese varieties, add-ons, and condiments to suit your taste preferences.

With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality Patty Melts in the comfort of your own home in no time.

What Does A Patty Melt Taste Like?

A Patty Melt is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that tantalize the taste buds with every bite.

The juicy beef patty, seasoned to perfection, provides a savory and meaty base, while the melted Swiss cheese adds a creamy and slightly nutty richness. Caramelized onions contribute a sweet and caramel-like flavor with a hint of umami, elevating the overall taste profile of the sandwich.

The grilled rye bread provides a crispy and slightly chewy exterior that encases the delicious fillings, completing the experience with a satisfying crunch.

What Makes A Patty Melt Different Than A Burger?

While a Patty Melt and a burger share some similarities, there are distinctive differences that set them apart:

Bread– A Patty Melt typically uses rye bread, whereas a burger typically uses hamburger buns. Rye bread adds a distinct flavor and texture to the Patty Melt, often toasted to achieve a crispy exterior.
Cheese– Patty Melts commonly feature Swiss cheese, whereas burgers may have various types of cheese such as cheddar, American, or blue cheese. Swiss cheese adds a creamy and slightly nutty flavor to the Patty Melt.
Onions– Caramelized onions are a signature component of a Patty Melt, contributing a sweet and savory flavor profile. While onions can be a topping option for burgers, they are not as commonly caramelized and featured as prominently as in a Patty Melt.

Overall, while both are delicious options featuring a beef patty, the combination of ingredients, cooking method and presentation distinguish the Patty Melt from a traditional burger.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef– Opt for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy and flavorful patties.
Rye Bread– Traditional for Patty Melts, but you can also use sourdough or any sturdy bread of your choice.
Swiss Cheese– Known for its melting quality and mild flavor, Swiss cheese pairs perfectly with beef.
Yellow Onion– Caramelized onions add sweetness and depth of flavor to the sandwich.
Butter– For grilling the bread and onions to golden perfection.
Salt and Pepper– Seasoning the beef patties for optimal taste.

How To Make A Patty Melt

Prepare the Beef Patties. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then form into patties slightly larger than the bread slices. Cook the patties in a skillet over medium-high heat until they reach your desired level of doneness, typically 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Caramelize the Onions. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add thinly sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
Assemble the Patty Melts. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on the unbuttered side of half the bread slices, followed by a cooked beef patty and a spoonful of caramelized onions. Top with another slice of Swiss cheese and the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
Grill the Sandwiches. Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Serve and Enjoy. Once the sandwiches are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet and let them cool for a minute or two. Slice diagonally and serve hot with your favorite sides or condiments.

Tips And Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks for making a delicious Patty Melt:

Choose the Right Bread. Use sturdy bread like rye or sourdough that can hold up to the juiciness of the burger patty and the melting cheese without becoming soggy.
Caramelize the Onions. Take the time to properly caramelize the onions to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance the flavor of the Patty Melt.
Season the Patty. Season the burger patties generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings to ensure they are flavorful throughout.

Variations

Here are some tasty variations for your Patty Melt:

Southwest- Spice things up by adding sliced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a dollop of guacamole or salsa.
Mushroom Swiss- Top your burger patty with sautéed mushrooms and onions, then melt Swiss cheese over the top for a savory and earthy twist.
BBQ Bacon- Layer crispy bacon strips and tangy BBQ sauce on top of your burger patty, then add cheddar cheese for a sweet and savory flavor combination.

What To Eat With A Patty Melt

A Patty Melt is a hearty and flavorful dish on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the meal experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

French Fries– Crispy and golden fries are a classic accompaniment to a Patty Melt, offering a satisfying crunch and texture contrast.
Onion Rings– Similar to fries, onion rings provide a crispy exterior and a sweet, tender onion interior, complementing the flavors of the Patty Melt.
Coleslaw– Creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing and tangy element to the meal, balancing the richness of the Patty Melt.
Potato Salad– A creamy potato salad with herbs and tangy dressing offers a comforting and flavorful side dish that pairs well with the Patty Melt.

How Long Does It Last?

Patty Melts are best enjoyed fresh and hot off the grill. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Can You Freeze It?

While Patty Melts can technically be frozen, the quality may suffer upon thawing and reheating due to the bread becoming soggy and the cheese losing its meltiness. It’s best to enjoy them fresh whenever possible.

More Spectacular Sandwiches

Pin It!

If you love this Patty Melt recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don’t forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.