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In the world of American comfort food, few dishes evoke the same warmth and nostalgia as the classic patty melt. This iconic sandwich, a harmonious blend of savory beef, rich Swiss cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, nestled between slices of crispy rye bread, has been delighting taste buds for generations. Its origins may be humble, but the patty melt has transcended its simple beginnings to become a beloved staple in diners and homes alike.

Classic Patty Melt Recipe

Elevate your comfort food game with a classic Patty Melt! This timeless sandwich features juicy beef, melty Swiss cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, all toasted between slices of crispy rye bread. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, follow our guide to master this delicious, nostalgic dish. Discover the history, essential ingredients, and tips for achieving the perfect patty melt at home! #PattyMelt #ComfortFood #SandwichRecipe #Foodie #DeliciousRecipes #HomeCooking #ClassicDinerFood
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)

4 slices of rye bread

4 slices of Swiss cheese

1 large onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for spreading)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook until they are caramelized and golden brown, stirring occasionally (about 15-20 minutes). Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.

    Form the Patties: While the onions are cooking, divide the ground beef into two equal portions and shape them into patties. Make sure they are slightly larger than the slices of bread as they will shrink while cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

      Cook the Patties: In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Cook the beef patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they reach your desired doneness. During the last minute of cooking, drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the patties and place a slice of Swiss cheese on top, allowing it to melt.

        Assemble the Patty Melts: Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of rye bread (if using). On the non-mustard side, layer caramelized onions, a beef patty with melted cheese, and another slice of bread, mustard side facing inward.

          Grill the Patty Melts: In a clean skillet, melt a small amount of butter (or use cooking spray) over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted. Optionally, you can press down on the sandwich gently with a spatula to encourage even grilling.

            Serve: Once both sides are a lovely golden brown, remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Let them cool for a minute, then slice them in half and serve warm with your favorite sides like pickles or fries.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 2