This sandwich combines the heartiness of a classic burger patty with the melty, golden goodness of grilled cheese, layered with sweet caramelized onions and gooey mozzarella between buttery toasted bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The patty melt is the ultimate comfort food hybrid—crispy bread, savory beef, and creamy melted cheese with the sweetness of onions. It’s indulgent, nostalgic, and easy to make at home.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Ground beef (80/20)
• Salt and black pepper
• Onion (thinly sliced)
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• Bread (sourdough, rye, or white sandwich bread)
• Mayonnaise or softened butter (for bread spread)
directions
Form seasoned beef into flat patties slightly wider than your bread slices. Sauté sliced onions in butter and oil until golden and soft (about 20 minutes). Cook patties until browned and cooked through. Spread mayonnaise or butter on bread slices. Layer cheese, patty, caramelized onions, more cheese, and top slice of bread. Grill in a skillet on medium heat until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
Servings and timing
Serves 2. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 25 minutes.
Variations
• Add pickles, mustard, or sautéed mushrooms.
• Use cheddar or provolone cheese for a sharper bite.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based patty.
storage/reheating
Best eaten fresh, but you can store wrapped in foil in the fridge for 1 day. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven for best texture. Not ideal for freezing.
FAQs
What’s the best cheese for a patty melt?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but Swiss, American, provolone, or cheddar are all great choices.
Can I caramelize the onions ahead of time?
Yes, store in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat before assembling.
What bread works best?
Rye and sourdough add flavor, but any sturdy sandwich bread will work.
Should I cook the beef patty separately first?
Yes, fully cook the patty before assembling the sandwich.
Can I use pre-cooked burger patties?
Yes, but the texture may differ. Fresh is recommended.
How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?
Use a generous layer of cheese and cook until the bread is crispy on both sides.
Can I cook this in a panini press?
Yes, it works very well and gives even browning.
Is mayo or butter better for the bread?
Both work, but mayonnaise gives a beautifully even golden crust when grilled.
Can I add more fillings like tomatoes or jalapeños?
Yes, but keep moisture levels low to avoid sogginess.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, use a plant-based patty and vegan cheese alternatives.
Conclusion
A satisfying twist on two classics, this patty melt grilled cheese delivers bold flavor and unbeatable texture—melty, meaty, cheesy perfection between crispy slices of bread.
PrintPatty Melt Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions
Patty Melt Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions is a delicious fusion of a classic grilled cheese and a juicy burger, featuring seasoned ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, and melty cheese between golden, buttery slices of bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter (for onions)
- 4 slices rye or sourdough bread
- 4 slices Swiss or American cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized, about 20–25 minutes. Set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Form into 2 thin, patty-sized portions to fit the bread slices.
- Cook patties in the same skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Wipe the skillet clean. Assemble sandwiches: lay down 1 slice of cheese on a slice of bread, then add a patty, caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and top with another slice of bread.
- Butter the outside of each sandwich slice.
- Grill sandwiches in the skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side. Press slightly with a spatula for even browning.
- Serve hot with your favorite pickles or dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Swiss for more flavor.
- Can be made with plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
- Toast bread slightly before assembling for extra crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg