These patty melts are a delicious mix of juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, all sandwiched between crispy, buttery bread. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Trust me, the caramelized onions make everything extra special! 🍔 These melts are easy to whip up for a cozy dinner or a fun lunch, and they’re sure to make everyone smile.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for its perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 ground beef works too, but the patties might be less flavorful. For a meat-free alternative, you can try veggie patties or even black bean burger mixes.
Onions: Large onions are great for caramelizing. Yellow onions are the classic choice due to their sweetness. If you’re out of yellow onions, red onions can also work but will give a slightly different flavor. Saute them slowly for the best results!
Bread: Rye or sourdough adds a great flavor to the patties. However, if you prefer a milder taste, whole wheat or white bread will also suffice. Gluten-free bread is another option if you need it.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully, but feel free to swap it with cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change based on your cheese choice.
Butter: Softened butter helps create a crispy texture on the bread. If you prefer a healthier choice, you can use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
How Do You Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is a step that can really elevate your patty melts. It’s about patience here! Start by heating olive oil in your skillet at medium heat, then add onions with a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally, and let them cook slowly. Here’s how:
- Cook for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Turn the heat down if they begin to cook too fast!
- Optional: Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce during cooking gives them an extra layer of flavor.
- Don’t rush this step; the sweetness develops uniquely with time.
Best Patty Melts With Caramelized Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Patty Melts:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices of bread (rye or sourdough recommended)
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 2 tbsp butter, softened (for spreading on bread)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for caramelizing onions)
- Optional: Worcestershire sauce for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 25-30 minutes for cooking, including caramelizing the onions. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to enjoy these mouthwatering Patty Melts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions become lovely golden brown and caramelized, which should take about 15-20 minutes. If you’d like some extra flavor, feel free to add a splash of Worcestershire sauce before you finish cooking. Once they’re done, remove the onions from heat and set them aside.
2. Form the Patties:
In a mixing bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. If you’re using Worcestershire sauce, a little splash won’t hurt! Divide the beef into 2 equal parts and form them into burger patties that are slightly bigger than your bread slices because they will shrink during cooking.
3. Cook the Patties:
Using the same skillet where you cooked the onions (this will add flavor!), turn up the heat to medium-high. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they reach your preferred doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty to let it melt beautifully. Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and let them rest.
4. Assemble the Patty Melts:
Take your softened butter and spread it on one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side, place one slice of bread with a cheesy patty, then add a generous amount of the caramelized onions, and finally, top it with another slice of bread, with the buttered side facing up.
5. Grill the Sandwiches:
Wipe the skillet clean to get rid of any residue, then return it to medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and grill it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes so it gets golden brown too and the cheese fully melts.
6. Serve:
Once they’re perfectly grilled, remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half, and enjoy them hot! You can also serve additional toppings like pickles or mustard on the side if you like.
Enjoy your delicious Patty Melts with Caramelized Onions!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional for patty melts, you can use any cheese you prefer. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack can bring a wonderful flavor twist. Just keep in mind that some cheeses melt better than others, so choose one that suits your taste!
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for a healthier option or a change of pace, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Just be aware that these leaner meats can be drier, so consider adding a bit of olive oil or an egg to keep the patties moist.
How Do I Store Leftover Patty Melts?
Leftover patty melts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid to get the cheese all melty again while avoiding further browning of the bread.
Can I Make Caramelized Onions Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can caramelize the onions a day in advance! Just store them in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to assemble your patty melts, simply reheat them in the skillet or microwave before adding them to the sandwiches.
