Make a delicious classic patty melt at home in minutes!
This patty melt recipe, combines the best of a grilled cheese sandwich and burger, topped with caramelized onions and Swiss cheese for a diner classic at home.
![Give your family an old-fashioned diner experience with this delicious homemade patty melt recipe. It’s part burger and part grilled cheese, loaded with ground beef, sautéed onions, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing between two slices of buttered and grilled bread. Use thick sourdough for the best crunch. This patty melt is perfect for a yummy lunch or dinner everyone will love. Switch out the burger meat for skinless chicken breasts for fewer calories. #spendwithpennies plated Patty Melt](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1200-Patty-Melt-2-SpendWithPennies.jpg)
![Give your family an old-fashioned diner experience with this delicious homemade patty melt recipe. It’s part burger and part grilled cheese, loaded with ground beef, sautéed onions, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing between two slices of buttered and grilled bread. Use thick sourdough for the best crunch. This patty melt is perfect for a yummy lunch or dinner everyone will love. Switch out the burger meat for skinless chicken breasts for fewer calories. #spendwithpennies plated Patty Melt](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1200-Patty-Melt-2-SpendWithPennies.jpg)
A patty melt is different from a good ol’ cheeseburger as the beef patty is topped with caramelized onions between two slices of bread. It’s cooked ‘grilled-cheese-style’ for a perfect bite.
- A classic patty melt is a comforting cross between a melty grilled cheese sandwich and a juicy burger with retro-style flavor.
- You can make them with simple ingredients that are likely already on hand.
- It tastes delicious with a seasoned beef patty, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese.
- They’re a perfect last-minute dinner; swap out frozen beef patties for easy prep.
What You’ll Need to Make a Patty Melt
Ground Beef: Use an 80/20 blend of ground beef; it has enough fat to make the burger patties juicy without being too fatty. You can replace it with frozen beef patties cooked according to package directions. I keep the seasonings simple in this recipe but feel free to add garlic powder or your favorite seasonings.
Onions: Use any variety of onions. Caramelizing onions is best when its done very low and slow.
Cheese: I love a slice of Swiss cheese on a patty melt, but feel free to use cheddar cheese, American cheese, or your favorite variety.
Bread: Patty melts generally replace the buns with thick slices of bread. Use a hearty bread like sourdough, marble rye, or even Texas toast. Thicker pieces of bread work best.
Sauce: Sauces are optional, but I love Thousand Island dressing or burger sauce. You can add ketchup, relish, or mustard, or just serve them on the side for dipping.
Variations: Customize patty melts with strips of cooked bacon, pickle slices, sautéed mushrooms, creamy coleslaw, or sauerkraut.
![Treat your family to this mouthwatering patty melt recipe, a retro diner classic that you can make at home. This cross between a burger and grilled cheese sandwich features layers of ground beef, sautéed onions, Swiss cheese and tangy Thousand Island dressing, sandwiched between two slices of buttered sourdough bread. For best results, use thick slices of dense bread. The sandwich is grilled until melted, crunchy and golden brown for a tasty and irresistible lunch or dinner. #spendwithpennies Homemade patty melts in a pan](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Patty-Melt-SpendWithPennies.jpg)
![Treat your family to this mouthwatering patty melt recipe, a retro diner classic that you can make at home. This cross between a burger and grilled cheese sandwich features layers of ground beef, sautéed onions, Swiss cheese and tangy Thousand Island dressing, sandwiched between two slices of buttered sourdough bread. For best results, use thick slices of dense bread. The sandwich is grilled until melted, crunchy and golden brown for a tasty and irresistible lunch or dinner. #spendwithpennies Homemade patty melts in a pan](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Patty-Melt-SpendWithPennies.jpg)
How to Make a Patty Melt
Make this delicious diner classic at home in minutes!
- Caramelize the onions and set aside. (See recipe below.)
- Cook patties to the desired doneness.
- Layer beef patty, cheese, onions, and sauce between buttered bread slices.
- Grill until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is heated through.
![Give your family an old-fashioned diner experience with this delicious homemade patty melt recipe. It’s part burger and part grilled cheese, loaded with ground beef, sautéed onions, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing between two slices of buttered and grilled bread. Use thick sourdough for the best crunch. This patty melt is perfect for a yummy lunch or dinner everyone will love. Switch out the burger meat for skinless chicken breasts for fewer calories. #spendwithpennies Homemade patty melts with onions and cheese](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Patty-Melt-SpendWithPennies-4.jpg)
![Give your family an old-fashioned diner experience with this delicious homemade patty melt recipe. It’s part burger and part grilled cheese, loaded with ground beef, sautéed onions, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing between two slices of buttered and grilled bread. Use thick sourdough for the best crunch. This patty melt is perfect for a yummy lunch or dinner everyone will love. Switch out the burger meat for skinless chicken breasts for fewer calories. #spendwithpennies Homemade patty melts with onions and cheese](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Patty-Melt-SpendWithPennies-4.jpg)
Patty Melt Tips & Tricks
- Shape the patty to the size of the bread so a little bit of everything gets into every bite!
- For the best, less soggy patty melts, let the beef patties drain on clean paper towels before assembling.
- Make patty melts in advance and wrap them in aluminum foil before refrigerating for 3-4 days. Pop them in the toaster to warm them up again or reheat in the air fryer.
What to Serve with Patty Melt
Did your family love this Patty Melt Recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and rating below!
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![Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies is available. Get your Copy! image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SWPCB-Recipe-Card-Banner-202409.png)
![Homemade patty melts with onions and cheese](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Patty-Melt-SpendWithPennies-4-168x168.jpg)
![Homemade patty melts with onions and cheese](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Patty-Melt-SpendWithPennies-4-168x168.jpg)
Patty Melt
A juicy beef patty is layered with sautéed onions, Swiss cheese and tangy dressing between slices of crunchy pan-grilled bread.
Prevent your screen from going dark
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In a medium skillet, combine sliced onions and 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook over low heat until onions are golden, about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Meanwhile, combine beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt & pepper. Form the beef mixture into four thin patties shaped similar to the bread.
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In a cast iron skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or to desired doneness. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
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Top each slice of bread with the dressing and mustard if using. Add a slice of cheese, onions, and beef patty. Top with the remaining slice of bread.
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In a clean skillet or on an electric griddle, melt 2 tableespoons of butter. Add the patty melts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown.
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With a spatula, flip each sandwich over and grill on the other side, adding more butter as needed, until the cheese ismelted and the bread is lightly toasted.
- Beef patties may be made ahead and refrigerated in an air-tight container for 3 days.
- Frozen beef patties can be used in place of fresh beef. Season to taste and prepare according to package directions.
- Store leftover beef patties for up to 4 months by foil wrapping, followed by plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag.
Calories: 896 | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 63g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 178mg | Sodium: 849mg | Potassium: 544mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 954IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 688mg | Iron: 4mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
![Give your family an old-fashioned diner experience with this delicious homemade patty melt recipe. It’s part burger and part grilled cheese, loaded with ground beef, sautéed onions, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing between two slices of buttered and grilled bread. Use thick sourdough for the best crunch. This patty melt is perfect for a yummy lunch or dinner everyone will love. Switch out the burger meat for skinless chicken breasts for fewer calories. #spendwithpennies tangy and cheesy Patty Melt with writing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SP-Patty-Melt-2-SpendWithPennies-2.jpg)
![Give your family an old-fashioned diner experience with this delicious homemade patty melt recipe. It’s part burger and part grilled cheese, loaded with ground beef, sautéed onions, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing between two slices of buttered and grilled bread. Use thick sourdough for the best crunch. This patty melt is perfect for a yummy lunch or dinner everyone will love. Switch out the burger meat for skinless chicken breasts for fewer calories. #spendwithpennies tangy and cheesy Patty Melt with writing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SP-Patty-Melt-2-SpendWithPennies-2.jpg)
![Bring home that classic diner flavor with this tasty patty melt recipe. It's a perfect mashup of burger and grilled cheese, filled with juicy ground beef, Swiss cheese, onions, and Thousand Island dressing and mustard. Thick slices of sourdough are the best for making it extra crispy and golden. Grilled to melted perfection, this sandwich is sure to be a hit at lunch or dinner. Try variants with sliced deli meats, or skinless chicken breast for fewer calories. #spendwithpennies easy to make Patty Melt with writing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SP-Patty-Melt-2-SpendWithPennies-3.jpg)
![Bring home that classic diner flavor with this tasty patty melt recipe. It's a perfect mashup of burger and grilled cheese, filled with juicy ground beef, Swiss cheese, onions, and Thousand Island dressing and mustard. Thick slices of sourdough are the best for making it extra crispy and golden. Grilled to melted perfection, this sandwich is sure to be a hit at lunch or dinner. Try variants with sliced deli meats, or skinless chicken breast for fewer calories. #spendwithpennies easy to make Patty Melt with writing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SP-Patty-Melt-2-SpendWithPennies-3.jpg)
![Bring home that classic diner flavor with this tasty patty melt recipe. It's a perfect mashup of burger and grilled cheese, filled with juicy ground beef, Swiss cheese, onions, and Thousand Island dressing and mustard. Thick slices of sourdough are the best for making it extra crispy and golden. Grilled to melted perfection, this sandwich is sure to be a hit at lunch or dinner. Try variants with sliced deli meats, or skinless chicken breast for fewer calories. #spendwithpennies tangy Patty Melt on a plate and cut in half in a stack with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/LP-Patty-Melt-2-SpendWithPennies-.jpg)
![Bring home that classic diner flavor with this tasty patty melt recipe. It's a perfect mashup of burger and grilled cheese, filled with juicy ground beef, Swiss cheese, onions, and Thousand Island dressing and mustard. Thick slices of sourdough are the best for making it extra crispy and golden. Grilled to melted perfection, this sandwich is sure to be a hit at lunch or dinner. Try variants with sliced deli meats, or skinless chicken breast for fewer calories. #spendwithpennies tangy Patty Melt on a plate and cut in half in a stack with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/LP-Patty-Melt-2-SpendWithPennies-.jpg)
![Treat your family to a diner-inspired meal with this patty melt recipe. It's got all the best stuff – seasoned ground beef, Swiss cheese, sautéed onions, and tangy Thousand Island dressing, all on buttery sourdough bread. For the best flavor, grill it until it’s golden and crispy. It’s a delicious and comforting choice for any lunch or dinner. Try it with boneless skinless chicken breasts to cut some calories. #spendwithpennies Patty Melt on a plate with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NP-Patty-Melt-2-SpendWithPennies-1-.jpg)
![Treat your family to a diner-inspired meal with this patty melt recipe. It's got all the best stuff – seasoned ground beef, Swiss cheese, sautéed onions, and tangy Thousand Island dressing, all on buttery sourdough bread. For the best flavor, grill it until it’s golden and crispy. It’s a delicious and comforting choice for any lunch or dinner. Try it with boneless skinless chicken breasts to cut some calories. #spendwithpennies Patty Melt on a plate with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NP-Patty-Melt-2-SpendWithPennies-1-.jpg)
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