The classic patty melt is a beloved American sandwich that combines grilled beef patties, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese between two slices of bread. The dish is often served with a side of pickles and homemade thousand island dressing. While it has been a staple in diners and restaurants for decades, it is also easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
To make a classic patty melt, start by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, grated onion, sweet pickle relish, and smoked paprika in a small bowl to make the dressing. Then, cook sliced onions in a nonstick skillet until golden brown and set aside. Next, mix ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder and form into four equal patties. Cook the patties until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through the cooking process. Finally, assemble the sandwiches by spreading dressing on each slice of bread, adding a slice of Swiss cheese, onions, and a beef patty to four slices of bread, and topping with the remaining slices. Cook the sandwiches in a skillet until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Overall, the classic patty melt is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that is perfect for lunch or dinner. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it is a great option for home cooks looking to recreate the diner experience in their own kitchen.
Classic Patty Melt Overview
The Classic Patty Melt is a delicious and hearty sandwich that has been a staple in American cuisine for decades. This sandwich is made with a juicy beef patty, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese, all between two slices of buttery rye bread or sourdough. The sandwich is then grilled to perfection, creating a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey interior.
One of the key components of the Classic Patty Melt is the homemade thousand island dressing that is spread on the bread. The dressing is made with mayonnaise, ketchup, grated onion, sweet pickle relish, and smoked paprika, which gives it a slightly smoky flavor. The dressing adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the sandwich, which complements the savory beef patty and the sweet caramelized onions.
To make the perfect Classic Patty Melt, it is important to start with high-quality ingredients. The ground beef should be fresh and well-seasoned with kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire Sauce. The onions should be sliced thin and cooked until golden brown, which brings out their natural sweetness.
When assembling the sandwich, it is important to layer the ingredients in the correct order. The bread should be spread with the thousand island dressing and topped with a slice of Swiss cheese. The beef patty and caramelized onions should be added on top of the cheese, and then the sandwich should be topped with another slice of bread. The sandwich should be grilled in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Overall, the Classic Patty Melt is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, the Classic Patty Melt is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Sauce Components
The sauce for this classic patty melt is made by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, grated onion, sweet pickle relish, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. The combination of these ingredients results in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that complements the savory flavors of the patty melt.
Onion Preparation
To prepare the onions for the patty melt, a large onion is cut in half and then sliced. The onions are then cooked in butter until golden brown. For more caramelization, the onions can be cooked longer.
Beef Patty Mixture
The ground beef for the patty melt is mixed with Worcestershire Sauce, kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, and garlic powder. The mixture is then divided into four equal portions and formed into patties.
Bread and Cheese
The bread for the patty melt can be either rye bread or sourdough. Eight slices of bread are needed for this recipe. Thick slices of Swiss cheese, preferably Baby Swiss, are placed on each slice of bread.
Additional Items
Pickles can be added to the patty melt as an optional ingredient.
Overall, the ingredients for this classic patty melt are simple and easy to find. The combination of tangy sauce, savory beef, and melted cheese make for a delicious and satisfying sandwich.
Cooking Instructions
Sauce Creation
To create the sauce for the Classic Patty Melt, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s is recommended), 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon grated onion, 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, and 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika in a small bowl. This sauce adds a tangy and smoky flavor to the sandwich.
Onion Caramelization
Caramelized onions are a key component of the Classic Patty Melt. To caramelize onions, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown, approximately 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. For more caramelization, cook the onions longer.
Patty Cooking
To make the beef patties, mix 1 lb. ground beef, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form patties. Preheat a skillet and cook the patties over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through the cooking process.
Sandwich Assembly
To assemble the Classic Patty Melt, spread a little more than 1 tablespoon of dressing on each slice of bread. Place a piece of Swiss cheese on each slice of bread. Add browned onions and one beef patty to four of the slices. Top with the remaining slices to form four sandwiches.
Grilling and Serving
To grill the sandwiches, butter the top side of the bread and place butter side down in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook until golden brown. Butter the other side of the bread before flipping. Flip and brown the other side until golden brown and the cheese is melted. It is helpful to cover the skillet with aluminum foil while it is browning. Serve the Classic Patty Melt hot with pickles (optional).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps to prepare a patty melt in an oven?
To prepare a patty melt in an oven, preheat the oven to 375°F. Assemble the sandwich as usual and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
Can patty melts be made with alternative meat options like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger?
Yes, patty melts can be made with alternative meat options like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger. The cooking process is the same as with regular ground beef.
How can I cook a patty melt using an air fryer?
To cook a patty melt using an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Assemble the sandwich as usual and place it in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
What are the unique ingredients in Freddy’s or Sizzler’s patty melt recipes?
Freddy’s and Sizzler’s patty melt recipes may vary, but some unique ingredients that may be used include Thousand Island dressing, sautéed mushrooms, and grilled onions.
Is it possible to add sauerkraut or an egg to a patty melt, and if so, how?
Yes, it is possible to add sauerkraut or an egg to a patty melt. To add sauerkraut, simply place it on top of the beef patty before adding the cheese and onions. To add an egg, cook the egg separately and place it on top of the cheese before adding the top slice of bread.
What distinguishes a patty melt from a traditional hamburger?
A patty melt is distinguished from a traditional hamburger by the type of bread used. A patty melt is made with rye bread or sourdough, while a traditional hamburger is made with a hamburger bun. Additionally, a patty melt includes caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese, while a traditional hamburger may include lettuce, tomato, and other toppings.