Patty Melt

Today on Burger Artist it’s time to make a traditional burger favorite, the patty melt! There are some variations in patty melt recipes, but this classic burger has been served at least since the 1940’s. We’re going to build up a standard, delicious patty melt and then give a few variations you can try if you want to mix it up a bit.

Patty Melt Bread

A patty melt starts off by shedding the typical burger bun and being served on rye bread. To make it even better, coat both sides of the bread with butter and then toast it up in a pan. This provides a great texture and some extra flavor.

I’ve chosen to make this patty melt on a light rye, but if you want to change it up a bit you could try serving it on marbled rye bread or even sourdough.

Caramelized Onions

Our next topping for the paddy melt is caramelized onions. These take a little bit of time so I’d start these out before you’re cooking the burger. The key to caramelizing is lower heat, time and stirring. It’ll take about 20 minutes. If you turn the heat too high or don’t stir, you’ll end up with a black, burnt mess, so be patient! It’s worth it!

The Patty Melt Burger

I cooked this burger on the stove in a cast iron pan. The benefit of doing this is it makes it easier to watch the onions and the burger at the same time. You can put a little oil or butter in the pan, get it hot, and add your burgers. Flip after about 3-4 minutes and cook until you’re just about the right temp. Then add your cheese.

For cheese, I’ve gone with Swiss, but you’ll also find patty melts with cheddar and American cheese variations. Pick your favorite! To melt the cheese it helps to put a lid or another pan over the top of griddle.

Patty Melt

The patty melt is a traditional cheeseburger with caramelized onions on sliced rye bread that's been enjoyed since the 40's.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 2 Lbs Ground Chuck Beef 80% lean / 20% fat
• 4 Slices Swiss Cheese
• 1 Large Onion
• 8 Slices Rye Bread
• 4 Tbsp Butter
• 6 Dashes Worcestershire Sauce
• 4 Tsp Salt
• 1 Tsp Pepper

Instructions

 

• Cut onion in half and then slice.
• Mix ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Form into 4 patties and set aside.
• Butter both sides of your bread slices.
• Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet at med-low heat. Add onion. Cook for about 20-25 min stirring occasionally until softened and browned.
• While onions are cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat. Toast bread in the pan on both sides.
• In the large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter at medium heat. Cook burgers for about 3-4 min on one side and flip. Continue cooking until done (140F for medium) usually another 3-5 minutes.
• Once nearly done add cheese to burger. Cover to melt.
• Stack up your burgers and enjoy!

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