Grilled Cheese Patty Melts are a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, combining the gooey goodness of melted cheese with the savory satisfaction of a juicy burger. This dish has its roots in American diner culture, where comfort food reigns supreme. I remember the first time I tried a patty melt; the crispy, buttery bread paired with the rich flavors of the beef and cheese was an unforgettable experience.
People love Grilled Cheese Patty Melts not just for their incredible taste, but also for their satisfying texture. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the melty interior creates a mouthwatering sensation that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to make, making them a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of rye bread
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Optional: pickles or mustard for serving
Preparing the Beef Patties
First things first, let’s get our beef patties ready. This is a crucial step because the flavor of the patty will really shine through in our grilled cheese patty melts.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. I usually start with about a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper, but feel free to adjust according to your taste.
- Using your hands, gently mix the ingredients together. Be careful not to overwork the meat; we want to keep it tender.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties. I like to make them slightly larger than the bread since they will shrink a bit while cooking.
Cooking the Onions
Next, we’ll caramelize the onions. This step adds a wonderful sweetness and depth of flavor to our patty melts.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions.
- Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until they are soft and golden brown. If they start to stick, you can add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.
- Once the onions are caramelized, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. You can keep them warm by covering them with a lid.
Cooking the Beef Patties
Now it’s time to cook our beef patties. This is where the magic happens!
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and increase the heat to medium-high.
- Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. You should hear a nice sizzle!
- Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on one side without moving them. This will help create a nice crust.
- Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each one. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked to your desired doneness. I usually aim for medium, which is about 160°F (71°C).
- Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. This helps keep them juicy.
Assembling the Patty Melts
Now comes the fun part—putting everything together!
- Take two slices of rye bread and spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice. This will give us that golden, crispy exterior.
- On the unbuttered side of one slice, place a cooked beef patty with melted cheese. Top it with a generous amount of caramelized onions.
- If you like, you can add pickles or a smear of mustard at this point for an extra kick of flavor.
- Top with the second slice of rye bread, buttered side facing out.
- Repeat the process for the second patty melt.
Grilling the Patty Melts
We’re almost there! Now we just need to grill our assembled patty melts to perfection.
- In the same skillet (or a clean one if you prefer), heat it over medium heat. You want it hot enough to toast the bread without burning it.
- Carefully place the assembled patty melts in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
- Using a spatula, carefully flip
Conclusion:
In summary, this Grilled Cheese Patty Melt recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a deliciously satisfying meal that combines the best of both worlds: a juicy burger and the classic comfort of grilled cheese. The crispy, buttery bread enveloping the savory patty and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. Plus, the addition of caramelized onions and your favorite condiments elevates this dish to a whole new level of flavor. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Grilled Cheese Patty Melts with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad to balance out the richness. You can also experiment with variations by adding different cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or blue cheese for a bold flavor. Feel free to customize the toppings with sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or even a fried egg for an extra indulgent twist. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own! Once you’ve whipped up your Grilled Cheese Patty Melts, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together! Happy grilling! PrintGrilled Cheese Patty Melts: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 patty melts 1x
Description
Indulge in these mouthwatering patty melts featuring juicy beef patties, melted Swiss cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, all nestled between crispy rye bread. Perfect for a satisfying meal any time of the day!
Ingredients
Scale- 4 slices of rye bread
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Optional: pickles or mustard for serving
Instructions
- In einer großen Schüssel das Rinderhackfleisch mit Worcestershire-Sauce, Salz und Pfeffer vermengen. Sanft mischen, um das Fleisch nicht zu überarbeiten.
- Die Mischung in vier gleich große Portionen teilen und zu Patties formen.
- In einer Pfanne das Olivenöl bei mittlerer Hitze erhitzen. Die geschnittenen Zwiebeln hinzufügen und 10-15 Minuten kochen, bis sie weich und goldbraun sind. Herausnehmen und beiseite stellen.
- In derselben Pfanne bei Bedarf mehr Olivenöl hinzufügen und die Hitze auf mittelhoch erhöhen. Die Patties 3-4 Minuten auf einer Seite braten, dann umdrehen und die Scheiben Schweizer Käse darauflegen. Kochen, bis der Käse schmilzt und die Patties den gewünschten Gargrad erreichen.
- Eine Seite jeder Scheibe Roggenbrot mit Butter bestreichen. Auf die ungebutterte Seite einer Scheibe ein Rinderpatty mit geschmolzenem Käse und karamellisierten Zwiebeln legen. Nach Belieben Gurken oder Senf hinzufügen, dann mit einer anderen Scheibe Brot (butterseitig nach außen) abdecken.
- Die Pfanne bei mittlerer Hitze erhitzen. Die zusammengebauten Patty Melts 3-4 Minuten auf jeder Seite grillen, bis sie goldbraun und knusprig sind.
- Die Patty Melts in der Mitte durchschneiden und warm servieren.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking. Sautéed mushrooms or jalapeños can add a nice twist!
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with a plant-based burger patty.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
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