These patty melts are the ultimate comfort food! Think juicy burgers, melted cheese, and sweet caramelized onions all tucked between two slices of crispy bread. Yum!
I love how the onions add a nice touch of sweetness to the savory burgers. Perfect for a cozy dinner or when you want something fun to eat while watching a movie! 🍔
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for juicy burgers. You can use leaner cuts, but they’ll be drier. For a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can work well too!
Onions: Large yellow onions are best for caramelizing due to their natural sweetness. If you don’t have them, sweet onions or even red onions can make a nice substitute.
Bread: Rye or pumpernickel are traditional choices, giving the patty melts extra flavor. If you’re not a fan, white or whole wheat bread can be used. Gluten-free bread is also an option for those with dietary restrictions.
Cheese: American cheese melts beautifully, but Swiss cheese offers a great nutty flavor. Try cheddar or pepper jack for a lively twist, depending on your taste!
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a nice umami kick. If you don’t have it, soy sauce or barbecue sauce can serve as good alternatives.
What’s the Best Way to Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is key for great flavor in this recipe. Take your time with this step! Begin by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt to draw out moisture.
- Stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown. Lowering the heat can help if they start to burn.
- Patience is crucial; the longer you cook, the sweeter and deeper the flavor!
Best Patty Melts With Caramelized Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Patty Melts:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 slices of rye or pumpernickel bread
- 4 slices of American cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need around 35-40 minutes to make these delicious patty melts. About 15-20 minutes will be spent caramelizing the onions, and then around 20 minutes to cook the patties and assemble the sandwiches. It’s worth every minute for that tasty, melty goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the thinly sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Cook the onions for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to become a deep golden brown and nicely caramelized. When they’re ready, take them out of the skillet and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Patties:
While the onions are cooking, grab a bowl and mix together the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, and some salt and pepper. Once everything is combined, shape the mixture into 2 large patties. They can be as thick or thin as you like, but thicker patties will take a bit longer to cook.
3. Cook the Patties:
In the same skillet where you cooked the onions, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, gently place the patties in the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your ideal doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty so it gets all melty. Once done, take the patties out and set them aside.
4. Assemble the Patty Melts:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take a slice of bread and butter one side. Place that butter-side down in the skillet. On top, layer one cooked beef patty, some caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Then, add a second slice of bread on top, making sure the butter-side is facing up.
5. Cook the Sandwiches:
Cook the assembled sandwiches over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Press down slightly with a spatula to help them brown nicely. You want the bread to be golden brown and crispy with the cheese melted inside. Flip carefully to avoid any spills!
6. Serve:
Once cooked, take the sandwiches out of the skillet and slice them in half. Serve them hot with your choice of pickles or a favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your delicious homemade patty melts!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef in this recipe! Just be aware that these proteins can be leaner, so consider adding a bit of olive oil or an extra tablespoon of butter to maintain moisture and flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Rye or Pumpernickel Bread?
No worries! You can easily use any bread you have on hand. Sourdough, whole wheat, or even white bread will work beautifully. Just make sure to butter the bread to get that lovely golden crust while cooking!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the sandwiches back on a skillet over low heat until warmed through, which will help keep the bread crispy!
Can I Make the Onions Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just warm them up a bit before adding them to your patty melts for the best flavor and texture.
