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A classic patty melt with caramelized onions sitting on a plate next to a side of pickles. The bread is golden brown and perfectly toasted.

Patty Melt Recipe (The Ultimate Diner-Style Guide)

This classic Patty Melt Recipe delivers a diner-style experience at home with a juicy beef patty, sweet caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese grilled on rustic rye bread.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 850

Ingredients
  

Patty Melt Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
  • 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet (Cast Iron Recommended)
  • 1 Spatula

Instructions
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden brown and sweet. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Do not overmix. Form the mixture into four thin, oval-shaped patties slightly larger than your bread slices.
  3. Wipe out the skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Wipe the skillet clean. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. For each sandwich, place one slice butter-side down in the skillet over medium heat. Top with one slice of cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
  5. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is fully melted. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don't rush caramelizing the onions; their deep, sweet flavor is essential to a great patty melt.
Use a heavy-bottomed pan like cast iron for the best even heating and a crispy crust on the bread.
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