Patty melts look at the indulgent richness, juiciness, and fattiness of classic cheeseburgers and ask, "But can we make it better?" This Diner-Style Patty Melt says yes— emphatically—by piling the sandwich with sweet and savory caramelized onions and melty Swiss cheese. With a touch of sour from the toasted rye bread, this Diner-Style Patty Melt tastes even richer than a traditional cheeseburger, so every bite leaves you craving more, even as it satisfies! Why go out when you can have the perfect patty melt at home?
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons butter, plus more as needed • 2 yellow onions, sliced • kosher salt, to taste • freshly cracked black pepper, to taste • 1 pound ground beef, not lean, formed into patties • 4 slices Swiss cheese • 4 slices rye bread with caraway seed • softened butter, optional, for spreading on the bread • condiments, optional, of your choice and to tasteDirections
Melt the butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat on the stove-top.
Add the onions, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until caramelized and golden-brown, stirring frequently, about 20-25 minutes.
Transfer the onions to a plate and set them aside.
Season the beef patties with salt and pepper.
Add a pat of butter to the cast iron if needed.
Cook the patties in the butter in the cast-iron, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Transfer the patties to a plate. Wipe the skillet clean.
Butter the top of the rye bread slices.
Flip the bread slices over and top two of them with one slice of Swiss cheese each.
Then top each cheese-covered bread slice with the caramelized onions and the beef patties.
Top each patty with one of the remaining Swiss cheese slices, followed by one of the remaining bread slices bread, butter side up.
Heat the cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
Place the patty melts in the pan, gently pressing down, and toast until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
Carefully flip the patty, toasting the other side.
Cover the pan with a lid until the cheese melts.
Transfer the sandwich to a plate and cut it in half.
Add your desired condiments and serve.
