Delicious Patty Melts Recipe
Few sandwiches can compete with the satisfying, melty, and utterly craveable appeal of Delicious Patty Melts. With juicy beef patties, sweet caramelized onions, gooey Swiss cheese, and crispy rye bread all coming together in every cheesy, golden bite, these diner favorites are comfort food at its best. Whether you’re treating yourself to a special weekend lunch or serving up a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner, this classic delivers nostalgia and flavor in equal measure.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Delicious Patty Melts lies in their simplicity—each ingredient is straightforward but absolutely vital. Their combined textures and flavors create something greater than the sum of its parts, from the rich, hearty beef to the crispy bread and creamy, tangy mayo.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Lean but not too lean—it stays juicy and forms the hearty base of the sandwich.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every savory bite and rounds out the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of gentle heat and warmth.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Delivers a subtle punch of umami and depth to the patties.
- Large onion, thinly sliced (1): Slow-cooked until golden, these bring a touch of sweetness and a tender bite.
- Butter, divided (2 tablespoons): Essential for both caramelizing the onions and achieving a beautifully browned, crispy exterior on your bread.
- Rye bread (8 slices): Its tangy, robust flavor pairs perfectly with the savory fillings.
- Swiss cheese (8 slices): Melts beautifully, stretching and oozing around the beef and onions.
- Mayonnaise, optional (4 tablespoons): Offers creamy moisture and a touch of tang if you love a rich sandwich interior.
How to Make Delicious Patty Melts
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Beef Patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything together gently with your hands or a fork, just until combined—you want to avoid overmixing for the juiciest results. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape into patties that are roughly the size of your bread slices. A slightly flattened shape helps everything stack up nicely in your Delicious Patty Melts.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Set a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add your thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes. The onions will go from raw and sharp to soft, golden, and irresistibly sweet—exactly the special touch that sets Delicious Patty Melts apart from any average burger sandwich.
Step 3: Cook the Beef Patties
Return the skillet to medium-high heat (no need to wash it; those onion bits just add flavor). Place the patties in and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on your doneness preference. You’re aiming for a well-cooked exterior and a tender interior; resist the urge to press down while they cook to keep the juices locked in.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
If using mayonnaise, spread it on one side of each slice of rye bread. For each sandwich, start with a slice of Swiss cheese, top with a warm beef patty, heap on a generous scoop of caramelized onions, then another slice of Swiss cheese. Cap with a second slice of bread, mayo side in. The layers melt together beautifully in the next step!
Step 5: Toast to Perfection
Wipe out your skillet if needed, then melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Gently place your assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing gently and flipping once the underside is gloriously golden brown and the cheese has begun its irresistible melt. If cooking in batches, keep finished sandwiches warm on a tray in a low oven.
How to Serve Delicious Patty Melts

Garnishes
To really take your Delicious Patty Melts up a notch, serve them with a sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions for a fresh pop of color. A few bread-and-butter pickle slices or a dollop of spicy mustard on the side add a classic diner touch, while a scattering of fresh cracked black pepper can elevate each bite.
Side Dishes
Nothing says comfort quite like a piping-hot Delicious Patty Melt next to a mound of crispy fries or a handful of potato chips. For a lighter touch, opt for a crisp coleslaw or a crunchy dill pickle spear. You could even pair with a simple green salad to offset the rich flavors of the melt.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and unexpected spin, slice your Delicious Patty Melts into halves or quarters and arrange them on a platter as party sliders. Or go retro-diner style: serve them on red-checked paper-lined baskets with a side of house-made dipping sauce. For a weeknight vibe, serve with soup for the ultimate cozy meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Delicious Patty Melts (lucky you!), let the sandwiches cool to room temperature before wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps preserve their flavors and keeps the bread from getting too soggy.
Freezing
While Delicious Patty Melts are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them for future quick meals. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Bring refrigerated or thawed sandwiches back to life by warming them in a skillet over medium-low heat until the bread is crispy and the cheese melts again. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. Microwaving is fastest, but the bread won’t regain its crispness—so aim for the stove or oven if you can.
FAQs
What type Main Course, Sandwich
Traditional rye bread gives Delicious Patty Melts their signature flavor and slight chew, but you can absolutely personalize it by using sourdough or even hearty whole wheat if you prefer.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese delivers that classic stretchy melt, you can swap in cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack if you’re craving a little heat in your Delicious Patty Melts.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
If you want to make a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground “beef” alternatives and follow the same instructions. The flavor profile will hold up deliciously in vegetarian Delicious Patty Melts!
What’s the secret to perfect caramelized onions?
Time and patience! Cook your onions low and slow in plenty of butter, stirring occasionally until they turn a deep gold and become almost jammy. This adds incredible sweetness and depth to your Delicious Patty Melts.
Can I prep anything in advance for easier assembly?
Yes, you can caramelize the onions and even form the burger patties a day ahead! Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook, which makes assembly of Delicious Patty Melts a breeze when you’re short on time.
Final Thoughts
Few meals satisfy quite like biting into hot, savory, melty Delicious Patty Melts. This recipe brings classic diner comfort straight to your kitchen, and it’s always worthy of sharing with friends and family. Give it a try—you’ll discover why these timeless sandwiches are a staple you’ll crave again and again!
Print
Delicious Patty Melts Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic comfort of a patty melt sandwich with savory beef patties, caramelized onions, and gooey Swiss cheese, all grilled to perfection between slices of rye bread.
Ingredients
Beef Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Caramelized Onions:
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
Assembly:
- 8 slices rye bread
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Beef Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce; shape into 4 patties.
- Caramelize Onions: In a skillet, cook onions in 1 tbsp butter until golden; set aside.
- Cook Beef Patties: Cook patties in skillet until desired doneness; remove from skillet.
- Assemble Patty Melts: Spread mayonnaise on bread slices. Layer cheese, patty, onions, and more cheese between bread slices.
- Grill Patty Melts: Cook sandwiches in buttered skillet until golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with a sprinkle of garlic powder to the butter.
- Try with sourdough or whole wheat bread for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty melt
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg