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patty melt recipe

Patty Melt Recipe

Pinklady
The patty melt originated in the mid-20th century in American diners. It’s believed that the recipe was created by Tiny Naylor, a Los Angeles restaurateur, who wanted to serve a burger-like sandwich that could be easily prepared on a flat-top griddle. Over time, the patty melt became a staple of diner menus and gained popularity for its unique blend of flavors and textures.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast iron pan
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowl
  • Butter knife
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Ingredients
  

For the Patty:

  • 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sandwich:

  • 8 slices of rye bread (or sourdough if preferred)
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 8 slices of Swiss cheese (or a mix of Swiss and cheddar)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)

Optional Add-ons:

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for the patty)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (for spreading)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Beef Patties
    In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if using).
  • Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into thin patties slightly larger than your bread slices (they’ll shrink as they cook).
  • Caramelize the Onions
    Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced onions and stir occasionally for about 10–15 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • Cook the Patties
    In the same skillet, cook the beef patties over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
  • Remove from the skillet and place them on a plate to rest.
  • Assemble the Patty Melt
    Butter one side of each bread slice.
  • Place a slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of half the bread slices.
  • Add a cooked patty, a generous portion of caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese.
  • Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
  • Grill the Sandwiches
    Heat a clean skillet over medium heat.
  • Grill each sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
  • Serve and Enjoy!
    Slice the sandwiches diagonally, serve warm, and savor the perfect patty melt.

Video

Keyword Patty Melt Recipe