Description
Hearty Wisconsin charm meets diner-style comfort in this classic patty melt, blending juicy seasoned beef with caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese between perfectly grilled rye bread. Culinary nostalgia promises a satisfying bite that connects you directly to American diner traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Bread and Cheese:
- 8 slices rye bread
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
Vegetables and Butter:
- 2 large yellow onions
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Slowly sauté sliced onions in melted butter over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown and develop a rich, sweet caramelized texture, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Shape ground beef into thin, uniform patties, generously seasoning both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat a skillet or griddle to medium-high heat and cook beef patties for 3-4 minutes per side, achieving a perfect medium doneness with a slightly pink center.
- Spread softened butter on the exterior sides of rye bread slices to ensure a crispy, golden-brown finish when grilled.
- Layer a cooked beef patty on one slice of prepared rye bread, carefully top with melted Swiss cheese and the caramelized onions.
- Cover the assembled patty with the second slice of buttered rye bread, creating a complete sandwich.
- Transfer the sandwich to a preheated griddle or skillet, cooking at medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until the bread turns a crisp, deep golden brown and the cheese melts completely.
- Remove from heat, let rest for 1-2 minutes, then slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- Caramelize onions slowly over low heat to develop deep, rich flavor without burning, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.
- Choose high-fat ground beef like 80/20 for juicier patties that won’t dry out during cooking.
- Butter the outside of rye bread generously for maximum golden-brown crispiness and extra flavor when grilling.
- Consider gluten-free alternatives like using gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 695 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 49 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg