Dive into the world of American comfort food with a classic burger that never fails to satisfy – the Homemade Patty Melt. This timeless, old-school sandwich combines a perfectly seasoned beef patty with caramelized onions and melted cheese, all nestled between slices of grilled rye bread. This sandwich captures the essence of homestyle cooking and the nostalgic flavors in the diners along Route 66 that make the patty melt a lasting favorite.
The patty melt is a no-frills sandwich that originated at Tiny Naylors in Pasadena, CA sometime in the 1950's. It's a statement about the uncomplicated, where fresh ingredients and careful preparation result in a meal that's truly comforting.
This recipe invites you to rediscover the joy of a homemade classic patty melt, a dish where every bite is a reminder of the simple flavors that have made the patty melt a cherished favorite.
This classic patty melt is one of the simplest recipes on the Austin Eats website. Seven ingredients produce a very tasty burger that stands on its own. It doesn't need mayo, ketchup, thousand island, lettuce or tomato. All of the flavor comes from the caramelized onions and the cheese. See my post on 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Hamburgers.
This was inspired by my other recipes for a Wagyu Smash Burger Cooked in Beef Tallow and a Smoked Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Five Cheeses.
Ingredients
- Yellow onions
- Ground beef
- Rye Bread
- Butter
- Canola oil
- Swiss cheese
- Kosher salt
See the Homemade Patty Melt recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Add oil and one tablespoon of butter to a hot fry pan or griddle. Add the onions and sauté until lightly browned then set aside.
Form the ground beef into elongated patties, roughly the shape of the rye bread and slightly larger (they will shrink).
Cook the patties until done, about three minutes per side. Lightly salt each side.
Add ½ tablespoon of butter to the griddle. Place one slice of bread directly over the melted butter.
Then add two slices of cheese, ¼ of the caramelized onions, a cooked beef patty, more onions, two more slices of cheese and another piece of bread.
Assemble the patty melt.
Place a metal bowl upside down over the assembled sandwich. This is an important step. It will help melt the cheese and soften the bread. Cook the sandwich for a minute or two until the bread begins to brown.
Using tongs and a spatula, carefully remove the bowl (it will be HOT). Add another ½ tablespoon of butter to the griddle and flip the sandwich over on top of the melted butter. Carefully cover the sandwich with the bowl and cook for another minute or two.
Substitutions
While rye bread is the standard bread used in a patty melt, sourdough bread is pretty darn good too.
Equipment
The patty melt in this recipe was made on a small Blackstone griddle. A cast iron skillet or fry pan would have worked as well.
Storage
Leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Leftover onions can be stored the same way.
Top Tip
Covering the sandwich with a bowl is an important step in this recipe. It is done in nearly every diner and helps finish the patty melt. Don't skip this step.
This Homemade Patty Melt recipe is a nod to the timeless appeal of comfort food. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most satisfying meals are often the ones that take us back to simpler times. Whether you're enjoying this sandwich with loved ones or having a quiet dinner alone, the Homemade Patty Melt promises a taste of nostalgia. Enjoy!
Related
Looking for other great recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this recipe.
📖 Recipe
Homemade Patty Melt Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Yellow onion sliced
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 4 slices Rye Bread
- 3 tbs Butter
- 1 tbs Canola oil
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Add oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to a hot fry pan. Add the onions and sauté until lightly browned then set aside.
- Form the ground beef into two elongated patties roughly in the shape of the rye bread and slightly larger (they will shrink). Cook the patties in the fry pan until done, about three minutes per side. Lightly salt each side. Remove them from the pan.
- Add ½ tablespoon of butter to the pan. Place one slice of bread directly over the melted butter, then add two slices of cheese, and ¼ of the cooked onions, a cooked beef patty, more onion, two slices of cheese and another piece of bread.
- Place a metal bowl upside down over the assemble sandwich. This is an important step. It will help melt the cheese and soften the bread. Cooked the sandwich for a minute or two until the bread begins to brown.
- Carefully remove the bowl with a spatula and some tongs (it will be HOT). Add another ½ tablespoon of butter to the pan and flip the sandwich over on top of the melted butter. Carefully cover the sandwich with the bowl and cook for another minute or two. Enjoy.
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