Patty Melt

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This patty melt balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Caramelized onions bring sweetness, while melted cheese adds creaminess, and the horseradish-infused Thousand Island dressing provides a subtle kick. Quick to assemble and cook, it’s a homemade version of a diner favorite that’s sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 10 thin slices sweet onion
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened, divided
• 1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 slices rye bread
• 2 tablespoons Thousand Island salad dressing
• 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
• 2 slices process American cheese or Swiss cheese

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Sauté onions 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef with salt and pepper. Form into two thin patties.
3. In the same skillet, cook beef patties over medium heat 3–4 minutes per side, until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Combine Thousand Island dressing and horseradish; spread evenly on one side of each slice of rye bread.
5. Assemble sandwiches: place cheese on one slice, top with beef patty, caramelized onions, then remaining slice of bread, dressing side down.
6. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in the skillet over medium heat. Grill sandwiches 2–3 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
7. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 2 sandwiches.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Swap Swiss cheese for cheddar or provolone for a different flavor.
• Add pickles or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and taste.
• Use whole wheat or sourdough bread instead of rye.
• Make mini versions using slider buns for appetizer-sized sandwiches.
• Spread Dijon mustard on the bread for a tangy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Patty melts are best served fresh. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to keep bread crispy and cheese melty.

FAQs

Can I cook the beef patties ahead of time?

Yes, cook and store patties in the refrigerator, then assemble and grill sandwiches when ready to serve.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Use plant-based burger patties and vegan cheese for a meatless version.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Spread dressing lightly and toast the bread in butter until golden before assembling.

Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely extra cheese makes the sandwich even more indulgent and melty.

What side dishes go well with a patty melt?

French fries, potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad pair perfectly.

Conclusion

The Patty Melt is a delicious, comforting sandwich that’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness. With caramelized onions, juicy beef patties, and melty cheese between buttery rye slices, it’s an all-time classic that’s quick to make and satisfying to eat. Perfect for a cozy lunch or a casual dinner, this homemade version is sure to become a favorite.

Patty Melt

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A classic comfort food sandwich featuring juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and horseradish-spiked Thousand Island dressing, grilled between slices of buttery rye bread.

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches

Ingredients

10 thin slices sweet onion

2 tablespoons butter, softened, divided

1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

4 slices rye bread

2 tablespoons Thousand Island salad dressing

2 teaspoons prepared horseradish

2 slices process American cheese or Swiss cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Sauté onions 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef with salt and pepper. Form into two thin patties.
3. In the same skillet, cook beef patties over medium heat 3–4 minutes per side, until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Combine Thousand Island dressing and horseradish; spread evenly on one side of each slice of rye bread.
5. Assemble sandwiches: place cheese on one slice, top with beef patty, caramelized onions, then remaining slice of bread, dressing side down.
6. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in the skillet over medium heat. Grill sandwiches 2–3 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
7. Serve immediately.

Notes

Swap Swiss cheese for cheddar or provolone for a different flavor.

Add pickles or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and taste.

Use whole wheat or sourdough bread instead of rye.

Make mini versions using slider buns for appetizer-sized sandwiches.

Spread Dijon mustard on the bread for a tangy twist.

• Author: Madelynn
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Skillet-Grilled
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 710mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 75mg